How does the S96S Stack Up?

Hey, how does the S96S stack up against its competitors -- namely, the Inspiron 1520, HP dv6500t and the Compal IFL90? I configured one the other night, and came up with something that looked rather sexy for a good price. Is the S96S on the verge of becoming outdated? Is there a new one I should hold out for? My price-cap is about 1500 dollars, but I could push it to 1600.


S96S Asus S96S Barebone 15.4" WXGA/GeForce 8600M GS 256MB/Webcam

HD: Seagate Momentus 100GB 7200rpm S-ATA
WiFi: Intel® PRO/Wireless 4965 802.11 a/b/g/n
CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo T7300 2.0 GHz 4MB 800 FSB
RAM: 3GB DDR2 667 SODIMM (1GB+2GB)
Optical Drive: 8X DVDRW Dual Layer SuperMulti
SATA HD Enclosure: None
AC Adapter & Main Battery: Included
Additional AC Adapter:: None
Packaging: Shipping with Double Box
Warranty: 1st Year GenTech, 2nd Year Asus Limited Warranty
Non-Refundable, exchange for same item only: I Agree (required)
Operating System: None
Installation: Hardware Install [Free]
Arctic Silver 5 (CPU purchase required): Free
Availability: In Stock
Screen: 15.4" WXGA (1280X800) Glossy
GPU: GeForce G8600M GS 256MB/DX10
Webcam: Built-in 2.0 MP

 

What will you be doing with this laptop?

I dont think it will be outdated soon since its a santa rosa notebook with 8600m. The Dell 1520 and Compal IFL90 have a 8600m GT which gives better performance in games and the 8400mGS in the HP is not a good choice depending on what kind of games you play/want to play).

Gaming performance: (low to high)
Hp Dv6500t-8400m GS
Asus S96s-8600m GS
Dell E1520-8600m GT
Compal IFL90-8600m GT (The Dell and Compal should give similar preformace since they use the same memory i think)



They might release a Z96s(wsxga+ screen and possible built in bluetooth) soon.

 

Other then an annoying high pitch noise my s96s makes i am very happy with its performance. that noise can happen in any of the comps listed above so dont let that make up your mind. Last night i configured a 1520 with the 300$ off coupon and sorta wished i held out for that comp. i like the look of the s96s better, but for a slightly cheaper price i could get a better battery, video card, and resolution screen. I would consider the dell, but i also have never owned a dell and i hear alot of dissatisfied customers

 

each laptop has downsides

1520-lots of complains about screen being grainy(low quality AUO screens) where asus screen is perfect as it can get crisp and clear. 1520 also has inteference when u plug in headphone in jack(u will hear annying weired noises).

1520- graphics card is better and will allow u play at max resolution with better performance.

s96s,1520,6500t all could carry buggy high pitched noise from cpu.

s96s runs cool except it can get really warm in right palm when doing intense stuff like gaming and stuff. also s96s keyboard has flex but dell doesn't. the asus is thinner than it looks in the pics(about little less than an inch w/ screen opened). 1520 is a little chubby compared to s96s

i don't have a lot of knowledge about 6500t sorry. But i wouldn't suggest since it only 8400GS. Atleast get a 8600 class, u will be glad u did.

i got mine from exotic pc w/ 1GBram and the total cost w/ 3yr warranty came out to be $1130.00

 

Any suggested configuration for the 1520? I'm considering getting the cheaper S96S and throwing in 4 gigs RAM.

 

hey Kiwi!, if u go to the dell side, there is a bunch of threads and info about the 1520and users. they can give u more indepth perspective on the model. I own a s96s and i am extremely happy w/ it-it is sturdy, thin and fast as hell even w/ T7100.

 

My Components
Jet Black
Intel® Core™ 2 Duo T7300 (2.0GHz/800Mhz FSB/4MB cache)
Genuine Windows Vista® Home Basic Edition
High Resolution, glossy widescreen 15.4 inch display (1440x900)
256MB NVIDIA® GeForce® 8600M GT
FREE! 2GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 at 667MHz
160G 7200RPM SATA HDD
CD / DVD writer (DVD+/-RW Drive)
Intel Next-Gen Wireless-N Mini-card
Integrated 2.0M Pixel Webcam
85Whr Lithium Ion Battery (9 cell)
High Definition Audio 2.0
My Software & Accessories
No Security Subscription (30-day trial)
Microsoft Works 8. DOES NOT INCLUDE MS WORD
Yahoo! Music Jukebox - Music Player
My Service
1Yr Ltd Warranty and Mail-In Service
No Dell On Call
Free 3 GB Online Backup for 1Yr
6 Months America Online Internet Access Included
Also Includes
Integrated 10/100 Network Card and Modem
Adobe® Acrobat® Reader 7.08
Jet Black color w/o Camera
Windows Vista™ Basic
Intel® Core™2 Duo Label
Inspiron 1520

for $1,194 i think thats a good deal for this setup

 

that is a very good setup

 

I really want a 8600GT in my T61

envy that ;p