Got the ASUS A6JA...

1) Is the screen matte or glossy?
Glossy

2) Is there a lot of bloatware pre-installed?
Yes

3) What is the ASUS customer service like?
Dont know..


4) What is the build quality like?
Excellent if you ask me, but i havent been in contact with any other laptop
5) Whats so good about the keyboard?
I dont find any problems with it so i guess its just fine.
Thanks!

 

I owned a lot of different notebooks, Toshiba, IBM, NEC, SONY, Compaq, etc...

The ASUS keyboard has a quality feeling, not light and clicky, the notebook feels solid, and the screen looks beautiful, even if the glossy finish reflects a lot...

I dont like as much the grey colour, as it is a bit golden, but not too bad...

 

I think i am the onlyone who wrote a bad comment about the build quality, search around for A6Ja threads.

The glossy reflections doesnt bother me alot.

Bloatware... You can uninstall norton, never saw it again. And wheres the rest bloatware? I dont know whats gettings load when booting but it takes somewhat bit long for me.

You can disable all Asus stuff like "CheckMail" "Live Update" "Asus DVD Player" to decrease loading time.

Then also disable ATI Catalyst Center to autostart.

Whats left is from what i "see": Bluetooth Manager (can be disabled by removing form autostart folder), Intel Wireless stuff, Synapsis Point Device (Touchpad) Well i like it having in the Systray, and 2 Icons for BatteryLife and BatteryMode (Quiet Office, Battery Saving, High Performance, Super Performance (only available if connected to local power), Game, DVD, Presentation. + Firewall and AntiVirus.

 

I've got a A6Vc which looks identical to this A6j except for the DVI out.

1.)Screen is very glossy, but compaired to the screen on my z92u, its WAY WAY worth the glossy screen! the matt gets washed out so easily!

2.)There is a bit but can easily be removed. Boot time is around 45seconds or so... no more than on other notebook brands.

3.) Emailed them a few times about some stuff and they always reply fairly quickly, although the persons english wasnt so flash so had to email back asking for him to explain himself. (apparentally its really good when you do run into serious problems anywhere in the world).

4.)I sell Asus, compaq, acer, toshibas at worl and I always give them a good poke and prod to see which ones feel the strongest, and everytime its the asus. seems like they didnt just use the cheapest parts. Acers and compaqs screens that i sell at work seem to bend and flex while they are even closed and the hinges seem a little flimsy. The A6 casis seem to be much much stronger and screens close nicely with a click as the locks latch.

5.)Well as with the above, I try the keyboards to and if you are sceptical you should go to ur nearest store and try typing on them all.. you'll see what people mean about keyboards. Try pushing on them and see which ones dont bounce .

 

I'd second what Insane said (but I haven't had experience with their customer service). Besides, don't give Sony extra $$$!

I had a Hi-fi, Discman and Walkman (the cassette type) from Sony over the years that ALL died after roughly 2 years of use for no apparent reason. Have sworn off their products since, especially with the premium their products generally command. (That's not to say they have not or will never improve... but personally I'm not taking my chances )

 

Sony products for me have lasted over 5 years+ so I love them and the battery life on my CD player was advertised as 3 or 4 horus but it lasts literally 12 hours (I tested it). I love Sony for that... even though pricing might be high, it's worth it.


But then again... I did return my Vaio and am planning on getting the W3J =)

 

You're luckier than me then

But do go for the W3J, it looks pretty good