Need help selecting an Asus.

Ok. I want a 15.4 in asus core duo. I think the a6j is coming out next month, but I have no clue what the specs are. Does anyone know where I can find this? Are there any other models other than the a6j or the z96J that would fit under 1500?

 

Are you only after a Asus Ensemble? Is this what you are after?

 

Yea... the Asus Z/S96j is a good option. It's much cheaper than the s6j. I'd recommend powernotebooks.com

 

The z96j is looking very good. However, I heard that the a6j was going to have a refresh at the beginning of july with an x1600 and wsxga too. Is that true?

 

Besides the customizable options, are the ensemble and built on lines really any different? In terms of quality or look?

 

Not terribly different, at leat not in the US. Outside of the US, Ensemble models carry a 2 year global warranty. BTW, the A6J is available in Asia (including Australia) and Europe already with the X1600... but only WXGA display. If you need WSXGA, the Z96 is probably your best bet.

 

for 1500 you could get a **** nice z/s96j. i only spent about 1200 on mine, and it's almost more laptop than I need.

 

Hmm. Can someone post a screen shot of wxga+ and wxsga so I can get an idea about how big it is. I've been to the local shops and already said no to 17in.

I do have one question. The max hard drive I see in customization is 120. Is it possible for me to upgrade to a 160? Is that a hardware maximum or is that just the most that is offered by the oem.?

 

160gb HD's cost about $250 a pop, so its not very popular to buy atm...

 

I see, but it is possible right? No bios limir?

 

AFAIK, there isn't any limits. I would of thought they disabled that a few yers back...

 

Shouldn't have a problem with the BIOS and a 160GB drive. Btw.. an external USB HD is the way to go.

 

HD size is only limited by what XP will recognize and what the market is producing.

A6jc refresh specs are from ProPortable's sticky post on main forum page, but pasted here:
Advanced Orders: We are currently accepting orders on the future models below
A6JC-Q062H: Refresh - Early July - 15.4" WXGA (1280 x 768)
•128mb Nvidia 7300 (256MB TC) - DVI/1.3mp cam/1.83ghz/1 x 1024mb DDR2 533/100gb 5400rpm / XP Home - $1,299

 

I know someone posted this already, but, if your willing to sacrifice a little monitor real estate you can get the a8jm for $1500. It has everything you could want.

http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=262524

 

The S96J is cheaper than the A8JM even with a better config.

 

I think I like the z96j. However, why is only the 6-cell li ion battery offered? How much battery life could I expect to get from a 6-cell?

Also, how does the Asus 96j compare to the compal hel80? They are both similarly priced but the compal has a 9-cell battery.

 

One more thing. The refresh for the A6J has the 7300go. How much worse is that from the x1600 or 7600?

Also, is there any point in waiting to buy the z96J?

Sorry for all of these repeated posts. I wasn't planning on buying a 15in until yesterday when I picked up the dell 1705 on display at the store.

 

The 7300 Go is a pretty low end card, its like the x1300 card, low end, not meant for gaming at all.

 

Thanks. That's what I thought on the 7300. Is the 7600 or x1600 oblivion playable.

 

oh. where is the z96j available? discountlaptops doesn't seem to have that one and I only know of powernotebooks having it, but not with a 9 cell battery. Any ideas on where to get that from? How much more would I get from a 9 cell?

 

The Z96j is still not out yet, I recall that its not even in production last week.

 

The W3v is an older model, but still rocks for its size! The core duo does improve speeds in some situations, but as a casual user and non-gamer, it doesn't matter that much, such as the GPU.

The 4200rpm HD can also be upgraded pretty easily.

 

Would there really be any difference in the z96j and the s96j. Besides the vbi and the resolution?

 

The Z has built in Bluetooth....

Not sure if the design is the same though...

 

i don't belive there are any major differences between the two besides the high res screen and the blue tooth. Some pictures I've seen do have a black bar on the lid of the notebook though. Other than that I believe the two systems are the same.

 

Hmm. Now I'm in a draw between the Asus 96j and the compal Hel80. However, is the bigger resolution really worth it?

 

On a side note, how do use the 7.1 surround sound? Where are the ports? and what is the spdif thingy? Sorry, but my current speakers are analog

 

If its analog, then you'll need a sound card.

 

Ah, I see. Thanks. Sorry about all of the questions. They keep coming from my head.

What configuration would you recommend for 1400$. I will buy ram and a hard drive after market so I didn't include that in anything.