A8Jm vs W3J

Hey guys, I'm about to order either the A8JM or W3J but I'm really torn. Does anyone know the major differences between these two notebooks? I'm trying to debate whether the $300 price difference is worth it or not ($1849 for A8J or $2169 for W3J). The W3J looks like it has a better build quality which I like a lot since I'll be putting it in my backpack for university; does anyone know if it's lighter? What do you guys think I should do?

 

Shouldn't be much of a difference in weight, the a8 may actually be .1 - .3 pounds lighter. The A8j will have a camera, DVI, and be cheaper. Really, the only draw is that it doesn't look as good. It will still have a quality build for sure. Heat also may be less of an issue with it. I see no reason not to go with it unless you're just in love with the w3 or you want an ATI card instead of an nvidia. All this coming from a guy who has already paid for his w3. Honestly, I don't think you can go wrong either way. You're getting 15" power with 14" portability.

 

Lots of discussion in this thread

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=52036

Enjoy

 

I don't understand why people are saying 14" are portable. A 15.4" laptop is only 1.3 inches larger in diameter which isnt much at all. I don't see how a 15" isnt just as portable..

 

Note that the A8Jm does not have bluetooth.

 

I'm not sure if you've owned a 15.4" and a 14.1", but in my experience, there is a very noticeable difference.

 

I haven't owned BOTH a 14.1" and a 15.4"..But how big can the difference be? It's just 1.3 inches diagonally... 1.3" Doesnt seem so much that it can make a difference between portable and non-portable.. 15.4" seems acceptable in size actually..

 

It is about weight, mystery. A smaller screen and a thinner chassis will naturally weight less than a 15.4". When your carrying your notebook in your backpack around campus with your books. As little of a pound makes a suprisingly big difference.

 

Its not that a 15" isn't portable its just that a 14" is more portable. And there is about a pound or more difference in most cases.

 

well 17" is only 1.6" more, and that is really really not portable. just immagine the drop from 17 to 15.4 is about the same has the 15.4 to the 14.1.

but really a portable laptop is the 12" ones.

 

Here's a big question, how would I go about upgrading the graphics card on a LAPTOP! Does anyone have any idea where you would even purchase a graphics card to swap with the one that's currently in there? This is definately intriguing and would sway my decision.

 

99% of the time it can't be done. And it can't be done on an Asus (some Dells).

 

it's worth the extra money to spend it on the W3j =)

 

I have large hands, used to do body building and I doubt i can type on a 12", so that kills the purpose of that for me..

 

What do you guys think about the build quality difference? I plan to put my notebook in my backpack wherever I go, do you think the A8J would be up to snuff for this? I've heard it has pretty good build quality too, but I'm a little worried about scratching and durability etc. Does anyone have hands on experience with both? I'm looking to buy either or today and I'll need to know if it's worth the extra bucks!

 

I'm sure it will be fine for that Buddie...it's not like it's a cheap computer - even a Dell can pretty much handle that (though I've gone through a few hinge sets on the one I'm using right now).

It's really up to you if it's worth the extra $. Do you can for fancy brushed aluminum, or are you good with the sleek silver on the A8jm? Either way you go you're good...how tight is your budget?

 

Hmm.. I hadn't planned to go above 2,000 and the W3J was more of an optional consideration if the build quality was significant enough to justify the extra 300. As it is now I've decided to not overbuy and am paying for the A8Jm tommorow. I think it's probably all I need and has enough gravy to satisfy me. I have to admit though, I'll definitely be dreaming about the gunmetal for a few months, but I'm sure I'll get over it some day =). Plus I know that the W3J's good looks will be eye catching, but it will be just as eye catching to that entrepreneurial theif eyeing it up in one of my classes. I'm happy with my decision though, and I'll probably write up a nice little review for anone interested in reading it .