M6Va (Z70Va) still a good choice?

I saw that the price on a M6Va is 900 euros (WXGA, P 1.7Ghz, 512MB, 80GB, 4200rpm, x700.)

I´m thinking if it is worth it to get this notebook over a dual core A or F series Asus with Go 7300 or 7600 for a similar price?

I have no idea if the F or A series are less durable or if the carbon fiber finish of the M series is less fragile than the plastic (more prone to scratches, wear etc.)

I´ve never used Asus, or even seen an Asus notebook, so your advice is appreciated.

 

Honestly, I would go for the M6V anyday over an F or an A.

I've bought a A6F for a friend and it looked rather cheap.... it had all the right things in the config but the price "showed". On the other hand, the M6 is a very reliable notebook, though the configuration is older.

If you don't really need the CPU & GPU power in the newer models, I'd say go for the M6.

About:

The carbon fiber finish is several classes above plastic. It is more durable, less scratch-prone, and better looking. In fact, there are people who believe the M6/Z70 chassis is the best notebook chassis ever made.

(also, x700 offers about the same perf as the Go 7300, if not a little better. If the Go7300 is what I think it is).

 

E.B.E is basically correct, there are 2 ways to look at this:

ASUS Z70va (itself vs itself)
>

> Pentium-M technology allows for undervolting to increase battery life and decrease heat.
> One of the most popular 15.4" notebooks of 2 generations ago, and many compare a lot of features to it.
> ASUS is just recently going to be releasing the V1J (much more expensive) that will try to replace the Z70va on many levels.
>X700 GPU is still an ok GPU, 3DMark05=2500 3DMark06=900, which is roughly equivalent to the GO 7400, slightly more powerfull than that.

ASUS Z70va vs Other notebooks today
Technology has changed, and demands for more performance has increased significantly. So if you were to go with the Z70va, you are loosing out on Dual Core system, being Core 2 Duo or Core Duo, and more powerfull graphics.
However the current trade off is the chasis, as previsouly mentioned the Z70va' chasis and the feature of the multi-bay is just an attractive design, making it hard to pass up.

 

About Core Duo vs Pentium M, I will try to make a clear comparison. Say they have the same clock speed:

1. Advantage Core Duo: 20-25% performance increase clock-per-clock due to double cache size.
Note however: Advantage only visible when CPU is under heavy duty, i.e. for a regular user several percent of usage time, if that.
2. Advantage Core Duo: when CPU under heavy duty from one task, computer still responsive since the second core takes the additional load.
Note however: Only visible when first core is 100% loaded. So we're back to the note under point 1 above...
As to software written for Core Duos, there's virtually none at this point.
3. Core 2 Duo advantage: 20% performance increase over Core Duo, which means around 45% increase over Pentium M, clock-for-clock. Same note as under point 1 applies.
4. Pentium M advantage, as said above: undervolting. Not possible with Core Duos (I don't know about Core 2 Duos), voltage at min multiplier locked. => increase in battery life, decrease in heat output. Advantage is manifest during 100% of the notebook running time.

In one sentence, you only need Core Duo if CPU power is a significant bottleneck for your needs.

PS: You will note I did not mention 64 bit as an advantage. That is because currently and for a few years still to come, that advantage is nil. For reasons, see several of my posts around 1 month ago and earlier.

 

Thanks for your excellent replies!

I am almost decided to get this model, but I´m going to sleep on it and order tomorrow. I like the idea of getting a better built model that will hold its good looks for some time, since I might use it for business purposes and to entertain my 2 year old daughter that loves computers!

I happen to hold a MSc degree in Manufacturing and Quality Management, so I´m interested to learn more about notebook manufacturing.

I build my PC towers and I only choose good quality parts, like the power supply, motherboard etc. Good quality parts don´t cost much more than others in the desktop world, unless you drive up the specs.

I´m interested in to know whether a company like Asus uses different components for the high end models than the low end ones? Aside from the different configurations and different chassis of course.

It might make much sense to use the same adequate power supply for all models (to avoid repairs under warranty and loss of reputation.) Still, I don´t know what practices the notebook manufacturers use and I would be pleased if somebody could inform me.

 

I suspect so. At least I'd like to believe so. But I don't know.

What I do know: The chassis in the higher end models is certainly better. The screen is better. About the A6F mentioned above, the LCD had a cra__y finish and it was noticeable. So I suspect a lower-end screen was chosen for that one. The accessories (if you're in Europe & that M6V is an ensemble which I suppose it is given it starts with an M letter, you will get a mouse and a carrying bag) are of a much better quality for the higher-end models.