Asus Z70Va vs. ThinkPad Z60m

Was set to purchase a TP Z60M (or T43) but came across the Asus. I was impressed with the features, value and size compared to the heavy TP Z60M.

I have read the reviews on this site ad nausea but was wondering if someone can give me the pros and cons of each laptop. Here is a link to my needs. http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=35346

Thin and Light is desired. I have never purchased anything from a Canadian web site and wanted some feedback.

Thanks.

 

For the z70va, I got mine through CanadaSys ( www.canadasys.com) - service was good and they shipped it to me pretty fast (3 business days all the way to Fort MacMurray, AB) after they got the money. I don't know how good their warranty service is because I haven't had any problems yet.

 

I think I went to this site but could not configure online? Also this company does not appear to take credit cards which offers the consumer more protection.

 

I would check out the Z63A (14”) and Z70A (15”) if you don’t need a gaming notebook. Both made of carbon fiber / plastic “alloy”, both very reliable.

I wouldn’t worry about the “unknown” Asus brand. They are considered by many to be one of the top-quality manufacturers, and have/are made/making notebooks for IBM and Apple.

Try ISTNC and ProPortable for configurations.

 

Thanks Greg. I am leaning to a 15.4 Wide Screen. I desire a resolution of 1680 x 1050 (WSXGA). I like the extra real estate for spreadsheets. I do need a light and thin 15.4 . . . if there is such a thing. Am I looking at the best Asus model? Can anyone comment on the keyboard of the Asus models? I do like the ThinkPad keyboards.

Yes I see a dealer in Charlotte. I am also in NC.

 

If you can live without widescreen, the Asus V6Va is the probably the thinnest and lightest 15" notebook on the (north american) market. Highly recommended for business users

Other than that, the Asus Z70Va is great....
the keyboard on asus models are great; probably not AS good as TP keyboards...but close.

 

Thanks. The V6Va appears to be out of my range when configured. They seem to start at +/- $2k.

 

I thought your budget was under 2200. The V6V is 1800, I think... and it is VERY nice!

http://istnc.com/store/products.php?cat=94

 

Oops I was looking at a Candian site ($C) and when I spec'd it out it was out of my budget. Thanks!

 

just a warning, the v6va will probably get a quite a bit warmer than any thinkpad due to the power it has. so check up on the reviews for it. as for asus keyboards, i havent had a problem adjusting to them a bit, no flex or anything. they just require a little more force to push the keys down than the thinkpads.

 

The Z70va will be lighter. I'd say go for the Asus, you get more for your money. the Z60m is great,..the only Z series that can stand up to IBM's T series build quality.. but you simply just get more with the Z70va.. and the Z70va is pretty nicely built too! I'd only consider the Z60m if you're really demanding on the nipple pointer and a left vent instead of a right.

 

The heat issue on the Asus notebooks seems to come up a lot and most be an issued. I didnt know it was an issue with the v6va too> Considering the heat issues, no accidental protection and lack of a finger reader have me waffling and leaning back to the ThinkPads. Managing all my passwords is a pain even with Robo (sp) forms. Am I nuts? I need to make a decision soon so any input is most appreciated.

 

I wouldn’t worry about the heat. Asus owners are all about perfection. They have to find something to whine about. The heat is no different than any other notebook. If you really hate heat, just undervolt with Notebook Hardware Control.

About accidental damage warranties - Discountnotebooks.com offers it (they sell Asus under the Chembook name), and I’m sure other retailers do as well. I am not familiar with who else does though.

I’m a minimalist, so the fingerprint thing is a turnoff. Just something else to break/malfunction. Others want it, so I guess it is up to you.

Hope that helps.

 

Thanks GregM. Due to the supply of Z70Va's, input from others and reflecting on my needs vs wants, I am leaning to the V6Va or Z63a. I determined that I don't really need the extra real estate nor the extra weight (1 pound +). I can also hook up to a 17-19" LCD monitor for extended laptop projects and I still have a reasonable lightweight unit to tote to/from my office, around coffee houses and occasional travel. Seems as thought the V6Va is almost as light as the Z63 and has better resolution. Any other input?

 

Although I am a huge fan of the 63, I would choose the V6V - that thing is SEXY!

 

I played around with a Z60m and Z60t at a local store recently and if you don't mind a X600 instead of a X700, I'd go with the Z60m.

Even with the 9-cell, it didn't feel heavier then my Z70va, in fact it felt lighter and easier to lift up with one hand from a corner. It also felt more solid and well put together and doesn't creak like my Z70va. The hinges are stronger as well, the screen doesn't wobble like with my laptop. The base of the Z60m is no thicker than the Z70Va, it's the stronger and thicker lid that makes the overall laptop thicker.

 

Thanks LazyBum. Now I am totally confused on my decision.