Ghosting? Port replicator? So many questions!

Hello everyone!
After much researching I have decided to purchase the Z70VA. It seems like the perfect laptop for an art student, not to mention a **** sexy machine for the money. But before I drop more than 2K on a computer I need a few things cleared up.

I’ve been following the “ghosting” issue and I’m curious as to its outcome. Has Asus resolved this? If I order the notebook and it has ghosting, what are the chances of the vendor replacing it in a timely fashion? How widespread is the problem?

Also, I would like to get a port replicator, but I read that it crawls with high resolution, which is what the Z70VA has. Is this true? Does Asus make only one pr? Could I get a third party pr?


The model I have my eyes on includes
2.0 ghz processor
1gb mem
80bg hd at 7200rpm
a/b/g wifi
bluetooth
DVD/RW combo
3 yr warranty
and a Port Replicator
for about 2000$

What do you all think?


Thank you,
Jessica

 

Should I consider the Z81sp?

Are there any big differences? It seems like the better machine

I configured one with
1. Intel® Pentium® 4 w/ 2MB Cache; 800MHz FSB : 630 - 3.0GHz; 800MHz FSB; w/ 2MB Cache
2. DDR2 533 so-Dimm : 1024 (1024mb x 1) - Corsair
3. Hard Drives 2.5" ATA100 : Seagate Momentus 80GB 7200 RPM w/ 8MB Buffer
4. Optical Drive : 8x DVD Dual Layer / Dual Format Burner (+/- R/RW)
5. Internal Wireless Card : Intel PRO/2915 Wireless 802.11a/b/g MiniPCI
6. Operating Systems : No Operating System
7. Warranties : 3 years parts & labor w 1 way paid shipping

and the price is about the same.
Does the graphics card have dedicated memory?

I'm quite confused as to what I should get now.

 

The Z81sp is a BEAST of a laptop... it's powerful, but HUGE; I'd only recommend it IF you were using this laptop as a desktop replacement. I believe it has a very powerful GPU... the GeforceGo 6800
The Z70Va is a great machine... it's still a little on the big side, but much thinner and lighter than the Z81sp. I'm sure that if you purchase it from a reputable dealer, they will undoubtedly replace it for you if you have any red ghosting issues. The Z70Va is also a little heavy...~6 pounds, but if you have the right bag for it, it won't be a problem at all. I don't have enough experience with port replicators to answer your queries about that...

have you considered the W3V? It's a great machine that's noticebly lighter than the ones you have mentioned... however, it cannot accept a port replicator.

 

Thanks AuroraS.

Yeah, I hadn't really considered weight into the equation. I do suppose this will be a desktop replacement, but I'll need to be able to carry it to class and such, as well. 9 pounds is a little too much.

Hrm. I hadn't even looked at any of the ensemble notebooks. I'm not sure, it seems like a nice crisp machine, but a bit too small. I do quite a bit of high res graphic work so 15.4 is my ideal size, I might consider a 17 inch, but not 14. The V6V seemed more reasonable, in size, but the price is a little up there for something I would have to put new memory into.

Looks like I'll end up taking my chances with the red ghost.
I guess I can call Asus about the port replicator--it would give me a chance to see how good their customer service is.

If anyone has any more suggestions, I'm all ears.

 

As far as Asus's offerings... I guess the Z70Va is your best bet then. It's probably the best balance between desktop replacement and mobility... the next best offering for your needs would probably be the Z71v, but it's not built as solid as the Z70Va is, and I'm not entirely sure about its compatibility with the Portbar replicator.

Good luck with your purchasing endeavors... and remember to keep us posted on how your Z70Va turns out

 

There isn't a port replicator for the Z70va but you can always buy a 3rd party one, such as Targus/Vantec.

I'd also stay away from the Z81sp, as I reviewed it, and lugging it around was pretty bad, it was really big. If anything, a pure desktop replacement would be its true purpose.

As for the Z70va, you can always bump the weight down to 5.4~lbs with a travelers drawer, I find myself using it more often, since I barely use the OD on the road.