Asus F3F-AP007H - pls. HELP

Hello Asus people,

I am facing currenty a problem with my new DV6000z and I am seriously thinking of switich to Asus. I would like to buy the F3F+ from this retailer:
1) Asus F3F (900USD after discounts and tax)

Core Duo T5500E
Graphics card Intel integrated 945PM (I don't mind)
15.4" WideScreen WXGA [1280x800]
1GB DDR2 533MHz
100GB 5400RPM SATA
8X Dual-Layer DVD-RW Drive
6 Cell Lithium Ion Battery (lasts up to 3,5 hours)
1.3M Pixel Web-Camera,4 in 1 card reader
Microsoft Windows XP Home
2 Year ASUS Global Warranty


http://c9tech.com/buy/nfoscomm/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=22_35&products_id=102

It's for 900USD after rebates and a student discount. Is this a good deal? Or are there any better deals currently available on the web and in the Asus world?

Second, I want to return my DV6000z to HP because of excessive noise that it creates (the fan is on every 2nd minute for about 30-40 seconds). I can't stand NOISE, even a minor one, becaus I work daily in a library.
I was assured that the new types of ASUS notebooks are really silent, is that true?

Third, I use my notebook mostly for word processing, surfing, watching DVD. NO gaming, no demanding applications. Hence I believe I don't need any newer version from the Asus series. What I want to know though is the battery life and the quality of speakers? My HP lasts for 1,5-2hours only. will Asus give me longer time?

Forth, I really do not want to upgrade my computer anytime in the future.
Hence quality, warranty and realibility are key for me. What I get this from an Asus?

Pls. help me convert/not convert to ASUS.
thank you all,

christina

 

Pls. get back to me, I'd like to know what type of experience have you had with that particular piece.
thank you,
christina

 

The F3F is a good model for someone with basic computing needs and on a budget........ With that said, it's still a very good configuration even for a basic user and obviously you have the internal quality that comes with an Asus motherboard. The F3f is basically the lowest end Core Duo model that Asus is importing to the US market. However, it's very good for what it would compete with price wise.

Please you have the rebate and vista upgrade coupon... it's a lot for what you're paying.
... Hope that makes sense.

 

No - they're not silent. The first key to Asus' designs is the thermal envelope (how they're going to cool the units)..... The F3f is a basic system, and a rather large chassis - so it's not bad to start with. However, the fans are designed to give the system whatever cooling it needs and under heavy use - it's going to still get hot and therefore the cooling fans will speed up and that's where the noise comes from. I'm not sure who would "assure" you of that, but that's a guarentee that really can't be made... it depends on your use.

The F3 should be good for your use and last longer than that HP.

Ok... it's build is similiar to dell and hp... in my world, that sucks, but in the eyes of others it could still be decent. IT's not a computer that you're going to have for a few years without it falling apart unless you baby it - it's not like their higher end models.

You convert yourself to Asus...... it's like anything else... YOU realize why YOU should do it and it'll be a much more rewarding experience for you... I won't tell you what to do, but I could certainly help you in your journey..... but the path is yours to follow.

 

Threads merged... they seemed really similar anyway.

 

ProPortable,
thank you very much for your answers...but the one is very worrisome. You're saying that it'll get noisy too? Well if that's the case, I might be in troubles. Is there any computer that will not get noisy every other minute? I've got some older types at home and they are silent.
that is really worrisome.

 

Aurora,

yes, they are in some way. But I hoped to really target those who have that particular notebook - ie. increase the chance that I'll get more replies.

 

Lets look at the silent or not silent issue from the following angle.
My F3Jc has a lower-end Go7300 discrete graphics card and it doen't get too hot (the highest CPU temp i've seen is 61C under heavy load and an HDD temp of 45c *sigh*), initally the cooling fan stays quiet but at 40c it kicks in and its not so quiet anymore. At least in my case, the CPU temp doesn't drop below 35C to become silent again :<
The F3F you're planning on getting has a better C2D processor and hence should emit more heat, but the Intel GMA950 integrated graphics should emit less heat, so in the end, you should (but might not) have the same experience as I.

Hope this doesn't throw you off on buying a basically good ASUS laptop.

 

SiLC,
thanks for the response. That is very important what you're telling me here.
What is really crucial to me is how often will it get over that level where to the fan kicks in. I mean if I use it for word processing or browsing the web (ie. nothing really complicated), the level of heat and hence fan activity should be pretty constant and most likely below average usage.
I'd just simply like to know if my ASUS will or will not be loud and if so, in what intervals and for how long? (assuming that what I basically do is just two things: word processing and web browsing).

 

Christina,
I was going to order F3F too, but finally I ordered W3V for 1200$. It is not Core Duo but for what i need, almost similar to what you need, i think it is a better choice. I think you should have a look at it too.

 

Yeah, well even what I will call "low end" is still in the higher end than the mainstream market...... I just need to seperate them because there's a big difference between what we sell - which is only Asus and but for a normal customer - if everything is more than what they need - those differences may not be apparent...

Now... noise isn't a bad thing..... it means your system needs cooling and it's going to do whatever it needs to to keep your system from a shortened life due to heat. Now, with all of the systems, you can set the cpu into an office or email mode and limit the cpu....... that will limit the power, which limits the heat, which limits the fan, and that of course limits the resulting whoosh..... But beyond that, you're not going to get any better with any other computer unless you when with an ultra low voltage cpu.. and I think that's just a waste..... so, it should be fine for you, but I want you to know that even those it's lower end for us - it's still got a lot of power... so you have to manage that and you'll be ok.

 

If you don't mind going down a screen size.. (i.e 14" widescreen), the A8F is also a cheap and good option.

 

I ended up ordering ASUS F3F and can't await till I get it. Will let you know what I think of it. thank you for all the advice.

 

Christina, any update on the F3F? I'm considering getting one for my uncle to give to his wife for Xmas. She just needs a basic PC to do some surfing and email, and it will probably never leave the house, so extreme durability or super battery life aren't really an issue, but she'll probably appreciate the larger screen.

Thanks.