I'm really interested in a W2V,..but...

I also like the Acer Ferrari 4005, and am undecided on which one to get. They both essentially have the same hardware (x700, slot-loading dual layer dvd drive, 100gb 5400 rpm, wireless...) and both look amazing. The only differences between the two are the Asus' 17" screen, subwolfer, and media center option. Now these are great additional items, but I really don't need them. My question(s) to you is

1) Is one of these computers faster than the other (Ferrari uses amd turion ml-37 64 bit processor with DDR333, while the Asus uses the Pentium 4m sonoma processor with DDR2 533 memory). Is there that much of a difference, or is there really any at all?

2)Not taking into consideration the Asus' media center and screen size (15 inches are just as great as 17" to me) and compairing the two notebooks side by side, which one would you buy. I know this is an Asus forum, but an unbiased opinion would be great. Thanks for your opinions in advance

 

If you need mobilty, the Ferrari would be the way to go although the Asus is fairly svelte for a 17" screen. If it is sitting on your desktop all day the Asus.

 

Acer has a history of building average stuff.... the Ferrari model is the best thing they have and honestly the only Acer we would sell if we sold any of their products again..... However, with that said... you're looking at a paint job over actual black anodized brushed aluminum..... The W2 makes powerbook owners ooh and awe... the ferrari isn't unless it's an accessory for your 430 Spider.....

Weight and size wise you're coming up closer to the Z70va and quite honestly, I'd tell you that's a better choice overall if you wanted to stick to an intel based 15.4"........

The ML37 Turion and the 2.13GHz P-M are as similiar as you're going to get...... the 37 is shortened from the 3700+ which was to be compared to a 3.7GHz P-4.... a 2.13GHz P-M is equal to a 3.8ghz P-4 (using the 1.8x multiplier)..... I don't think you can go wrong with either cpu, but the 915 chipset is still something I thing is more advanced that what amd's got right now.

 

I have to agree with justin the z70va would be the way to go if you get a 15.4 in the screen is much better than the acer and the build is stronger. the w2 really is a totally different pc and shouldnt be compared to the ferrari but the w2v really is pretty light for its size. also if you care the screen on the ferrari is pretty dim its a nice screen good contrast but if u want a real bright screen go with the z70va.

 

Thanks for the info guys. I was sold on the Ferrari; great specs, light weight, a very good looking machine, but since my initial euphoria over the machine, I have done my research (which I'm glad I did). Now don't get me wrong, the Acer Ferrari is a good machine, but I have been hearing things about the build quality and color leaking screen. Also I do believe that the Asus is better built based on several other opinions, but I'm not sure if it's faster than the Ferrari. That being said, I love the fact that its light for a 17" screen (I can handle 7 lbs; I own a Toshiba 5205-S503), has the sexy brushed metal look, and all of the features that I found to be "must have" in the Ferrari. So, I think your looking at the next owner of a W2V within the next week or so. Hopefully there is a good deal out there for me, maybe something under 2599 since I'm a student, but if I have to pay that much, oh well, I think its worth it.

BTW, do you guys know of any good looking Notebook Cases that I could use with the W2V. I know that a carrying case does come with the W2V, but I might want something alittle more flashier. Once again, thanks in advance for the advise.

 

Actually designwise the W2 case delivered in the box is not bad, not bad at all. I would wait a little till you've seen it before you spent money on a new bag.......

btw: congrats with your excellent choise

 

Ditto that...... I've got aluminum cases that I think I'm going to get our sales manager to get up on the site next week when they are closed for inventory.... I use it to "transport" my W2, but in all honesty, thats from the office to my car and an aluminum case is almost going to double the carry weight of the laptop...... Flashier, yes... ideal, no.... The Targus bag that Asus has included is light, full of spots for other things... and protective... why don't you drop $2,600 and call it a day and see if you want something else down the line.

 

I have one more question for you guys. Does the W2V come with a Brand Name 8X Dual Double Layer DVD-R/RW: 4X/2X, DVD+R/RW: 4X/2.4X, CD-R/RW: 16X/10x, DVD: 8X, CD:24X Drive with Asus software. A double layer drive is important to me(I'd like to out 8.5 gb of stuff on these disks), and topmicrousa.com ( http://www.topmicrousa.com/asusw2v.html) is quoted as having it. But I've read in a few other threads that the W2V will only have a dual format drive, and not the Double Layer? Am I missing something here? Please inform me of this whenever you guys get a chance.

 

There was some confusion around the time the W2V was released in the US but all models have a dual layer drive. Some W2Vb models come with a tray load drive but it's still dual layer.

Phil
W2Vc-U005P

 

I have a W2V and i bought a expensive aluminum case and honestly i use the case that came with the asus more its a nice bag and has room for everything the pc came with so. so really no need to buy another bag.