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    Ready to upgrade from my W7J. What is the equivalent current gen model?

    Discussion in 'Asus' started by elgordo, Mar 17, 2009.

  1. elgordo

    elgordo Notebook Consultant

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    So I've had my ASUS W7J for about 3 years now and its an incredible notebook. I am extremely happy with every aspect of it, from form factor to feature list, and am ready to upgrade again.

    I'm a developer by trade, and am at multiple client sites throughout the week. I need to run different code and database environments on my laptop (SQL Server, Visual Studio, Source Safe, etc) and the W7J has been great at that. With newer, more resource-intensive versions of these tools coming out, the W7J isn't quite as snappy as it was in the past (naturally).

    * What is the current ASUS equivalent of the W7J? Is it the W7S?
    Is it possible to get XP preloaded?
     
    elgordo, Mar 17, 2009
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  2. David

    David NBR Random Reviewer NBR Reviewer

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    If you're set on purchasing another Asus, the current "hot" 13" Asus notebook is the F6Ve-B1.

    The W7S has been EOL for a while, so you probably won't find any of those units very easily.

    Most Asus resellers will be able to offer a XP downgrade.
     
    David, Mar 17, 2009
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  3. elgordo

    elgordo Notebook Consultant

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    Thank you, this is exactly the info I need. ASUS model numbers have always been a bit un-intuitive for me; so it would've taken me a bit of searching to find the F6Ve.
     
    elgordo, Mar 17, 2009
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  4. E.B.E.

    E.B.E. NBR Procrastinator

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    E.B.E., Mar 18, 2009
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  5. elgordo

    elgordo Notebook Consultant

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    Thanks for these links, EBE. I was looking at the same vendor as I am leaning towards a pre-install of XP Pro for this notebook. I simply don't have the time to worry about installation and drivers; and want to hit the ground running once it arrives.

    There are few competitors with this feature list (same reason I purchased the W7J), but I am also looking at DELL's XPS line (13.3"). They are similarly featured, but do not include an XP option.

    One thing I'd like to see with ASUS is sturdier build quality. I've never had an issue with them (including my wife's ASUS M50xx), but it would be nice if they didn't feel as plastic-y.

    Thanks again
     
    elgordo, Mar 18, 2009
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  6. E.B.E.

    E.B.E. NBR Procrastinator

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    E.B.E., Mar 18, 2009
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  7. elgordo

    elgordo Notebook Consultant

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    Nice. Its almost like I personally filled out the form on the link you posted; with maybe a slight de-emphasis on the gaming (but a good video card doesn't hurt).

    The one thing I like about the XPS Studio 13 is the slot loading disc; but that's borderline cosmetic in terms of function. I'll read through your other thread in more detail when I get a chance.

    Have you made a final decision on the ASUS?
     
    elgordo, Mar 18, 2009
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  8. E.B.E.

    E.B.E. NBR Procrastinator

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    Not yet.

    Note that if your emphasis is not on gaming, then many of the options that I eliminated for that reason become valid for you. For instance:


    http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=4838
    http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2332654,00.asp

    http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=4696

    http://www.laptopmag.com/review/laptops/samsung-x460-44p.aspx

    http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=279726

    http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=4582

    Some of these are 14".
     
    E.B.E., Mar 19, 2009
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  9. elgordo

    elgordo Notebook Consultant

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    Of those posted, only the Lenovo U330 would fall within my preferences. I can't go above 13.3" or ~4.5lbs. I'll probably look at it more closely.

    I like the graphic options, especially if I need to move to aero interface in the future (or don't have an option when I purchase). I just don't need the most tricked out graphics, even though I always think I'll throw Far Cry or something on my notebook (which I never end up doing).
     
    elgordo, Mar 19, 2009
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  10. E.B.E.

    E.B.E. NBR Procrastinator

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    Aero works reasonably even on some integrated GPUs. All the ones in the list above will do perfectly fine in Aero.

    Even Far Cry would be handled by most, I guess (if it's the original game you're talking about -- I do not know if there have been any sequels).
     
    E.B.E., Mar 19, 2009
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