Just came across some new Core 2 Duo Asus notebooks!

Well, I was just at the computer store looking around for a BenQ replacement bulb for an LCD projector, and couldn't help myself but to notice some new Asus notebooks. I went down to "Nova" located in Taichung, Taiwan.

Since the last time I went, roughly a month and a half ago, the only Core 2 Duo notebook Asus had was the A8js. Today I saw quite a few, just about everything but the W3j.

I'm not sure if all of these models will ever be available in NA, but I thought I'd list some of the specs and models as well as what they are selling here for locally. And no, please do NOT PM me asking me to get one and ship one to you.

Asus A8jn:

- Core 2 Duo T5500 (1.66ghz)
- 14" WXGA
- 80GB SATA
- DVD Super Multi (Burner)
- 512MB's DDR2
- nVidia 7400 TC 256MB
- XP-MCE

~$1100USD including 5% tax.

Asus F3jc:

- Core 2 Duo T5500 (1.66ghz)
- 15.4" WXGA
- 80GB SATA
- DVD Super Multi (Burner)
- 512MB's DDR2
- nVidia 7400 TC 256MB
- XP-Home

~$1050USD including 5% tax.

Asus F3jp:

- Core 2 Duo T5600 (1.83ghz)
- 15.4" WXGA
- 120GB SATA
- DVD Super Multi (Burner)
- 1GB DDR2
- ATI X1700 256MB
- XP-MCE

~$1250USD including 5% tax.

Asus W2p:

- Core 2 Duo T7200 (2ghz)
- 17" WSXGA+
- 160GB SATA
- DVD Super Multi (Burner w/ Light Scribe)
- 1GB DDR2
- ATI X1700 256MB
- XP-MCE

~$2300USD including 5% tax.

Asus V1j:

- Core 2 Duo T7200 (2ghz)
- 15.4" WXGA
- 120GB SATA
- DVD Super Multi (Burner)
- ATI X1600 256MB
- XP-Pro

~$1500 USD including 5% tax.

Asus W7j:

Low end:

- Core 2 Duo T5500 (1.66ghz)
- 13.3" WXGA
- 80GB SATA
- DVD Super Multi (Burner)
- 1GB DDR2
- nVidia 7400 TC 256MB

~$1300USD including 5% tax.

High end:

- Core 2 Duo T5600 (1.83ghz)
- 13.3" WXGA
- 100GB SATA
- DVD Super Multi (Burner)
- 1GB DDR2
- nVidia 7400 TC 256MB

~$1500USD including 5% tax.

Asus A8je:

I was told by a sales rep that they would be getting the Asus A8je soon. Although I don't have an add for this model, these are what the specs he said are:

- Core 2 Duo T5500 (1.66ghz)
- 100GB SATA
- 14" WXGA
- DVD Super Multi (burner)
- 512MB's RAM
- ATI X1450 256MB

~$1200USD including 5% tax.

 

Jason - none of the models are really "new", at least "new designs" anyway... they're all just refreshes. The A8 and F3 are going to be like the A6 of old... They're going to be molded into a dozen different version - just at a quicker pace. Here in the US, we usually get only one version of a model.... However, we already have three F3 Core 2 Duo models and two A8 Core 2 Duo models....


One thing that I'd beg you to notice... everyone for that matter if that the W2p that's selling in Taiwan there is $2,300 but with the shipping and import tax Asus would pay to get it to the US... it'd be about $2,500 - which is what I predicted it would be --- IF it kept the 8x Super Multi Drive....... which as you can see above it has... This means if it were to get the HD DVD Drive, it'll easily be $2,800 - $3,000..... and frankly, I'm not sure the market we have could support bringing in a large shipment of that high end model if it's priced that high.... It would be worth it, but the higher the dollar amount, the less people that can afford it and when you're dealing with a niche market to begin with - it makes it a really difficult choice to put an order like that in.

 

I know these are refresh models, well mostly, but I just felt like posting. And some have different graphics cards, like the X1450 and X1700. The W2p is really quite expensive, and yes that is correct they didn't go with the HD DVD price. It would have pushed the price WAY up just like what you said. I really don't think the W2p is that great. It's a really nice looking notebook, but there are other more high end 17" notebooks out there at much better prices. But the X1700 in a 15.4" and 7700 in a 14" is quite amazing and Asus is doing a great job in there thin and lights as well as their mainstream notebooks. I also like how they are starting to push UMPC's. Like they have the R2H at quite a gret price. Around 1k for one with a celeron M ULV 900mhz, 7" WXGA, 60GB HD, 768 DDR2, built in GPS etc.

 

I'm shocked at how cheap the V1j looks...(at least in Taiwan). Seems like quite a steal to me.

 

wow!!!!

$1500 for the v1j??

Sold. I wish I had waited for that one.

 

any reason why they are only upgrading the GPUs to the x1700 and not the 7700? the only 7700 iv seen is the A8js ....i want a 15.4 with it

 

I had such fun building my Z71V, would lke to try another model w/ more guts if I could find a barebones (like a Z96J??) offered. Also thought of trying an AMD x2 version when mobile Quad CPU comes out. Any Recommendations?

 

I'd be interested to see some benchmarks and see how the X1700 and 7700 compare. Here are the specs of the A8js here. There are 3 differences in the specs - 120GB HD vs the 100GB and Built in bluetooth, and XP-MCE vs XP-Pro. I'm not sure about the RAM speed though. It could only be 533mhz in the A8js in Taiwan.

Asus A8js:

- Core 2 Duo T7200 (2ghz)
- 14" WXGA+
- 120GB SATA
- DVD Super Multi (Burner)
- 1x1GB DDR 2 (533mhz or 667mhz?)
- nVidia 7700 Go 512MB
- XP-MCE

~$1350 including 5% tax.

 

yeah the A8je is comming to New Zealand early in the year from what I've been told too.... will have to trade-in my current one again


insane

 

Well i guess the problem with comparing the x1700 and 7700 is in the systems they are in. Since both cards are only available in A8 series you would think you could do a comparison....too bad the results are distorted though as each system with the different card has different specs on other hardware though overall id say the 7700 would still be slightly better with its extra 4 shader pipelines (making it 12) vs the 7600 8 pipelines

 

Drooolll....V1J....Droolll...

Thanks for the info/update, Jason!

 

The X1700 vs 7700 benchmark results that have been floating around notebookreview indicate that the 7700 yields 10000+/2500+ while the X1700 7000+/2000 in 3dmark03 and 06, respectively.

I want a 7700, but not in an A8Js

 

yeah the difference seems big enough though i didnt think the scores differed that much and one must take into consideration that the x1700 and 7700 A8 systems have different cpus etc. Still though its enough for me to wait for a 15.4 revision with the 7700. (hurry up asus!)

 

As hefty as a ~30% advantage is, I don't think I can wait any longer. I think I'll just get a W2P or V1J. Even if Asus refreshes any more of their lines prior to Santa Rosa, it would take at least 2-3 months from the announcement for laptops to actually arrive in our backwards country

 

Ill just keep hoping they will eventually, there aren't really going to be any new mobile gpus other than those previously mentioned for a long time. So im guessing they might if we r lucky. But yeah the extra waiting period after they have been announced can be a pain.

 

Insane:

Actually, I just checked up with Morning Star's (one of NZ's official ASUS notebook distributors, the other one is Renaissance Ltd.) online ordering page, and this is what I see incoming soon:

A8Jn (Full part number: A8Jn-T56SM58PG)
Core 2 Duo T5600 (1.83GHz, 2MB L2)
512MB DDR2-667 RAM
80GB 5400rpm SATA HDD
14.1" WXGA Colourshine LCD
GeForce Go 7300 128MB (256MB with TurboCache)
DVD+/-RW DL Writer
802.11a/b/g WiFi
Bluetooth 2.0+EDR Module
Built in 0.35MP Webcam
Windows XP Professional (possible free upgrade to Vista Business)
2 Year Global Hardware Warranty
Carry Bag and Optical Mouse
RRP = NZ$ 2949.00 +gst

Seems like the specs is quite different to the one listed by Jason over in Taiwan.

I have asked both product managers and they have no mention of the A8Je coming soon, and was told the A8Jn is probabally the model we'll be getting since the specs are similar to the A8Je Jason described.

 

well the ati x1450 has been announced for some time

but no machine has the ati x1450 even in a preview.

If its performance is a big jump the small machines will start to sell better such as the w7j

 

ahh interesting, I work for DSE, and we buy notebook by the 100's. Our asus notebooks are always through Renaissance, but aparently we are not limited to them and yes can get through morningstar. In the past we've gotten notebooks changed by asus for us (yes essemble models with differing specs, not built on) So possibly thjis will happen again. I'll try find some more info out if you like but from the sounds of it you'd get it through morningstar
Our warranties are always through Resaissance, as their service beats Asus NZ by miles.

I was assured by our notebook buyer that it would be a Core 2 duo, 14" 1GB RAM, 100GB 5400 HDD, dedicated graphics notebook... and that it would be early next year. And that it would sell for around the $2000 mark with XP pro. He mentioned that there will be two very similar versions, one for a little less so possibly that will be the A8jn.

if you look at our web page you'll see that we're due the A8m (sempron) for $1500 xc3895

Please report back if you see any changes on monringstars site. As I have to go through others to get to their price list.

Insane

 

From my findings for benchmarking:

The X1600 gets roughly ~1800 in 3DMark06
The X1700 gets roughly +3% = ~1900 in 3DMark06

The 7600 gets roughly ~2000 in 3DMark06
The 7700 in the A8js gets ~2600 in 3DMark06

Also, the A8js gets less batterylife compared to the A8jm, and there are roughly 3 major difference that caused this to happen, the Go 7700, Core 2 Duo and the increase in Screen Resolution.

It would be interesting to see how much power all 4 of these GPUs draw when comparing each of them.

 

Insane:

Ahhh, good old Dick Smith, where I often get many electronic parts for my various University projects and to burn my time playing with the demo items between my lectures.

Well, DSE actually has quite a sizable "buying power" in NZ, say, ASUS notebooks (as you just mentioned, you guys gobble up retail models by the 100s). And I think that is why you guys can get models customized for DSE destained for the retail shelf. Even most middle/large sized computer stores usually move maybe a dozen to 2 dozen or so per model each month tops, let alone smaller retailers/e-tailers (like myself).

Looking at Renaissance's page and Morning Star's page now, I believe the only incoming new models are:
A6J, A6Jc, F2F, F3, W6F Leather, VX1, R1F, R2H (Renaissance) and A6Jc, A8Jn (Morning Star).

I'm not surprised that the model(s) customized for DSE won't be showing up in their ordering system for other dealers/retailers to order. In fact, neither of them have the A8m shown on their system. I wouldn't be surprised if it's a DSE exclusive/specific model (Renaissance have the A6m which is a 15.4" version, or the A8h which has the Celeron instead).

One things for sure though, the slow pace of new retail models introduced to New Zealand is quite frustrating to say the least. Not to mention we seem to get stuck with old models and rediculously high prices compare to neighbouring Australia. Most of my suppliers still have a ton of Pentium M models that they desperately want to get rid of (Renaissance/Morning Star have a bunch of P-M ASUSs, Dove has a ton of P-M Acers to name a few) and they aren't exactly lowering their prices either.

That's why a lot of my friends and potential customers often turn to Dell in the end, at least they seem to be the only ones with actual shipping new models to New Zealand with Core 2 Duos at very competitve prices (might also help that their direct sales model allow them to keep almost nil inventory at the retail level). Kiwis are quite a tech able bunch, and most of them don't want to buy outdated technology at inflated prices.

 

I remember seeing battery benchmarks between Core Duo and Core 2 Duo with the S96j. The Core 2 Duo actually got 5-10 mins more battery life then the S96j with Core Duo. Same specs. So I don't think the Core 2 Duo has anything to do with the A8js having less battery life. I know the Core 2 Duo uses more volts, but somehow its slightly more efficient. Now the Go 7700 I would think would be the main problem with battery life. Screen resolution, I'd be very surprised if that made a difference. Anyone know what the watt difference between the 7600 and 7700 is? I would also REALLY like to see what the 7700 can do in '05 and '06 overclocked to the max. I know Derrick got ~2600 with an overclocked 7600. So the 7700 should hit 3k? Those 4 extra pipelines should help out some.

 

my 05 scores were

4283 out of box

4985 with cool bits over clocked

it said 487/485


5077 at 500/490


edit well, this actually already exceeds my expectations. somehow my machine already has higher scores than the chinese review .
I expect many 100s of points improvement with updated drivers and removing bloatware....

 

Not sure if I'm supposed to say this but I'd say for each model of notebook we sell we get around 500 - 2000 of each model (and at a good price too)

You may well be right, and we may not see any specially customised a8j(x)'s. I do know we'll also be getting Z92j and Z92T in stock for Christmas. Hopefully we will have: W5, A7f, A6u, Z92m, Z92j, Z92t, A8m, A8jn, A8je all at the same time on display, and be rid of them acer's etc...

True about the P-m glut, I'm open to buying a W3v but only if it was priced right though.... pitty.

just sucks that we never see the latest tech here often. Always seem to only sell systems which can be beat by 2 year old notebooks.

Insane

 

I have lurked around this forum for a long time, waiting for the V1J to come to the US with a core 2 duo.

I hope it comes through soon.

 

Insane, would some of those models you mentioned all be refreshes?

Probably not in that list...i really want a 15.4 c2d with a 7700 in it you wouldnt happen to have heard anything about the possibility of a notebook with those specs?

oh well (dreams)

 

not with a 7700. As far as i know the refreshed a6j (z92j) will have core 2 duo 1.6Ghz only, and will have a go 7300.
Perhaps we'll get something around March, that seems to be when new notebooks come in.


Maybe we'll be getting the V1j or yet to be released V2(?) I think those are 15.4"

As you probably know Australasia gets all the bottom of the line stuff. I've heard its even harder to find Asus notebook in Oz than here

Have a play with 14.1" wide screen, its a good balance... if you've ever carried a 15.4" around all day you'll wish you had something smaller.

Maybe you could get something direct from Asia? Good excuse for a holiday


Insane

 

march...eek....been waiting so long lol.

hmm one of the few places iv been able to find various Asus models would be
http://www.p4laptops.com.au/

atm they have a lot of Core 2 Duos in their laptops but i think they have been upgrading the chip themselves and not actually using new model refreshes. 2800+ for A8JS with 512 ram as well...pricey. But 15.4 is a must have for me, might have to bite the bullet and go 14.1...or get a 7600, just i really wanted the updated card (i know the performance increase wasnt huge but id still like it)

heh holiday...yeah i wish, almost finishing HSC atm, schoolies time soon! though no holiday to asia

 

Get the A6T, turion X2 may not be quite as fast as core 2 duo, but its anything but slow!!

I'll be getting a A6t (well crappy version z92t) or the a8j(n)or(e)

insane

 

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16834220086 Check that out. Newegg has the x1450 listed and shipping.

 

Cerebral i'm not sure if you've seen this thread:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=87175

G1P
▪
15.4” WSXGA+ 1680*1050 256K Color Max
▪ Intel Core 2 Duo T7200 Processor with 4MB On-Die L2 Cache
▪ NVIDIA GeForce Go 7700 512MB
▪ Extreme Gaming Chassis and Keyboard
▪ SATA 160G 5400 RPM
▪ 1.3 MegaPixel Video Camera with LED
▪ ASUS Direct Messenger
▪ The Best Warranty in the Industry

No indication of when it will be coming out.

Jason you are correct from what i've read, however, according to a review i read about 1 weeks ago, it mentioned that the A8jm gets roughly 15-20 minutes more of battery life compared to the A8js, they blamed the resolution, however this was just a guess.

It would take several hours of testing to figure out all of this power consumption and relations.

 

http://www.notebookcheck.net/Mobile-Graphics-Cards-Benchmark-List.844.0.html

NVIDIA GeForce Go 7700
3dmark05 4200
3dmark06 2700

ATI Mobility Radeon X1700
3dmark05 4200
3dmark06 1850

 

Both F3JC and A8JN arrived to Israel a few days. Office Depot is the only store to seel them ATM.

F3JC specs:
2yrs Global Warranty
15.4" WXGA 1280X800
100GB SATA
1024MB DDR2 667MHz
DVD Super Multi
Nvidia GeForce Go 7300 up to 128MB
10/100/1000 Mbps Fast Ethernet controller
Intel Core 2 T5600 1.83GHz 667MHz FSB 2MB L2 Cache
Windows XP Home Edition
6 Cell Lithium-Ion
1.3MP webcam
Bag and Optical Mouse
Intel Wireless 802.11a/b/g , BlueTooth V2.0 +EDR
Price: 7,478.99 ILS (incl 16.5 VAT) = 1,780.29 USD

A8JN specs:
2yrs Global Warranty
14.1" WIDE WXGA 1280X800
80GB SATA
1024MB DDR2 667MHz
DVD Super Multi
Nvidia GeForce Go 7300 up to 128MB
10/100/1000 Mbps Fast Ethernet controller
Intel Core 2 T5500 1.66GHz 667MHz FSB 2MB L2 Cache
Windows XP Media Center Edition
2.39KG (with 6 Ccell battery)
6 Cell Lithium-Ion
0.35MP Webcam
Wireless Lan 802.11a/b/g , BlueTooth V2.0
Price: 6,999.00 ILS (incl 16.5% VAT) = 1,666.18 USD

 

But really now, who'd get a 17" notebook with a X1450? Considering its price, the X1600 should've been more reasonable. Thing doesn't even come with a tv-tuner. One word: ripoff.

 

Im not sure whos going to buy that thing. I wish they would though so they can 3dmark the gpu hardware.

 

Yea... I wouldn't mind seeing how the X1450 compares to the X1400. It's most likely just an overclocked X1400. I couldn't imagine it being more than 10-20% faster... Similar to the X1700 being slightly faster than the X1600.

 

I personaly wouldn't want a 17" notebook with such a low end GPU, for personal use the X1700/Go 7700 are the minimum I would expect for a 17" laptop. Sometimes, ASUS produces laptops that don't really apply to power users, they apply to user that are looking for a big screen and just enough performance for one to use, nothing to intense.

X1450:
3DMark06 = 1200 points

X1400:
3DMark05 = 2270 points
3DMark06 = 900 points

If you look at the X1400 vs X1450, the 3DMark06 number shows a 25% improvement over the X1400, so calling it an overclocked X1400 is pretty much correct, these numbers are taken from notebookcheck.

 

Well you should stop by Best Buy/Circuit City/Future Shop and see the 17" with intergrated video cards

 

Actually I would set the bar higher. With a 17", there really is no reason not to at least get a 7900GS. The 7700 is already available in the 15" class (ie G1), so if I am going to have to take a larger screen, the GPU has to scale up too.