Time to narrow it down

I already posted on the "What notebook should I buy" forum, but the results were all for Lenovo Thinkpads and I really don't want a Lenovo (IBM, sure - Lenovo, negitive)

So I am down to the following laptops:
W3V
W3J
V6va
V6J

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I know that no matter which I pick I will be happy, but, I don't want to pick the wrong one.

Basically here is what I am worried about. I maintain a wireless ISP, so I am on hilltops/mountaintops configuring CISCO switches and APs, etc on-site.

I don't want a bulky, large, laptop and I don't want a laptop that could scratch very easily.

My sister has a 15.4" toshiba - it is HUGE! So, I am a bit concerned about the V6x series, however, it is also 2"+ thick so that may contribute to my ideas about the size.

Do I care about the heat? Nope. I had an Averatec with an AMD CPU in it, heat does not scare me :-D

Do I care about the Duo - no not really. Just a GPU that can handle my topo 5 software and my wireless propogation software (and maybe COD2/CS:S - but so low on the list)


Does anyone have any experiance getting Linux installed on an Asus laptop?

OH! I also care about a EvDO or EDGE card, it is looking like I may have to get a wireless router that bridges the two, or just get an non-Duo laptop. I don't have a card yet, so if they come out with one in the next 6-months that is fine.

Thank you,
Scott

 

The V6 is actually 1.2" thich at most!

As for the card, it may be important to see what type of connection they use, PCMCIA or ExpressSlot?

 

The w2j is a 17", and thicker. If your concerned about size, stick with the v6j.

 

Currently all EVDO/EDGE Wireless WAN cards are PCMCIA - but with most new laptops going to the ExpressSlot standard I forsee new cards coming out.

 

I personally use bluetooth to connect to my evdo phone and use it as WAN modem. But that's just me. Could be a stop gap while you wait for WAN express cards.

 

the w3j or any of the 2 v6's u listed will probably fit ur needs well. w3 has a smaller footprint but i think weight is about the same. the w3j will also have more graphics power with its x1600 compared to the x700 for the v6va and 7400 for the v6j. however since linux is something u're into, the v6j with the nvidia card may be more compatible.

 

Yea, thats what I mean, but depending on when those ExpressSlot EVDO/EDGE cards come out, well that makes a difference I would say. But since you will be getting it in the next 6~ month timeframe, I would assume an ExpressSlot card would be released, so the 'j's would be a fantastic choice.

The W3 does have a smaller footprint, but not by much, only an inch or half in length.

 

Sweet! Now the biggest question - how easily do they scratch?

 

If you are worried about having a scratch resistent laptop. Maybe you should be looking at the panasonic tough books.

 

You just answered your own question with that last one comment, and contradicted yourself at the same time. Either way you go you'll be happy.

Personally I'm looking into the W3J and even V1J most closely because of the better graphics card, but that's because gaming performance is pretty important to me. If that's not such a premium to you, any one on that list will treat you right.

I can't speak to the scratching comment but what specifically are you concerned about scratching - the palm rests, LCD, cover(all, 3)?

 

Heh, size, weight, cost...

Yea, I know I answered my own question... And then went back on it - anyways, scratching. I am thinking of the top cover. If it rubs up against the end of a USB cable in the case by accident is it going to instantly put a scratch there or is it tougher than that?

My Averatec was a "home user" laptop... I would haul it places (in a backpack or carrying case) and it took very little for dings to appear in the paint.

I think I am going to get the V6J - people are very happy with the V6va so this "upgrade" can't be too bad and should future-proof me for 3-months at least

 

As long as you dont demand high end gaming performance, the V6J will last a very long time.

 

The w3j has a metal lid so it cant scratch. Buy the V6J has a very though plastic lid that i think would be very hard to scratch, but has a metal palm rest which i think is important more so than the lid. i think both are pretty tough.

 

Hmm, I see a V6J in my room in the very near future...

 

The V6j's lid is made of a magnesium alloy if I recall correctly.

 

I had a V6Va sure felt like plastic to me. its a carbon fiber alloy. Which just means plastic mixed with carbon fiber an alloy doesnt always mean metal.

 

Now that's the best summary I've heard in a while!

My vote would be for the W3 form factor, specifically the W3J, but I am biased towards a smaller form factor with a more powerful vid card. Gotta love the swappable optical bay, too, for an extra battery when you're up on the mountain.

Downside is you can get the W3V now, but you will have to wait a little for the W3J.

 

I like both laptops but honestly contruction wise i think the V6 series is on another level.

 

why is that srd?

 

kansakiller brings up an excellent point there, the w3 series has an optical bay so u can swap a second battery or hard drive in there, while the v6 doesnt. this may not be that big a deal tho if u plan on getting 2 main batteries.