Asus Model Number Confusion

I'm at a loss keeping track of the various Asus lines. Especially when trying to figure out which of the forthcoming dual core models are replacing which current models.

I know the difference between "built-on Asus" and "Asus Ensemble" but beyond that the model numbers appear to be alphabet spaghetti. Is there some logic to the Asus model naming system? Do any of the "built-on" models share their chasis with any of the "Ensemble" models? If so, is there a way to tell via the model number?

Specifically, which of the soon to be relased dual core models are replacing current models?

 

The first two characters are usually the series, while the 3rd and 4th are what makes each model in that series different.

Also, North American and Worldwide naming schemes are different as well.

The 'A' series is often a bang for the buck series, but can both be ENSEMBLE and Built On.

The Z series is mostly barebones as well. The Z70 series was renamed from the M6 series which it was. I think the Z71 series is the M7 worldwide.

The 'W' series is more of a higher class ENSEMBLE line.

I don't know where the hell the V6 came from

 

Well, I can certainly help you understand the custom side of things.... the Ensemble side really isn't hard to understand at all, but I think your problem is grasping the fact that some models on the custom side that are getting "replaced" are getting replaced with models of a totally different chassis line, for example the Z70va (M6va) with the Z92ja (A6ja). They are two totally different chassis' but the reason one is "replacing" the other is because the M6 won't be back and all we have now in it's size and performance level will be this A6 that comes in. Notice below that "7" means mainstream-performance while "9" means mainsteam-value. With the high-end graphics in this upcoming Z92ja, one would wonder if that's "value" then what could "performance" be, but in this case "value" has a lot to do with the chassis itself which is going to bring the cost of this system down and therefore will be a good value for the graphics performance it's going to have.... similiar to how some have compared the Z70 with the V6.... sort of.... but you're stepping down in the way of the chassis more than anything else.

Now the "Z" line is an entirely made up number line that compiles what are Asus chassis' into a custom system.. this was made up to keep people from confusing the complete systems which Asus builds and services with the custom systems which a dealer builds and services.

As far as Ensemble series lines.... once upon a time they were simplier... the A,L,M and S lines... A for audio, L for laptop, M for modular, S for svelte and slim... The L1 was honestly their first laptop, so the meaning of L is quite unoriginal... Once you get into the new series like the W and V... W is widescreen and V is for vanity... Now don't get me started on the numbers because although they all started out with "1" (except for the V series), they've gone all over the board and a lower number doesn't mean it's older and it doesn't mean it's smaller.... that's about all I can give you.

 

Awesome post as always. I knew there had to be a method to the madness there, but hadn't gotten to sitting down and puzzling it out. Now to just continue the waiting game

 

Asus seems to have a rule or pattern to create the different models and names, so interesting.

 

Thanks for taking the time to break that down. That was great.

I didn't realize the Z92ja was the direct replacement for the Z70va. I guess it makes sense in terms of specs but isn't the screen resolution for the z92ja really low? I think that's what threw me for a loop as I would have assumed any replacement for the Z70va would have included the 1680x1050 display.

BTW, you wouldn't happen to have a picture of the new Z92ja, would you? I'd like to see if it carries on the Z70va's good looks.

 

Yes they do.... the problem is, there isn't a great way to compare those numbers to the ensemble side (which was sort of the point)....

The Ensemble side series numbering starting sort of like this:

L - ok... first laptop... L1 seems like a good idea "laptop 1"
M - modular... was the meant to have interchangable bays
S - were and are single spindle systems... no optical drive
A - the first model to use audio dj.... the whole "audio" focus started here
T - I swear this stood for "tech" because the first model was the T9 had a fingerprint scanner and a removable mp3 player.... wicked for late 2001... one model was made and it never took off.

Since then there have been some mixing and matching of course, but this is where it all started.

 

I'm sorry, but you need to READ.... I said it's the replacement in the lineup because the Z70 series isn't getting refreshed for us.... so the closest thing in the lineup in size and performance to fill in the gap is the A6ja (z92ja).... It's based on the the A6 chassis.... although I don't like the chassis, it was used on at least half a dozen models last years...... just look up "A6".

 

Thanks again for the info...I'd just prefer it with a little less attitude. Especially considering you're representing your business. No big deal...but it's the little things that matter. You could have opted to point out my oversight with tact.

 

You're not paying me, right? You didn't do anything for me, right? I'm not the forum genie or anything.... You missed an important message and I had to take the time to point it out... again. So far, I've put more time into this this little relationship between the two of us, so attitude or not, just be thankful I took the time to help you.... search the forum a bit a find other posts where comments like "representing your business" were made... you'll see why I don't really care.

... Put it this way, I'd be happy to suggest my buddies Eddie over at Geared2Play and Sasha at C9tech and they will be glad to take your business when you're ready to buy a system, that is if you don't like me and take that out on our company by not purchasing from us. That unfortunately doesn't bother me because I and others see that I helped you in a way that was quick and probably gave you more information than you could even think possible. My role is to give my knowledge to those here who are starving for it.... if you think for a second that I gave you information because I sensed the blood of a soon-to-be notebook buyer, then you're seriously mistaken..... it was simply because you asked a question I thought was on a lot of people's minds... I knew the answer... and I wanted to help.

The simple way to put it is.... love me or hate me, every post I make is a representation of the company I run when it comes to the knowledge of the products, the help and service the members receive along with the general professional tone I help set for the forum. My demeanor and personality that comes forth is me and I'll be darned if I ever become some faceless executive who doesn't care about people or the products and services his company sells. I don't feel it should be unfairly considered an embodiment of my comany, but rather taken at face value... This is my community as much if not more than other members and if they can take my answers to their questions, then they should be able to take my personality and accept me for me. I'm a sarcastic perfectionist.... always will be. Believe it or not, I bite me tongue more often than not, but I am what I am.....

I hope I didn't bring tears to your eyes, but I'm SORRY if I did.... and just because I put it in capital letters doesn't mean I'm any more sorry then if it were written any other way. The point is... "READ" was written in capitals so you'd see it.... you missed the answer to your question before you even asked it... and I thought maybe it was because the letters didn't pop out at you.... The point is, if I can't have some little bit of fun with these posts, I'd honestly start pulling my hair out for the fun of it.

No need to comment.... this post was more for the next person who thinks I'm a guest in their house instead of the other way around. Just so not to let anyone think this is an angry post, I'll end it with a wink,an eye roll and a little bit of humility....

 

If Justin has an attitude, then I don't want to know what Eddie has...

 

Hi Justin,
I'm still a little comfused about the Z line of notebook. The reason I say this is because the company i work for (60 retail outlets in total) sells very large volumes of 'z' series noteboks. ) z92, z81 and so on....Now from what I read, the Z line is something that is built up by the dealer and then sold onto the consumer...

The think that confuses me is that, we (the company i work for) gets the notebook directally from asus (notebook have air singapore stickers on them) and they are customised to how we want them. We also dont get any freebies with the notebooks like that asus bags and mouse.
We do however get the full 24 month warranty for them.

Now we also sell the other lines, like the A6u, A6vc, A6vm, W3a, W2, V6, etc..
But all have the same warranty, 24 months. And also dont come with any freebies.

Does this sound normal to you, cos from what I've picked up from many different posts from you and others, that the 'z' series is the budget series and have only 1 year warranties and are customised by the dealers who sell them. Or is that only valid for the US market


oh, I'm in New Zealand btw.

Cheers

Jonathan

 

I have a mean streak and will sucker punch any trolling reseller
Justin dont take it personally. People will never undrestand the error of their ways if they are pointed out by a PERSON of your stature. Its like president Bush telling the amrican public "you dont understand you need to do some reading". Dont reply to bashers who take it out on your day job instead of yourself.

 

Jonathan,

I can only really speak for North America... If your company is buying them pre-configured to sell at a retail box store, they very well could be... but the structure is completely different. The big deal is that in North America, people like choice and the choice to configure their systems... that's why we've got two lines. If we could guarentee enough sales - we could order a V6 in any configuration we want.... we'd just have to be able to sell them and fork over enough money during the build, shipping and storage of the units....

So in your case, They can order order them, but so could be. But for us, it's cheaper and better for business to order just the parts and then esemble per order. You're looking at say at between 1/2 and 1/3 of the cost to stock barebones and when you have multiple ways to configure them, you're going to attract more buyers..... In your situation though, the reason the Z series may be sold is because that's how they are getting reviewed and recognized down there....

 

Jason, as someone who is interested in the new Z92ja, I wonder why you don't like the aesthetics of the A6 line. As you suggested in your post above, I looked up images of the A6 and of the M6 to try to figure out what the difference would be between the Z70va and the new Z92ja and from the images I found on google, they don't seem all that different.
Now obviously, some of this just comes down to matters of taste, but I think that we could agree that the ideal design would have form->function. What are the drawbacks to the A6 chassis which cannot be discerned from images? Is it things like lower quality plastic, etc?

 

Well you lost me as a customer with that response. Your info is great but it's not unique. There are several individuals on this board fully capable of delivering the same excellent information -sans arrogance.

I actually shopped ProPortable but after reading that I took your advice and purchased a new Asus elsewhere.

 

Dude no offense but if he is arrogant (very possible it takes one to know one) then you are ignorant. The ignorance is that you confuse him reping his biz for him being an individual. He is an individual who works for a business much like i am. Try not to confuse that. First and foremost we are people with jobs here. We have alot of responsibility on the forums. Making sure we dont offend people with weak knees is not one of them. If you think J is arrogant or I am nasty then fine. You may be right on a monday but wrong on a friday with that. You acting like we are here to pitch you is exactly what pisses me off. Were not here to pitch anyone. We are here becuase we want to be among other reasons. We dont have to be. Now i dont know where you bought your lappy from and i dont want to know but in responce to your somewhat get under the skin statement all i can say is your loss. A year from now if you do need help you may find your self in less then desirable company and support. On a side note you are within your right to be angry or not appreciate that comment Justin made. Along with that you should consider that we are regular people. We dont have a boss to watch over us. If we did we probably would not be here. Our advice is certainly not unique but what is unique is our experince and the fact that we offer it to the public.

 

The A6 is plastic... it makes it heavier and thicker.... and with a more boring design... it's certainly not my first choice.

 

It doesn't take a rocket scientist to know guess you may have "shopped" with us, but I'm fairly certain from the time of your post and the question you asked, that I was in the room when you called and asked the same question to our sales manager who spent a good chunk of time on the phone with a person who was asking the same question not an hour earlier than your post. Honestly, when I catch wind of questions like these, I almost wonder why I let our guys waste their time blabbing on and on to answer people's questions when they are just going to ask them again in here.... but please make sure to clarify, you "called to ask a question" and you haven't bought from us before... there is a huge difference and since you don't appreciate the time taken out for you on the phone, or the time I took for you in this thread, you could jump out in front of a car for all I care..... We've done what we set out to do and that's inform EVERYONE.... we obviously too hard to do background searches on potential customers and even then we can't weed out the ungrateful pricks like yourself. But, let me make this clear.... if my information wasn't unique, someone else would have answered you....

Trust me... we're better off without your business.

 

Resellers and buyers on the same forum causes conflict of interests. If you are not representing your company... maybe your sign-in name should reflect that of the individual and not the company, just so other members do not get the wrong impression.

 

Excuse me? Are you telling me you guys are here simply due to your giving and generous nature? I appreciate the info that you guys provide, but it is 100% crystal clear that the only reason you spend so much time on these boards is that you want more people to buy Asus, preferably from the businesses you represent. If it weren't so, you would be on here under different names with no mention ever of what company you work for/own whatever.

This forum is great advertising for you guys, and you know it. Trying to deny it just makes you both sound stupid. The fact that you both are plugging your businesses while posting here means that you will always face extra pressure over what you would face if you were truly just here as knowledgable individuals. With your company names clearly on display you will always be perceived as salespeople no matter how you spin it. As business people you should embrace this opportunity and treat everyone as potential customers, which means being courteous and polite no matter what is fired your way. That is how good business has always been and always will be conducted. The fact that we're on the Internet and can't see each other face to face doesn't change a thing.

Hopefully you can take this as constructive criticism and friendly advice.

 

anyway.... back to the thread...thanks for the replay Justin!

 

Jabba,

Again, think what you want, but if if this was a good form of income by itself, there'd be more a few company reps in here... The reality of it is that there is only a small percentage of members here who actually buy something and the time put it far outweighs the residual sales that come through. So, since the average buyer will just go to who ever is cheapest in the end.... we're not going to get sales in the end anyway. So, I'm sick and tired of people trying to make that link because I'd rather close a door on my head.. over and over than waste my time in this forum if the main reason was to achieve a quota of sales.

Take the information you get as a freebie and if you want courteous answers to the same questions.... call our sales people... I pay them to be nice. Here, the admins and moderates of the site invited me to help boost this community and that's my goal.... The Asus forum is the most posted on forum on the site now and this time last year it was 5th or 6th. Just feel lucky to have found such a resource.

 

What the hell are you going on about?!? I'm sorry, you need to READ...I never said anything about calling your business. ProPortable was on my list of potential online retailers and I never went further than visiting the website.

This thread has turned into an ad for ProPortable. With any luck a few other readers may get the same impression I'm getting and steer clear of doing business with you.

 

You're right and wrong.... the whole reason I was asked to come to this forum was because of some sales reps that hid out in the forum and brought up their company as a place to buy from every once and a while.... but no one knew who they were. That causes a much bigger problem because everything will read that and take it as just a normal person saying this place was good..... When I post, you know where it's coming from. The conflict of interest doesn't lie on me.... but I think some of the members.... They like to use me for the news and technical knowledge I can bring to the forum.... but when someone says something that I know to be false or I have convictions to the contrary.... I'll put a fight and it has nothing to do with selling a product. The cream floats to the top as they say and I'll never back something that I haven't personally used and feel is of high-end quality... period. Asus had a hard time trying to get us to add the lower-end A3 and A6 models to the ensemble line up because we didn't want people getting confused between the higher end products and we didn't have complete confidence in them. So, for us to list them, we told them we'd seperate them from the other ensembles and call them what they were.... "budget" models.

There shouldn't be a knowledgable forum member in here that can honestly post that my comments are jaded to sell notebooks..... I speak the truth and I sell Asus notebooks. The important fact here is that I started this company because of the quality and value of the products..... not to make money. In fact, for the first 3 years we spent more money telling people about Asus and the fact that they made laptops than we made by selling them. The last two years have simply been a reward for sticking with it and continuing to believe in the products..... I'll be the first one to say something is awesome after I've gotten my hands on it.... but I'll also be the first one to call Asus out on a bad product or decision when they come around. I'm not from the 'hood or anything, but I keeps it real and my signature at the bottom of this post lasts everyone know who this is coming from. If you want to take it with a grain of salt until you get to know me.. that's fine...... but read through my posts and you'll see what I'm about and I have nothing to hide or be ashamed of.

 

That's ok, you didn't need to and I never suggested you said it... I went over the conversation with Sean at lunch for the hell of it, and the question you posted on the forum is almost verbatim a transcript of phone conversaton he had. He also suggested you check out the forum here, so I am assuming, but it's beyond my worries.... because as you put it, I should treat you well as I'm representing a business and I guess you'd be looked at as a potential client. However, I mixed it up and simply told you that I don't care and suggested other places to go to. So no matter what you say, it doesn't reflect bad on me..... eventhough it probably pissed you off that I wasn't at your beckon call to apoligize and ask you how I how be forgiven to get you as a customer.

.... I'm sorry I didn't conform to whatever puppet you'd imagine me to be.... but oh well.... I'm done with this thread.... PROPortable out

 

why is it that in just about every thread, you (no one in particular) pick on Mr Justin? for $%^%$ sakes get over it, he's not here to make sales. take your issues that you have with him somewhere else, and let these forums be a wealth of knowledge for everyone else. I and I'm sure a lot of other members are getting sick and tired of reading Justin having to defend himself from you.

If only you read what you have said from a 3rd person view, you'll see just how ungratefull you are.

now if someone could please close this thread. thanks

insane

 

Thanks, but that wasn't needed.... I think what you said is understood even when not spoken.... I already put an IM over to Sam to close it because it not going to do anyone any more good... but my diagram on the first page is something a lot of people can probably take advantage of.

 

Finally!!! I see the light now!

 

Closed as per (valid) request.