Question:
Advice on a new notebook - considering Asus but open to others...
Hello all - just found this forum a few days ago and I've been impressed with the amount of information!
I am replacing a Dell Inspiron 600m (w/dedicated 64 mb video) since I'd like a little more power for gaming. I pretty much only play WoW and Civilization III right now, and I don't play any FPS games so I don't need tons of horsepower. But, WoW runs a little slow on my 600m...
I also like to tinker a lot (build my own desktops) so I was considering buying a "barebones" Z70va and installing some of the components myself for fun. I also am considering the V6Va.
So here is my completed FAQ:
1) What size notebook would you prefer?
b. Thin and Light; 13" - 14" screen or
c. Mainstream; 15" - 16" screen
2) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook?
"Light" Gaming, some office tasks, web surfing, nothing too fancy
3) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk?
Yes - occasionally will take on long trips (not often)
4) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games?
WoW, Civ III etc.
5) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?
I've always had a Dell to this point (mainly secondary to price considerations).
6) How many hours of battery life do you need?
3-4 hrs
7) What is your budget?
<=$2000
8) Do you mind buying online without seeing the notebook in person?
No
9) What country are you buying this in?
USA
Screen Specifics
10) From the choices below, what screen resolutions would you prefer?
b. SXGA = Super eXtended Graphics Array; 1400x1050; This resolution offers a middle ground between XGA and UXGA.
c. UXGA = Ultra eXtended Graphics Array; 1600x1200; This resolution will give you the smallest viewable text and images while offering the greatest amount of screen real estate.
d. WXGA = Widescreen eXtended Graphics Array; 1280x768 or 1280x800; This resolution offers the same as XGA except that there is more horizontal real estate; 1280 versus 1024. Popular for movie viewing due to support for widescreen.
f. WSXGA+ = Widescreen Super eXtended Graphics Array; 1680x1050; This resolution is comparable to SXGA in that it offers a middle ground between WXGA/WXGA+ and WUXGA. Popular for movie viewing due to support for widescreen.
11) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non-glossy screen?
I'd like to try a glossy screen
Build Quality and Design
12) Are the notebook’s looks and stylishness important to you?
Somewhat - I'd go with an uglier one if it had better features and price ;)
13) How long do you want this laptop to last?
3+yrs
Notebook Components
14) How much hard drive space do you want; 40GB to 120GB?
40-80 GB is fine; prefer faster drive (5400 or 7200 RPM)
15) Do you need a DVD, DVD-CD/RW or DVD-R drive?
Yes - no need for DVD burner (DVD/CDRW is fine)
Thanks!
Answer:
Re: Advice on a new notebook - considering Asus but open to others...
Greetings :)
I'd definitely take a look at the Quanta MW1:
http://powernotebooks.com/specs/PowerPro/g3-11.php
Very good build quality, fast graphics card (should keep you playing games for a while).
It also won't kill your wallet. :)
Answer:
Re: Advice on a new notebook - considering Asus but open to others...
Hmm - sounds like an intriguing option. I haven't seen much in the way of reviews of that particular model or of Quantas in general.
From what I managed to find it seems like their build quality is not quite as solid as Asus but pretty close. I will check it out - thanks!
Note: I have spoken with some who believe that their build quality is actually on-par or better than Asus - any comments?
Answer:
Re: Advice on a new notebook - considering Asus but open to others...
mmm..the v6va or even v6v are fine choices...
The z70va would be a very obvious choice...
~outside of the ASUS box you could lower your budget and still have good performance and build quality~
The MSI-1029 has an x700 and could cost 1200-1600 depending on how you want it...
Also the HP DV4000 is also an option with the x700 and wont kill your budget also....
~hopes this helps!
Answer:
Re: Advice on a new notebook - considering Asus but open to others...
I agree with Ultraman's suggestion of the Asus Z70va - outstanding notebook with excellent build quality. The HP dv4000 is also a good choice if you're on a budget. However, you give up some build quality when compred with the Asus
Answer:
Re: Advice on a new notebook - considering Asus but open to others...
Thanks everyone!
I've looked into the HP and its "sibling" (the Compaq version). The Compaq was fairly inexpensive (special is now expired I think). But ultimately, I prefer the more extensive customization that I can get with an Asus or possibly the Quanta MW1 as ChazMan suggested. Besides, it's always nice to have something a little different :)
I actually may go with the MW1 since I prefer a non-widescreen notebook. The V6Va seems pretty sweet, but I'm not sure I can stomach paying the extra $450-500 or so for a slightly lighter, less powerful machine (compared to what I've configured for an MW1) or about $350-400 more compared to the Z70va).
My only reservation is that I don't see that a lot of people have had any extensive experience with the MW1. I have spoken with people at powernotebooks.com and istnc.com and they speak highly of it (and are very reliable vendors from what I have seen on the forums).
Decisions, decisions....;)
Answer:
Re: Advice on a new notebook - considering Asus but open to others...
Quanta makes a nice notebook. They are the world's number one notebook manufacturer. :)
Answer:
Re: Advice on a new notebook - considering Asus but open to others...
Quanta makes a nice notebook. They are the world's number one notebook manufacturer. :)
I read about that when I was researching - pretty impressive stuff. I hope to make my decision in the next 1-2 days.:decision:
Answer:
Re: Advice on a new notebook - considering Asus but open to others...
Got swamped the last couple of days and I'm still rethinking things...
Anyone with an idea of when the Quanta or Asus dual cores may be shipping?
Answer:
Re: Advice on a new notebook - considering Asus but open to others...
Check out our Asus forum for release dates. The last time I checked it was sometime in March/April. I'm not too sure about Quanta though.