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    Sony VAIO VGN-S4XP vs Asus W3V

    Discussion in 'Asus' started by Dec1mal, Oct 7, 2005.

  1. Dec1mal

    Dec1mal Notebook Consultant

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    I guess I'll put this in the Asus forum seeing as there's always a high amount of people browsing it.

    Sony VAIO VGN-S4XP vs Asus W3V

    I've been looking around for about a month now, reading a few magazines on laptops, checking out reviews online, and going on every single link that Goolgle and Froogle can return, for both the Asus and Sony laptops.

    Well, what is it? I see that the Sony laptop is smaller, lighter and has the amazing xbrite screen, and has the GeForce Go 6400 (Better than the X600 in the Asus? Anyone?!), there are a few other little differences like USB ports, but I think they are basically the same specs, I've actually touched the Sony and it's SUPRISING small for the power it packs, I still can't belive that 100gb hard drive.
    However I've not yet seen the Asus before my eyes, so if anyone could give me some advice before I go off and get my fresh batch of technology in a box, it'd be great.

    Thanks
    Dec1mal
     
  2. coriolis

    coriolis Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    The 6400 Go is equivalent to the x600 I believe, as the 6600 = x700, 6800 = x800, etc.

    Depending on where you live, you may be able to get some interactions with one, both machines are really nice..
     
  3. Dec1mal

    Dec1mal Notebook Consultant

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    I see, so what would the 6200 be in ATI-form?

    What machine do you recommend?

    I'm going to see the Asus W3V in-store tomorrow morning, yay.
     
  4. coriolis

    coriolis Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Probrably the x300..

    I love the w3v, the design and everything is awesome...

    Just that I needed one to replace my desktop and I wanted a WSXGA screen...

    or else the w3v would of been mine!
     
  5. Dec1mal

    Dec1mal Notebook Consultant

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    What's a WSXGA? Is it the non-glossy old type of laptop screen?
     
  6. John Ratsey

    John Ratsey Moderately inquisitive Super Moderator

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    I had the Sony S2XP before I bought my W3A. I agree that the Sony packs about the same power into a smaller size and 80% of the weight.

    Why did I make the change? (a) My eyes were not happy working all day with the resolution of the S series display (they have not complained about the slightly bigger pixels on the W2); (b) I wanted the separate navigation keys (that row on the right side of the W3's keyboard, so no more Fn+PgUp, etc); and (c) the Sony's fan was noisy.

    The graphics card is not an issue for me, so I can't compare performance. As for the hard disk, the W3 HDD bay is very accessible so you can install the largest you can buy in a few minutes. Changing the Sony's HDD is a much more complicated task.

    John
     
  7. Charles P. Jefferies

    Charles P. Jefferies Lead Moderator Super Moderator

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    The GeForce Go6200 is a better card overall than the Radeon X300. You'll see advantages in newer games - the core of the X300 is dated.

    As for the thread topic...that's a tough decision. The Sony you can go see in person at a local Best Buy....there aren't too many places you can go to see an Asus, if any at all. :(

    WSXGA+ (you forgot the "+" designation - it makes a difference, I'm not picking on you :p ) is a display with a resolution of 1680x1050 pixels. That is quite a high resolution - if you have problems with finer text, you may want to back off....I suggest going to somewhere and seeing one in person before you decide.
     
  8. Dec1mal

    Dec1mal Notebook Consultant

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    Thanks for that.

    So basically, the W3V's X600 packs just as much juice as Sony's VAIO S4XP's GeForce 6400? And the Sony is 50% more expensive than the W3V.
    Well it looks like I'm heading for the Asus, it looks amazing and many people say it so.
     
  9. Charles P. Jefferies

    Charles P. Jefferies Lead Moderator Super Moderator

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    Yeah, the Go6400 is pretty much equal to the X600 Radeon. Each has their strengths/weaknesses. The NVidia will be much better in OpenGL games - DOOM3 mainly. And, the Radeon's biggest strength is Half-Life 2.

    Go for the Asus - I'm surprised that it is cheaper!
    :asus: :centrino:
     
  10. LaZzZy_Dude

    LaZzZy_Dude Notebook Evangelist

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    WSXGA is the lcd resolution...it only means that it's wide screen(W) and the SXGA is 1280*1024...but with the W is
    1680 x 1050 (it can differ a bit....) or 1680 by 1024


    for the sony if it says xbrite = glossy
    the w3v is with a glossy screen
     
  11. AuroraS

    AuroraS Notebook Virtuoso

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    WSXGA is 1600x1024...
    WSXGA+ is 1680x1050

    I think that's what they are, at least :D
     
  12. Dec1mal

    Dec1mal Notebook Consultant

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    Thanks.

    Does anyone know if the Sony and Asus look about the same size? I've only seen the Sony in-store. I rang up a local computer store that was under the UK distributors page on the Asus site and they said "No we havev't got any in at the moment, We usually do sell Asus laptops and they are very good, we'll have one in next week but we don't actually have any on show".
     
  13. Goren

    Goren Notebook Virtuoso NBR Reviewer

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    No, the Sony is significantlly smaller, and the keyboard feels ALOT different. keep in mind that the W3V/Z63a keyboard is "full sized". Some personal nitpicks about the Sony S series.. the keyboard has this hollow feel when typing. Not a fan of the two touch pad buttons either.
     
  14. Dec1mal

    Dec1mal Notebook Consultant

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    How is the Sony smaller? If you read the dimensions it's only a matter of about 1 or 2cm for width and depth, and height is the same (at least on some sites)

    Anyway, I just want a laptop that is very portable, has a gloss screen, dvd writer and can handle the latest games with ease. Any thoughts? The Asus W3V seems to sum it up.
     
  15. John Ratsey

    John Ratsey Moderately inquisitive Super Moderator

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    You really need to multiply the dimensions to get the volume. Then the difference in size becomes more evident.

    John
     
  16. Goren

    Goren Notebook Virtuoso NBR Reviewer

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    go look at both yourself. It's smaller and the keyboard is smaller period.