Question:
Compal HGL30 vs. Asus A8Jm
The biggest difference I noticed(which doesn't mean much considering my limited understanding of notebooks/computers), is that the A8Jm has a 512MB Video RAM card, rather than 256. And, of course, the $200+ price difference.
Recommendations?
Asus A8Jm - $1883
1. Display: 14.1 inch WXGA (1280x800) Glare Type TFT LCD w/ Built-in Webcam
2. Processor: Intel Core Duo T2500: 2.00GHz, 2MB L2 Cache, 667MHz FSB (+$125.00)
3. Processor Thermal Paste: Standard Processor Thermal Compound Paste
4. Graphics & Video: nVIDIA GeForce Go 7600 w/512MB solid VRAM
5. Memory: 2048MB Dual Channel DDR2-667 SODIMM (2x1024MB) (+$150.00)
6. DVD/CDRW Drive: 8xDVD-RW Dual Layer Super Multi DVD Burner Drive
6. Hard Drive: 100GB 7,200RPM Ultra DMA HDD - 3 yrs warranty (+$49.00)
7. Wireless LAN: Built-in Intel PRO/Wireless 3945 Tri-Mode 802.11A/B/G LAN
8. Main Battery: Smart Li-ion Battery: 6-Cell
9. MS Windows: MS Windows XP Home w/SP2
A. MS Office: None.
B. AC Adapter: AC Adapter - 110/240V 90W AC Adapter
C. Auto/Air Adapter: None.
D. Flash Memory Drive: None.
E. Gigabit LAN: Built-in 10/100/1000BaseT Ethernet LAN w/RJ-45 Jack
F. IEEE 1394 & Modem: Built-in IEEE 1394 and 56k V.92 Fax/Modem
G. Carrying Case: None.
H. Mouse: None.
I. Warranty: AGEAR One Year Warranty with 24/7 phone tech. support
J. Model Part #: 90NF7A831326201L51
VS
Compal HGL30 - $1600
1. Display: 14 inch WXGA (1280x800) Glossy LCD w/ Built-in 1.3MP Webcam
2. Processor: 2.00GHz Intel® Core™ Duo T2500 w/2MB L2 Cache - 667FSB
3. Thermal Paste: Standard CPU Thermal Compound Paste
4. Graphics & Video: nVIDIA GeForce Go7600 (G73M) 256MB Solid Video RAM
5. Memory: 2.0GB DDR2-667MHz Memory (2x1024MB-Dual Channel) (+$150.00)
6. Hard Drive: 100GB 7,200 rpm SATA/150 HDD (+$125.00)
7. DVD/CDRW Drive: Combo 8X DVD/24x10x24 CD-RW w/Software
8. Wireless LAN: Built-in Intel PRO/Wireless 3945 802.11 (a+b+g) LAN
9. Main Battery: Smart Li-ion Battery: 9-Cell 3.0+ hours
A. Bluetooth: None.
B. MS Windows: MS Windows XP Home w/SP2 CD (+$95.00)
C. MS Office: None.
D. Flash Memory Drive: None.
E. AC Adapter: AC Adapter - 110/240V 90W with Power Core
F. Auto/Air Adapter: None.
G. Carrying Case: Free Deluxe Carrying Case
H. Gigabit LAN: Built-in 10/100/1000BaseT Ethernet LAN w/RJ-45 Jack
I. Mouse: None.
J. Warranty: 3-Year Parts/Labor warranty w/ 1 way paid shipping
Answer:
Re: Compal HGL30 vs. Asus A8Jm
I thought the A8Jm was $1499? Does the upgrade to T2500 really cost 300+ extra?
I'd wait for the A8Js with Core2Duo and Go7700 .. hopefully out in NA sometime October/November if you can.... it's already out in China/Taiwan... just hasn't made its way here yet...
Answer:
Re: Compal HGL30 vs. Asus A8Jm
^It's $125 extra.
And is there any actual proof that the Js is coming?
Answer:
Re: Compal HGL30 vs. Asus A8Jm
Well, the resellers in the ASUS forum seem to be quite confident it'll come.... maybe PM some of them to confirm?
Ah.. yeah.. sorry didn't see the other upgrades you had...
Answer:
Re: Compal HGL30 vs. Asus A8Jm
I heard Js had absolutely terrible battery life though. :/
Answer:
Re: Compal HGL30 vs. Asus A8Jm
Yeah.. that's prob the one drawback against the A8J series... no larger capacity battery due to the positioning right under the machine...
prob only get around 2.5 - 2hrs45 mins max with acceptable brightness and wifi on..
Answer:
Re: Compal HGL30 vs. Asus A8Jm
the Compal HGL30 can be had with Merom (Core 2 Duo) now. the A8jm, you will have to either wait for the A8js, or perhaps ask some one to customize the A8jm to have the merom (doing so will void Asus global warranty, but you will get hte dealer's instead).
the 512mb dedicated on the A8jm is not really an advantage simply because it won't be able to fully utilize the extra 256mb dedicated. There's lots of detailed discussion on this issue. There are of course a few who think the 512mb will produce significant advantages over the 256mb, but much of the arguements I've heard supporting this, have been very weak.
What you do have to keep in mind is this.
A8jm:
vent on the right side (this may be an issue for some)
currently does not have a merom option, but has a merom successor in the near future
has limited battery options since it is located away from the edge
has DVI port and fire wire
Compal HGL30:
is cheaper
has Merom option now
has no fire wire or dvi port
has noticeable keyboard flex (although some have rectified this by putting a thin piece of steel underneath it).
has a left side vent
teal lid may turn some away.