14.1" vs 15.4" Portability Discussion

As a future university student in the coming September, I'm have been seeing a lot of posts saying ASUS 14.1" laptops are much more portable than 15.4". The truth is, I don't seem to think there's such a big difference. Maybe you guys can clear it up for me:
Here's what I see:

- only 1.3" diagonal length which isnt much
- 14.1" laptops weight 5.2-5.5 lbs, 15.4" weight 5.5-5.8 lbs (almost no difference.. half a pound is jack sh!t imho)
- 15.4" overheat much less, because parts aren't as crowded
- less heat means high overclock and also it won't burn your lap when you game
- they are cheaper, by a lot (A8Jm vs S96J is 350$ difference for same specs)
- in the end they get almost the same battery life, minimal difference
- larger screen so you can see the fonts larger, increasing your ability to read at faster speeds

I've logically assumed that going for a 15.4" as a student is a better choice once I get a laptop this summer. Does anyone see any points why a 14.1" would be better or worse than 15.4"?

 

I don't see any reason. Some models of course will be of better value. I prefer a larger screen. I find 17" laptops to be easily portable. It's all opinion-based.

 

There are some 14" notebooks under five pounds like the ThinkPad T60 or Fujitsu S with the Fujitsu being closer to four. Most 15.4" notebooks are in the 6-7lbs. range with a few noteable exceptions. It is really a personal preference. Some people are not bothered by a larger notebook. Some people hate it.

 

We're talking about ASUS, and their S96J is 5.8 lbs, while the A8Jm is reported 5.4 lbs, so I don't see a difference in that.

 

I've carried a 14" notebook and a 15.4" notebook similar to the weights we are discussing, and I really do see a difference. Also, I thought the S96J was 6.1 lbs while the A8Jm was 5.3 lbs.

 

im 99% sure it's 5.8 for s96j and 5.4 for a8jm, might be changed though, but even a pound isnt jack though, thats like a water bottle and i carry about 4 in my backpack at any time because i might need it sometime..

 

Are you sure the S96J is 5.8 lbs? Geared2play has it listed at 6.3 lbs, while Powernotebooks has it listed at 6.8 lbs. I mean, not to nitpick or anything, but generally most 15.4s weigh around 6.5 lbs. Personally, I don't think the weight is an issue for portability, but rather the bulk. My system definitely isn't too heavy for my tastes, but it is a little wider than I'd like. If I didn't prioritize gaming as much I would'v gone with a 14" widescreen. Sure, it's only an inch wider than a 14,, but an inch makes a big difference; after all, remember that a 17" notebook is only an inch wider than a 15.4.

But ultimately it's a matter of personal preference. Particularly as a student, what matters is whether it fits on your desk or not. That being said, 15.4s are probably better values overall, in terms of features per dollar, but only if you want to have a powerful GPU. If not, then there's no real reason not to get a 14" system.

 

Since I plan to keep my lappy in my backpack and carry it around with me, 15.4" is just fine. Just got my e1505 and I don't think I'll be having any problems with its size. However, some businessmen (w/o bookbags) would prefer small/light packages for improved batt life and portability. The asus' on the other hand are very confusing. They have high-end power-hungry graphics and small(ish) screens. Doesn't make sense to me. i really don't see the point to the w3j or a8jm at all. s96j, however, seems most logical...

 

There are bigger, better versions of these models as well. Why do they make some with smaller screens? That's what many people want. Why is Dell making a 12" XPS?

 

Lo and behold the 19" Alienware SLI " notebook"

That said, if you personally do not see the difference between 15.4 and 14, then more power to you. As long as we get the facts straight (5.8lbs? 6.2lbs?) Who can tell you what your tastes are?

 

You mean 19" rebranded Clevo

 

Yeah, look at the big uproar the A8Jm and the W3J have caused. There are many notebooks out there 15.4" and bigger that have X1600s that aren't getting nearly as much attention as these two are.

With smaller and smaller notebooks getting such powerful video cards, it's really bringing a new aspect to "gaming on the go". This is what the consumers want. Asus knew that, and it seems like it's going great for them.

 

I totally agree. That's why I'm getting the A8Jm. For portability when I am out but when I am home, I'll plug it into my 17 in monitor for gaming. I will have the best of both worlds. 15.4" is too big and heavy to bring every day to school. And 1 lb difference doesn't seem like much but it does make a large difference.

 

The S96j is 6.3lbs. Something like the Asus W3j is 5.4lbs and 5lbs with the travelers drawer in. You also have to take into account the size of the power supply. Usually 15.4"+ power supply’s are really big and weigh 1.5-2lbs. While 14" usually weigh about a pound. 14" notebooks usually get better battery life also. I personally think 14" is the best size for traveling. If you go smaller then you sacrifice screen size, power, and a full size keyboard (usually).

 

I've got a Z71v (15.4"), and I find it portable enough. However, as has been said earlier in this thread, to some extent it's a matter of personal preference. A 14" notebook would be somewhat smaller and lighter. If you have limited space, the 14" is the way to go. But otherwise, a 15.4" notebook should be fine.

 

I have a w2v being at 17in and around 6 lbs, it's far more portable than the Qosimo, though I would like if it could fit in my backpack. I ordered the w3j the other night and that being 14in, is more portable than my w2v. It weighs less but not considerably less. Even so, I think I will welcome the smaller rectangular surface area as it will fit my backpack AND will fit nicely on classroom tables (especially the seats w/ the foldout table) in the lecture halls. W/ the w2v, I can't do that. It's just too wide. I do have an SF bag to hold my laptops, but sometimes walking up and down hill w/ a bag hanging off my shoulder can be more tiring than wearing a backpack.

 

i see no difference between 14'' 15.4'' or 17''. I cant decide between the a8jm, s96j or the a7j. (I got a z70va).

I just think all Asus laptops look so damn sexy.

 

Does a 15.4" laptop fit well enough on a plane? Does it fit on the tray table?

 

yes, it does, although it's hard to open the screen 90 degrees or more due to the shape of the chair backs (in coach at any rate. I don't know about first class)

 

In first class you should be able to set up a desktop in front of you! I agree though... It's mainly a matter of personal preference. I would go down to the computer store and look at compare 14" notebooks with other 15.4" ones. Just get a feel for the weight and size difference in general.

 

Let me help clear up the weight issue.

The S96J, weighed on our calibrated digital scale, is 6.8 pounds.

 

Have you seen a Asus V6 beside a W3... I compared both of them together at the shop and was surprised to find that they are actually quite similar in footprint, with the V6 actually appearing thinner than the W3

The V6 is a 15'' screen, when you see the two side by side, you see how much screen realestate is wasted in the W3 with the bezel and battery, and wide ratio there is a lot of wasted space between the battery/hinge and start of the screen.. but hey, it is wide format... where as, the V6 Lid is maximised screen, with a thin surrounding bezel, very nice!

People go for a smaller screen beacuse it makes for a smaller chassis and the screen is the most power hungry component in a laptop, which means they require smaller batteries to power them, giving you a lighter system.

But saying that the V6 is the most portable 15'' motebook I've seen for a while, check it out.

 

I went from a 15.4" Z70va to a 15" V6va, and it felt a world of a difference commuting to school everyday. Sure, it went from 6.4lbs to 5.5lbs, a tad thinner, and only a bit smaller in footprint, but my shoulders thanked me at the end of the day!

It may not seem like alot, you just need to experience it before you have to comment it from looking at specs on a piece of paper.

 

Soo true.. if you ever travel with your laptop, with all the power adaptors and accessories, for an entire day... smaller is better. but if your travel consists of, to and from the car get a 17"

 

I recently moved from an Asus W3A (14" WXGA) to a Samsung X60 (15.4" WXGA). The weights of both units are almost identical (around 2.5kg / 5.5lb). However, the Samsung's PSU is noticeably bigger and heavier, which increases the travel weight.

The bigger computer also needs a bigger bag, which will also tend to be heavier. Unfortunately, the X60 wouldn't squeeze into the bag which carried the W3A and the best bag I found is not to my satisfaction.

For my own needs, with some air travel (carrying but not using) and vehicle travel, 15.4" is a good compromise,. If I were doing a lot of walking with the computer then I would vote for something no bigger than 14". As noted previously, the smaller display needs less power for the backlight. 13.3" widescreen models should also not be ignored. 18 months ago I bought a Sony S series, but found that the pixels were a bit small for my ancient eyes, hence I moved to the W3. If I were 10 years younger I would have stayed with the S (20 years ago I was using an Osborne 1 http://oldcomputers.net/osborne.html which had a 5" display).

John

 

Right now im arguing with my self wether or not to get a non gaming 13" ASUS such as the W5F or the S96J/Z96J for gaming. I do have a gaming desktop, somewhat. 6800GT setup, etc...gets ~ 5000 in 3dmark05

The thing is, if i do buy a S96J, it costs me about the same price, better performance even for non gaming and I can sit on my couch or in my bed and I can game. I wouldnt be forced to sit on the computer

 

Besides the weight of carrying it around all day, will a 15.5" fit on an Amtrak tray or on an airline coach tray? I think the Sony SZ would, but am uncertain aboit 14" and up.