Question:
W3J, or wait?
Alright, this is a "what should I buy" thread, with a bit of a twist I think. My top contender for a laptop has always been the Asus W3J. From reading this forum, I gather that the W3J is to be cancelled, and the V2 is the closest "replacement"? My question is this: Should I buy the W3J now, or wait for the next thing to come along (and yes, there is a timeframe -- I need a laptop before the end of April/start of May).
The completed form, to see if there is anything that would better suit my needs:
General Questions
1) What is your budget?
MAX of ~$2000 CAD
2) What size notebook would you prefer?
b. Thin and Light; 13" - 14" screen
c. Mainstream; 15" - 16" screen
I'm a student, and I'd take it to campus daily for notes/assignments. My preference would be a 14", as obviously they're lighter and smaller. 15.4 is about the biggest I'd go, and it's only really listed here in case there's a big difference in specs.
3) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook?
LOTS of multitasking...reading PDFs, listening to music, and writing reports. Using graphics programs like Illustrator, listening to music, surfing the web, using MSN all at once type deal. I don't game all that much anymore -- I used to, but I've outgrown most of it. That's not to say I wouldn't play periodically.
4) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk?
It'll be going with me pretty much every day.
5) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games?
As in (3), maybe -- I seem to have outgrown gaming, but may pick up typical FPSes from time to time (BF2, UT, Brothers in Arms, C&C3, Company of Heroes).
6) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?
Asus has seemed to have the most laptops with the best balance of features I'm after. Acer also seems ok. I don't like Dells or HPs.
7) How many hours of battery life do you need?
I'll mostly be in buildings with access to power outlets, most I'd need would be about...2 or 3 hours? I don't fly/travel all that much.
8) Do you mind buying online without seeing the notebook in person?
I don't mind if I can see pictures or a review somewhere.
Screen Specifics
10) Would you prefer standard or widescreen?
Doesn't really matter.
11) From the choices below, what screen resolutions would you prefer?
Standard
b. SXGA - 1400x1050 - Compromise resolution between XGA and UXGA.
c. UXGA - 1600x1200 - Very small text and graphics icons, you can fit lots of stuff on the screen.
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?
Again, doesn't really matter, but I kind of prefer glossy.
Build Quality and Design
13) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you?
Not really, as flashy = more likely to grow legs, but build quality is important.
14) When are you buying this laptop and how long do you want this laptop to last?
I should be buying a laptop before April/May. Ideally, I'd like it to last 2-3 years, if possible.
Notebook Components
15) How much hard drive space do you want; 40GB to 200GB?
Around 100GB should be good.
16) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a DVD-ROM, DVD-CD/RW or DVD-RW drive?
Yes, I need an optical drive. I'd like to watch movies, burn CDs, and DVDs if need be.
If you feel I've overlooked something, please don't hesitate to point it out, or ask for clarification.
Go, laptop gurus, go!
Answer:
Re: W3J, or wait?
From what I remember, and I could be wrong, there isn't any replacement scheduled for the W3J that has performance graphics, I think the V2 has a x1450 or something. So if graphics card is important to you, go for the W3J.
Answer:
Re: W3J, or wait?
Im pretty sure the V2 ships with an X1450 (or something in that range...like the 7400). The X1600 in the W3J is noticably better for gaming and performance. If thats important to you, go for the W3J right now.
Answer:
Re: W3J, or wait?
Yes, to me, graphics have (and always will be) the limiting/deciding factor. I'd seen the specs for the V2 with the 1450 card, and nothing about "higher" level cards, so I realized maybe I should jump on the W3J while I still can. Thanks for the replies, you two, and if I get anymore like it, the "order button" will likely be clicked.
Answer:
Re: W3J, or wait?
You do have a few other more powerful options, such as the A8Js or A8Jp, but since the difference wont be earth-shattering, id still recommend the W3J for the better build quality and weight. :)
Answer:
Re: W3J, or wait?
Thanks, AP27...that's kind of what I'm thinking. I'm just concerned that this...silence about new notbeooks etc means something new might be coming down the pipe. I know everyone does this, but I just want to make sure waiting till May-ish isn't a better idea...
Answer:
Re: W3J, or wait?
Do you absolutely need the notebook now? Buy it, and be assured the W3J is top of the line and you won't regret it. But if you can wait, you might as well wait. I'd be willing to bet that there will be a comparable model to the W3J eventually, perhaps with the DX10 refresh.
Answer:
Re: W3J, or wait?
do you think the price will drop for the W3J by april?
Answer:
Re: W3J, or wait?
If it's still available for sale (since it's being discontinued) then definitely yes.