Wait for W3J or get S96J now?

I'm having a difficult time deciding what to do, so what would YOU do?
I've pre-ordered a W3J, but I'm getting impatient waiting, especially another month. The cost was $1935. I love the look and I feel like if I get something else, I'll look at pictures of the W3J, and feel remorse.

ON the other hand, there's the S96J which I had no idea existed (till a few days ago). For $1650 I can get the same specs as a W3J, with upgrades to the Ram and HD. 2 GB ram and a 100gb 7200rpm HD and a 15.4" screen, which is what I really wanted (i was settling for the 14" in the W3J). The price would be even cheaper if i just get the barebone and install all the stuff myself from newegg, which I'm willing to do.

$300+ less for a better system, but the chassis looks like ****, in my opinion, or maybe I've been spoiled by the looks of the W3.

What would you do?

 

Dont' know if this is important... but the z96/s96 laptops won't have DVI, or so I've heard....

 

W3j does have dvi either. Only the a8jm does.

W3j in my opinion is made slightly better, but its all about personal preference.

 

You should not settle for a smaller screen especially if a model exists that has the exact screen size you want. Screen size is after all one of the defining attributes of different notebooks.

 

LoL sym, many are in the same situation! So am I.

I personaly decided to wait to before school starts, so i can see the V1J released and hopefully the Z96js would come out soon.

If you look at the thread a few posts below you'll see the the differences between s96 and Z96, im sure you'll like the Z96 more.

Besides that bro, this is a tough time to choose which asus to go with. Many opted for the W3J because of the release date, and good looks and performance in such a small package.

Another thing to factor in is when do you need it or want to buy it, and what are you doing to do with it?

I suggest filling out the FAQ so we can further help you in your decision.

Thanks,

MysticGolem

 

I like the WXGA screen on the S96J and I dont need internal bluetooth. With the W3J, I felt like I was settling for the logitech V270 mouse, when I would much rather have the V400. the SATA HD in the S96J and upgradability(?) to merom in the future is a plus.

The biggest dilemma is the looks for me. From the pictures, the VBI notebooks look boring. nothing to get excited about.

I want to decide tonight. I COULD wait for the w3j, or can I? If I decide on the s96j i'll be ordering tomorrow.

 

oh ok ic. hmm. Yes many will agree the looks are boring, bland. BUT! its not ugly. In my opinion the A6J is the ugliest out ofthe 15.4" ASUS laptops there is. ohwell.

well another positive of not having stellar looks like the W3J, is the fact that it may be less susceptible for theives. (dunno how true this holds lol)

You can always in the future get a professional to paint it.

Also you can do it yourself, theres a small guide on how to do it in the MOD/Customization section.

Other than that, go for it, laptops are just machines

Its not like a girlfriend hehe

Thanks,

MysticGolem

 

lol. I was thinking the same thing.

it's not? hmm..

well, that's one vote for the s96j.

 

Yoink! here's the review

Its says Z96 on top, its a typo, its spose to be S96 ok

http://www.geared2play.com/phpbb/nfphpbb/viewtopic.php?p=4084&sid=623a9171b27ee9a2f03aa0f137454f6b

I can't remember where i saw a gallery of pictures. If i do i'll hook you up with a link ASAP.
Oh, its right there in the review there's a link.

Thanks,

MysticGolem

 

pictures? no thanks. the more I look at the S96j/z96j, the more I say waiting for the W3J is worth it. and those lcd covers, what are they thinking?

 

Although I only just got my w3j and there are some minor negative points to be found ( My first impressions)

I am loving this laptop so far. Stylish, fast and very light . I can recommend the Asus W3J !

 

How would you guys compare the W3J and the S96J to the MSI MS-1039? I've been eyeing that as well, as it has an X1600, though it doesn't have Core Duo. It's about the same price as the S96J as well.

 

I personaly would no go for the MS 1039, because ur getting half new technology and half old technology.

X1600 being new and the Turion being old.

With dual core you'll get to use the performance boost right now, compared to 64bit which you'll be able to use when Vista and a bunch of our programs becoem 64 bit.

Thanks,

MysticGolem

 

When I was first looking at getting a laptop back in early February my choices were the s96 (originally A6j?) and the MSI-1039. Once the A6 got pushed back or wasn't coming I was down to the MSI and the w3j. The w3j was originally supposed to come in late march if I remember right and the 1039 kept getting pushed back as well.

Now the s96j and the 1039 are available. Someday the 1039 is supposed to come with wsxga so that would be nice. The 1039 isn't dual core as you mentioned but it is 64 bit. As far as aesthetics go, I don't think anything can touch the w3j. The w3 also wins in the portability. The 1039 was unexpectedly quite heavy (I think near 7 lbs if I remember right) so that might be a turn off.

Personally I'm not on a strict budget and I'd like to get as much portability as I can, so for me the w3 is the new hotness. Its too bad it just isn't here yet. I've done some calculations and I would save myself about $600 if I went with either the MSI or the S96 with the config I would want but the portability of the w3 is why I am still holding out for it. With dx 10, 64 bit, and Vista all coming out in the next year I find it a little challening to buy anything that is said to "push the envelope now" (especially any desktop replacements w/ 7800 or 7900GTX) because the envelope will be significantly changed in a little over a year. However, most very portable laptops don't push the envelope graphically anyway. This is where I see the value of the w3j. I get something really portable that just happens to perform really well. This way I don't feel like I am wasting money when it becomes outdated in a year.

Now if it would just ever get over here .

 

HMMMM... good point. portability is also an issue for me, since I will be lugging my notebook around campus. Thanks for making my decision more difficult.. lol.. j/k i appreciate ur point of view.

 

I think it's a matter of how tight your budget is. If it's not tight (ie...if you weren't pushing it or over extending yourself with the W3j) then I'd stay with the W3j...the fit and finish is going to trump the s96 by a long shot.

Now is that important? I happen to believe fit and finish have more to do than just looks...for instance if my laptop is creaky or the materials feel cheap for instance, I'm not going to be as satisfied. All signs point to the W3j as being solid and having top quality everything.

All this being said, I'm expecting a baby (W3j) in the next few weeks so I am a little biased towards the little sucker.

EDIT: It should be noted that while the S96 DOES have an inch plus advantage in monitor size, it has basically the same resolution as the 14" W3j...so is the extra size really a good thing?

 

I also think it's strange that the W3J's vent is on the right side, and I can see this as being a little bothersome, to have hot air constantly blowing onto my hand. Does anyone know where the s96j's air vents are?

So far I think i'm leaning toward the ugly s96j.

 

The review I read said that the S96J is a ton quieter as well as dispersing air better because the vents are placed practically everywhere so it's even dispersal.

I would get it but I need something lighter 14" W3J is what I'm going with or the Z69J

 

any link for the s96j review yc?

 

if you can get better specs for a cheaper price then go for it!

 

Sym,

http://www.notebookforums.com/showthread.php?p=2060395
http://www.geared2play.com/phpbb/nfphpbb/viewtopic.php?p=4084&sid=623a9171b27ee9a2f03aa0f137454f6b

Good luck man.

 

I'm the only one that thinks that the S96/Z96 is not ugly? While it is not as sexy as the W3J it still looks nicer than 80% notebooks out there. I like how they look. I think it looks nicer than the MS-1039.

 

I just don't like the black part with the lines. Otherwise its alright...

 

sym, i gave u the review on the first page, but here it is again.
http://www.geared2play.com/phpbb/nfp...3aa0f137454f6b
also there's a link in it, which takes you to the gallery of pics.

I know you'll be taking it to school. One big downside is that this thing does weigh 6.6lbs. This was the average weight of machine of this cailber and class of LAST YEAR. This year notebooks that are similar hit the 6.2lbs and as low as 5.5lbs

If you wanna feel the weight difference. You can easily check out Best Buy and find one 15.4" toshiba which no doubtly weighs about 6.6lbs and a 14" which would weigh 5.5lbs. this is rough tho, and compare it.

Flipster, definately gotta agree with out, it is not ugly, but its not good lookn, its just regular/normal nothing special, which is ok too. lol

Hope this helps,

Thanks,

MysticGolem

 

I saw some different pics on gen-x-pc, and the laptop didn't look so bad. Maybe it's different lighting, but I decided I'm just gonna get the s96j.
Moku's right. Better specs, cheaper price FTW.

Thanks for all your input, and i'll be filling you all in on my s96j when I get it.

Now I just need to figure out where to get it from. I configured one on Gentechpc for $1651 here's the specs:

Intel VBI Asus S96J Core Duo Barebone 15.4 Inch WXGA/ATI X1600 256MB/Built-in Camera/Combo
Installation: Hardware Install (free)
Warranty: 3 Years Warranty
CPU: Intel® Yonah Core-Duo T2400 1.83GHz 2M 667 FSB
RAM: Kingston 2GB DDR-2 667 SODIMM (2X1024)
Internal Wireless Card: Intel® PRO/Wireless 3945 Tri-mode 802.11a/b/g
HD: Seagate Momentus 100GB 7200rpm S-ATA
Display: 15.4" WXGA 1280 x 800 Color Shine (Glare)
VGA: ATI Mobility X1600 256MB PCI Express
Optical Drive: 8 x DVD-RW Dual Layer Super Multi
Camera: Built-in Camera

Anybody find a better deal with similar specs? Also, from the review I read at notebookforums, gentechpc delivers fast. Obviously i'm impatient lately.

 

Looks good, you could probably get it a bit cheaper if you buy the stuff off newegg and put it in yourself but that might be an unwanted hassle. Let us know how it turns out. If the w3j gets pushed back to July (hey don't laugh), I might be in the same boat, until then number 6019 is staying on the pre-order list.

 

^ I have two accessories I'm waiting on buying for my W3j JUST IN CASE...I'm not sure that I'd go with the S96j though...I'm finding myself more of an Ensemble guy (even though at the beginning of my search I was looking at the z70, z71...etc).

I'll prob. look to the V1j if the W3j is pushed back MUCH further or it ships with a slow HD or the like.

 

Lol i know kierk, all of us are getting ancy about this whole thing about delays for the W3J

So Sym, you definately need to checkout Newegg for deals on Ram. Also possibly the Hard Drive. This is possibly where you can save about 100$ or more, plus there are easy to put in yourself.

Also i suggest let Gentech build the computer for you, if they don't charge you for building it. Other than that you can defintaely build it yourself. It is said this is the MOST easiest laptop to build so, i wouldn't fear of an user building it them self.

I am definately gonna havta agree with you TheUndertow, when I first looked at ASUS Laptops, it was the Z71v and Z70 series. I like the ensemble units because i just feel that they are better, but i don't mind going either BOA or Ensemble now.

But i got time to wait so im gonna use it and see how things turn up, plus Merom is still coming out soon so far ^.^

Also Sym, u mentioned the pics from Gentech are different, yes i do see that lol! Um, i suggest calling Gentech and asking them whether that is truely the s96, just to make sure. The pics from G2P seem to be incorrect. And yes the pics from Gentech seem right, and yes it is better looking than the pics from G2P LOL


Thanks,

MysticGolem

 

Just saw the story on the front page of this site. Core Duo 2 (merom) will be out in August. That makes the s96j a little more tempting if one can wait till then to get it. Either that or maybe the a8j white box will be out by then and you can plop one in there. **** decisions, decisions....

Personally I don't see a reason to make the jump to 64bit unless I am going to get Vista, and as I've always said, if I were to get vista I'd definitly want to have a dx 10 compliant gpu.

 

I pulled the trigger today on the S96J, Ken at Gentech was very helpful into the questions and concerns I had, the whole process went smoothly. Another finalizing factor for me was the fact that the S96J is VBI (verified by Intel), which means Intel guarantees the laptop to function perfectly. Hopefully I'll have the notebook in my hands by Friday and I can start my journal.

Instead of a review I'm going to be doing a daily/weekly journal where I will be talking about daily activities with the s96j. More of a user friendly review. So instead of hearing what I think about the aspects of the notebook, I will just tell you about "the experience".

MG: there's "real" pics at notebookforums in Hyperlumionous' review. The notebook doesn't look so bad after all. Also I checked newegg price on ram and HD's, and gentech is like $10 more (not bad), especially since the reviewer on nbf says he installed the components himself and it was a pain in the ***.

 

it really does look different from those pictures.....i think it looks pretty decent, especially without that weird black segment on the lid near the hinge. i look forward to reading your "experience". it's a very interesting way of of doing things....

 

oh ok sym, sounds good to me , go for it.

Kierk im sorta confused, you want a DX10 GPU yet your going for the A8jm whitebox??

Or are you planning to wait for a DX10 GPU so that you can run Vista?

Thanks,

MysticGolem

 

LOL neither, I am on the pre-order list for the w3j and that is my drug of choice if it ever gets here. I am just thinking out loud with every new development that comes along while I wait. I would like a dx 10 gpu but they aren't going to be in a laptop I would want until this time next year. Plus there is no guarantee they would be available in a 14" like the w3j.

I'm just saying there is no reason for me to get Vista unless it is to get dx 10, so I wouldn't get an a8jm and wait for Merom in August just to have 64 bit while running XP. And I wouldn't upgrade to Vista if I had a Merom and an a8j (assuming it comes as a barebone) because I wouldn't have a dx 10 gpu in the a8j.

 

What two accessories are those? I've been looking for deals on a Dell 24" LCD. But when the coupons come along they are gone before I even have a chance to get one.

 

^ Now that's an accessory - LOL.

I've been looking at these two little guys (in addition to sleeves and cases and that sort of thing)

http://www.raindesigninc.com/ilap.html

http://www.shaggymac.com/

 

dx10 cards will be available for 14 inch laptops when they come out.... at least they should be, I cant think of a good reason for them to be any bigger than current gpus (including laptops) its simple a different architechture, and clock speeds is essesnitially what determines size because of the amount of cooling that is needed for them... so a laptop dx 10 gpu will exist, its just that it will be like the 1600 is to the 1900, same size (when coolers are taken off) .... oh and amount of ram should also not be an issue, because they frequently increase the size of each die...

 

Anyone know if the s96j has a pcmcia card slot? If it does, I'll prob end up getting this in the near future, as the dell only has express.

 

ExpressCard only. If you want a copy of the User's Manual, PM me.

 

Air Vents are in the back of the s96j, makes more sense as opposed to the one vent on the right side of the w3j. why would they put it on the right side? 75% of the world is right handed.

 

Because the battery is in the back friend. Why not the left? Hell, I don't know? Why is hell not bleeped but c r a p is?

 

I was wondering...does anyone know if the X1600 in the S96J is upgradeable? I was thinking that when the GeForce Go 7600 512MB comes out, I would upgrade to that if it's not too expensive to do so.

 

arjun1024, Video CArds are not USER upgradeable. 99% of laptops cannot have their GPUS changed, so don't do it.

basicaly what buy in ur laptop is what you get. (yes you can change the ram, HD, and possibly the CPU after the warranty is gone) Yes you can change the screen if the laptop supports another different screen.

Other than that Dell is the only mainstream company that gives you the ability to change gpus in the buying process. And also change the gpu later. But this is mainly for high end gpus. 7800, 7800GTX, and the 7900 series.

Yes it is unfortunate that the W3J has a vent on the right side. So far the current users don't find it to be too much of a problem. But i guess that will change as soon as people get their W3J in the US.

Thanks,

MysticGolem

 

I was under the impression that nVidia's MXM technology allows the graphics chip to be upgraded later. I've heard that people who bought the Alienware Area-51m 5500 with a GeForce Go 6600 chip later upgraded to an Mobility Radeon X1600 on their own by ordering the new chip online. Does ATI have a similar set-up?

 

only computers that use mxm technology can do that. asus doesn't.

 

if you really look at it, no one cares about MXM or MXM2 or anything in regards to changing gpus.

There's a small interest in regards of the GPU being soldered to the mobo or not soldered.

Other than do not think about upgrading the GPU, it is basically non existant. (sorta)

There's a BIG issue regarding heat thresholds that needs to be overcomed before companies can make a platform in which GPU's can be changed by the USER or even a retailer. THis usually requires totaly dissasembling the laptop just to change the GPU.

So the first thing companies need to do is make an awsome cooling system. Then the company and use a nice platform that will allows changeable GPUs. Then the company will test all possible GPUs that would work with the system, and tell you them in the SPEC SHEET, and then the user decides on upgrading the GPU appropriately.

^ that is how it would possibly work in the future.

Thanks,

MysticGolem

 

mysticgolem makes a very good point. even if you were able to switch out the graphics card, the new one you've changed to probably puts out more heat...more than the cooling system is meant for. just ask the dell e1705 people who have the 7800go. the cooling system was probably designed for the x1400, but they're putting in the 7800go that causes a lot of heating issues.

 

Maybe in the future of VBI notebooks, which the s96j is, GPU's will be upgradable, but then again, VBI has no effect on GPU's as of right now.

On a happier sidenote: I received a call from Ken at GentechPC today telling me my notebook is already shipping. I'm excited to start my journal, be on the lookout. WOOOHOO