ASUS W90 - Some questions.

Hi,

I was just wondering, does ASUS not offer any sort of customizable options for their laptops like Alienware/Dell or are you just stuck with their fully pre-built versions? Example, I really want a W90 when it becomes available, but I want screen size at 17" with a single 4870 (the 17" version apparently only comes with a 3850 X2, but I'd rather have a 4870). I want my notebook to be good for all-around, for HD Movies, Games, School, etc. All the people I work with say 18.4" (17" even) is way too big for mobility and the battery life would be like 1 hour, heh.

There's always major drawbacks in things I want to buy, such as no options =/.

 

I have already addressed your questions here. Please don't cross-post and if you have any further questions please continue on your original thread or post them on the W90 Price thread.

 

Ah, sorry, heh. Most of the other forums I post on, even if I update my posts, the thread dies and nobody replies, so I assumed it would probably happen here too.

 

To answer your question, yes, there will be customizable models available through some ASUS resellers..... like XoticPC.

Again, see the " W90 price" thread......post again there.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=351318

 

If you're unsure which notebook to get you might want to consider the FAQ and post in the WSIBN forum.

 

Also ZAYNE, if you would change your PM settings, others could provide you more information, without it being posted in open forum.

 

My PM settings, you mean to allow incoming PMs? Is that not on by default? I'll change it now if it isn't, just need to point me in the right direction. Is it under 'Edit Options' in the 'Messaging & Notifications'?

 

Yes, it's under 'Edit Options' in the 'Messaging & Notifications'..... Enable PM's.

PM me and I'll answer your questions, or I'll refer you to someone who can help.

 

It says E-mail messages, doesn't that imply that you would be e-mailing directly to the e-mail I used to register on NBR or does that just mean I would receive a PM on the forum and be notified by e-mail?

 

Not email settings....... in forum 'Private Messenging' (PM's). Enable PM's. Yes, it will give you an option to be 'notified' by email, that you have received a PM in the NBR forums. PM's are not direct emails..... only 'in-forum' messenging.

'Left-click' over my name..... it should give you an option to 'PM' me.

 

Forget the m17x. You should instead be considering the W90 vs the Alienware M17. The M17 will be configurable with a single or dual 4870s sometime next month.

 

Hmmmm...... why consider the M17 with the W90? Will the W90 not provide a better display, with more screen real-estate..... be just as configurable, better warranty, priced less, and perhaps be released sooner (with 4870's)? ASUS may well be the first to debut ATI's new 4870's. I HOPE SO!

I just priced an M17 (with dual 3870's) with equal configuration of the ASUS W90Vp-X1..... Alienware's M17 price, $2,709.00. When Alienware adopts the 4870's, will their pricing remain the same? Even such, it is looking like the W90 will be a far better value.

Your thoughts.....?

 

You can't send PM until you've got 10 posts. You may only receive them.

 

Ahhhhhh........ Thank You very much ZaZ, I was unaware of this. YOU DA MAN!

10 POST ZAYNE!

 

Crikey! Look at ZaZ's post count...

 

Yeah, and that avatar is down right SCAREY, LOL!

 

I guess that's the problem - 10 posts . That's probably why I didn't see the option to enable PMs yet. Yeah, I was looking at Alienware, but price is a bit high and can never find any news on when they will release a Notebook with a 4870 option - so I just said screw it, started looking at ASUS models and found the W90 (from what I've read, the W90 and it's other variations will be quite a bit cheaper). 18.4" seems a bit big, I'd be happy with a 17" version with a 4870. Hopefully some Canadian resellers have customization options like someone in this thread mentioned.

 

Can I configure the Asus W90p to have 4GB ram and a single ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4870? I doubt I will have enough money for the crossfire.

 

See my reply to you in the ' W90 price' thread.

 

See my reply to terminus123 in the ' W90 price' thread.

 

The W90 comes with DDR2 ram but is it possible for it to use DDR3?

 

Nope. DDR2 and DDR3 ram have different form factors.

 

DAVID, is absolutely correct in this. Unless ASUS re-slots the W90's mobo, DDR2 it is...... BUT, not to worry. There is plenty of data (for now) to show, there is no significant performance difference between the two. I feel this is only a real concern to x-treme overclockers (generally seeking custom programmed RAM). Again, ASUS knows this, and you have to ask yourself, why design a new X38 chipset mobo (which supports DDR3), and only slot it for DDR2?

The W90 is going to be plenty fast for the average gamer! Can't wait!

 

yea, according to various benchmarks from a multitude of sources, I can pretty much confirm DDR3 ram at MAX provides like +3 FPS, most of the time merely +0.05FPS.

However a more prominent good thing about DDR3 is it runs on less power.

 

Agreed, and generally the lessor voltage, means less heat. (and perhaps a moderately extended battery life.)

It will be interesting to see the design features of the W90, in regards to heat dissipation..... it looks well vented. Perhaps this accounts for it's size and thickness. I am understanding it runs relatively cool, but I have yet to see any temp marks, when the GPU's are tasked.

Overall though, I feel confident ASUS has made wise decisions in the W90's design features..... not overly concerned with the choice of DDR2

Again, we shall see! Soon hopefully!

 

For notebooks, DDR2 is actually better mainly because of high latency DDR3 SODIMMs, vs low latency DDR2 SODIMMs

 

Thanks ichime!

Agreed, and a very good point, but I don't know if I'd say 'better' necessarily. This lends to what I was stating earlier, regarding no significant performance differences between the two. I think the only point terminus123 was making, is DDR3's advantage of lower voltages..... which is not a bad point either.

I have no problem with ASUS's choice of DDR2 in the W90, and as I have indicated, I am sure this was engineered with good reason.

I just want them to HURRY UP, and release the darn thing! Can't wait!