Newbie Quote & Specs Asus F3JM 15.4" WSXGA+ what do you think?

Hi,
I've just put a deposit down on the following 'retail model' at DigitalCity in Sydney

Asus F3JM-AKO18P Intel Centrino Core 2 Duo 7200 (2.0Ghz, 667Mhz, 4MB Cache)
15.4" WSXGA
2x 1GB DDR-II 667Mhz
120GB 5400RPM HDD
Nvidia Geforce Go 7600 512MB Dedicated
DVD Dual Burner
Wifi 802.11a/b/g
10/100/1000 LAN
Bluetooth V2.0 +EDR
1 x Headphone-out jack /SPDIF, 1 x Microphone-in jack, 1 x Line-in Jack, 1 x RJ11 Modem jack for phone line, 1 x RJ45 LAN Jack for LAN insert, 4 x USB 2.0 ports, 1x IEEE 1394 port, 1 x TV Out (S-Video composite), 1 x VGA out, 1 x Express Card, 1 x DVI Port
Webcam with Microphone built in to screen, 5in1 card reader ( MMC/ SD/ Mini-SD/Memory Stick/ MS Pro/ MS-Duo/MS-Pro-Duo)
Windows XP-PRO
Mouse+Bag

for $2599 AUD
I'm considering extending the warranty to 3years +$249 (thoughts?)

The sales guy let me put a deposit on this and if I change my mind to another model eg A8jp I can change it.
Also, when I upgrade to 2x 1GB DDR-II 667Mhz, do I get to keep the 2x 512MB?..not that I need it.
If there are any upcoming models (within the week) with similar or better build/specs I would appreciate the info.

My primary use on this will be Adobe CS2 and Archicad.
Thanks.

 

All I can tell you is that I have the F3Jm model and I simply love it love it love it. About your other question, I don't think you can keep the 2 x 512 Mb which you had before, but probably depends on the situation: if the store does the upgrade for you, they may take the 2 x 512 and install you the 2 x 1 Gb for a better price...

 

Good to hear!
I was going to buy the F3Jv, basically the same specs but with WXGA.
With the F3Jm getting the Core 2 Duo T7200 now, coupled with WXSGA+, that tipped me over the line.
The 2x 1GB DDR-II memory was thrown it at no extra cost.

Surprisingly, the F3Jv was a little bit more expensive.
The sales guy explained to me that their F3Jm was a 'retail model' exclusive only to them and another retailer here in Sydney. I looked around at other places and they didnt seem to know about this model, only the F3Jv and F3Jp.

It comes with 2 years warranty, but do you think I should extend that to 3 years at extra $249 AUD?

 

How is the build quality for the F3Jv? I'm tossing between a F3Jv, V1J and the HP nc8430. The problem between these is that both the F3Jv and nc8430 offers WSXGA, which I really want to try (as I've been using a WXGA laptop for quite some time), whilst the V1J only offers WXGA (but apparently is built better than the F3J).
I'm after build quality first and foremost, then a great screen (glossy or matte doesn't matter).

 

I havent got mine shipped in yet, but I'll post as soon as I do - probably by next weekend.
If you're in Australia, F3Jv has WXGA and F3Jm has WSXGA+ with specs the same and same chasis.
The F3Jm that I got was a retail model, so most resellers dont have it. I think only premium Asus partners.

 

Yes, I'm in Sydney. Hence, the limited choices. I'll also get it from Digital City if I have to get the Asus.

 

Retail models are such ********

When I was looking at buying a V1J, it was only by sheer fortune I stumbled across the retail version of it, which represented incomparably better value than the standard version available through online retailers. I would, but for a few online retailers accidentally listing it on their site for <3 days, have never known about it.

I really have to wonder how it benefits Asus if consumers are not alerted to, and have no method of discovering, the very existence of the models themselves and then retailers which actually stock them, other than by serendipity. How can I possibly buy something that I am unaware even exists? Pfft.

 

Owaa a retail model of VIJ...
I think I might have to look into that, since the guy said I'm allowed to change to another model if I wanted to.
Did it have Nvidia or ATI graphic card?

 

As I remember it, the specs were:

T7600
2 GB 667MHz
120 GB HDD
X1600
WXGA
XP Pro

The model number was V1J-AK027P. The price was ~3300, against ~2800 for the 'ordinary' V1J-AP024P, which had:

T5600
80 GB HDD
1 GB RAM

Ridiculous, no? :|

 

I got to see F3J and V1J, and I have to say V1J looks more solid and sleeker.
It doesnt matter to me either way, I ordered the F3Jm, but if I can get the retail model of V1J I might just switch. It will definately be more pricey though.
They're both pretty awesome..

 

Yeah..pretty pricey. Might still look into it, since Digital City is having a sale.
Thanks for the heads-up.