Asus laptop (A8Jm) or MacBook Pro?

I'm trying to decide between getting the 15" MacBook Pro or a new Asus laptop, specifically the 14" A8Jm. A little background first, I've been using both Macs and PC's for several years now and I'm fine with both operating systems, I have a dual 2GHz G5 Powermac with a 30" Cinema Display and I just recenly sold my 15" i.67GHz Powerbook.
I'm not crazy about the aluminum case of the MacBook Pro, it doesn't give me that durable feeling as I travel often, plus there seems to be reports of several issues with is such as a persistant "whine" noise, some subpar displays and it gets quite hot even under light use. I've been reading these forums and it seems people here are happy with Asus and their products and I would like to give it a try. The only thing holding me back is the ability of the MacBook Pro to now run both OS X and Windows XP and the fact that the MacBook Pro has a dual DVI adapter so I can use my 30" Cinema Display at it's native resolution.
I guess I'm asking if anyone here has gone from using a Mac to an Asus notebook and if you are happy with your decision. I know I'm rambling but I want to be satisfied with my choice so I'd really appreciate any feedback.

 

MacBook Pro.

.... now, if you want to compare apples to apples, the fratenal twin to the 15" MacBook Pro is going to be that Asus V1j which we're crossing our fingers for an August release........ if you can wait, I'm going to suggest the V1j. If you can't, I'm going to go with the MacBook.

 

i personaly don't know about running Mac OS on an Intel only machine...i've heard that it is easier to run MAc OS on an intel only machine than putting XP on a MAC machine.

What is your timeframe for purchasing a notebook?

The a8jm is nice, I suggest waiting about 1 week, and then go see it in real life and get your opinion on it.

Also i suggest you google, and find info regarding running the Mac OS on a intel base machine.

Thanks,

MysticGolem

 

My timeframe is as soon as possible as I am now without a laptop. I live in Florida and don't know of any brick and mortar stores that carry Asus laptops. It's not a deal breaker if I can't run OS X on a laptop, it just nice that the MacBook Pro can run both, there doesn't seem to be a problem with XP on the mac usuing BootCamp from what I've read.
You say the A8Jm is nice, can you elaborate on that a little, specifically the quality of the display and the over all build quality. What are the A8Jm casing materials? I really appreciate your input.

 

Here you find some info regarding battery.
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=53729

Here's a small comparison thread:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=53642

General info thread:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=53271&page=5

pics and more info:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=53534

Other than that, this laptop is really new, you'll start seeing reviews within this month.
The build quality should be good, the materials are prolly high grade plastic and magnesium. <- thats my guess tho.

Thanks,

MysticGolem

 

Given what you already have in place, your experience with Macs, and the sweet @ss display that you have, I'd say go with the MBP...

If you have the urge to go with an Asus though I also agree that the V1j is the closet thing you can get to the Macbooks. The screen size is the same (albeit maybe at a higher res), and it just seems like it's in the same "class" as the MBP - fit and finish, high end materials and design.

 

Thanks MysticGolem for those links. I'll say that I do think I prefer the looks of the some of the other Asus laptops in the link you provided, the ones with the gun metal gray aluminum look very sleek. Unfortunately I can't wait until August to get a new laptop, I really need one pretty much immediately.
TheUndertow, when I sold my Powerbook I did so with the intent of trying something different, I hear what you're saying as the MacBook Pro would be the most practical choice for me but somehow I'm not thrilled about geting one especially when I read about some of the problems people are having with the 15" version. The new 17" MacBook Pro that "might" have some of the kinks worked out is just too large for me to travel with comfortably.
I really appreciate eveyones input

 

stay away from the MacBook Pro

I currently have one..
at first I like it but after intensive use.. is just a bad purchase and I am going to return it

reasons I dont like it

1) I notice that windows XP runs slow on it compare to the recent Asus notebook I got.. and it has the same specifications as the mac.. only a few differences

2) the notebook is so thin it feels like you are going to break it

3) the thinness of the notebook makes it heat up after more than an hour of use..

you cant use it much on your lap..
I notice that the screen has a grainy look.. colors dont look alright

 

Can't go wrong with an Asus...I have the W3j en route - powerful yet portable package with excellent quality.

Generally the "A" series of Ensembles are known as "entry level models" even though the prices are generally pretty close. I think that has more to do with the casing and frame materials...

I will say that the graphics card in the A8j looks awesome.

 

I don't want to derail the thread but can someone tell me if the W3J runs hotter than the MacBook Pro?

 

I have to agree with justin. If you are going to compare anyting to the MBpro you really should be looking at a v6j v1j or w2j. All are excellent machines. Lack of DVI might kill it for you. the a8jm is a nice machine as well. its a hard choice build wise i would bet the v series is better than a MBpro but lack of DVI is a big one even to me.

 

kal no, the W3J is cooler than the MBP, both Mathsa and Hyper discussed about how cool the W3J runs and temp and hot spots of the W3J after intense use. Overall from what i heard. The W3J is good in heat factor, yes the right palm get a little warm, and there's air blowing outta right vent, overall it still good.

Much better than the MBP and its problems with heat, and even Apple knows.

BTW, Aztlan, did you have the revised version of the MBP? or the old one? Supposedely the new revisioned ones fixed many problems of the older MBP.

PS: the only thing I like about the MBP is its design, everythign else i really can't comment on because if have no seen it or dealt with it.

Thanks,

MysticGolem

 

if you are a video editing person, go with mbp. Otherwise, asus FTW!

 

Thanks for the replies folks. Too bad about the MBP, it would be the easiest for me to order as it's a known entity but I don't want to take the chance on getting one with the current problems. Also a great display is very important to me and I've read so many posts from people who have received their MBP with sub par displays, too bad. I have never had an Apple display or notebook that didn't have to be replaced due to either bad or stuck pixels, I had to go through 3 30" Cinema Displays before I got a perfect one! The manager at my local Apple Store was very cool about it.
Anyway, if I have to wait I can only wait a couple of weeks, are there any Asus laptops coming out within that time frame? Actually I was considering purchasing the Portable One MX based on the A8Jm. I want to spec it out with the 2.16GHz Core Duo and since I live by a golf course the optional transflexive display available might be great when I'm on the patio. I'd appreciate if you could tell me if there is something I should wait for for the next 10 days to 2 weeks, if I have to I can borrow my wifes HP laptop for the trip I'm taking 10 days from now.

 

nothing is coming out, except maybe the w3j.....though really the only other option out right now that is closest to the macbook pro is the asus s96j. but it's definitely not a looker, so you might want to stick with the asus a8jm. are you a gamer or need the video card for 3d programs? i feel like if a good screen is important to you, something like the fujitsu e8210 would be good, though it doesn't have as good of a gpu.

 

I checked out the Fujitsu e8210, it looks nice but I don't want a laptop with a case that light in color, also as you said the GPU is nowhere near the Go7600 in the A8Jm. I will say that Fujitsu displays are absolutely gorgeous, there is a guy that goes to my local Borders and he brings his 17" Fujitsu laptop, the display on that thing is beyond words, I've never seen such a beautiful display.

 

Thanks MysticGolem!

*puts W3J back on list of laptops being considered*