Need help deciding between W3J & A8Jm...

I realize that there is an entire forum dedicated to these kind of posts, but considering that I'm pretty much sold on this particular brand (on 2 models, to be exact), I thought it most appropriate posted here. If it needs to be moved, please let me know. Anyways...

I'm currently looking at the W3J and the A8Jm. I've read the reviews, several forum posts, and both seem to be great machines. Hence the dilemma. So it's not exactly an all-out "What should I buy?" post.

So here's a few questions:

• *Build quality*: The W3J looks sexy and well built, and it shows up well in pictures. I can't quite get a feel for the A8Jm. How does it compare?
  
• Would you miss the A8Jm's integrated cam / DVI if you went with the W3J?
  
• How hard is it to install a supported bluetooth module to the A8Jm?
  
• Does the W3J emit a significant amount more than the A8Jm? What about noise?

I'd love for all those questions to be answered, but the build quality is my main concern. Thanks in advance for the replies.

 

Build Quality = Excellent...little to no flex on most parts...feels very solid
Cam/DVI = I dont connect to external monitor so cant say about DVI, but the cam i definitely use and even tho the machine has 5 usb ports have an inbuilt cam is just sweet and reduces another wire and adds slightly the cool factor hehe
Bluetooth = as far as i know only proportable installs it. if u plan on doing it urself you can check out the A8J disassembly guide, but i think its not very easy.
Heat/Noise = i think the A8J is slightly cooler than the w3j not 100% sure abt that. Noise is very low, you can hear the fan turn on and off, but its very low. Only when gaming for a long time the fan spins upto 3700rpm and once i got it at 4200rpm but still it was not bothersome at all

PS. Welcome to the boards. And there's a darrick and now a derrick lol

 

- Build quality is roughly the same. They are both well built and very sturdy.
- I would highly doubt i would miss a webcam thats only .3mp and no rotate. And the DVI, well... W3J has a pretty nice screen brightness imo.
- not sure but i doubt its too difficult
- emit? Im guessing you're asking about the heat. Well I have to say they are roughly even, but I believe the W3J heats up a bit more. Both are quite quiet.

 

Hey Derrick, welcome to the forums weird to hear someone with the same name as me...

- The A8Jm is also well built, maybe not as sexy or using the best materials, but still top notch build.
- Truthfully, I won't really miss the webcam since it's only 0.35MP and you can get a better USB one. DVI I'm still not using, but will probably be useful if using large high res screens/TV etc.
- Apparently you'd have to almost disassemble the whole notebook before you can get to where the BT module is supposed to go. I have the guide (courtesy MilestonePC) if you want to try it yourself .. I just got a small $15 BT module and it works fine for me since I don't have too much BT peripherals (my cellphone is it)
- The W3J is a bit warmer running than the A8Jm (there's a post by Milestone in NotebookForums about idle and load temps of the 2 machines compared), and I would think both are the same in terms of how silent they run, hardly any sound.

Hope that helps..

 

I saw a picture of the A8Jm bluetooth assembly and it scared me. I take apart my desktop all the time but I'm definitely not going there.

 

woo haha and I had the exact same question as you have right now...not to mention my real name is derrick as well derk for short haha

I ended up liking the A8Jm more because it was cheaper and build quality wise, I think think there isn't much of a difference, depends on which design you like really. Basically, Darrick says it all, read his review in his sigs, it helped me a lot =)

 

It comes down to form over function... If you want the bling you'll buy the W3J, if you want value you'll go with the A8Jm.

A8Jm is as powerful as the W3J (the go7600 is on par with the X1600) and more flexible (DVI out plus more USB ports).

 

OT: Hmm... Derrick, Derrick and Darrick ... all with A8Jm's ... hahahahahaha

 

My A8Jm seems to have a few scratches on its lid. I haven't done anything malicious but it seems to think that I have...

It's only been two weeks and if this continues I could see it becoming a problem. Again I'm not entirely sure what's causing it. Any other A8Jm owners notice it?

As for your decision keep in mind that this is my first laptop and I don't know what's "normal." Also I only have a few fairly minor scratches, and I'm the type who's finicky about these things. To give you an idea my 2nd gen iPod still has a shiny back casing with minimal scratches. 2nd gen=buttons that move. Yes, it's old.

Besides, scratches aren't keeping it from destroying Quake 4 :O

 

The lid of mine is already a little beat, too, and I haven't had it for long at all. It does seem to scratch/scuff easily, but the lid on my old Gateway 7510GX was the same way and honestly, while I'd like my notebook to look pristine, I didn't buy it for its looks.

As for choosing between the W3J and A8Jm, well, I made my choice. I'm happy with it, too. nVidia's driver quality is better and more fully-featured than ATI's, and the "Stretch and maintain aspect ratio" option nVidia has is a lifesaver.

I also use the DVI and report it works QUITE well. I connect it to a Samsung SyncMaster 215TW and it games like a champ. In fact, this thing'll even run Quake 4 and Doom 3 at 1680x1050 if you give it the chance.