Asus lower to mid range: Quality or Fashion?

Don't want to stir up anyone but am thinking about an Asus, among other things, and would like the opinion of those who own one of the lower end to mid range models.
Big question: Is the price your're paying because ASUS has super quality build and components, OR is part of the money going for the sleek, fashionable looks?

 

I would like to know the answer to that question since i'll buy a new notebook and my 1 year and 8 months F3JP, which cost me 1400 Euros (2060 dollars) is far (very far) from being a super quality build.

 

I'm sorry to hear that, but appreciate you answering the question for me.

 

Most people, correct me if I'm wrong, bought ASUS because they offer the most bang for the buck. Comparable notebooks with same specs and quality that is not ASUS costs way more.

 

Sounds like I did not do my homework well enough. I thought it was the other way around. I must confess I only looked at two models. I will keep that in mind and will look deeper.

 

Come to think of it, I thought Acer was the one with the most for the money usually. Have heard mixed reviews on Acer.

 

OK, easy summary:

Before 2006, Asus was all about high build quality and quality components, and you paid for the privilege of owning one.

Over the past 24 months, Asus has shifted into mainstream and budget model production focusing on bang-for-buck systems. Their sales and market presence have significantly increased as a result, but there are issues with particular models (esp F3 series build problems) and poor battery life across the board compared to competition (max 2.5-3 hours) and most would not characterize the current lineup as being on par with the W2/W3/V6 of old. But other models (F8, M50, M70) seem to be holding up fairly well and they have just released their new mainstream gaming rigs (G50) with higher end to come (G70).

Acer is totally budget, except for Ferrari - they build cheap and stick whatever they can get for the price inside the chassis.

For the OP: Your instinct would have been completely correct pre-06. But Asus has changed, as they wanted to compete better globally with HP and Dell, and their new lineup is accomplishing that goal at the expense (IMO) of their historic strengths.

 

Agreed with that. Does the OP have a particular model in mind? Maybe owners and long-time readers of the forums can make a brief summary on how it's holding up from the point of view of quality.