Thoughts on the F3

I've been thinking of getting one of the F3s, maybe the SV one. I just wanted to know how people feel about the F3, cause I know it's in the budget line of Asus but I think the specs are pretty good. If I get nice numbers on it, how is it still budget? The case? And if that's the case (heh pun) then should I be worried about the case breaking or something?

One of the reasons I'm thinking of getting the F3s is because right now it's the only one with DX10 and santa rosas. But I can't wait till probably July.

Cuase mostly I see people talking about either the G1s or the V1s. I don't htink I game enough to bother with a G1, and I like the V1s cause they're kinda like the F3s.

 

They are great laptop. Asus never makes any crappy laptop,unlike other company such as acer. But F3 generally have small screen resolution and tend to be warmer. F3 has the best permance/price combination in the market.

Btw,u can get F3SV on newegg.com right now. just came in today.here is the link http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834220163

 

The F3 and A8 (though A8Js seems to be better built) have generally low build quality compared to the rest of ASUS models.They are almost on the level of DELL Inspiron and HP Pavilion laptops.

 

The F3 series is generally agreed to be way ahead of it's price, and I agree. I've used a F3Jp for quite some time now, and find nothing to complain about. Of course, if you are looking for style, and exceptional build quality, then you should be prepared to pay 500 bucks more. But for 1500$ and under, there is no competition to the series. The one grouse that I do have is the absence of lightscribe, which does not come on offer. Apart from that, the screen is quite good, if you go with the higher resolutions. I have a WSXGA+ screen, and am happy with it.

The V1 is in a different league altogether. The case is better(magnesium alloy, as opposed to plastic), a better screen, much better looks, and when it'll be refreshed, a card almost twice as powerful(the 8600GT, compared to the GS in the F3Sv). It would have a premium price, though.

All said, the F3Sv is probably a good choice, second only to the Zepto 6625.

 

Ok. Is the zepto available in america or is it Europe only.

So the lowend asus is better built than any given HP or Dell? That's interesting. lol might be a little biased coming from Asus forums but still interesting.

The GT isn't a deal breaker with me, because I don't play all that much games. I do, but not enough where I feel I need the best of the best. I'm guessing the GT would add at least 150 to the price.

And would it be possible to just buy an aftermarket metal case?

Also, one last thing, I can't really find a site with good detailed pictures of the asus models.

 

Zepto 6625 is more expensive, but with higher specs (800Mhz ram, hybrid disc, graphic card, TV tuner). However, there is no B1 in Europe! SHAMMMMMMMME. I don't need the extra power of the 6625 for games, I prefer a 7500 at cheaper price. Please Asus, sell all models to Europe.

I will buy in the US otherwise, with the low dollar, it's not even more expensive to import...

For photos, did you try excaliberpc? Not really high res photos, but there are some...

 

>So the lowend asus is better built than any given HP or Dell?

Well... Depends if you talk about Inspiron, Latitude or Precision for Dell...
I have used Inspiron and Latitude. Inspiron are clearly quite cheap in build quality. That's still ok for most user, but it does not really feel very solid. Latitude are ok, even if it's not really rock solid.

So when you see an F3, honestly I think it's on par with Latitude. It looks better and feel better than Inspiron for sure. Compared to HP for individuals, it's more or less the same I think, I didn't use any HP myself, just checked them in stores.

So I guess that for a big majority of laptops users, F3 are really great laptops. Only people looking for a very good build quality will have to consider the medium end and high end models.

 

Sure Zepto makes you pay extra for 800MHz RAM BUT since the motherboard doesnt support 800MHZ FSB the RAM is clocked down to 667MHZ. So do you really pay more for better performance?

I find it shocking that zepto would do that.

 

Not that I want to complain but those 1GB 800MHZ FSB RAM are 3X the cost of 667MHZ. I can get an 1GB 667MHZ Corsair for $50.

 

So can I or can't I get a zepto in America. I want to at least be able to consider another laptop. I like the idea of having alot of comparisons to choose from.

 

Even If you add a metal case, it sits around the the laptop, adding bulk, weight and most likely ugliness. It would be like an attachable briefcase. it would not be cheap (a couple of hundred of dollars?) and still not work in the same way as if the laptop itself would be made out of metal.

 

Hmm im just curious but would it be a safer bet to jump to the 8600m gs than to go with the go 7700 now? They are pretty close in price. I mean is it even worth it to spend that much on a laptop with those cards? Im tempted to buy a F3sv-b1/a1 but hesitant because im afraid that something better will come out for the same/cheaper price (8600m gt). What do you guys think?

 

i think they might ship it to you, but you probably won't get any warranty support unless you plan on shipping to europe. also, be prepared to pay large import taxes and have it get stuck in customs.

 

Yeah that's kinda what I"m thinking. I have a history of having an upgrade come out right after I buy something (I also have a history of greatly regretting something after I buy it no matter how much research I put into it).

The jump from the GS to the GT seems huge, it's a shame that the F3 doesn't offer it as an option. Does anyone know if Asus has any plans to offer the GT on the F3 sometime in the future, near future. Cause I can wait.

I think the 8600 GS is better than the 7700 just for the DX10. I just wanna future proof this thing so I won't have to upgrade too soon after I buy it.

 

If that's the case I think i'm just gonna get the Asus then, I don't wanna get involved with all that junk.

 

Oh ya well if the zepto seems like the right machine for you you might want the a8js update which SHOULD have a 8600 gt

Lets call the 8600 gt this new product lines 7700 go. In the last product line the g1, the a8js and the lamborgini vx had it. The f3 didnt and the v1j didnt.

In the last product line the g1 the v1j and the vx2 all had the newest cmo screen. Some of the f3s had it too but most sold with a different screen.

In general the best machine coming out is the g1s I think most people will be happiest with that one. They make you compromise something with an f3 model or the a8js model too. The a8js gets the top gpu but the lower screen with the plastic case.... only one model gets everything the consumer wants.
They wont let you get the top mid gpu with the top screen unless you get the g1.

And the only machine that really has everything is the lamborgini vx2 as it also has the metal chassis but it has a really high price.

 

Ok thank you. See if I got this right.

F3 - cheap build, lower end cards crappy screen (most of the time (right?))
A8 - crappy screen, mid ranged card, still plastic
V1 - mid ranged card mind filling the rest of this in?


Is that right? anything I"m missing?