Okay, help a brother out... (C90s vs. F3sv-B1)

Let's keep this simple, I started out drooling over the F3sv series and had all but settled on the F3Sv-B1, but then, after reading these forums, I found out about the Asus c90s, which I can fully customize and get a more powerful laptop for about the same price as the F3Sv.

If you don't know the F3Sv-B1 is about 1598.00 and to add a stick of ddr2 would be about 35 bucks. So my spending limit is 1600 (not including shipping and handling). I will use it basically for research, writing, gaming, entertainment, and want to make it last (I plan on owning it for about five years).

If I stick with the F3Sv-B1, I will go with Newegg; however, if I go for the c90s I will be forced to go to a different vendor, which makes me nervous as I have shopped solidly with Newegg for my pcs for years. Agearnotebook.com looks good, but I don't have any expereince with them.

I know for some of you guys, 1600 is nothing for a notebook, but for a graduate student, it is huge.


Additional info:
I want a 15.4" notebook, widescreen, WSXGA will work; Geforce 8600 gs or better video card, 100-160 gb hard drive, and a wireless N. 2ghz processor Core Duo 2 800mhz or 1066fsb

Basic questions:

Is the warranty just like the F3sv-B1 (two years)?

Your thoughts on the two notebooks (F3Sv-B1 vs. C90s)?

Your opinion on a reliable (not fly by night) retailer that takes care of its customers.

 

Also, I don't want to assemble it myself.

 

Well I dont know about the c90 warranty it would be easy to find tho, but you can still shop for all your parts via newegg if you want, and individually bought parts usually have a much longer warranty than a unit as a whole.

Putting this thing together is so easy so dont sweat that part.

If your only goal is the best performance for your dollar c90s is a clear winner. If you need somthing that can survive for a long period of time on only a battery thats about the c90's only flaw.

as for the c90 sellers. Well Gentech and btotech are both highly trusted so you dont have to worry about a risk there.

 

They will both also install all of the parts themselves, though the C90 is about the easiest notebook on the market to work with. As for warranty, it is through the reseller (whoever you buy it from) and a 2-year usually runs about 59 bucks. I would suggest a 3 year for you, since you will own it for longer. (About 125)

 

Thanks for the responses, I was not thrilled with the reviews on Biotech--not a knock on them, but I can only go by what I see; but what about gentech? I don't see any reviews on their site.

By the way, before I forget, the c90s has onboard sound, right? I would hate to buy this thing without a sound card and get pissed with myself later.

 

It has the intel azalia audio chip.

 

Good deal, I am pretty sure that is the same chip that is in the F3Sv-B1.
Please correct me if I am wrong.

 

It is Intel Integrated HD Audio, it is a pretty decent chip.

 

I see you ordered a c90s--in your sig

If you don't mind me asking, where did you get it from? And how did you config it? And, most importantly, have you received it yet?

 

I think most of us agree that gentech has the best prices overall and great service too. No-one will recieve the c90s until next week it seems.

My config:
Processor: e6600
Ram: 2 gb corsair
HD: 160 gb seagate momentus 5400 rpm (size more important then rpm for me)
AGBN Intel Wireless Card
Vista Home Premium
Artic Silver
With everything installed including hardware and os and shipping total was: 1612

 

Have you received it yet??????

You my fren, go too far on the questioning especially on this classified information which is only on a need to know basis !!!!



Lol!! That is the big question everyones asking.. No offence meant!

 

I think you may want to check either XoticPC or Gentech as they seem to offer good support and customisation options on the C90 where you dont have to get ur hands dirty..

 

I had to ask...LOL

 

Geared2play is a great place to buy from. I just rechecked their reviews and the only 2 people that gave bad reviews are 1) a guy who ran out of warranty and 2) a guy who won't deal with Asus directly for warranty. Eddie is trustworthy, just my 2 cents.

 

Appreciate it; yeah I saw those two complaints, but the responses were not the best, but I agree it seemed more the fault of the customer.

 

What are the dimensions and weight of this laptop (c90s)?

 

About 16 inches corner to corner, probably an inch and a half thick, and around 7 pounds?

How is that for some rough stats

 

Thanks, pm your way.