Question:
Final Decision - HP nc8430 or Asus Z96j?
After a couple weeks of research, I've come down to two different laptops configured pretty much exactly the same:
100gb 7200 rpm HD
15.4" WSGA+ Screen
Internal Bluetooth, Wireless
Core Duo 2.16Ghz
ATI MR x1600 256mb
2 GB RAM
DVD RW Drive
The HP has an 8 cell battery and a fingerprint scanner; the Asus a 6 cell battery and a webcam. They both weigh about 6 lbs and have a battery life of about 4 hours (HP 4.5+?).
The HP, I hear has slightly better build quality but is it worth the approximately $400 more than the Asus?
HP $2335
Asus $1889
General Questions
1) What is your budget? Under $2500
2) What size notebook would you prefer?
c. Mainstream; 15" - 16" screen
3) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook? Gaming, Auto CAD, Notetaking, Word Processing
4) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk? It should come with me to class
5) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games? FEAR, Half Life 2, StarCraft =]
6) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like? I'm looking for quality - this thing'll probably take some abuse before I'm done with college
7) How many hours of battery life do you need? I'd like at least three and a half - four preferable
8) Do you mind buying online without seeing the notebook in person? nope
9) Please select your country's flag as a post icon and tell us what country are you buying this in? USA
Screen Specifics
10) Would you prefer standard or widescreen? Widescreen
11) From the choices below, what screen resolutions would you prefer?
Widescreen
d. WXGA or WXGA+ - 1280x768/800 or 1440x900; Wider viewing version of XGA, good for movie viewing or spreadsheets.
e. WSXGA+ - 1680x1050; Wider viewing version of SXGA, good for movie viewing or spreadsheets.
12) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non-glossy screen? Glossy
Build Quality and Design
13) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you? Somewhat. I'm flexible as long as it isn't blinking or lighting up when I use it.
14) When are you buying this laptop and how long do you want this laptop to last? Within three days; four years if possible, or as close as possible
Notebook Components
15) How much hard drive space do you want; 100 gbish 7200 rpm
16) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a DVD-ROM, DVD-CD/RW or DVD-RW drive? DVD RW if possible... is lightscribe really worth the $25?
Answer:
Re: Final Decision - HP nc8430 or Asus Z96j?
to me? no its not worth an extra 400... I ordered the asus z96j also... from powernotebooks.com... so far i recommend them also.. answered all my preliminary questions no hassle most of the time within the hour!!! and with good documetation... and believe me i asked some duzies.. :D
anyway, go with the asus z96j.. with the build that close.. you can always buy a figureprint reader later for around 40-80 dollars depending on the quaility and guess what... the asus is still cheaper!....
that battery time is wrong... the asus will only get around 3hours(working, internet...)... 2 hours gaming... you wont get 4 hours... with asus....
Answer:
Re: Final Decision - HP nc8430 or Asus Z96j?
Hah, really? Agearnotebooks.com advertises their 6 cell battery as 4+ hours. Niice. Is the HP notebook's battery time accurate too? I know it's got 2 more cells than the Asus's and thus should hold more juice.
Answer:
Re: Final Decision - HP nc8430 or Asus Z96j?
the asus time is only about 2:30 - 3:00 on the 6 cell
Answer:
Re: Final Decision - HP nc8430 or Asus Z96j?
The HP will have much better battery life and much better build quality. The NC8430 will last 4+ hours on the 8 cell, the Z96J will be lucky to get 2:30-3:00 on a 6 cell. Less heavy as well.
However, you look like your getting the ultra-expensive config from HP. I got a much less expensive config for only 1416 from a reseller. You will have give up the 2gb and 2.16ghz (performance difference between a 2.0 and 2.16 is next to nothing), but can add the 2gb aftermarket for around 100 dollars.
Answer:
Re: Final Decision - HP nc8430 or Asus Z96j?
I say get the HP with the config HomeSkillet recommended. The Z96J is an excellent notebook, but the build will not be as nice as the HP's, plus I have heard that the grainy screen on the S96J is also happening on the Z96J. Someone please correct me if I am wrong. Either way, go with the HP.
Answer:
Re: Final Decision - HP nc8430 or Asus Z96j?
Yeah, I think if you want this to last through college it would be a good idea to go with the HP because of the build quality. Also, I agree to maybe lower the processor to the 2Ghz one and get your ram down as low as possible and upgrade in the aftermarket as it is much cheaper to do this on the aftermarket. Good luck and happy computing!
Answer:
Re: Final Decision - HP nc8430 or Asus Z96j?
i'd take a look at what people are saying on the hp forums before making your decision..some complaining about the screen not being bright enough..fan too loud..running too hot..also with the 9cell..the asus hits 5hrs+..it also has a glossy screen which definitely looks better :)
Answer:
Re: Final Decision - HP nc8430 or Asus Z96j?
I have took a look, and PMed nearly everyone that had the NC8430. I went to a group of other forums and review sites. All recommeneded it without reservations. Screen is reported to be excellent even with the light sensor is turned on. Even the 1-2 people that had issues with the fan fixed them. However, unlike the NC8430's issues you talk about that have 1-2 people behind them, many have reported the Z96J has major color problems.
Answer:
Re: Final Decision - HP nc8430 or Asus Z96j?
you should read the post from proportable concerning the whole graininess and color problem paranoia surrounding the s96j/z96j or even the w3j..its due to the x1600 and the problem is greatly exaggerated..similar to staring at that one dead pixel and whining about it all day long..that said if it can be configured as cheaply as it is in your sig and if he does decide to compromise with the matte screen..then yes..but from what i've seen the hp with a similar config goes for about 4-500 more than the z96j