A8Js or G1 - Please help me choose

Hello!

I have a question first for G1 owners, ASUS states the dimensions of the laptop as 324mm * 284mm * 37.4 mm(W x D x H). However the length doesn't seem right. I mean the A8Js is 335mm!!!! which should be smaller. Can someone measure the G1? Also has anyone placed the G1 on a scale, I would love to know how much it weighs exactly.

Now I've decided I'm going with either of these two models.
My main reasons being:

1) DVI-D output, I have a home cinema front projector and I would love to be able to connect the laptop with a DVI-D to HDMI cable and view high definition content from my PC.
2) GeForce 7700 Go, I play the occasional game.
3) Core 2 DUO T7200.

My current laptop is an HP zx5171EA 15.4" which is bigger and heavier than the G1 so I'm more than anxious to get rid of it.

My main issues with each laptop are and I would love to hear your comments:

G1
Likes:
1) I like the styling, it says I'm a kick ass computer.
2) Comes with 2GB of RAM.
Dislikes:
1) It is too high. I don't carry my laptop everywhere I go but I always take it while traveling by airplane. I would like to be able to use it while sitting in the plane, however if it's too high I won't be able to open it all the way on the tray in front of me. Has anyone taken the G1 on a plane? What are your comments?
2) Heavier than the A8Js, although lighter than my current laptop which weighs 3.9Kg! But I would gladly welcome the change of a lighter laptop. How does the G1 feel being carried in a backpack? Also is power brick heavier bigger than that of the A8Js?


A8Js
Likes:
1) It's small and light which would be a welcome change.
2) I like the flush touchpad.
Dislikes:
1) Material looks a bit cheap.
2) Only 1GB of RAM so I would have to pay extra for another gig.
3) Screen quality from what I've read is not as good as the G1 (viewing angles, brightness etc.)

So what do you think, I'm really 50-50 at the moment and could use some help.

 

the screen on the a8js is brighter than the screen on the g1.
but the g1 screen is better though it has wider viewing angle and lower ms response time.

If it does what you want that one is better. If 15.4 inch computer can fill your needs I think its better.
You get almost the same computer in a smaller size with the a8js if you want a more compact package.

 

A8js, just sweet, small and handy

 

I guess this depends on what screen size you would want. I would recommend the A8Js for its portability. If the 1GB RAM isnt sufficient, you can always upgrade it later.

 

You dont have to place your laptop on the tray while watching movies. why not just put it on ur legs. and besides, how often do you travel. If you are looking for a laptop mainly for air travel then you should consider a bit more about the screen size.

G1 is the perfect model youll get for the right price for gamers.

and I do agree with you regarding A8j's materials.. looks a bit clumsy.

 

Thanks for all your comments. I wish the A8Js looked more like the G1. I think I'll wait for the video review of the G1 before making up my mind.

Btw anyone with a G1 has managed to measure the dimensions?

 

I was just about to place my order for the A8Js (I made my mind because it is lighter and smaller) but found out that it doesn't have a PCMCIA slot but an Express Card slot.

I have a Vodafone Connect 3G PCMCIA card to connect on the go. Searching around the internet I've found that PCMCIA cards are not compatible with Express Card slots.
Is that right?

Also does anyone know what kind of card does the V1J accept btw?

I'll guess I won't have a choice and pick up the G1 instead.

 

The width of the laptop is incorrect. I measured it being almost 14 inches. I have contacted newegg and they are working on re-measuring it. As for the weight, the laptop + battery = 3.2kg or a little over 7 pounds.

 

im in the same quandary.. between an a8js/a8jp/G1.. all the while getting more and more expensive.. but really the G1 rocks with its specs, and the extra memory!

Qsn for G1 owners (asked the same of the a8jp and a8js guys):

Can you give some examples of "normal usage" battery life? I would love to know how long this thing goes when you have the wireless on, have screen brightness at about 50% and are doing medium intensity stuff like web surfing, IDE development , listening to music a la winamp or something similar or just working on MS office stuff with the wireless and music on ?

Im hoping the G1 can crest the 3 hour mark, since that is what I am looking for, and from the A8js/p owners, the feeling I get is that they have fallen shy of that at about 2:30-2:40 . Does the G1 do any better?

 

Sibby, the Express Slot does not accept PCMCIA cards, so yes the G1 has the PCMCIA slot for your 3G Card.

The V1JP has a Express 54 slot. So that would elminate that choice as well.

The G1 is still a great laptop, price for performance, and still looks quite good.

 

here is the video not too much but might be enough
http://geared2play.com/phpbb/nfphpbb/viewtopic.php?t=1284

 

Thanks to everyone for the info! and thanks for the video as well.

Since I can't actually go to a store a see these models a video is the closer I can get to the real thing

 

After a week of going back and forth between the two I finally pulled the trigger on the G1 and ordered it from btotech.

The main reasons for my choice were:
1) PCMCIA support. I need it to use my 3G card. Although there are USB and Express Card equivalents coming out, it would mean an additional investment from my part.
2) Better value. It comes with and extra gig ram, extra hard drive space, free logitech mouse, backpack.
3) Resale value. I bet when I want to upgrade the G1 would sell for a lot more than the AJ8s.

Can't wait to get the G1 in my hands

 

I was in that state of mind for many weeks. Ultimately I bought the G1. The main justification seems to be the price & spec. Here's why.
G1 - $1800
A8 - $1500
Therefore
A8 + 2G ram which I absolutely need = $1700 minimum

So, spend an additional $100 now for G1, I got additional 40G hard disk space,
bluetooth, more screen real estate, better build, and less anxiety on the
quality of the screen.

The sacrifice is that G1 is noticeably heavier. I have spare xp pro so that does
not bother me but it might be for you if you need to additionally buy xp pro for G1. Also, I am not concerned at all about express card.

If A8 with 2G ram at less than $1600 I may very well go for A8.

 

the a8js comes with 1 gb in 1 dim so 2 gb should cost you 100$

 

You are right. For some reason I was having the impression that it was 2x512M.
I must have confused it with another model.
Even so, I still feel like I get it right to go with G1. Unless of course, the A8 becomes on sale for another couple of hundred less. Oh well, no need to second guess.
Both the A8 and G1 are good, otherwise I wouldn't have spent some sleepless nights to ponder which one to get.

 

ya its the a8jp that has 2 x 512 mb

because you can get the a8js for 100 off pretty easily and the g1 goes for closer to retail the price is pretty close