Choosing between the Z70A and Z70V

I am trying decide between these two models and all feedback would be helpful [ ]

In short, this is what my requirements are:
1. Use mainly for coding - have multiple dev tools/servers (DB, LDAP directory etc) running simultaneously.
2. Want something that hopefully can go 2-3 years with maybe a RAM upgrade down the road. Planning on getting 1 GB now.
3. No gaming.
4. Watch movies.

My main question is - will the integrated graphics be adequate for the tasks I've described above? Again, this is a laptop I want to have for a decent period of time without having to buy a new one.

How much of a difference will the 5400 RPM vs a 7200 RP drive make given the work I will be doing?

I don't particularly need the WSXGA screen that the V model has.

Feedback please. [ ]

 

Integrated graphics will do fine for what you have described; you really only need dedicated graphics for gaming and 3D modelling/graphic design. Definately get the 7200RPM hard drive if you can though, since it appears your work (coding/developing) will require constant hard drive accesss.

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Gateway 7422GX: AMD Athlon 64 3400+, 1024MB DDR RAM, 64MB Mobility RADEON 9600

AVERATEC AV3270-EH1: AMD Mobile Sempron 2800+, 512MB DRR RAM, 64MB (shared) S3G Unichrome

 

Well, I think you'd be fine with the A model. The only issue I might bring up is that you say you don't "need" the WSXGA screen. The difference between the two models is about $150 I think.... the the screen and graphics card is certainly worth more than that if you may ever want them..... since you are looking at having it a couple years, it's something you want to be SURE that you are never going to want.

Thanks,
Justin
PROPortable
www.proportable.com
[email protected]

 

Thanks for the input....I'm leaning towards the A but the small cost differential between the two is also tempting.
Having a loaded laptop for less than 1900 US sounds awesome!

 

You can go two different ways...

1) Get the Z70A and then spend the money you save on more RAM.

2) Get the Z70V and upgrade in the future.

Honestly... it doesn't really matter. You said yourself that you dont' need the WSXGA+... it's really your call.
Either way, I think you'll be very satified with your decision. They're both beautiful machines.

ASUS M6800Ne, P-M 715 (Dothan 1.5), 512MB Ram, Toshiba Combo drive, Samsung Spinpoint M 40G HDD with 8M cache, Mobility Radeon 9700

 

That's true...... but I guess if he doesn't need the screen or the graphics... it's not doing him much good.

Thanks,
Justin
PROPortable
www.proportable.com
[email protected]

 

But if dqm can afford the V... why not go for it? Its graphics performance down the road will be a lot better...guaranteeing its life span will be a bit longer. It also opens up more options for the future (gaming, for example) if dqm ever chooses to do so..

But I suppose the Z70A is more practical for the every day user... and it should produce slightly less heat (which is a good thing for everyone).

ASUS M6800Ne, P-M 715 (Dothan 1.5), 512MB Ram, Toshiba Combo drive, Samsung Spinpoint M 40G HDD with 8M cache, Mobility Radeon 9700

 

You're right, but if he never needs the graphics, he'll get less battery life regardless.... and if he wants to use ONLY WXGA res, then it'll look better on a native WXGA screen rather than lowering the res on a WSXGA screen.......... IF he can use it and will use the native res on the V, then get it for sure......

Thanks,
Justin
PROPortable
www.proportable.com
[email protected]

 

I haven't seen a WSXGA screen yet...sitting here in India you can't just walk in a Best Buy and compare laptops [ ]
I use an IBM T42 at work (XGA) which has got good font size, for me. I'm wondering whether the SXGA fonts will be too small for me.
Pricewise, Justin, you're right - I'd rather shell out the extra $150 since it's not that much. I guess I'm gonna have to find a store selling laptops here and look at the screen res.
Btw, just to get an idea of prices here..I went to a Toshiba showroom a while back and asked around for the prices. Here's the config: 40GD HDD, 256 MB RAM!!!, integrated graphics (I'm guessing) - for $2700 approx!! [ ]
Most of it is taxes...

 

Well, someone here turned me on to eye relief.... that's the best way I've found to increase font sizes and have them stay that way without losing all of the benefits of the better resolution.

If that's the only thing keeping you from the better res, I suggest you try that out on your computer now and see what you think.

When you do that, it comes down to the graphics needs you have. If you think you may need better graphics down the road, the battery life is going to be slightly less, but between the graphics and screen... those upgrades are worth probably $300 and I think the difference is probably about $150...... so if the A model was cheaper or something... it may be more worth it to get that. However, like I said... there are plenty of things you could spend $150 on and still have the A model get your through a few years..... Think about it like that and I'll have you going around and around for ever I guess.

Thanks,
Justin
PROPortable
www.proportable.com
[email protected]