Recommend a value machine (z71a vs A6000Ne)?

Hi All,

I'm hoping somebody with experience can help me settle a dilema: I'm looking for a high-quality but reasonably priced notebook that I'd use at school/work everyday. Basically, I need to work on large documents, some graphics editing, and writing/compiling/running various code for simulations. But I DONT need a killer graphics card. It'd be plugged in most of the time, but reasonable portability (6-7 lb range?) and battery life would be nice for flights, etc.

I've narrowed it down to either an Asus A6000Ne, or I can equip a Z71a with similar features for a similar price. Although I'd be giving up WinXP Pro on the latter. I like the 1280x800 screen, the 725/730 PM CPU, and the 802.11g is a must. Has anyone played enough with either to make a recommendation?

I'd also be curious to find out whether the A6000Ne has a TV-out (Asus doesn't say so, but a local reseller does) and what sort of HD it's equipped with. Of course, build quality is important, as I'd be lugging it around every day.

FYI, I'm looking around the CDN$1500 price range +/- $100.

Thanks,
Joe

 

I vote for z71a [8D]

I got my sister to buy one of those a couple of days ago. so far she's very happy with it.

as a matter of fact, if I had to get a cheap laptop right now for myself, I'd get it too

 

I'd vote for the A6Ne. Since it is one of ASUS's ensemble notebooks, you'd get global warranty and a slightly higher build quality overall... plus, that built in webcam doesn't hurt either.
I've had the opportunity to play with the A6Ne in person and a Z71A, and I think the A6Ne is slightly better overall. They're both about the same in terms of weight...but the A6Ne is better in that you get more bang for the buck. Since both are just widescreen (WXGA), you'd be getting more out of the A6Ne since you get that global warranty...

I believe the A6Ne uses a 60GB 5400 RPM hard drive.

ASUS M6800Ne, P-M 1.5 Dothan, 512MB Ram, Toshiba Combo drive, Samsung Spinpoint M 40G HDD with 8M cache, Mobility Radeon 9700

 

The Z70A (M6 replacement w/ integrated graphics, Sonoma) should be out within the next 2 weeks, and will probably be basically the same price as the Z71A. The plus of the Z70A over the Z71A is that the Z70A will be carbon fiber (as opposed to plastic - Z71A), thus, probably stronger and lighter.

And, everybody seems to love the look of the M6.

EDIT: oops, I referred to the M6, you said the A6 - my bad.

 

Even if the M6A (Z70A) comes out within the next two weeks...(which I'm skeptical about), it probably won't arrive in Canada for another month or so...

ASUS M6800Ne, P-M 1.5 Dothan, 512MB Ram, Toshiba Combo drive, Samsung Spinpoint M 40G HDD with 8M cache, Mobility Radeon 9700

 

Id have to agree with AuroraS, and go the A6, just a bit more bang for your buck than the Z71, and slightly better build quality. As for TV out this is most likely a S-video port, as this is what asus generally uses, and it will probably out put at 1024X768, but thats just a guess.. as that is what my M6Ne does.
Good luck
a


ASUS M6Ne 15.4" WSXGA 1.7 PM ATI9700 80Gb HDD 1Gb RAM

 

Hey just checked the ASUS website, there is no mention of video out, thus I highly doubt that it has it....as they nearly always say if it does. Also now that I think about it im not completely sure the intel extreme2 was able to output to tv, but then it late on Monday and Im still at work...so my brain isnt doing to well.
a
ps i would still go the A6Ne


ASUS M6Ne 15.4" WSXGA 1.7 PM ATI9700 80Gb HDD 1Gb RAM

 

Thanks guys for the excellent advice.

I only remain somewhat skeptical about the A6 because of that lack of TV-out (not that I use it on my current machine, but...).

However, despite all my research, I'd totally missed the Z70a before, but it seems promising. Any idea of pricing relative to a Z71a? I was planning to wait at least another month to buy anyways, as long as my toshiba doesn't crap out.

thx,
j

 

I agree... the A6Ne will be better than the Z71A

ASUS M6800Ne, P-M 1.5 Dothan, 512MB Ram, Toshiba Combo drive, Samsung Spinpoint M 40G HDD with 8M cache, Mobility Radeon 9700

 

Just to confuse you more, if your after real value, you may wanna checkout the newly released A6U, which should be priced at somewhere betw. US$760-999 when it hits stores over the next few weeks.
a

ps the A6U also has TV out listed as one of its features...which makes me even more sure that the A6N doesn't have it and that the intel gpu wont support it.

ASUS M6Ne 15.4" WSXGA 1.7 PM ATI9700 80Gb HDD 1Gb RAM

 

The Z70A should be priced competitively with the A6Ne with similar specs . However, again, it'd be a barebone system and you wouldn't get that nice ASUS Global warranty (if you want/need it).
Also keep in mind that the newer Sonoma platform usually has slightly less battery life compared to the older Centrino platform... so that is something to consider also

ASUS M6800Ne, P-M 715 (Dothan 1.5), 512MB Ram, Toshiba Combo drive, Samsung Spinpoint M 40G HDD with 8M cache, Mobility Radeon 9700

 

My understanding is that the Z70A will be about $200 (US) less than the M6 barebones ($850-ish, US, w/o anything, so $650-ish), since it will have integrated graphics. So, probably just a touch more than the Z71A.

Another thing to consider, that might save you even more, is the Z63A (W3 barebones w/ integrated). Granted, it's a 14" WXGA - but it is darn sexy. It won't be out for at least another month, though, and will probably be even cheaper than the Z70A.

Relax, shopping is FUN! [ ]

 

Just wanted to say thanks for all the input.

I agree with GregM, shopping for new toys IS fun. Though I'm now even more confused. A 14" screen might actually be better, and since it looks like Asus won't give me a 3yr warranty since I'm in Canada, it may be the way to go. Too bad it'll take another quarter century for the z63a's to make it up here.

Anyone with more news?