Torn at the 11th hour: A8js or Z96J

I really need some honest reccomendations on this. Here are my two options:

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A8Js
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Core 2 Duo 2.0ghz
G-Force 7700 (512mb)
1440x900 WXGA+ glossy
2gb DDR2 667 ram
100gb 5400rpm harddrive
Smaller 14" size
Weight 5.25 lbs
no bluetooth
2-year ASUS global warranty

Price: ~$1600-1700

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Z96J
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Core 2 Duo 2.0ghz w/ actic silver
ATI x1600 (256 + 256mb)
1680*1050 WSXGA+ glossy
2gb DDR2 667 ram
100gb 7200rpm hitachi arddrive
Bigger 15.4" size
Weight 6.8 lbs
includes bluetooth
slot-load dvd

Price: ~$1627 (+50 more for 2-year warranty)

A few specific comments:

1) I plan on doing a lot of graphic design and 3d modeling (I'm a landscape architect). I'd also like to play games smoothly, but playing the latest/greatest with max'd settings isn't a priority. Would either spec work out for this? How much faster will the 7700 be over the x1600? (I currently have a 6600GT in my desktop, I'm hoping these are both faster cards)

2) The screen is very important to me. I'd prefer the wsxga+ of the Z96 but I'd live with the wxga+ on the A8Js. But what about screen brightness, viewing angles, etc.? Anyone care to comment? I'd like this to work well in a variety of lighting conditions.


3) How is the external monitor support for the ATI cards? I heard it was not as good as NVIDIA. Furthermore, I've heard ATI cards don't do as well with open GL (used in AutoCAD, GIS, etc...). Any comments?

4) Also, I plan on taking this things EVERYWHERE (20min. walking communte to work), so the A8Js is attractive for its increased portability. What about build quality? Which one will hold up better to being carried around? Battery life on the Z96J is probably better too right?

5) I'm somewhat bothered by the 5400rpm drive in the A8Js, and it will void my warranty (I think) if I upgrade it to a 7200rpm drive. Does anyone know if this is true? If I have a reseller customize the a8js and put in a faster HD, it'll cost more to get warranty coverage.

Please give some comments, I'm starting to panic Thanks.

 

One other question:

Am I going to hate carrying around a 6.8 lb. laptop all over (compared to a 5.25 lb. laptop). If people really think it will be obnoxious, please let me know.

 

With a 20 minute walking commute to work, I'd go with the smaller size.

 

7700 and X1600 will yeild the same performance so its a wash there...maybe the 7700 can do a bit better but you wouldnt notice it in any app. Also, the 6600 GT in your desktop will outperform the X1600 and the 7700 mobile units.

 

Really? I thought I read in these forums that the 7700 is significantly better than X1600. I thought that the 7700 did about 2700 in 3dmark06 while the x1600 did about 1800. That is a very significant difference.

edit: here is a comparison mentioned in that other thread:
http://www.notebookcheck.net/Mobile-Graphics-Cards-Benchmark-List.844.0.html
If nothing else the 7700go should give better AA and AF performance as well.

If gaming performance is important and you do not mind the smaller lower res screen go for the A8js. If bigger and higher res screen and still very good game performance is important go for the Z96j. If I was doing graphic design on the notebook I would opt for the bigger and higher res screen of the Z96j.

 

How will these models (2gb ram, 2.0ghz core2 duro, 7700 or x1600) compare to my desktop in overall performance. I currently have an Althalon XP 2500+ (running at 2800+ speed) with 1gb of pc-3200 ram, and the already mentioned 6600gt.

I'm hoping either option will have faster processing power (# crunching), and better (or equal at least) game perfomance.

 

Id definitely get the a8js.

however I understand why you feel you have to decide right now.

Ok dont worry about that. If you would rather wait a few weeks I feel confident that you can get it for a discount then as well.

froogle shows the a8js which just went on sale today went for 1462 from some places. When the actual stock comes in, not this initial order, expect it to go for $100 off regularly
I have no guarantee but I feel confident.

I personally am taking the opportunity because I want it now I dont want to wait weeks.

 

Well I'll answer a few of my own questions (need to get it out of my system)

The screen on the z96j is only ~16% wider and taller, yielding ~32% more work space total, which is quite a bit. The basic question, is that and a 7200rpm drive worth having a slightly slower GPU and weighing 29% (almost 1/3) more? I would get a bluetooth but loose a DVI (don't have a use for either at the moment).

I guess I'll go with the a8js. It looks better, and it will be more to lug around. I suppose I can get an external LCD and the HDD upgrade down the road.

Other comments welcome.

 

no a 7200 rpm hd matters just about nothing in the equation.

the lcd resolution matters much more.

To be honest I am disapointed in the verticle resoluition still. the a8js just upped its resolution but its still small.

Im looking for 1280 x 1024 so its only 1440 x 900 and it will feel strange to me not to see whole pages on the screen. its only what 10% but thats all that would convince me to get the z96j

 

A8Js i would have to say. Its smaller, and the res is scaled in a way that it should look basically the same, with a better gfx card and it weighs less. The weight will probably be the deciding factor.

 

Considering your desire to take your laptop "everywhere" ...and on foot...I can only recommend the A8Js. Plus for me the extra year warranty would be a dealbreaker.

 

Actually, I may have a nice solution. Down the road I can get an ExpressCard that is a SATA controller, and conntect an external 7200rpm (put in an enclosure) to the lappy. Tests claim that transfer rates through the express card are nearly identicle to the SATA controller on the mobo!

Yes, I think I'll stick with the A8Js. I'm on eddie/btotech's pre-order wait list, and I've gotten a great vibe from his operation.

 

Considering that the available bandwidth for ExpressCard is in the vicinity of 3Gb/s and SATA1 is rated for 1.5Gb/s, the drive will be the bottleneck rather than the controller. Most 7200rpm drives have transfer rates of ~580-750Mb/s.

 

ok this is the device youll need

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817362001

very common. it takes about 6 screws to remove your laptops hd.


youll buy a new 2.5 inch sata hd, perhaps it will be a 300 gb 10,000 rpm one. then put the 100 gb one in that enclosure

 

Interesting to see those numbers! So adding on a faster drive later would work out fine. I'd like to have a fast "working" drive with data and/or games running though it.

EDIT:

stamar: Yes, i was just looking at the latest news on perpendicular drives. Maybe when they release a 7200 rpm perp drive (160+ GB) I'll make that my primary drive.

 

well whatever i just want you to see the value of shopping for the hard drive not the laptop.

its like buying the car for the tires... tires come and go

of all the components of the laptop the one thing thats almost guaranteed to die is the hard drive

actually #1 is the battery then the hd then the optical drive probably. youll replace it anyway

 

If I seem like I'm freaking out, its mainly because this will be my first laptop
I hope no one buys up all the pre-orders