A8J vs. W3J

Since I've narrowed down to these two Asus notebooks, I decided that maybe posting this thread in the Asus forum would garner more and better replies.

Anyway, I've narrowed down to the Asus A8J or the Asus W3J. I'm waiting for the two to become Core 2 Duo models (with the A8J just becoming Merom, or in the coming days, I don't remember).

The more I look at it, the more I'm beginning to accept the A8J's looks; its not ugly, but not totally pretty. Still, in my opinion its better than the Dell Inspirons or HP Pavilions, or Toshiba Satellites. Then again, the looks of the A8J are no match for the W3J.

But it seems that there's been quite a bit of problems with the W3J, and not the A8J, and most likely I'll never be able to order one (everyone will order one the minute it arrives ), so should I go for the W3J or A8J? They're almost equally powerful.

 

If it were me personally, then I would have already got the w3j. That thing is sexy, and has the power to back it up. The reason there are "more" problems with the w3j is because there are so many more of them out there. When only a handful of people have their hands on a certain model, it drastically reduces the chances of getting the lemon. Remember, people post problems not praises.

 

If the fact that the W3J costs a bit more I say go for the W3J. I own a A8JM and the build quality isn't very impressive. The plastic scratches very easily and the hinges don't take long to lossen. The only issue that I know of with the W3J was the graininess issue ppl were talking about and that has been fixed. The performance of the 7700 Go is a bit better than the X1650 and subsequently X1600 and 7600 Go, but this is offset by the higher resolution. The higher resolution has it's ups and downs for other stuff, you will be able to fit more stuff but you have to put up with smaller text on the A8Js, so it comes down to personal preference.

Anyways, my vote goes for the W3J due to it's better design and superior build quality.

 

People honestly care about "just how sexy" their notebook is ... ?

 

use one in person and you'll understand

 

I think I'd go for the A8js... It should be out before the W3j and it is a lot cheaper and is a better value in general. Coming from a dell inspiron, the build quality of the A8j is really not that bad. But if style and build quality is what you care for, the W3j is for you...

 

when you're spending that much money on a notebook, I don't think any aspect can be discounted as mere vanity.

 

Aside from the atheistic benefit (and for some, this is a compelling reason and rightfully so), the W3j is my pick. The build quality is superb and at the end of the day, when your new purchase feel goes away...thing like build quality go a LONG way towards keeping the love alive.

Ya dig?

 

I personally own a z63a, which is the same basic chassis and looks as the w3, just no sexy brushed aluminum palmrest... This is the only notebook I've owned where I've actually been wowed by the looks. As a plus the build quality is AWESOME. In a couple months my lappy will be a year old, and the hinges are still tight, and I can pick the laptop up by the front corners and there's hardly a creak. The only thing about my z63 I don't like is the fact that the plastic palmrest is starting to discolour, I doubt it would be an issue on a w3j...

 

Ohhhhhhhhh go for W3J.... The screen is really beautiful after I applied the beta BIOS....

 

Thanks for all the advice guys, I think its almost unanimous

I guess I'll wait for the W3J Merom, or possibly Santa Rosa, depending on how long it'll take for Santa Rosa to arrive, and if Asus will dramatically re-design the W3J when the Santa Rosa arrives.

 

I think it comes down to performance vs. build quality.

Last I heard the w3j memron was shipping with the 1.66ghz c2d, compared to the 2.0ghz for the a8js. I may be wrong though. The w3j is a beautiful machine, just depends on what your intentions are.

 

um is it less unanimous if I say a8js?

Also when is this w3j coming to market?

I mean ive heard early november now but look its not selling like hotcakes and it might not come as advertised, it might not be marketed like that it might be an unknown delay for a different refresh. Asus laptops are all about might bes and I dont recomend getting a headache trying to wait for a new model....

If you were going to get a w3j, I would personally buy a yonah one right now, 100 off at geared2play.com I do believe the t2500 is similar speed to a t5500 ( you will notice their similar number, they are as closely related as it gets)

as far as waiting theres nothing exciting happening for a long time really.

If you want to wait for the santa rosa model, with a dx 10 gpu you would be waiting until april may.

I mean wait until may then that sounds like a good idea in that case I would have as well.

 

I'm going for the A8js.
1. It has a better video card.
2. It's a couple hundred dollars cheaper.
3. I prefer the higher resolution.
4. It's available to order now.
5. It has a faster processor.


Depends on what matters to you... sexiness or functionality/gaming. Both laptops are better looking than just about any other company's notebooks out there....

 

6. The port placement makes more sense. Every cable that you would want running away from the laptop has a corresponding connector on the back (power, VGA and DVI, 2 USB ports that are a perfect spot to plug in an iPod or a corded mouse, and TV out).

7. It has a DVI connector...

At the end of the day I couldn't care if the W3j looks good -I need a laptop that I can use...

 

yes the a8js has a very nice apearance. On its lcd lid which u see least often and clearly in pictures, it is a sparkly automotive type of finish.

I mean in truth it looks exactly like the w3j when open the difference is the touchpad is painted over mostly.

functions in the w3js favor are the extra bay for hd and battery.

i think those are cool functions. however the cost of the extra battery is over $200.
When you think about it, for $200 you can buy a whole large external battery device that will power your notebook for many extra hours.

the extra hd bracket that goes in the w3j is cool.

Id like to point out though that it is quite easy to engineer a ide hd into the optical drive bay of any notebook. I dont have the reference handy but a lot of people did this with their dell 9300 and e1705 its a simple project.

also, there is the $20 external drive case option which is actually much more useful anyway as it transfers data between computers.

 

I'm also voting for the A8Js over the W3J-... let's call it a triumph of function over form.

 

The A8Js looks exactly the same as the W3J when open? I don't think that's quite true. Besides, I prefer the W3J's touchpad since it has a more textured feels for reference rather than the A8 series' smooth touchpad.

Still the configuration and price advantage of the A8Js is really forcing my hand away from the W3J. Come on ASUS, please fix it.

 

The A8Jm is $400-500 cheaper than the W3J in Canada...shouldnt that be a consideration??

 

im describing looking at it straight ahead.

They have the same keyboard and same standard asus look made from the same substance using the same colors.

In truth every single asus notebook looks the same or similar to me looking at it straight on. Just review all the little asus icons here on the site.

the a8jm is actually the most different looking model they have even from this angle as the touchpad is made a little different.

 

I have to agree as well, it looks a bit different. the type of hinges is different, the touchpad is totally different, and the location of the media buttons, power buttons, etc are in totally different locations.

As far as between the two
its basically build vs functionality.
the A8js, by far, gives you better specs for the price
however in the W3J's favor is the sexier look, materials used in build quality and overall build period. there was a post earlier where an A8jm owner was frustrated over how quickly the hinges loosen on the A8 and reccomended the W3 instead. Then there's the modular bay as well (for those who need it). I believe Justin of Proportable has been adamant in his preference of the W and V series over the A series. I think the other Justin (of XoticPC) felt that way too.

 

Well said!

 

I think we have to understand that stamar has a different way of looking at/comparing things... If I remember it correctly, it was stamar who said that A8J has the same color as F3J...

 

It's a laptop; You're not porking it.
As long as it is doesn't distract me with extreme fugly, it's a non-issue for me.

 

well then your choice is simple..go with the a8js

 

i dunno about the a8jm but the w3j also comes with bluetooth.

the optical drive is hotswappable with a battery giving you 6 hrs on one charge. good for when on a plane or not going to be near a socket for an exended period of time (back to back to back classes maybe. long bus ride. etc).

 

Is there a weight difference between the two?

 

all asus notebooks are the same colors except that leather one. which is also the same color unless you put leather on it.

and the lamboughini. which is also the same colors except its lcd lid.

the bottom of the chassis is black. the top of the chassis is silver and black. the lcd lid is black or silver.

the major color differences are in the small part called the lcd lid. the a8j has silver sparkle and the f3j has same color as the top of the chassis with black bars.

they look about as similar as it gets really

 

It seems that the votes are rounding out a bit, AnCadre. Might want to start a poll on it.

I have no opinion. The A8J doesn't look bad, but obviously the W3J looks better. The W3J and A8J have similar specs, but the A8J is cheaper. And the W3J Merom model will probrably be out of stock by the first day.

 

Thanks for all the suggestions, guys. I started a poll now, maybe it'll make counting the "opinions" easier. Please vote!

 

Given the new processor in the W3J, that may not be true... but it probably will be...

[HINT] Unless you have an urgent need for the 64-bit in Merom or desperately want the included case, mouse and extended warranty, the old W3J may be a better deal. I'm heavily contemplating getting it over the refresh.[/HINT]

~ Brett

 

I was deciding on A8Js and W3J (both the updated version with meroms) After I saw the W3J CPU got lowered that was it. I changed over to the A8Js instead. It was a better bang for the buck. However I seen both laptops in person before and the W3J definatly would of won my vote if it had the same CPU as the A8js.

 

The CPU isn't the major question for me, both are 2GHZ (Core 2Duo on the A8JS and CoreDuo on the Yonah version of W3J) but my main question is how large of a difference is there between the GPUs on the A8JS and the W3J?

 

ankumar we dont have any tests on it.

Its not a lot faster though its not huge. lets call it probably the 10% range to make a number up.

It deals better with the added resolution of its screen. Its the same as the 7600 with 12 pipelines instead of 8...

 

F3J


A8J


um ok...clearly a big difference here.

But you're WRONG!!!!

Seriously though.

I don't think it is a question of one being "better" than the other. They are quite different machines. The A8J is functional and dare I say it ugly (let's be honest...it looks like an Acer, but uglier) but at a reasonably good price. The W3J is exceptionally well-designed but for an extra $400-500 (and has slightly worse specs (like you're ever going to notice the difference between the T5500 and T7200.)) If you're loaded, you might as well splurge on the W3J. But if you don't give a crap for looks, might as well save $500 and get the A8J. I personally couldn't justify paying $500 more for a nicer frame. As mentioned above, it's not like you're going to be f*cking your laptop (I hope.) $500 could be more justifiably spent (to me) on taking a chick out on a killer night on the town.

 

um well those pictures are exactly as i described them. they look about as similar as you can get.

the a8j is about the most different one they make as far as the touchpad, almost all the other models looks almost exactly like the f3j picture there.

all black on the bottom, silver on top black keyboard black around the lcd black or silver. all use pretty much the same apearance the difference is in the part not shown on this picture the back of the lcd.

the w3j looks very much like the f3j until you turn it around to see the aluminum on the back.

there are about 500 other models of laptops all looking extremely different from asus laptops. all of the asus laptops look extremely similar to eachother

 

A8Js for every reason that Raiz stated

 

I must also state that you WILL notice the difference between

5500 + ATI X1600 vs. 7200 + GeForce7700.

Seriously.

Next year this time, the latter will be playing the latest games in max. settings, whereas the first one will not.

Simple as that.

 

Umm thought it was comming with an x1700. Besides, you wont notice the CPU difference...the GPU's should be about the same performance...doubt you would notice any difference except in benchmarks. And how do you know only the 7700 will play games at max setting next year? Since its almost the same as a 7600, and which already cant play games like fear and Oblivion at max...so I see no basis on fact for your statments.

 

Next year in max settings ?? :> This year it is too much for it to handle max settings (if not why would someone use 7950 in SLI , high quality settings it's possible....

 

Thats what I was saying. Heartbreaker must not actually game much.

 

so the vote is not unanimous, w3j by one, you mite want to reconsider lol

 

There will be software or already is that runs on the 7700 at higher settings than the 7600.

Its the same card though, what you need is a larger texture to notice the difference. So, right out of the box it will run oblivian at a higher res or with aa enabled.

 

Don't be so sure . . .

http://www.milkandcookies.com/article/2847/

More seriously - very glad to see this post. I too am getting a new laptop once Core 2 Duo is available, and since I want one no larger than 14" but will game well, focused on these two Asus computers, or maybe the Compal Hel-30.

One problem for me re the A8J - no bluetooth?! What the $#^# is up with that?

 

So, the total list pros for each laptop is:

A8js

1. Higher Resolution
2. Faster Video Card
3. Faster Processor
4. $200 cheaper
5. DVI port
6. Available to order now

W3J

1. Bluetooth
2. Sleeker Design
3. Longer battery life
4. Extra buttons on side for DVD/CD playback
5. Preferrable quality (better touchpad, hinges don't loosen, doesn't scratch easily)
6. Swappable cd drive/extra battery

Is that everything?

 

you can also swap out the cd drive in the w3j and put in an extra battery or an extra hd.

 

A8 also has an in-bezel video-cam. I know the W3 can play CDs without booting the OS - does anyone know if that can that be done with the A8?

~ Brett

 

well i just recently bought w3j and love it.. but i voted a8js.. cause unless you care alot of looks, it is the better deal...

i have theory that asus is hiding the fact w3j will come with x1700.. but won't say it!, cause otherwise, who would buy an a8js... the merom w3j just seems so weak... i don't know hahahahah

 

are there any 3dmarks05 test for the a8j? I know the w3j scores nearly 4000

 

That's with Cat prior to 6.8... with 6.8, you can get more than 4100 stock setting (mine is around 4180-stock). This is not with the Omegas.