W3V... got the best of me.

Hey everyone...

The rebates got the better of me, I just ordered off of c9tech.com and so far so good. At 1,295.00 (after rebates) the price is just too incredible to pass up especially since not only 2 months ago the W3V was a little over 1,699.99 which... seems like an incredible price drop. I was going to get the V6Va because of IPS and all.. but price is still a little high for a Centrino so I went with the W3V... hopefully it'll satisfy. Enough waiting!!

Thanks to c9tech, no tax (I'm in CA) and free shipping!! Can't get any better! NewEgg charges $108 for tax and then 7.99 for shipping... with c9tech, it's alll free of charge so I'm a happy camper.


------------EDIT----------

If you bought a W3V w/ the rebate... well post it up! Share the price and where you got it!

Mine was 1,295 after rebate from c9tech

 

Nice

Yea, at $1299, its an UNHEARD of deal, its cheaper then most quality 14" laptops, without a dedicated GPU!

Congrats dude

 

HAHA,

Ah great minds think alike, I have not been able to convince myself that the core duo and somewhat better GPU is worth the extra $500.

I am also looking at C9Tech but in the spirit of saving money I found that Buy.com has it for $1200 also free shipping and tax (also offer $15 off for first time purchase). Am I going too far, since Buy.com is has a so-so rating as a reseller.

Congrats any how man

 

Is the Core duo and GPU card the only main difference between the Wv3 and W3J? Is the build and material the same?

 

Yes, the chassis is exactly the same... with the exception of colour; I believe the W3J is slightly darker...?
Other than that, they look exactly the same and should feel the same.

 

Hmmm.... Maybe that's what I should be buying.....

 

Hey let me know how that goes... if you get it all right, etc.

 

Well I guess I am a coward and needed your encouragement ycd.tsai, I actually decided as you did. Decided to go from buy.com

Hope everything goes well, got it for $1,384 - $200 rebate = $1,184. Another extra perk is that I got free shipping no taxes and 6 month 0% interest payment so I will get my rebate back before dishing out the cash. At under $200 dollars a month this baby is awesome.

I will let you guys know how it goes, hopefully my cheapness does not get the better of me. HEHEHEHEHE

Just for the Asus gods to make sure everythin goes well
:asus: :asus: :asus: :asus: :asus: :asus: :asus: :asus: :asus: :asus: :asus: :asus: :asus: :asus: :asus: :asus: :asus: :asus: :asus: :asus: :asus: :asus:

 

Does the W3v have the ability to add a second battery. Which one W3v or w3j has better battery life?

 

Second battery meaning the modular Optical Tray one? If so, yes

As for battery life, its hard to say...

I would assume it would be very similiar....

 

Amen brother =) I'm sure it'll turn out fine.

I went with c9tech because I'm in California... and unfortunately (very unfortunately) Buy.com is also stationed here so the tax brings it to the same price... and since c9tech is definitely more reputable than Buy.com I'm going with them (and giving them the business too).

MAN, awesome price =)

 

Nope, turns out (after some research) the Duo Core does use more battery =) So that's a bonus I guess. Plus think about it, the single core is definitely going to be sort of "undervolting" because it won't use as much to process; granted it's slower... but I'm willing to spend some more time up with my baby than dish out $500 or more.


Rebates all the way, anyone who joins in on the rebates, shout it out!!!





Also I want to do some price comparisons =) Always interests me.
Basicaly mine is 1,495 and w/ rebate is 1,295.... So far urrutiaale has beaten me..

 

Sounds like a sweet deal, now I'm torn. Although gear2play has the W3J for 1799 less $100 instant rebate. Getting closer

 

A couple of questions...

1. If I get the W3V, does anyone know of any kind of protective coating I could put on the palmrest plastic to keep it from fading?

2. Does the brushed aluminum cover scratch easily? Will I need to put it in a sleeve all the time? I'm hoping to carry it around in my backpack to school..

I really want it now!!

 

Aw, get a sleeve... it's a good investment =) I'm sure the brushed aluminum has no problems, haven't heard of any.

The only prob will be the palmrest.. as for that, there's definitely some protective plastic, someone posted it up a while back. It's super cheap (like $10 bucks or less). Just search around I guess.

 

The Brushed Aluminum will almost never scratch nor fade, one of the perks having it for the wristrest on the V6

As for the wristrest, there isn't much you can do....but you can always used those PDA screen protector clear stickers and stick them on there, or something.

 

Any thoughts on how clear contact would look on it. I was thinking of maybe putting an entire sheet and cutting out the space for the mouse, keyboard and different buttons.

This might make it look more stock vs a sticker which you can see the edges of. Will this peal off witout leaving any sticky resido?

 

Hmmm, don't know abou that...try it out and see, that's what I'd do.

 

Are there any other differences between the W3V and W3J, other then the Gpu and core duo? It seems the fsb is different also, is that a material difference?

 

Nothing really.. I mean look at the $400-$500 dollar difference...

 

Well the W3V arrived at my house this morning and I am travelling till end of next week

Have to say though tat I am very impressed with Buy.com, at least so far. Processed my order in a day and shiiped free and arrived sooner than expectes

Hope my excitement wont change once I open the box. Oh and have not dished out 1 cent for it yet tghanks to their 6 month 0% interest payment

 

Aww... ordered from Amazon because Buy.com has tax which makes it cost more... but it doesn't come until a coupla days..

 

I also took the plunge and got pretty much the LAST W3V in Canada from MilestonePC!
Should be here next week :asus:

 

WOHOOOOOOOOOOO

ah the temptation conquers yet again. I also decided to gt it before I need it cause I think they will run out soon.

MY CONGRATS, at least there are three of us with new W3V to bounce questions and trouble shoot with.

ycd.tsai:

what do you mean I thought you got it from c9tech

 

Checked out buy.com, the specs for the w3v were not listed at the discounted price. Did you get 100GB? I couldn't really understand the difference between the W3V's they listed. One was $1199 the other was over $1600. What gives.

 

the 1600 I thisk was the old posting (no idea though)

I got it for 1,184 (thats with 200 rebate and 15 off coupon)

As for the specs they are there on the webpage towards the bottom, here I just pasted them here: ( http://www.buy.com/prod/Asus_W3V_Notebook/q/loc/101/202089061.html)


-Intel Pentium M Processor (Dothan) 750 Clock Speed: 1.86GHz
FSB: 533 MHz Cache: 2MB L2
Operation System
Microsoft Windows XP Professional Edition
Chipset
Intel 915PM & ICH6-M
Main Memory
DDR2-533 DRAM 1024MB
2 x SODIMM Dual Channel Slots
1 open SODIMM socket is available up to 2GB
Display
14 WXGA (1280 x 768) TFT display
Enhanced Screen
Color shine & Crystal shine technology
Video Graphics & Memory
PCI Express ATI X600 64MB
Hard Drive
2.5-inch 9.5mm HDD w/ Ultra DMA/100- 100GB (4200RPM)
Optical Drive
Built-in 8 x DVD-RW Dual Layer
Card Reader
4-in-1 card reader (SD/MMC/MS/MS PRO)
Fax / Modem / LAN / WLAN / Bluetooth
- Intel High Definition Audio MDF Fax/Modem 10/100/1000 Base T
- Pass and support worldwide regulation
- Built-in Wireless 802.11a/b/g
- Built-in Bluetooth
LED Status Indicator
- Power-on/Suspend - Battery Charging/full/low - Storage device access - WLAN Indicator
- Caps / Scroll / Number Lock
- Email in box
Interface
1 x VGA port/Mini D-sub 15-pin for external monitor
1 x Headphone-out jack (SPDIF)
1 x Microphone-in jack
1 x RJ11 connector fro Modem
1 x RJ45 connector for Ethernet
3 x USB 2.0 ports, 1 x IEEE 1394 port
1 x TV-out (S-Video composite)
1 x Type II PCMCIA 2.1 compliant
1 x SIR-115 2Kbps supported
1 x Infrared Port
Keyboard
- Standard keyboard with 83 keys
Audio
Built-in Intel High Definition Audio compliant audio chip, with 3D effect & full duplex
Built-in speaker and microphone
Audio DJ
Audio-DJ for play/pause, stop, forward, rewind
Hot Keys
Instant launch Keys 5 buttons: Wireless, Internet, Bluetooth Touchpad Lock, Power4 Gear+
Function Keys Fn+F1 Suspend switch Fn+F2 Wireless switch
Fn+F4 Save to Hard-Disk Fn+F5 Brightness down Fn+F6 Brightness up Fn+F7 LCD on/off Fn+F8 LCD/CRT switch display Fn+F10 Volume on/mute Fn+F11 Volume down Fn+F12 Volume up
Battery Pack & Life
Li-Ion 8 cell: 4800mAh, 65W/Hrs
Run-time: 4+ Hrs
2nd battery module supported
Run-time: 7+ Hrs
AC Adapter
Output: 19 V DC, 3.42 A, 65W Input: 100240V AC, 50/60Hz universal
Dimension & Weight
13 x 9.7 x 1.18~1.29 inches (WXDXH) - 5.5lbs
Security
BIOS setup, Power-on, HDD User Password Protection, BIOS I/O lock
Kensington Lock
Supplied Accessories
N/A
Multimedia Software
ASUSDVD XP 5.0 Power Director V3.0 DE
Media show V2.0 SE
Anti-Virus & Tool Software
Adobe Acrobat Reader 5.1 NERO Express V6.0
Symantec Norton Internet Security 2005
ASUS Utility
ASUS NB Probe ASUS Live Update ASUS ChkMail ASUS Hotkey ASUS Power4 Gear+
Warranty & Support
1 years GLOBAL warranty

 

Thanks, Didn't know it also had a slower hard drive.

 

oh yeah the W3J comes with a 5400 HD, that is the only thing about this lappy that I might change.

If you take this HD out does anyone one how to rig it to work as a secondary HD. Is there any housing you can get with a USB connector?

 

Uhhh Urrutiaale, a 5400rpm is decent, if you're into something quicker... hesitate on installing it because it voids warranty and plus it will heat up your computer more than the 54Krpm. Look into investing in an external hard drive (what I'm doing).

You can purchase an "Hard drive enclosure" and depending on whether it is a laptop (2.5") hard drive or computer (3.5") hard drive you can stick it in there and use it. I purchased one and it's AWESOME. Works perfectly and is super cheap. But I really suggest you not install a 7200rpm....

I'm glad y'all took the plunge =)

Also, I ordered from Amazon cuz it was cheaper and my credit card bounced every time I used it with C9tech... they have AMAZING service (and free shipping) but I just used Amazon on this time.

 

what I have gotten confirmed from C9TECH and on the buy.com website is that the W3V comes with 100 GB (4200rpm) hard drive. see above

If it came with the 5400 I totally agree, but 4200 seems a tad slow.

another question for you guys, how is the x600 vs x1300, x1400 and x1600

 

WHAT?? Man... that really does suck. 4200??...

Well, obviously the X600 is a tad bit lower than the other higher models. But all the reviews said it ran Half-Life 2 on high settings... that's good enough for me. If it can run the Source engine, it'll be fine for now until Half Life 3 comes out or something.

4200?.... *cries*
Glad I have the external now...

 

The older W3V with the 60GB hard drive configuration was a 5400RPM drive, when they re-spec'd them, they up'd the capacity to 100GB, but they lowered the speed to 4200RPM...many people were upset, I think It had to do with a shortage of drives at the time.

Yeah, anyone upgrading their 4200RPM drive with another, should keep it as is and go out and get an external enclosure for it as was mentioned...you'll want the 2.5" enclosure, and you have the option of USB 2.0, Firewire, or a combo of both. By doing this, the drive becomes a plug and play external hard drive...and as long as you leave the OS untouched, you can always pop it back in incase you ever need to have the laptop serviced by Asus. Have fun and remember to keep yourself "grounded" from static during the installs.

 

That's a huge bummer.... s'all good though... I guess =)

I would actually rather have 60GB of 5400 rpm rather than 120 GB 4200 rpm. It's all in the speed!

 

amen to that brother

any specifics on enclosures? where/what/how much

like this I suppose: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817145752

 

Yeah, that's one of 'em. Just make sure it isn't cheap (12.99) because you're investing your HD in it... I got an aluminum one from CompUSA (self-branded) and it was on sale for 29.99 and it works great.

Just make sure it's 2.5" and it's an hard drive enclosure and you're all set.

 

Ahhh, got it yesterday and I love it.

 

Congrats, good to hear! I think mine will come Tuesday... but gonna have to wait till Friday to use it!

 

congrats I am getting so freakin frustated that the damn thing is sitting in the box at home since last monday and I can't unveil it till next friday....

hope it does not feel neglected and gives me a hissy fit

let us now how all the "if only this..." really are, by that I mean:

- 4200rpm HD
- Palm rest fading
- are there any others?

 

Hehe.. looks like we'll be opening it at the same time urrutiaale!!

I am also very interested in what people think of the 4200rpm hdd in the W3V.... who has one and are they upset with the speed of doing menial tasks?

 

Definitely doesn't bother me... and I am using a 7200rpm SATA on my desktop =)

I mean, I noticed it sure.. but after a while you're so caught up in how great it is that you forget about it. As for the palm rest... the stickers are staying on for a while =)

Nothing else, greater battery life is a pro, wayyyyy cheaper is a pro too. Think of the positive things!

 

you are definetly right, I am stoked about this lappy, the PROs definetly outwaty everything by a long-shot

just the frustration of not being able to play and hug the beast

did you guys look at the thread of solving the palmrest fading, there was an idea of stiking some pvc lining on it that seemed intersting

otherwise how hard would it be to take off the palm rest and repaint it (spraypaint then lacker)

did I just say something ridiculously stupid

if the w3j has no issues might just get one from asus and slap it on the w3v

 

It wouldn't be hard at all to do those things, just time and a little money. I would hesitate to do the painting... and the changing of the palmrest to W3J would void warranty...

Best bet is to not sweat all over it, I heard if you just keep it clean it'll never fade. I personally am going to be careful with it. I think I'm going to get some clear covers too maybe.



Hey Urrutiaale, any thoughts on cases ? =)

It's so annoying! I got a 15.4" case and thought... since it's big it should fit my 14" but wrong! It has sooooo much space so I'm returning it. I'm going to get either a 12" case or 14" case. (The 12" is actually spacey).

Oh yeah, if you're going to a store and don't want to buy a case you THINK will fit and have to go back and try it on, etc. Then this is what to do: (I'm going to try it)

1. Get paper
2. Trace your laptop
3. Cut it out
4. Trace your laptop thickness
5. Go to store and try it on in cases!

That's what I'm going to do =)

 

well about cases I am somewhat undecided I have a Boblbee backpack which I feel the laapy will be very safe in even when rollerblading or biking with it on my back

http://www.boblbee.com/jsp/public/productus/p_hard_ml_exec.jsp

megaopolis-executive

I have carried evething from 15.4" to 12" lappys and all fit great

if I were going to get a case, I have always heard shinza sleaves are great

http://shinza.com/product_info.php?products_id=46

 

I'm so happy... it's awesome!

 

the lappy or a new sleeve, or both

im sure its the lappy, hate you for rubbing it in though, can't believe I still have 5 days to go to be able to play with it

MEGA CONGRATS THOUGH, GLAD YOU ARE THRILLED MAKES ME EVEN MORE EXITED

 

5 Days?? Man... I bet you're counting down the days, eh? =)

Yeah man, it's great, I'm on it right now =) I'm getting a job soon so I'm glad I have my SUPER CHEAP W3V to use. I also found a great case for only 27.99 at Fry's Electronics (hidden on some shelves on the left) thinking of getting a shock sleeve soon also.

Man, you're going to love it. I suggest you get off all the bloatware though... soooooooooo much stuff on it that slows down CPU. I got rid of all the ASUS bundled stuff that startup with the lappy, suggest you do it too.

Well man, let me know when you get it =)

 

bloatware?? is that a real term LOL either for my ignorance or your creativity

 

Not sure if it's a real term... just hear people use it all the time, bloatware = excess software installd by the manufacturer...

Congrats to the people who jumped on the boat for the W3V, I forgot who it was but someone else did.

 

probably battlecat

 

yeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa I'm still here!!

waiting impatiently with you urrutiaale .... thursday for me

but Congratulations ycd.tsai hope you're having fun!

okay here's an update

I'm looking at getting a Sumdex sleeve... it has a handle and is supposed to be soft and perfect fit... not sure about the Shinza... I saw it in store, it seems.. okay, kind of hard.
I bought Taiyo Yuden DVD-R's...
I saw a rubbery kind of sticky keyboard/palmrest cover to protect from spills but thought it would be way too annoying...
you were saying something about PVC lining... hmm where can I buy that?


I'm making a list of what I should install and do on it when I first get it...:

1. install NOD32 anti-virus
2. install Zone-Alarm firewall
3. Set up wireless network stuff?
4. Delete some bloatware maybe..
5. Do I need to install SP2?
6. Transfer WoW and games over network
7. install NERO, Firefox, iTunes, MSN, Virtual Daemon
8. Import my Firefox Bookmarks
9. Set up one of those programs that control the temperature, cpu usage and stuff like that... I have no idea how.. I read up on it... which one(s) should I use?
9. enjoy

now what's missing?

thanks for listening!