W2jb has arrived...

I've got good news and bad news... which do you want first? Oh, I don't really care... I'm giving you the good first.

GOOD:
1. The W2jb's have arrived.... early.... sort of.
2. The screen is much brighter than the W2v (which is a huge plus)

BAD:
1. The screen is WXGA+ and not WSXGA+..... this means I'm voiding all W2j advanced orders and you will not be buying this model through PROPortable. I refuse to sell such a machine that has been handicapped by this change in screen resolution.
2. The price hasn't changed.

I'm sure that anyone who still wants one can find them at many other fine dealers.... we won't have it till they change the screen, sorry.

 

good move Justin!

 

Thats so weird ... im pretty sure the W2Js here in the UK have WSXGA ...

 

My condolences to all w2j preorderers

 

It's WSXGA here in Denmark too. Weird they would change it for the US market.

 

I don't want credit as to making a "good move"... it was a absolutely required move to stress that we're not going to build up and sell a product that we see one way and then be expected to sell it with a configuration that we wouldn't even use. I sent an email to the 40-50 odd people on the W2jb Advanced Order list and didn't even give them an option.... I didn't want to see like an ass that I'd even suggest they should think about it before cancelling. I also didn't want some of them to say "well I'd rather the lower res" or something like that because it would require that we order some W2's afterall. I'm taking a stand and not only won't we sell be selling it, but I'm leaving it on our site and in our news thread with the reasons why we're not going to carry it and the suggestion that people contact Asus' US Ensemble PM and voice their own opinions. I know that us cancelling the order of 70 certainly didn't put a smile on their face, but they look to the bright side, literally and say that the screen is a lot brighter and the resolution isn't that much lower. I wouldn't accept a 15.4" with a WXGA+ resolution and we refuse to sell anything we don't believe in and wouldn't or don't use ourselves. I would not use this W2 and although I'd be the first to swap the screen with an old W2v screen that I've got.... that would mean that I've got to order them. My only regret is that I sent the demo back (w/ WSXGA+ and lightscribe dvd burner).

With all due respect to Asus and the relationship I have them...... I'm considering my options on the W3j's and have about 175 processed and about 150 to go...... if I void the 175 now, that's about a $10k loss in just credit card fees which I will eat out of my own pocket. If I choose to void this and take a loss on the most work I've done in a year and half.... I'd be stupid, but I'd have my integrity. At this point, I'm undecided, but I certainly can't process the other 150, because that would be over $20k I'd have to eat. At this point I couldn't expect to have anyone else take that loss for my protest, but if I decide to void them, the reason will be clear.... I simply can't trust that what they tell me and what they put in writting has any validity whatsoever. They'll let me go because I help build the hype over their new products.... but if they don't come in as I've hyped and demo'd myself... then I look like an idiot and Asus will always have some excuse to fall back on. At this point, cancelling out order of 70 W2's certainly didn't make them happy, but cancelling our W3 order out of spite (and the obvious fact that I can't verify that we'll be getting what we ordered).... that may have an impact, since their order from Taiwan includes their sold orders to us.

 

Whether you want to take the credit or not, you got it. Frankly I can't believe what they are doing.

Not a very good indication of the new PM...that's for sure.

They're messing with fire but it will be a shame if you have to take a hit just because they've gone back on their word.

 

Wow this is incredible, because to me, the w2v was the near perfect machine, meaning I expected the w2j to be a good thing made even better.

Now I am starting to doubt ASUS. First of all, they just UNVEILED(inside joke) the expensive, yet unimpressive VX1 lambo, and now released a watered down version of the w2 without price difference or notification. I know i've said this before in other posts, but ASUS really needs to buckle down and concentrate more on quality than quantity (for profits).

I really do not want ASUS to be the company that starts to water down its products for higher profits, I mean thats the reason I want to buy from them in the first place. Probably the main thing that ASUS had going for them was that they never sacrificed quality over profit motive. I am not pleased with the direction they are taking at the moment.

Justin, i'm sure that this was a big shock when they arrived, but you have to do whatever you have to do, but dont take a huge blow because of us, you are a necessary mediary between the US and ASUS.

 

Well, I don't know if I made an impact, but Asus got back to me very quickly to tell me that they got Taiwan to rectify the situation with a $100 credit, so the model is now $2,399 rather than $2,499. Here is a side by side picture which shows a W2vb on the left and the brighter W2jb on the right. The W2vb is set at WSXGA+ and the W2j is set at WXGA+.... I know that the resolutions look pretty darn similiar, but that's not for me to decide.

At this time, I've already voided those W2 orders and only a proper resolution comparison and a realistic price adjustment will make me change me mind about offering them..... I'm just afraid if I cave in, the hope of a WSXGA+ shipment goes down the drain.

 

It is much brighter - I have to say that...

Resolutions are a slight difference but noticeable (albeit probably only during side to side comparisons though)

 

*cough* switcherooo *cough*


Well, that's disappointing, the WXGA+

 

Yeah...I just can't believe they weren't forthcoming and said...the shipment is in route BUT...

I won't feel secure about the W3js until Justin gets word on them.

 

Now you've got me all concerned about the W3j shipment. Let's hope a precedent hasn't been started here!

 

Justin i have to agree with you. I have a W2V and to put a xga screen on a 17 in multimedia notebook that would be great for photoshop work is absurd. A 15.4in can pass barely with a xga but on a 17in thats crazy. it is brighter which was my only complaint on the screen but not worth the rez drop. To the people looking at those pics justin it doesnt show the true difference in rez. Put multiple windows side by side just to show much more space you get with a sxga. also when doing anything multimedia not only can you fit less but the pic is nowhere near as sharp.

 

Justin anyway it was just an asus mistake like wrong panels being put in. or shortage of the sxga ones?

 

Asus' Ensemble PM said the following..... laught if you want to:

"Taiwan did not ship the wrong specs here, in fact I ordered the high brightness screen because the W2Jb is a media center notebook, so one of the importances is the screen quality. The high brightness has 2 lamps. We are putting together something that shows the difference, but trust me it looks a lot better. We also received a better price from Taiwan, so its now $2399; also with trusted platform module. "

Asus confirmed the WSXGA+ screen close to a dozen times for me..... specifically.... I mean, I said flat out, "you ordered a WSXGA+ screen and not a WXGA+ screen, correct?".. I think that's pretty specific and I got the same answer every time.

 

What a bogus response. If they didnt' do anything wrong, why did they lower the price?

 

R... you caught that too, huh?

 

Wow, chalk up another plus for the A7J. Together with DVI and a much lower price, seems like W2J doesn't have a lot to offer. Yeah it's pretty, but 'top of the line multimedia notebook' should be more than that.

 

Yeah, "why did they lower the price?" would the logical question to ask.

 

the fact that they're pretty much lying to you by having confirmed certain specs then switching them up is pretty **** disrespectful. that type of behavior should never come into play between a manufacturer and their re-sellers.

 

Well guess how they get out of absolutely zero liability?? Anyone? The model that came in has a different number than what they last confirmed. Legally speaking..... those were finalized specs for a specific model number which would come in at some point, but never had a guarenteed delivery date... Which basically means that if we someone thought legal action was even remotely possible, all Asus has to say is that it was a model that was planned to come in and may at some point, but this model came in.... then they could say they cancelled the other model becuase this one wasn't selling .. or it was selling too well... it's a dead end and legally a genius move on their end. One that I only figured out a little while ago.... The new "meaningless numbers" at the end of the model number, really are meaningless to anyone but Asus. They help remove their liability in a situation like this.

 

Can you tell me why they wouldnt just add two lamps to the sxga screen if they were worried about quality. I mean thats pretty ****py to have a difference like that in two different screens. Wouldnt you want all the screens to have the same brightness doesnt make sence. i mean its not a cheap notebook by any means they charge a premium so one should expect the highest rez screen and brightest backlight.

 

I've told everyone to contact the US Ensemble PM directly and voice their opinions..... I personally think he needs some consumer input.

 

Justin that liability might work for the ASUS company sending you the merchandise but make sure you watch out for your own liability. You made the right choice in cancelling the order. Don't want you to get in trouble, aside for an arrogant streak you seem like a straight up guy.

But if I were you I would send them a link to this guide line...if they published anything with the original configuration and then don't deliver it, they might still be liable. FTC guidelines for baiting What they are doing to you might be illegal still.

 

stocat..... no offense, but stick around this forum long enough and you'll come off arrogant yourself when you get sick of the same old cyclical bs...... but point taken, thank you.

Yeah... that's the problem... physically they don't sell them to us till they arrive.... sometimes we send them money towards our account, but we don't have a contract for this, at this price... paid on this date. There's no such thing for orders under say 1000... and usually only special orders. So they didn't try to sell us anything, and the whole bait and switch thing has nothing to do with this.... trust me.

On the other hand, in terms of our orders, we never have to worry about that either because we keep people abreat of what's going on and if there is a change of any kind, they're made aware of it. This is an advanced order and not some stocked item..... or claimed to be stocked item. Now if we sold W3j's as "in stock" for W3j prices... and then shipped a W3v...... that would be a bait and switch.... or tell them an item is in stock and take their money and tell them they didn't get in on this shipment and now it's going to be months away.... if you want to cancel then there's this big fee. For us, the item wasn't even made and that was made very clear and I won't get started on the ETA....... Asus has their bases covered and not giving them the sale after they specifically added the amount we were going to order to their order, is probably enough to get some attention......

The biggest problem that I see is that there are a lot of other places that don't know or care as much as I do and I guarentee prices and configurations of something like the W2j are going to be incorrect for at least a few days of their sales - once they get in stock...... that's ridiculous, but I'll put money it. I don't want to make a big deal about it because someone will make sure to inform these places, but it will happen.

 

Arrogance isn't always a bad thing...

Yeah I can see how they have you in a bind. I was wondering if you could make a case as a purchaser of the laptop, since you do take possession of them for a time, but it looks like they have their bases covered legally.

You are still put in a precarious situation though legally, and its unfair of them to do that to you.

 

True...... it's one of the main reasons I cancelled out all unprocessed orders.... because with time running out on the authorizations, and customers telling me to get their orders processed...... I really should have finished them up a couple days ago.... However, looking at them today, like I've told everyone...... to imagine putting in the time and then know there's a chance, not only are you doing it for not.... but you could be paying for the privilage to waste you time if they all needed to be voided after the fact. I simply don't have enough trust in Asus anymore to do that. In the old days, the guys there knew my loss was their loss and my success was theirs as well. Certain people would fight for us against Taiwan to make sure they were giving the correct information and they got what they ordered..... that's over with as far as the Ensembles go....

Fremont doesn't even have anything on Taiwan to go after them. They are technically seperate companies and Fremont basically wires them money with an order and then they get it when they get it...... and if it's different than what they ordered or it's going to take 6 months..... tough. Basically, when they get incorrect stuff, Taiwan doesn't care...... They'll tell them they pay for shipping back and a restocking type fee....... do that on an order of 1000 or so and try to make up that loss..... So they sort of have to play the kid who's mother went out and bought the wrong action figure..... you're stuck with it now.. make the best of it.

 

I know this is off topic. But i just wanted to ask why some sellers such as zipzoomfly.com and GenTech computers show that they have the W3J in stock. Justin do you have any idea why this is so. Did other resellers get allocations before you. Also both these companies are based in California.

 

What the friggin'~?!?!?!?!?

Wow that's a major mess up. What in the hell were they thinking? They said they'd ship you a whole bunch of WSXGA+ versions with the correct model numbers, but they shipped you those?

This is horrible because it is not only horrible for people who preordered, but as a reseller it hits you as well.

I say this because you know how people are. They are very cynical and even though you provide information on these forums, I'm sure many people who preordered do not visit this site and even though you provide them information through emails there will be people who just don't get the big picture and blame you.

Sorry for the mess up Justin. Hope people don't blame you for the mess that preordered.

I have a friend who asked for an atheros with his Z63A, but received an Intel wireless card as a temporary fix until they received the atheros cards from their contact in the states. Well guess what? After about 2 months they still haven't received the atheros cards in and my friend is blaming the reseller even though it isn't totally their fault. They should try to get him one, but still, you must pause, breath, and understand the situation and give them a break.

Hope this doesn't affect your business negatively.

Booooooo to Asus who promised you the W2's with the proper WSXGA+ screens.

Cheers,
Mike

 

Asus isn't established enough to be ****ting on customers - you know the saying...it costs 3x as much to get a new customer as it does to maintain one...Business 101 and they are flunking right now.

 

Asus' exact words last night........ "some of are still in production and none of them have left the production facility, yet." They are expected, somehow, to been in customs by the 22nd of this month. At this point, no one has them and we'd certainly be the first to get them as our order consisted of a healthy chunk of the first shipment.... and we're also Asus' longest standing partner... Asus isn't dumb enough to do that to us, again.

 

And I find this out just after I added myself to a reseller's backordered list. Hmm... will the WXGA and WSXGA have any huge differences? I mean, I'm used to having 1024x768 on my old laptop, but having a better resolution is also nice.

Good job on notifying us on changes in the product, PROPortable.

 

Yeah, well the only reason we're selling the A7j is because it's a super price for what you're getting........ but personally, I can't use the screen. The A7j has been a very hot seller for everyone and there are plenty of people who would be offended by me saying that I wouldn't or can't use the screen. Point blank, I'm a designer..... I could make use very high resolutions in everything I do.... I've been using them so long that even outside of photoshop and other programs, the added desktop space is great for me to be on two websites at the same time... or compare to documents like I often do... For... let's see... $2199, this would be a steal and sell very well in Best Buy....... Asus is trying to make this mainstream and even though I know this was a mistake somewhere down the line.... it's the way they went and it's a pity. Some people have actually told me it's great because they didn't want that high of a res screen and $100 off is even better... but the majority of people are like me. It's hard to find a WSXGA+ 17" system... Asus is trying to fit in instead of stand out.

 

If we look at the bright side, at least some of them have been made .

 

Wow..what a disappointment.

So Asus is saying there are W2J's with WSXGA+ screens in production but no one has it yet? I don't know, looks like Asus is trying to pull a fast one. If that's the case, I think...


- Asus was behind in production of the W2J in some way so they subsituted the lesser screen for production?

- Asus didn't tell Justin about the $100 discount in hopes no one will notice. When Justin called their bluff, they miracously lowered the price by $100.



Looks like someone got caught with their **ck in their hand. Good work Justin.

 

...but they're lonely and sitting fully built in a box, collecting dust - maybe being pushed around by some dude with a fork lift. Instead of being in my warm home, being loved. What a cruel world.

 

No, I think what was said last night was accurately picked apart...... The quote I got works out like this.

1. they ordered it with this screen
2. now they had to get permission to drop the price

That sounded as full of it as it seems in writing..... You can't have it both ways..... All things considered, everything up until yesterday shows WSXGA+ colorshine and crystalshine display....... and the price was set (in fact the price was dropped $100 after ordering if you recall). So, this was a mistake and they're trying not to eat crow... it's as simple as that. I know, unfortunatly that these are still going to sell, but unless ticked off people get on the horn and voice their concern, I'm afraid that nothing else will be done.

 

I originally didn't want to post this publicly, but I guess I should now...

---------------

Justin, I was just giving perspective. No criticism, no "threat"; I don't really understand the tone of your response. "Made it in life without people like me"? I'm a paying customer that's willing to spend upwards of $2000 on a laptop. You'd be surprised at the number of people that you've turned away with the way that you present yourself in this community.

Wow, that's a little strong. I've only a few posts on this forum and none have really been all out complaints (check my history). In fact, most of my time here is simply doing research on what's coming in the pipeline and what not. I don't understand the hyperbole and hostility I'm receiving here. I was even planning on putting together a little pictorial and write up of the W5F once I received it.

Incredible. I hope your customers don't get this type of attitude when they call you for warranty info or help setting up their machines...

Again, I was originally going to post this in this thread as a response, but out of respect for you and your business, I decided to PM you the original message instead.

I'm not here to start some silly Internet forum trash talk war or anything, so I'll keep my responses to this at a minimum; I just felt that the community should be aware of your comment and of course, you asked that the original comment and your response be posted in the thread.

 

In the Netherlands the W2J is being delivered with a WSXGA+ screen

 

Offtopic, Charlie Digital, the fact that you commented on his business practices may have provoked that type of response. I'm a regular member on NASIOC.com, and vendors do that all the time. If it's a stupid question it will get a rough answer especially one that's been repeatedly asked a ton of times. So when in doubt, always use the search feature first

On topic, I hope Asus doesn't gimp the W3J unexpectedly like this. Thank god i didnt preorder it yet

 

Thank you for posting that. Don't feel bad, because I told you to do it.

I'm sick of the handful of people who will contact me privately to tell me tell me that something I said was not the proper way for a public figure to say or something to that order. It's usually people who have very little experience in this community and don't understand me. I don't care if you or anyone one else feels the same way..... but make it public... If I'm going to be called a public figure, then everything should be out in the open. However, as the "real members" of this forum will atest to, I'm a long term member of this community who provides many public services and I'm trusted because I speak my mind and although I'm the head of a company, I care more about my integrity as a person than any number of sales. My actions do not, never have been and never will be swayed by public opinion or how they will impact sales.

Another key point, which is why I'm glad I convinced you to post this.... but the member "stocat" and I were having a conversation.... one in which at least the two of us understood what the hell was going on. You obviously misunderstood what I said, but stocat did not. Should I care what you have to say about it? Not in the least. So when you start a rant on me under the anonymity of some bogus forum handle.... at least do it publicly so I'm not the only one to criticize you.

 

It's the same in Denmark.
I've checked 8 stores online, and its in stock, and says 17.1" TFT WSXGA+ (1680 x 1050), Color Shine, Crystal Shine.

 

Europe customers don't worry, it's definitely an ASUS N.A. Move™...

 

But hey, everything is cheaper in the US. The American dream

 

Yes, pretty much...
I hope you also meant the mentality too... like the move that was made with the LCD change.
Justin pulled the words out of my mouth earlier by stating that ASUS is trying to "fit in" the US Market, rather than change it. Dumb move.

Having lived in Europe for a few years, I have come to appreciate their sense of appreciation for quality.
Not that it doesn't exist here... it's just more common to find people wanting the "best deal".
ASUS brought something new to the US tech market... unmatched quality.
If they start sacrificing that, they will lower themselves to the mainstream competition and only kill themselves off in the US.

Lets hope ASUS keeps giving us a reason to be called a boutique, and not just another reseller.

 

im up to here in waiting any longer.
before i even move to japan this summer im going to be staying in
"Guam" idk if youve guys ever heard of that place but appearantly
no ones shipping any laptops over there so. idk whether i should by
it from European sites.
*sigh.

 

There's a reason no one ships to Guam...

a couple years ago we had quite a few military guys who are stationed there who got pocket pcs and laptops.... The problem is that you can only ship there through the USPS - however, to do that you need to go to the post office and ship it. I remember taking a couple shipments to the post office myself and there are a TON of rules and regulations to ship there...... a lot of paperwork. So, it is a pain in the rear, but it can be done. On our side, after making trips like that a few times, it's not worth it unless there's a lot of money to be made, because there's nothing like wasting an hour at the post office when domestic orders are as simple as making a label and having fedex take them when they come up every day.

So, good luck with that, but it'll be hard to ship there... I think there's one airport and the USPS makes deliveries like once a week..... It's a tropical island in the south pacific... right? So.... you're lucky they have electricity.

 

They do it by not posting the specs for the particular model on their website. The only thing you can blame them for is a lack of attention to detail when it comes to advertising. As for the resolution change. I dont think its a big deal as long as the price is lowered. You prolly will not find it on our site simply because they are hard to move and the audience for them is extrmely picky. I rather not take one for restocking.

 

Eddie thats the reason it is a big deal. THe audience for those is picky when you spend that kind of money a person has the right to be picky. And lowerng the rez on a 17in to that is not acceptable. i mean who uses 17in notebooks. people that really need the desktop space and photoshop people. and as a multimedia notebook playing hidef files . well you cant play true high def files on a xga screen,