I think i know what i want, just a couple questions

Ok, i think i've finally made up my mind, i'm going to go with the W3J unless anyone says different. Being an upcoming college student, i think it is the right choice, my only concern is that i like to game a bit, and i'm wondering if it is too small.

However, my couple simple questions are

1. Where is a good place to buy it?

2. Should i upgrade ram to 2 GB?

3. Should i upgrade harddrive to 100GB 7200?

4. Is there any other upgrades i should do?

Thanks so much in advanced and if you have any other opinions on a different laptop, give them to me.

 

I would upgrade the ram before the hard drive. How much gaming is "a bit" and what kind of games?

 

Here's my answers:

1. Check out resellerratings.com for good places to buy. The ones that frequent this forum: ProPortable, Geared2Play, PowerNotebooks, MilestonePC ...

2,3. What are you gonna be using this for? I doubt you'll need 2 GB RAM and 7200 RPM HD for regular college stuff & gaming. So, prob leave them alone should be fine for your needs & save the cash for some other more important things.

4. If you need some more battery life, prob get an extra battery to put in the optical drive.

I don't think it's too small for gaming, you also have a VGA out if you need to hook it up to a larger monitor anyway.

 

1. ProPortable
2. No
3. Depends. I would like a 7200 rpm drive but is it really that necessary? No. All in all, it depends on your budget, but I would likely opt out and save the cash.
4. No

In my experience with college and with laptops, you're going to find that at first you want to get the ultimate notebook possible but then later you realize that you really don't need all of it. If you want something to play games on, get an Xbox 360 or a cheap desktop. Desktops are easier to upgrade and when you've got a 3 year old laptop it's going to be slow and unable to play the hardware intensive games anyways. The main thing I look for in a laptop is sleek, light and durable. Graphics and speed should be a step below in importance. If they're of very high importance to you then buy a cheap but light laptop and get a desktop as well.

 

Also, I know that a lot of people don't like Sony laptops, but I'm a fan and the people I know who have them like them a lot. I would recommend looking at the SZ. It's 13.3", good hardware and really light. If you're planning on taking it to class then you want something sub 5 pounds and not too bulky.
I'd also recommend looking at what Hp has to offer in the 5lb category. I don't know your budget constraints, but they're fairly affordable. However, if money isn't a huge concern then I'd opt towards something other than an HP personally.

 

if you're going to go with a 13.3" like corrid suggests, dont go to sony. granted i've checked them out and i like how they look, but they are very expensive. go with the w7j

 

1. I bought it from Geared2Play
2. Yes. Fully worth it. You future proof it and annoying memory leaks won't be felt.
3. Not all that neccessary. On most cases you won't see a difference.
4. I don't think so..

 

^ Totally agree with royrules22.

2Gigs of definately worth it mate. And the 7200 rpm isn't.

 

ok, cool cool, i think i made my decision and just need to know a really good place to buy the machine, got any advice... also what warrentee should i get?

I'm pumped for this laptop

 

Have you looked into the A8Ja - its got the same specs as the W3 but its cheaper. Mabye you can put that money towards the upgrades you want?

 

If you are concerned about screen real estate, i suggest you go to a local computer store, or Best Buys and see a 14" and a 15.4" and compare it, and possibly have a picture of a game on the screen.

If you feel the 14" notebook to be adequate for gaming then by all means get the W3J.

If you are concerned about gaming on a 14" notebook, ask some of the many users here that have the W3J or A8jm.

If you want a 15.4", have a look at the S96j and Z96j to be released in 2 weeks or so.

ASUS S96J
14.2" x 10.5" x 1.1"/1.5"
6.3 lbs (2.86kg)
15.4" WXGA (1280x800) Glossy

ASUS Z96j
14.2" x 10.5" x 1.1"/1.5"
5.5lbs w/ 6-cell battery <- may not be correct
15.4" WSXGA+ (1680x1050) Glossy

ASUS W3J
13.1" x 9.8" x 1.2"/1.3"
4.8lbs (2.2kg)
14" WXGA (1280x768) Glossy

ASUS A8jm
13.3" x 9.7" x 1.38"/1.48"
5.37lbs (2.44kg)
14" WXGA (1280x800) Glossy

As for your questions.

2. If you get the W3J, make sure you get the new released one that comes with a 2.0ghz and 1x1gb DDR2 @667mhz ram, so you will only have to buy 1 more 1gb stick.

3. Many above mentioned that the difference will not be noticed. It will mainly affect load times, i don't suggest a HD upgrade, many are just fine with a 5400rpm HD.

4. If you want you may want the modular battery that goes into the optical drive slot. So what happens is if you take the laptop to school, you may want more batterylife, thus you put the modular bay battery in and you'll end up with 4+ hours. If you want bring your optical drive aswell and you can watch movies and many more.

The W3J is definately a good laptop, and has good looks!