Best Buy U81A vs UX50?

Ok, seems as if Best Buy slipped in the Ux50 slimline 15.6" notebook model today as well.

So here's what I've gathered between the specs.

U81A http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage...+u81a&lp=2&type=product&cp=1&id=1218092151327

Longer Battery +
Faster Dual core Processor +
Integrated Graphics -

UX50 http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=9366544&type=product&id=1218092153204

1lb heavier -
Slower processor -
Dedicated Graphics +
Number Pad +
Limited Ports -
Larger HD +
$100 more -

Hmmm. Wish they had the U50 non-slim line version.

Any additional thoughts between the U81A vs. Ux50? I guess after listing this, I'm still leaning towards the U81A, but I do like the seperate graphics and number pad, but hate the lower battery life, limited ports, and slower processor. Aurrggg.

Thanks.

 

The slot loading drive on the UX50 is something I rarely see on ASUS laptops.

That depends on your needs. Go with the one you're most comfortable at. Well, the U81 is a good option for that. You should consider posting this to the What Should I Buy section of the forums if you're up for a purchase...Nothing really, just a thought.

 

Ok, I found Acer's Timeline series at Staples and BJs for comparison and they don't have a restocking fee that I'm aware of so I can try them out for 14 days. I've posted my initial impressions at Technurse.net if anyone is interested.

 

The UX50 does have HDMI.

 

I might change over from the U80 camp to the UX50 the more I look at it. I'm wondering why it gets so much worse battery life (according to bestbuy anyways) than the U81 though. They went from T series to SU for the processor (25-29.5W difference I think) and added nvidia graphics over the integrated.

I wonder what the deal is.

I just don't know if I want to carry around a 15.6" laptop instead of a 14"

 

Intel hdmi is crap. At least it is on this HP im on. On 3 new LCD tvs and a 3 year old plasma, it 90% of the time when plugged in does nothing. The laptop thinks it extends or clones or does tv only onto them but they are blank. The other 7% its on an area of about 10" on the 50" screens. If you try to adjust the pixels it wont, any adjustments are instantly reset and the laptop screen flashes a lot. If you plan on using hdmi, go with the nvidia.

 

Ok, I've been reviewing Acer's Timeline series from the 15.6" to 14" to the 13.3"

I also reviewed the Sony Vaio NW VGNNW120.

To keep it simple:

Sony too hot, big and heavy, loved the keyboard and brush finish.

Acer's Timeline single core models (15" and 14") seem to have issues of High CPU possibly due to outdated drivers. I did update the drivers and the limited time seemed to resolve the issue. Loved the metal finish, thin and light, and battery life that lasted me all day. 15.6" too big for my traveling purposes. 13.3 had the dual core and bluetooth, but no DVD drive. The screen differences between the 14 and 13.3 was more in width than height. I think I'm moving with the dual core for speed. Only need the DVD for data transfer and installs. Picked up a slim line DVD burner for $59.00 to address the issue. Screen size is more than adequate. Beats my 12.1 HP tablet and doesn't burn you.

 

This is more likely a driver issue more than the HDMI port itself. Have you tried installing different drivers?

 

^ no i didnt. im only borrowing it from my dad (but bought new and it never worked) until i get the replacement so i havent looked into it. I just figured Intel quickly made a fast, cheap, buggy solution for hdmi without a gpu. The laptop was only $350.

 

I'm sorry but that's what you get with cheap stuff.

 

ZOMBIE THREAD!

With the price difference being $50 which one is better!?

 

Depends on what you want to use it for.

If you don't mind weak integrated graphics, the U81 is a good choice.

If you'd rather have the more powerful CPU traded out for a better GPU, then go for the UX50.

 

I actually like the UX50 better and i am stunned that this notebook is avilable at best buy(I had no clue.....)

 

They have a dual-core version online as well.

I'm trying to find out if I could slap a dual-core into the RX05.

 

Man i cant decide which one. im leaning toward the ux50 for the graphics card, screen, hdd, n backlit keyboard. wonder which one will be a better gaming machine! cant go to sleep yet. must know. now!

 

Which one would be better performance wise?
bad CPU, Great graphics --ux50-- reminds me of the p6831fx
Great CPU, bad graphics --u81a--

 

I don't think the UX50 is a good deal at all (unless you can change the processor).

Even if the better gpu would let you play games with higher settings than the intel 4500, the single core ULV is going to suck the fun out of it.

The U81 is rated for more battery life according to bestbuy's website also.

I can imagine having one of those with a P or SL series processor instead. You might be able to squeeze 7-8 hours of battery life out of it.

 

Not planning to upgrade cpus.
Dont care about battery life.
thanks for the help.
So should i still consider the ux50?

 

I would say no. The core solo is so underpowered it's not even funny.

 

for some reason i thought that a weak cpu would have the gpu pick up the cpu's slack

 

In a game, a CPU gives directions to the GPU, and the GPU will "draw" it on your screen. If the CPU is too slow it'll throw things out of whack.

 

that is the most colorful way to describe how they work