Question:
Heading Downrange
So I'm heading out to the sandbox for a bit, and I've decided to pick up a personal laptop for gaming, media watching, etc. I'm concerned about build quality since support is at LEAST a months worth of outbound and return shipping, plus whatever time it takes to actually fix.
1) What is your budget?
US$ under 2700
2) What size notebook would you prefer?
15.4" Widescreen preferably. 17" is nice (I use one now), but no way for carrying hither and yon all the time. 14" possibly though I've not looked at those much.
3) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook?
Gaming, Media viewing and surfing type stuff. Frankly, if it can game pretty well, I'm confident in it's ability to handle the occaisional word document. :)
4) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk?
It will definately be traveling.
5) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games?
Yes, BF2, HL2 and similar shooters.
6) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?
From research I'm leaning towards the Asus, but in truth I'm not locked into anything.
7) How many hours of battery life do you need?
3 or so I'd gather, most power interruptions are short term.
8) Do you mind buying online without seeing the notebook in person?
No issues there.
9) Please select your country's flag as a post icon and tell us what country are you buying this in?
United States. Though I can purchase internationally if need be.
10) Would you prefer standard or widescreen?
Widescreen as I've gotten more used to the format now.
11) From the choices below, what screen resolutions would you prefer?
Standard
UXGA - 1600x1200
Widescreen
WSXGA+ - 1680x1050;
WUXGA - 1920x1200;
I do plan on hooking this up to an external monitor at some point in the future, so wide aspect/higher level of display is a requirement.
12) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non-glossy screen?
Either is fine.
13) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you?
Reasonably, but I'd rather have a classy look than something garish. I like the Alien notebooks, but am annoyed by the design appealing to a 14 year old. Blinky lights are okay if they can be turned off when need be.
14) When are you buying this laptop and how long do you want this laptop to last?
Purchase will be in the next 4 weeks, I'd like it to last at least two years or more.
15) How much hard drive space do you want;
100gb+ @ 7200rpm
16) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a DVD-ROM, DVD-CD/RW or DVD-RW drive?
DVD-ROM&CD/RW or DVD&CD RW
Additional Info:
Should have Bluetooth 2.0 built in, as well as 802.11A/B/G, LAN and MODEM. Should be able to support 2GB of main memory. Dockability would be nice.
For video, I simply cannot decide between an X1600/X1700 or a GeForce 7600/7700. (Or better if it's available). I know there are marginal differences (or so I understand), but I'm trying to look down the road for DX10 compatibility, among other issues.
I am curious if anyone has ever used one of these cases:
http://www.protectcovers.com/grabngo_laptop_cases.htm
I like the fact that it is an "always on" case, thus helping protect against dirt and dust as well as drops and slips. I was wondering if anyone had experience with them. I know Dell also sells these through their accessories site but finding testimonials has been difficult.
Thanks very much for your time in reading this far and for any thoughts you can share.
Regards,
-Bouncer-
Answer:
Re: Heading Downrange
Unfortunately DX10 compatibility is not an option with current notebooks. And I would definitely advise you not to use that case--it would get in the way of your system's cooling system and cause overheating problems. Just go with a standard sleeve or use this case only when the system is off.
The Asus G1p is a nice system that I think you are probably already seriously considering. The Asus V1Jp is another great system that is geared more towards professionals that you probably would like. My main gripe is that it only has 1 GB of RAM, but it has an excellent dock and you can always add more RAM later.
Other than that, the Compal HEL80, Asus Z96J and HP nc8430 round out the best choices for 15.4" gaming systems.
Good luck.
Answer:
Re: Heading Downrange
Well,
I'm down to the G1 or V1jp.
Is the build quality high enough on the V1 to justify the lower overall specs for the price point?
The G1 is a tiny bit more garish, but I am reassured now that I know I can turn off the bliny lights.
It just seems an all around better choice in the bang for buck category. So is there something in the V1 in terms of weight or ruggedness or less susceptibility to sand/dust or SOMETHING that makes it better?
You can tell that I'm leaning towards the G1, I just want to make sure there isn't something about the V1jp that I'm not aware of that makes it better overall.
Also... does anyone know of any big announcements about laptops coming in the next week or so or is it safe to go ahead and purchase?
edit: can't seem to find but thought I read.. does the G1 have a docking station?
Regards,
-Bouncer-
Answer:
Re: Heading Downrange
The G1 does not have a docking station. It is more geared towards the younger gaming crowd. The V1Jp does have a beautiful docking station available and is geared more towards the professional crowd. Build materials and quality are better on Asus' premium lines (i.e. V and W-series). There are reviews of both systems in our News & Reviews Forum--just do a quick search and you'll find them.
Both notebooks were recently released in the US, so unless you want to wait for new Santa Rosa systems sometime in Q2 '07, the time is right to buy either right now.