Some facts / opinions W5AE/Z33A appreciated

First off I hope this isn't entirely taken as a "help me find my new lappy" type of post, I don't intend it to be.

I have had numerous lappys over the years, from lowest quality lines to upper end business class machines, and personally some of the elements of the lower end machines have been more comfortable to me if not better wearing than the same elements of the upper end, so here is what my concern is and interest is towards the ASUS line, particularly the W5AE and Z33A model lines.

What is the construction like, in such that I mean the feel of the plastics, ridgidity, keyboard crisp or spongey, hinge smoothness and firmness, plug-in stability (power, head-phone, usbs, are they well seated, reenforced and such)

Reading through the posts here I've noted alot of good comments that have helped me towards my decision, but with a sight unseen, touched, felt type purchase I'm looking for some personal experience type input. I know the parts and pieces I want, what they can do and so processor speed, ram and video aren't my concerns. I want to know what this thing is put together like.

And from the dealers, what are the differences build wise between the built-on and configured models. I have noted a few comments of changes within Asus towards their handling of each division, so what is effecting the 12.1" models already and to come?

I know trying to describe things in text is speculative but for example and some might relate. I have a Dell Latitude C840 on my desk next to my old Armada e500, the two feel entirely different. The Armada has a softer plastic feel, more like a hard-sided suitcase or the cakelid that comes on stacked CD trays, you can nearly (but not quite) dig a finger nail into it, and the body flex is pronounced, but the over all feel is as if it can take some abuse and flex or shift to prevent breakage. In contrast the Dell is hard plastic like that of a CD or jewel case, always feels like if is going to crack (but never has thankfully) The body flex is stout as if it is resisting everything and will break in half if your not careful.

So could someone please give me some personal impressions to go on about their Asus 12.1?

 

In terms of the difference between the W5 and Z33 are probably more than you'd care to hear.....

W5 -

1. 12" widescreen - that's the height of a 10" regular ratio and the width of about a 13"
2. wider means more room for the keyboard - so a little better there
3. glaretype display - most people prefer them, but there are still some people who don't.
4. all the features --- camera, bluetooth, dvd burner....

The Z33 -

1. 12" regular ratio... better for office apps
2. configure it however you want
3. matte display - office users still prefer this

The build of each is basically identical. You're not going to find much, if anything going against either model... it's a personal preference, but you can't go wrong with either.

 

I dont own either machine. But i have handled many asus laptops. The build of both is no concern they are both build great. Keyboards are great so are the touchpads. Its strong and ridged. The screens are up to you. But when it comes to build quality asus will not dissapoint even their low end models are built as well as most brands high end.

 

I have a Z33AE sitting here that arrived about a week ago, so I'll try to answer your questions as best I can. Not a long-term owner yet, but if you find people with the M5n that preceeded the Z33a/ae, they can comment on how the chassis holds up over time.

-Keyboard is quite crisp. In fact, I think that I like it the most of any keyboard that I have, even my dekstops. The small right shift key hasn't bugged me at all. The only other laptop keyboard I've ever used for a long time was an old Toshiba Satilite 1805, so I can't compare it to say, a ThinkPad keyboard.

-Screen hinges are quite firm, but also nice and smooth.

I got a 2.0ghz P-M, which I have undervolted with NHC to reduce heat/improve battery life. Also a 7200RPM HD, which doesn't seem to have affected me negativly in terms of heat or battery life at all. Boots are snappy and the difference from the old Toshiba with a 4200RPM drive and PC100 RAM is incredible.

I prefer the matte LCDs to glaretype (this one mostly comes down to personal preference), and the regular ratio is just fine for my uses.

All in all a beautiful ultraportable that I hope to keep for 3-4 years before I need anything else.

 

Thank you three for the responses, that helps some element of thought for me. Proportable your comments pointed out the wide screen aspect I hadn't paid enough attention to note the difference between the models, and I think that settles me on the W5 for sure.

Thanks again

TxOcelot

 

No problem.....