Attention Students (even former ones)

My long hours of searching for a laptop for college has been limited to the final 2 models, the W3J and V1J. Now, my main concern is that the V1J might be too big to lug around to class, for I plan to use my laptop to take notes and what not. I do not have no reference whatsoever as to what a 15incher looks like on a regular university seat/table. The only reference I have are people who bring 13inchers Macbooks, and a 13inch monitor is too small for my tastes.

If a V1J proves to be too big for everyday transport to class, then I could go down to a W3J. But my concern with that is how DVDs, and to some extent, games would look like on a 14inch monitor. Would the DVD experience be diminished on a W3J because of the smaller monitor as compared to a V1J?

Also, since W3J has been discontinued, does ASUS, or any other manufacturers for that matter, have any other 14inchers with the same simple and sturdy build (or in other words pretty build) that the W3J feature? By the way, I know about the A8, so don't bother mentioning those.

 

In my opinion anything bigger than 14" is too big to carry around (like in school). I had a sony FE and sold it because I wanted something smaller and more powerful. I recently bought the w3j and got a pretty good deal with milestonepc since the w3j's are getting discontinued. The w3j does have widescreen (16:9), the v1jp might have a better bigger screen but it is more expensive and big. The v2 (14") will be coming out in like a month or 2 with a lesser gpu though than the w3j.

 

w3j is widescreen and i think games and dvds look just fine

 

W3J is widescreen (WXGA) screen.

 

well first thing, do you really plan on bringing your notebook to class to do notes?
the reason i ask is i know a bunch of people who had that in mind but ended not taking notes with it
two reasons, it is too big and heavy to lug around on campus all day
second, the battery doesnt last long enough for all my classes for a single day

even with a 3.5 lb 12" notebook, i find it heavy, but that depends on how far you have to walk to classes and if you have anything else to carry with you
unless the 15" notebook is strictly the only thing you carry around to classes, it would most probably be too heavy in my opinion

and even if at first it doesnt seem heavy, wait for those long days on campus, and you still have to lug this heavy thing back, not something you really want to do after having an exhausting day

 

14" is honestly a good sized notebook for honestly taking around a college campus... a 15.4" will get taken around for a couple weeks at most and then left at home.... trust me.

Sounds like you might really like the V2, when it comes out anyway.

 

Well, I am going to a law school with outlets at or near the tables (so I've been told), so the power issue is not a concern to me. Secondly, I want to be organized for law school, so having my notes in an organized manner where I could easily pull them up anytime is a must.

I do dread those long days where I'm carrying a sack full of books... Perhaps I can invest in one of those rolling luggage bags .

 

The W3 isn't really the lightest 14" though, but it sure is decked out, so consider that. For example, the LG t1 is only 4.4lbs.

 

I've spent 4 years carrying a regular-ratio screened 15.4" laptop to classes and my biggest regret about size is the height -- in some classrooms it's just hard to see beyond the screen to the board. IMO weight isn't an issue -- it's still lighter than 90% of the textbooks I've had to purchase.

 

I think a 15.4'' laptop is just too heavy and way too big. I don't know if you have any classes in lecture halls but there is no way that a 15'' laptop is going to fit on those little tiny fold out desks that they have in lecture halls. I find that my w3v is small enough to carry to class when I want but its still a little heavy so I tend to leave it at home when I don't really need it. A smaller 14'' screen is nothing to worry about because its widescreen so when watching DVD's the actual size of the picture is similar to what you would get on a 15'' regular ratio screen.

If you don't really need the graphics power that's in the w3j and the v6j then you might want to look for a lighter laptop that doesn't have to support as powerful of a GPU.

 

Same. I'm very interested in the V2, especially after Santa Rosa comes out, and Asus integrates it into the V2. My only concern is the 6-cell battery the V2 comes standard with - the A8Js has similar specifications (except with a graphics card that hogs battery life) and still gets 2 hours. Seems to me like the V2 would get about two and a half hours of battery life; I'd like that to be at least 3 or 4.

I hear they'll be an option for a 9-cell battery. That's good news

 

I find my 15.4" FJ3P to be a bit large for transporting and putting on school desks. I would have preferred a 14". As a part time student it is not a huge problem and the 15.4 is great around the house.

 

As a law student, I think you should get a 17" or no less than a 15.4". You will see the reason for it after you have finished your first semester and have had the delightful experience of reading for 8-12 hours at a time.

 

I found the 14" screen on my A8Jm to be the perfect size to sit on a desk at school, and carry around campus. I also also a pretty heavy gamer (WOW, CS:S, BF2142), and have not had any issues with the screen size (and I moved from a 21" widescreen). I do have a G15 keyboard and 2.1 speakers for when my laptop is on my desk at home which definitely improves the gaming experience.

I too was concerned that 14" was just too small. But I am completely satisfied. Especially when I factored in my portability needs (which now includes working for an airline).

 

Not always.

My FE 15.4'' fits just fine on every desk I've encountered in lecture halls + classrooms.

I've seen a fair number of people carry 17'' laptops to class.

 

Agree, the screen size could be an issue in classroom. I have the same problem in my MBA classes. As far as weight, around 4 lbs should be fine.

 

I carry a 15" V6j and I used to carry a 15.4" to school everyday. I have to admit, size and weight were never a problem. If it matters, I am a 6ft tall 220 lb guy, so, I am a little more ideally suited for carrying a computer than most.

 

some more things to consider:
method of transport -- in a backpack, the difference between 5.5 and 6 lbs is negligible. in a messenger, they are both heavy (unless you've developed a beefy shoulder from years of messanging). wheeled bag would also render the weight factor moot. both the W3 and V1 come with traveler's drawers, so that would lower the weight a bit.

time spent in transit -- commute + long walk? or quick ride to the door? short walk from residence? will there be a locker for your use?

personally, i find the 14.1" widescreen very suitable for all the uses you've mentioned. comparing documents is a bit borderline, but you could probably tweak the software to maximize viewing area and develop a workable system. the screen height is not too tall, and not too short. i can see over it easily during lecture; i can also hide behind it easily with some casual slouching should the situation warrant it. fits perfectly on an airplane tray from what i hear.

cosmetically, in law school and subsequent practice, i'd probably aim for the V2. it doesn't look as slick as the W3, but it does look classier in that serious grown-up way.

 

i'm in law school now...

1. Everyone brings a laptop to take notes in class (btw... i strongly suggest you use OneNote)

2. Everyone's laptops are 14.1" or smaller.

the smaller, the lighter...the better.

I have a widescreen 14 incher right now and it's great...it weights 4 lbs... i have no problems carrying it to school and back. If I could afford it, I would have gone for a smaller notebook and maybe buy a large LCD monitor that I could plug it into at home.

just my perspective...

 

I used to carry a 17" HP around with me, no problem at all! That thing was a beast but it was a sexy beast Now the HPs are junk. So are Lenovo, I guess it's time for me to think about Asus again.

 

This is my laptop evolution since I started university.

Inspiron 8100 (15.4"), Inspiron 4100 (14.1"), Asus W5a (12.1") and now Latitude X1 (12.1")
as you can see it's also a evolution in term of reducing the weight. Because carying around a laptop on campus can be a ***** and also the trip home can be long for your shoulders. I recommend if you don't need much computing power, get yourself a smaller lappy. Also, when i was using my Asus w5a I used the DVD once, in my personal oppinion optical drives are useless @ school.

 

I work out in the gym (e.g. lift weights) so weight is not an issue. Everybody who does complain needs to go to the gym, especially when the issue at hand is only varying between 2-3 lbs. My backpack weighs 15+ lbs and I usually walk nearly a mile a day. It only makes you stronger (for your back and your legs). Man up and bear with it.

I used to have a 4:3 11" ultra-portable laptop from HP (it was 0.75" thick when closed, at the thickest point). It worked perfectly fine. When reading (e.g. PDF files) you can always use the zoom feature to suit your eyes. It won't be a problem. Battery life shouldn't be a concern unless you are going to have to take 4+ hours of classes sequentially - otherwise just charge up your laptop in the library/cafe during the breaks inbetween classes.

However, although size and weight of the laptop were nice, my next laptop will be a 15"er. 15" in my opinion is the most versatile - e.g. at home it's nice and on the road it's not painful to lug around. It's only 2-3 lbs heavier than a 13" laptop. What I seriously considered was the WSXGA+ resolution available on the ASUS 15" laptops - much more real estate on the screen for you and 15" would be big enough so the fonts wouldn't be painfully too small to read. Plus at home (and you spend more time on the laptop at home than you do on the road) it's always a plus to have the bigger screen.

Now, as you are a law student you will just have to write/read notes and papers. A small laptop would do just fine for that but if you ever have any intentions whatsoever for other applications whether that be web design, general browsing, photos, movies, movie-editing, gaming, etc. - there is no doubt that the bigger the screen, the better.

So the moral of my post? If you really want the bigger screen, man up and just carry it around. Grow stronger.

 

don't forget to add some bricks (books) b/c law requires some reading @ home.....

 

oh, if it is for law school
that makes a difference for sure
from what i heard, you will be taking tons of notes
so if you can, try out the notebook keyboards if you can
for the most part, you can probably get use to the keyboard, but still
it is better to make sure that it is something comfortable for you to type on

if you plan on watching a lot of dvds, definitely go for the larger screen
but i were you, i would just have an external monitor in my room
thats just me

personally i dont think that one inch in screen size matters, but then i have grown use to my 12"

 

I carried around my 15" G732 for 2 years using it for various University classes (inc ones with fold out desks), then I switched to using a PDA w/fullsize (foldable) wireless keyboard instead. The G732 weighs about 8 lbs + case (the case was a hard one and a heavy sucker from an old 486 laptop, the whole thing w/cables, pwr, etc.. came to 15 lbs, and that does not include my backpack...) and it was bloody loud Desktop P4 with a big fan in there, but I found that all I needed 80% of the time was the Rx1950 PDA w/keyboard is about .75 lb (hard to do much coding on such a small thing though). My Z96JS 15.4" 6 lb laptop works fine though - I could never live with a laptop with less than a 15" screen and the WSXGA+ I have on my systems suits me perfectly....

Just my humble opinion,
Cat

 

Are you going to pay peoples medical bills when they cause permanent back damage? Amazingly enough, different people are built differently.

Not to mention some of us study in subjects that already required 2-3 heavy textbooks in the backpack... Adding another 8 lbs on top of that is no good.

Since there are no more regular ratio models (otherwise I'd say go 12") I'd say 13.3"-14" for student use.

A 15.4" widescreen is HUGE... If you have to walk any distance at all you'll give up after a week or two just like Justin said, unless you're 6'4" like my housemate, and in that case you might not be able to physcially use a 12" without crushing it

 

People are built differently - ah, a fact of life. But all people gain muscle the exact same way unless you suffer from a disease inflicting muscular atrophy. Permanent back damage is laughable - it's of course possible but only if you push yourself to the extreme (e.g. carry 50 lbs of stuff on your back and jumping down the stairs all day long). Pregnant women don't suffer broken backs for carrying 20+ lbs of goods in their belly, do they? If one is really that fragile or diseased, then certainly opt for the lighter notebook.

A 15.4" laptop is indeed much larger in size and that's a bigger issue than the weight in my opinion. Of course, there are now many backpacks which fit them perfectly fine so I really don't see it as an issue unless you are so short you can't see over it while typing notes...which in that case you can easily just sit in front of the class.

A 15.4" widescreen laptop is roughly 2-3" longer than a 12" 4:3 laptop and about 1" wider. Backpacks these days are built to be longer (e.g. there is plenty of clearance) so it's not an issue.

 

I have to take the side of toughen up on this one. I agree, people can gain muscle. I used to have to carry a 40lb back pack around because of my class schedule. That was before I ever set foot in a gym. 3 years ago, I was 5'9", in terrible shape, yet I could carry a 40lb backpack every day, with no problems. Buy a better backpack. Get a framed backpack if you have to carry alot. It will be more comfortable, and that will take the 2-3lbs of extra weight without you noticing it.

 

The weight gets to you when traveling. Waiting at bus stops, airline counters etc.

Have you looked at the Sony SZ series?

 

I carry my 15.4" Z71v around a lot, often along with books, etc. While it can feel a bit heavy when it's being carried with some books, the books don't feel much lighter without the notebook, and I've found it exceedingly useful in taking notes in class, both from the organization factor and because my hands can get cramped up when I write too fast, but I can type faster than I can write. The multitasking ability of the high resolution screen are also a big plus.

 

I wait at bus stops too even with my 15+ lbs backpack. I find it quite hilarious how we are discussing weight as an issue when it's only 2-3 lbs difference (a fraction of a textbook's weight).

You're not in the marines, so there's really no need to fret over 2-3 lbs. Like Caleb said, a good backpack will offset the heavier weight through the use of better comfort.

 

If you were in the Marines, they'd give you a 50lb backpack and tell you not to be a pussy or get the hell out of dodge!

 

You all use backpacks, I had a backpack and a suitcase. I kept the laptop in the suitcase, when I'm waiting somewhere I put it on the ground, no problem. I could stick it on the ground between my legs on the bus/subway. Even in winter I'd just push some snow over and stick it in the drift, thats the advantage of using an old 486 case that no one cares about. It may have been 2+ lbs extra just for the case, but it was worth it .

P.S. I hate all you ppl with the big backpacks who can't put the **** things down so people can get by or even just stand on the bus/subway. I'm glad I'm past that part of life

Cat

 

People are pretty good around here these days - when on the bus/subway they usually put their backpack(s) on their lap so as to allow people to sit down on the adjacent seats and to not block the aisle. That is another good alternative - carrying the laptop in its separate case.

But our world today is a lazy one and kids today much rather have everything on their back.

 

Trust me, the 2-3 lb difference matters like night and day. 3-cell vs 9-cell battery (1 lb) matters.

I've had the same backpack for going on 6 years. It does what I need, and I see no reason to replace it. It won't fit a 15.4" monstrosity. My Z33 in a sleeve is smaller then a textbook.

I guess I just don't get it... I don't understand what the point of having a laptop is when it's 8.5lbs and the size of a ton of bricks.

BTW:

Z33: 10.8 X 9.3 X 1.2
Z96: 14.2 x 10.5 x 1.5

Buy a framed backpack??? For use around campus??? Yeah, right....

The reality is that for the majority of people, a 15" machine is too big. 14" is the sweet spot.

 

Its been a few years...

I lived off campus and spent the day on campus (~7:30am to 6pm).
I thought carrying my 15.4" notebook was great at first but it became too much of a hassle to type all the notes and tote (size more than weight).
After getting a case I started taking it to school again for use when not in class(games, net, and study). I would also say that a rolling computer case is not optional but a requirement. I have one that would hold my computer and gear as well as 2-4 engineering textbooks and a couple notepads.


Also even though I had a couple extra batteries but was still looking for outlets all the time (between classes).

Even after I stopped using it in class on a daily basis I did use it for review sessions along with a webcam. This was great to take notes and vid the lecture.

 

An internal frame backpack isn't ridiculous, unless you are referring to comfort. I have one, and when I have a lot of things, it is nice, and you wouldn't know the different by just looking at it, except that I can put it on and not feel the weight difference and have 10x better posture. I am dead serious, 2-3 pounds shouldn't be a deciding factor for a college student. Get a better backpack, or learn where the gym is on your campus.

 

I have to respectfully disagree. Weight is everything, and 2-3 lbs is huge.

 

ooo a rolling pack, those are definitely useful in so many ways . As long as you can lift them up any stairs, and don't overdo it too much. I don't have one but I have to admit that with that 12-15lb laptop and bag I would have liked if it had some wheels.

I stopped taking my G732 when I didn't absolutely need it and used the PDA instead. I have to admit that the difference between the G732 - 8lbs and the Z96J 6 lbs is really the big thing (that and the noise). I think 6 is fine, and its a bit wider but it works fine for me. I use this laptop for everything, taking notes is a small part of it. So I couldn't live with just a 14", but I can see the point thats being made.... I could never look at it a 17" those things are massive. But 15.4" to me is just right, and the free case I got with my Z96JS is just right too

Cat

P.S. Though I do wish I was in the US so I could have gotten the free Intel backpacks they were giving away at the time -.- 15.4" fits those perfectly and they had the supports...and they were a free give-away...oh well...

 

Seriously, you guys must find a gym and do squats and dead lifts. 2-3 lbs is nothing to me and apparently nothing to many others who also are in fit shape.

Also take note that it's a lot easier to skim 2-3 lbs in unnecessary stuff e.g. excessive notebooks, textbooks, water bottles, snacks, etc etc relative to cutting down from a 15.4" notebook to a 14" notebook (where you take a considerable hit in terms of notebook performance especially the screen).

14" notebooks are not bad at all - by then you are comparing a 1-2 lb difference (not even 2-3 lb) relative to the 15.4".

Oh, yes, one final note - you build a build posture for yourself with a stronger back instead of all the other (unfit) folks who don't frequent the gym and must carry a maximum of 5-10 lbs of goods on their backs.

EDIT: 2-3 lbs is a lot if you are in the marines and traverse upwards of 10 miles.

 

squawks, I am extremely offended by the fact that just because some of us think weight is a top priority you and other continue to comment on how "unfit" we are. I don't care how much you go to the gym or how built you are or whatever, there is no need to be insulting people.

The OP was concerned that a 15.4" widescreen would be too large/heavy for her to comfortably carry around all day. I believe this is a valid and extremely critical concern for someone who has never carried around a laptop before.

My school really pushes laptops on students now, especially in the business department where they don't need as much horsepower as us engineers might. You know what I see when I walk through the library? 13.3" and 14" machines. People lugging around 15.4" machines are the exception, not the rule.

I have a couple of students in the class that I teach that went with the 15.4" Thinkpad Z's. I asked them how they like them and the #1 comment was "I wish it was smaller". Same for the guy with the huge Dell XPS.

There is not major performance hit going to a 14" model - look at the A8Js, the W3J. Because of the larger screen, battery life tends to be lower on larger models.

My suggest to the OP would be to get a 14" machine and an external monitor if the size is a concern for DVD viewing, etc.

 

One more vote for 14" is a good size for school. Been using my W3V for 1.5 yrs and lugging it around everyday.

 

Someone that thinks about size before buying... and finds that they can get all the power they need out of something smaller, are the ones that will appreciate how much more mobile a 14" would be over a 15.4". As Jumper said, those that carry around a 15.4" or larger are the exception.... whether it be a poor choice to start with, or just that they are coming from something much, much heavier..... it really doesn't matter. I've been the head of a notebook company for almost six years now, and my everyday use as well as information coming from customers, says that 6 pounds is the absolute cut off for a "mobile" system... that number came down from 6.5 pounds a couple years ago and I feel if it's already not down to 5.5 pounds, it soon will be, with all of the power that can be packed into a 13-14" system, and the advancements in their builds and batteries allow them to get a bit lighter.

I've told many people I used to see little 4-5' girls in architecture school lug around 12-13 pound 17" systems..... if they don't have a bad back today, I'd be surprised, but just because people push themselves to carrying something like that around doesn't mean they have to. I think that's the real point we're all trying to make. You can get anything you want, as long as you know before hand that a 14" would make a huge difference in how mobile you'll really be with the system... it doesn't seem like a lot, but trust me, it really is.

 

Heh, to the people replying with "bulk up, go to the gym, etc," even if I wanted to add some muscles I don't think I would be able to do it. I have a really small frame. So as you see, weight is something I definitely have to consider.

 

Law school eh? I was in the same position last year as you are this year. I would tell you to go with the 13 inch w7j (that I am typing on right now) but since you think 13 inches is too small (it's not) then lets move forward.

I recommend the w3j or any other 14 inch notebook that meets your "sturdy" demands.

Basically, in law school, you will have two screens open at one time - side by side. On one side, you will be typing your notes from class. The other side will be your reading notes from the night before. That's there just in case you blank when the professor says something and you can quickly look back at last night's reading. I see about 80% of the students in my class use this technique.

For me, I integrate the previous night's reading into my course outline (not everyone starts their outline so early). So basically, I have my class notes on the left side of my 13 inch screen while I have my course outline on the right side of my 13 inch screen. You cannot open two windows side by side on anything smaller than a 13 inch. So if 13 inches is not for you, go with 14.

Trust me, weight is a MAJOR issue. Many girls after the first semester get those rolling backpacks. No guy does this though - just a guy thing. So if you can, get the w3j. It's fits yoru need of a sexy system, able to play game and dvds, right screen size for side by side notes, and it will be approximately 5.5 pounds. Moreover, it has the removable cd drive to cut down on the weight of the system.

BTW, do you mind if I ask what law school you're going to? Just curious. You can PM me that if you wish.

--Peace out.

 

Law students with rolling backpacks look absolutely stupid. If you're not going on a trip, you've got to be able to carry your darn books! Now, maybe not at your school, but I've seen guys use these, infact my roommate a while back did just that.... I know he googles me every once an while to check up - I hope he doesn't come upon this post though.... I tried getting him into 2.5 pound S8, many, many moons ago, when we were just starting out... when he has a 15" gateway that ran 9 pounds.

..... sorry.. the rooling backpack thing just made me flip

 

I'll just heap on my 2 cents (maybe 1 cent in this case). My friends in law school in NYC have a 14" and a 13.3", seems to work well for them and being in the city, they are carrying it the whole way to class. When I was just recently shopping I specifically went with the A8Js over a larger model considering I plan on going to grad school eventually. I wouldn't see a problem lugging this across a campus or seeing over my screen during lecture. Now if this computer could just tell me what to go back to school for.