A8JP or F3JP?

I'm currently stuck between the two, and interested in any opinions about which one to get. As I understand it the F3JP has 1x 1 GB as opposed to the A8JP's 2x 512's, fixed ctrl placement, and bigger screen (although with lower res), yet I still generally see the A8 as more recommended. Any advice?

 

Both have the same resolution of WXGA. The F3JP has a 15.4, A*JP 14''.

Both have same vid card x1700 (very nice), and are at a low pirce, it all depends on which you like more for the screen size, and if u need 2 gbs of RAM, whether u plan on spending for only a 1gb stick, or 2x1 gb sticks.

In my opinion i like the F3JP more, 15.4'' mainstream, with 1x1gb stick, for only $50 more.

 

True. The F3Jp offers a little more for the same price. Unless portability is a key issue for you, I'd recommend the F3Jp.

 

Both are good, it depends on what screen size you want. In reality though, 14.1" laptops are MORE expensive than 15.4. So the A8JP really is a good deal @ $1250 right now @ Newegg. The F3JP isn't on sale though.

 

The systems are so similar you are really the only one that can answer which is best for you. My suggestion is to answer some questions for yourself along these lines.

Which screen size do I want?
If you can choose, do that one, it is the biggest difference. If you don't care move on to another choice.

Will it cost more money to get the OS you would prefer or to upgrade to more RAM?
If so, got for the bset choice along these lines, of not move to another question.

Do the few odd things about about one make you want the other?
Maybe you are sure that the Fn and Ctrl keys being switched would really annoy you. If you are still undecided, flip a coin, at this point there is no difference in them to you

I opted for the A8Jp for two reasons, one, I wanted the smaller screen for mobilities sake, and two, at the time the F3Jp that was the same in specs and price was sold out

Best of luck! I think you will be very happy with whichever you choose!

 

My vote is for the F3JP.

 

The F3JP has a few advantages...

- Ctrl is the leftmost key (A8JP has FN and Ctrl switched)
- WSXGA+ screen
- 1x1GB config instead of 2x512MB

 

From what I've read, the f3jp has a 1280x800 screen, which is lower than the a8jp.

 

Definitely agree with all that's been said above. While I have an A8JP and am completely satisfied with (actually quite enthusiastic about) it, I did have to swap out the original RAM completely to step up to 2GB, which cost me about $150 USD. Guess I'll eBay the sticks I took out and try to recoup some of my losses.

One thing I didn't regret, however, was choosing a 14" screen. I used to have an 8lb. 17" monster, and after lugging around that thing for almost a year I promised myself my next NB would be a "thin and light" at the very biggest. 15" will put you in the "mainstream" size of book so it isn't quite the same as a 17" 8 lb. beast, but it will likely be an additional 1-2 lbs over a 14" book. I'm finding a 14" is the perfect size in terms of mobility, and the A8JP the perfect combination of size and power. I throw my A8JP over my shoulder daily and I barely notice it's there.

However the point is moot if you don't travel with it on a regular basis or don't mind the extra weight. Whatever you choose, you're getting a great NB. Good luck!

 

thanks a lot guys, all really helpful responses

As far as screen specifications, the $1300 F3JP's 15.4 in WXGA has a res of 1280 x 800, while the A8JP's 14" WXGA+ is 1440 x 900. There is a F3JP build with a better screen, but it's somewhat out of my price range. As far as the difference between these two, I don't really know enough about the subject to know the difference it makes. In terms of gaming, with the x1700 could I push most recent games up to the A8JP's higher resolution while maintaining high settings? Or would I more realistically have to keep it lower?

In terms of weight according to Newegg the A8JP is 5.25 lbs and the F3JP is 6.5 lbs. I've never owned a laptop, so I'm not entirely sure of the difference it would make but I suppose it's a matter of personal preference.

Thanks again

 

ya unfortunately you cant be sure of the size you like until you try it for years.

It will be expensive experience.


The 15.4 inch size is the most popular but i prefer the 14 inch one

 

You can get the F3JP with a WSXGA+ screen. In fact, I believe the WXGA model is a newer revision.

http://proportable.com/detail.aspx?ID=184

 

Asus A8JP.

 

QFT. My sis in college has a 15" toshiba that's a bit of a chore for her to carry around. If you're going to be using the laptop elsewhere, and *often*, then get the A8JP.

The F3JP is God-awesome imo, and the screen is still dandy in gaming. But if I had to take it with me to class every day, that extra several inches of screen space would make it less than convenient to take out of the bag, and on the desk. I prefer 15" screens, but for those who travel, do take 14" or less.

 

Ya Im 6 foot 3 and my a8js is a little too large.

I want to be able to move it off the desk with one hand if its in the way, fold it up qucikc and carry it with one hand on trips to the bathroom.

Considering only size I think 13.3 inch is best.

 

Haha. Wow; I'm 7 inches shorter than you, and could cope with 15" just fine...just not to the point of rapid-transit. My sis is even shorter, at 5', so you could imagine the pain that her shoulder(s) is in. I'm suggesting that she get a macbook, for the sake of it.

 

ya macbook is basically ideal size, size being the only consideration.

Very student consious design

 

But not very student conscious price

 

Agreed, though most non-gamer students don't need a hard drive larger than 80 gigs, and the student discount slashes off 100 dollars for most. The main gripe is maintenance, though as we all should know, it makes little sense to buy a computer without knowing how to keep it fit, unless we enjoy shelling out money to the geek squad.

 

Can anyone give me an idea of what game performance is generally like? I've seen somewhat limited information in that regard so far...and by the way, in terms of gaming isn't the higher res screen kind of moot, because in order to keep eye candy in most games wouldnt I have to keep the resolution lower anyway with x1700? Hope that question makes sense, thanks again

 

Yes, the higher res screen is generally useless in games, even detrimental.

I've played Splinter Cell for a bit on my X1700... in VIsta 32 bit. The performance was solid, but FPS would occasionally dip below 30. THis is with 1280x768 and settings on highest. Not exactly thrilling since this card is brand new and the game is 5 years old. But still, could be Vista or drivers, so I'm not too bothered.

Get the F3Jp, the A8jp's screen is pure crap. I own one.

 

Is that Vista, with all window effects on and taking a chunk of RAM? Also, it's important to consider drives, as you said. Vista still needs work, much like XP in the early days.

Try to avoid generalizing the A8JP based on only your experience. The F3JP I got came with the worst grain issue I've encountered, and I immediately though to myself, "Crap. Maybe I should have bought the other one." But this forum had a fix, and I was willing to go through steps needed to help it.

As for the GPU, considering that it's fit to run in a 14 incher, it's awesome, and is made to handle power better than the x1600.

Black777star: Makes perfect sense. Resolution has the largest impact on fluid game-play, but honestly, some people don't mind taking the settings down a bit for a "wider" playing view.

But really, I'd buy either notebook on portability issues. Are you, or are you not, going to be taking it anywhere and everywhere?