A8JP what? Newbie

I was impressed with the review of the A8JP, but NewEgg says they are out of stock, and the only other place I can find it is selling it for $2200.

I can find A8JS and A8JM. What's the difference between these model names? What's closest to the A8JP?

What I really wanted, btw, is the A8JP with 2GB RAM. So if you can advise me, I'd appreciate it.

Jerry

 

A8Js is the closest to A8Jp. The A8Js has a much better graphics card, but it costs $300 more and doesnt have bluetooth. The A8Jm is the older version of the A8Js, but it has an older and slower CPU, an older and slower GPU, and less hard drive space.
The A8Js has 1GB x1 memory, so the second slot is open for easy upgrades. Also, you can get one from MilestonePC with bluetooth and the extra RAM.

 

Thank you!

I see that Milestone is selling the A8JS for $1649, with upgrade to 2GB RAM for another $139.

OTOH, Milestone is also selling the G1 (with 2GB) for $1800. Thats TWELVE dollars difference.

It sounds like if I'm going to get the A8JS, I might as well get the G1? What do you think?

Jerry

 

If you want an A8Js I think you should buy it through Ewiz if you are shopping based on price. Go through pricewatch and it is 1446.05 with free ground shipping..

Or wait a bit for the A8Jp. My screen seems to have died, but in speaking with the tech he mentioned that the A8Jp should be more available in NA soon. He did not seem real sure, but I thought I would throw that out there.

 

Possibly, but heres the thing: the A8Js is 5.3lbs, and the G1 is 6.8lbs. If you are going to carry the laptop around, definitely go for the A8Js, otherwise, you would be fine either way. I guess the G1 is better, with its lights and decals or whatnot and also its 160GB hard disk, higher screen resolution, and better camera.
I have no need for the the extras on teh G1, I dont like its flashy design as much as the sleeker A8, and I carry my laptop to school daily, so I would buy the A8Js. Evaluate your needs and purchase accordingly.

Also, you can get RAM for $30 cheaper on newegg, so if you are comfortable installing memory yourself, thats a way to save some money.

 

G1 if you prefer the 15.4" screen to the smaller more mobile 14" one.

 

Mobility is not a big issue for me. I need it to be portable, not light.

I just wish I could figure out the meaning of the model designations. Obviously, there is an A series, and a W and an F series, etc., and all these different letters and numbers signify SOMEthing, but I dont know what.

And I dont NEED the extras on the G1; but if it's the same price, I might as well. It seemed significant to me that the G1 came with 2GB of RAM, and I'd have to upgrade the other machines. And upgrading = just one more thing to go wrong.

Maybe I should just wait for the A8JP to be available again, although I was hoping to make a decision this week.

Thanks for the comments. I really appreciate all of them.
Jerry

 

Hah, Asus model designations are arcane until you understand them, then they are pretty easy to navigate through.

A - Budget performance models, high quality, but no exotic materials, nothing exciting about design. Solid notebooks, good performance, low price.
F - Similar to the A series, but lower quality.
G - Gaming models based off A series notebooks (A6 and A7 thus far)
R - Tablet models that would otherwise be in the W series
W - The main line, it has carbon fibre casing, good looks, good performance (similar to the A series, but more expensive).
V - The best of the best, business class the whole way, but they still offer perfomance nearly as good as the W series. More expensive than everything else.
S and Z: barebone 'Built on Asus' models.

This is how I understand it. Theres also a way to classify size as well, but thats not in my range, ask Justin (PROPortable) for exactly what that is.

 

Thanks. Now I know to look only at the A models. I assume that the other letters simply refer to sequential changes in one or another model, like 8 comes after 6, etc.... (at least I hope it does- my sense of before and after is suffering consternation)

Jerry

 

Not all S series are 'Built Ons'. The S5, S6, and S7 are all ultraportable Ensembles.

 

Just to be clear, most A8Js's don't have Bluetooth, but mine does... You can get a Bluetooth-enabled A8Js at milestonepc.com.

Check here: http://www.milestonepc.com/states/product_info.php?cPath=87_82&products_id=1389

 

I believe in the Asus new thread, Asus has officially announced the A8Js with Bluetooth for all of North America, and Proportable will be getting some in soon/may already have them.

As always, check the specs of the specific model you plan to order.

 

How much better is the GeForce 7700 than the ATI 1700 that comes in the A8JP?

 

So does that mean that the A8JP is no longer being made? And that therefore I should be looking at the A8JS instead?
Jerry

 

The A8Jp was only available from Newegg; it sold out very quickly and no one knows when they will get more. You might call Newegg and ask them about the ETA.

7700 vs x1700 benchmarks here:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=94846

 

The letters after the number indicate the type of graphics card and cpu (on some models). An F means integrated graphics, a J means dedicated. After that, it is variable by model. A Jp usually means that it has the X1700 graphics card (A8, V1, W2, W3, etc).

In the A8 series:
A8F: Core Duo, GMA
A8Fm: Core 2 Duo, GMA
A8Ja: Core Duo, X1600
A8Jm: Core Duo, Go7600
A8Jp: Core 2 Duo, X1700
A8Js: Core 2 Duo, Go7700
There were some other Core Duo models with a Go7300, but not in the US.

I have no idea about the A8Jp, supposedly it is still coming to the US, but no one knows when, and no one knows how newegg managed to get them so early at such a hot price.
Go7700 is better than the X1700 in every way, its more powerful, more fuel efficient, and has more memory, but its more expensive. I dont think it is worth the extra $300, unless you play oblivion or something.
jerryb: weight almost defines the portability of a notebook. Thickness doesnt matter much anymore, as everything is between 1 and 1.5 inches thick, and the overall size usually dictates the weight.

jerryb: weight almost defines the portability of a notebook. Thickness doesnt matter much anymore, as everything is between 1 and 1.5 inches thick, and the overall size usually dictates the weight.

 

ok the W series is supposed to be a mobile profesional. That should be the best one the W

the V series is supposed to be a business machine like a lattitude/

If a 14 inch model is not worth the money to you the g1 gives you more for your money. You are paying a little more to have it be small.

Unless you get the a8jp that seems to be the cheapest ensemble.

 

FYI, the latter is called A8Jn and/or A8Jc, a very similar naming scheme is used with the F3 series.

 

Thanks again, everybody. I now understand the model designations. I think I would prefer to ask NewEgg if the A8JP will ever return. If not, then the A8JS seems my best bet.

Jerry

 

The A8js does have the most powerful video card in its class. No one really knows if Newegg will ever have the A8jp again. In the past with some notebooks they had, they were there then went and never returned in stock. The 7700 is ~20% faster than the X1700.

 

How would you compare the A8JM to either the P or the S? I think I'm getting close to buying the S, but it's a little more than I wanted to spend.

Jerry

 

well there is nothing wrong with going either of the 3 models, but if you want the latest technology go for hte A8js or A8jp (if they come back in stock).

The A8js is still very worth it since it has 1x1GB of ram, and you can easily expand it to 2Gb in the future. The Go 7700 512mb is very nice, yielding great 3Dmarks and awesome performance.

The a8jp is also nice, but you know it comes with 2x512mb of ram, and the X1700, overall it is still quite nice.

The A8jm is a core duo laptop with a go 7600, still very nice, but if you try to get the latest go for the above models.

The A8 series is still one of the best 14" high performance laptop in the market.

 

Can you tell me a little about how to use (with either the A8JS or the A8JP) my current desktop monitor (Digital) and keyboard.? If that's not too off topic. Is there a way to turn the notebook's display off while you use the DVI output? And do you need a keyboard that connects via USB?

Jerry

 

I presume by digital, you mean your monitor uses a DVI input? If so, simply plug it in and switch it on. You can either switch your notebook panel off, mirror it to the external display or span your desktop across both monitors.

If you've got an older keyboard (ps/2) then a ps/2 to usb adaptor should do the trick. A single ps2 port model shouldn't cost more than $2-3 USD.

 

I emailed Newegg last week and they replied on Fri regarding A8jp availability... they have no estimated ETA for it, and "suggested" that I keep an eye out on the email with Auto-notify , since their system is "real-time".. bwahahhaa... I just keep checking their page every so often ...

Sounds like with everyone getting the BT equipped A8js' , those prices may drop a tab bit and should hopefully narrow the gap to the a8jp ???? Reseller comments on that speculation?

 

ok..my a8jp FINALLY got here yesterday, and I just booted it up a few minutes ago, went through the initial setup, and for now, all I havre done is set itup to access wireless at home, and check for ZBD using the pixelfree utility someone on here wrote.

I know I read a post here with a link to a procedure to basically do away with the basic partitions that come pre set up on the computer, and do a clean install of the OS sans the bloatware, but try as hard as I may, I cant seem to locate that thread!

Could someone be so kind as to post a link to the same?

Also, since I do a lot of VS development, and use IIS, should I go to XP pro ( i own a licensed copy ) and do away with the MCE that came preinstalled, or since MCE has IIS in it (apparently), should I keep that and figure out how to add that component, since Asus did not provide a win mce disk...???

basically, looking for the "how to make your a8jp( or A8JS) a clean new machine" thread .... I went through a bunch of subscribed threads, but cant find the post!!!!

TIA! Love the ASUS screen btw !

 

I did a clean install. Basically, you'll just use the recovery disk. You'll get an option screen for number of partitions (you don't really have a selection - just one or two). When it asks for the disk with drivers, just reboot. I did selectively install some of the alternate stuff/drivers, after the OS re-install. You do need to install some/most of the drivers for the ATI console, bluetooth, and whatever Asus apps you want.

I did not install Skype (Norton wasn't a selection on the drivers CD so may have been bundled with something I didn't install) or any of those apps.

It's pretty easy (took about 45 minutes, I think) and no problems. Been fine since.

You can also press F9 at boot up and get options there.

 

Oh, and congrats for getting your A8JP!

 

sorry for sounding retarded Brent, but did you re-install MCE or go Pro ?

If you did do a reinstall, did you have to use partition magic to consolidate the partitions?

This is what I would LIKE to do:

1. Merge my partitions. I see no reason whatsoever to have 3 partitions
2. Re-install MCE fresh, or if that does not work without recreating the partitions, then go with my own copy of XP Pro
3. I would also like to do a quick format of the HDD and in essence start new.

What tools, software, CD's , etc. do I need available, and what is the sequence to be followed? Like I said...there is a post out there that I simply cant find no matter how hard i try.....

did you do the above, or just a reinstall of the preloaded os?

TIA! and I did get a CMO screen, and the lappy reads xd ( a plus for me!)...good times!

 

Amitkc:

First, no problems with the questions. When I have an answer (or a good bluff), I'm always happy to share what I can.

I re-installed MCE using the restore disk that came with the NB. During that process, there's an option to select the number of partitions. I think the only choices are 1 or 2. Seems like NB makers don't want us to delete that restore partition. So, I think you will need to use Partition Magic or a similar app.

To format the hard disk, I'm wary of doing that when there's a recovery partition. Mainly because I've never tried and don't want to end up with a brick. I believe a re-install of the OS does format the drive. At least by using FDISK.

As far as tools: all I needed was the recovery CD and the drivers CD that came with the NB. I ran the recovery CD (chose 2 partitions and ended up with 3 - the recovery partition is separate). When it asked to install the drivers CD, I ejected the system recovery CD, and powered down. Then turned it back on and let the OS installation finish.

When you insert the drivers CD (after the OS finishes loading), you'll get a menu screen of things to install. I forget just what I did install, but most of the names are pretty clear/easy to understand. You'll know the ones you need: ATI, Intel Wireless (or Proset), bluetooth; and the ones you want to avoid.

Sorry it's not more clear, but trust your instincts. If you plan to do the Asus Vista upgrade, I would recommend keeping MCE and not doing XP Pro. This Windows upgrade, with the myriad versions and how they're tied to hardware, leaves me cautious. If you're not doing the upgrade, you XP Pro should be fine

 

thanks brent. are there any real upsides to keep MCE? From what I have heard, its mostly fluff....

 

uh, The G7700Go it's just about 10%, maybe 15% at best. faster than X1700. not 20% according to the comparsion done on this forum. so I don't think it's worth the extra dollars to spend on A8JS

 

amitkc: I only use MCE because that's what I got. It's a hybrid of XP Home and XP Pro. The only real feature it's missing from XP Pro is the ability to join a domain. And, apparently, if you use an XP Pro key during setup of MCE, it installs XP Pro instead of MCE. See this discussion:

http://discussions.hardwarecentral.com/showthread.php?t=169084

If that's correct, you might be able to use your XP Pro key during the re-install of MCE and be able to upgrade to Vista's version of Pro (whatever it's being called). I don't know for sure though.