A8JS or Z96J? Arg, why can't life be simple?

For reference: A8JS and Z96J (I'm upgrading the CPU to the T5500, and getting XP Pro)

So I'm torn between the two, it seems. Please help me decide (or suggest another alternative, I guess).

A8JS Pros:
Faster CPU (2.0Ghz)
Better graphics card (512MB)
Lightweight

Cons:
Crap battery life (~2+ hours)
Smaller screen (14.1")
Could get a crappy screen

Z96J Pros:
Nice battery life (4 hours, or at least more than the A8J)
Bigger screen/resolution (15.4")

Cons:
Slower CPU (1.6Ghz)
Worse graphics card (256MB)
More expensive if I get +2 years warranty.

My Comments:
I don't know how good MilestonePC's own warranty is, so whether or not that's better than ASUS's, I have no idea.
I'm just wondering if the added processing and graphics power is worth the smaller screen and sufferable battery life.

Thanks.

 

My opinion is that the screen on the a8js, the auo screen, is way nicer than the auo screen on the s96j.

It has more light leakage however its way brighter and clearer.

its vertical viewing angle is less though.

Thats not going to help you because I havent seen the one on the z96j. However I think the screen on the a8js is great, the auo one. It has weak points. what some of these people describe as a bad screen is actually easily the best 14 inch ws 1440 x 900 on the market. When you compare it to the larger ones its not as good because those are made in batches of millions.

I think its lighter and the gpu is much more powerful. I would get it hands down, I mean I did obviously.

I like the s96j Ive used but not like my a8js. Its performance difference is noticed immediately in most things.

however if you are considering the z96j, check out the a8jp as it has a x1700 and is cheaper. If you dont want the top like gpu that one is a great deal.

 

Agreed, I too would opt for the A8JS.

 

Ehh? So you're saying the many bad reviews for the auo screen are wrong? Hm, if it's going to look bad, I'm not going to think "Oh, well it's actually pretty good for a small, crappy screen." I heard the screen was REALLY nice, as long as you don't get the auo one, but now I'm just confused.

 

ok the auo one is great

but the cmo one is going to be better.

These people complaining about it dont really know what they are talking about unless they had a screen with a defect( and some did) thats my opinion yes. When you compare the screen to other 14 inch ones its top of the line

but the cmo one you get on the a8jp and the newest a8js is better. Not worth hundreds( because hell you can buy an extra screen for 220$ thats probably better than that from lg) but its going to be a screen of similar specs with less light leakage.

I mean get the one with the cmo screen but if not, its not a large difference they are lcds made to the same specs from 2 different companies.

 

Thank you so much, you've cleared up a lot about the A8JS for me. I've read some more reviews as well, so I think I'll be going with that in the end. Seems like a solid laptop and my initial fears have been squashed.

 

I have easily heard of more than 15 people complain about the AUO screen on the A8Js.

Most people seem to really like the CMO screen.


If you read through the threads, I think it's pretty safe to say that CMO is the better screen and that you might be disappointed with the AUO. I mean, some people are so disappointed they are trying to get it replaced by Asus, or even consider replacing it themselves.

 

I am not totally sure on what your particular needs are, but if you are going to take it to school, work, and even at home, you will definitely appreciate the portability, and overall performance of the A8js.

Just as a clarification the Z96J gets close to 3 hours of battery life, while the A8js get close to 2 hours and 45 minutes, give or take.

If you have the need for more battery life, I suggest getting another main battery. So basically use the first battery for a 2 hours lecture, and before the next lecture start change the battery and you will be set. Assuming this will be used in school, same thing cam applied to other situations.

As for the screen, Stamar did basically sum it up, the AUO screen will have narrow viewing angles, but it is very bright, crisp and clear, when your sitting right in front of it. (which most people are)

The CMO screen is nicer as many user here stated.

 

Well, I'm not sure of exact price range, but have you considered the F3JP?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16834220118

It comes with XP Pro and probably needs a GB of ram added. It will (I'm pretty sure from what I've heard) have about the same screen as the Z96J. They both have a CMO WSXGA+ screen although I have not heard which model number the F3 uses. Haven't read any complaints though. Also, you get DVI out.. I think it's a great deal.

The OP is looking at the Z96J which has the same excellent screen as the G1/V1 models. From what I've heard it's a far better screen than the A8's - either the CMO or the AUO

 

Wow, someone was talking about the AUO screen on the S96J. That really doesn't have anything to do with the Z96J... the screens are totally different. I know, I got a S96J screen put on my Z96J at the shop by accident and it was so crappy with lots of light leakage. When I got the right screen on there (ZBD too) it was perfect (I posted the actual product name of the screen I got but I can't remember it now). I got mine at the MileStonePC (CanadaSys) store no problems..

Don't expect the Z96J to give the 4 hours+ without the extra large battery, but you can get that and other parts easier because its VBI...

Oh and the CPU being a downside, no way - if you want upgrade the CPU yourself - it only has be and if you set the A8JS and Z96JS at the same price you'll probably get better specs for the Z96JS. The graphics card is 256mb w/an extra 256mb in hyper memory, it doesn't make too much of a difference, its more important what the type of graphics card it is rather than the amount of onboard dedicated memory (as long as it's 256mb or more)

Cat

 

You can generalize that 15.4 inch screens are better than 14.1 inch screens.

The models are updated more frequently.
In the lcd manufacturing process in general the larger the better.

If you want to compare the a8js screen to any 14 inch screen, Id say its the best easily. It has the worst vertical viewing angle though even worse than the a8jm screen which is whats on the hgl 30 and some e1405( which in turn is the best screen on the e1405)
z96j g1 screen has a wider viewing angle but the a8js screen is brighter.

Auo is an excellent brand but they are a mass produced brand also.

CMO is maybe a better brand what they specialize in is coming later to market with lcds that are either cheaper or better than the korean lcds but similar.

They are both huge companies auo is the worlds largest and cmo is maybe in the top 5.

Both the cmo screens, the one in the a8jp and the one in the z96j are newer to the market. They are both probably the best screens in their category. The g1/z96j screen uses a light diffusing technology that will give it a much better viewing angle. If viewing angle is what you are seeking, to watch movies from a distance with more than one person or whatever, get that one.
None of the a8j screens have a good viewing angle.