Which ASUS laptop for me? (Looking for something similiar to Macbook/MBP)

...Asus does make Apple laptops correct?

I've owned an Apple Macbook Pro 17" but I felt it was too overpriced for what I was using for, so I sold it while I could make a profit out of it. However, I really liked the build quality and style of it.

I was also looking at the IBM Thinkpad T60, but I prefer a wide screen laptop. (I believe there is a wide screen version of the T60 coming out soon so I might consider that)

Portability and Quality is very important to me. I'm just looking for something that is similar to apple notebooks.

core 2 duo
13-15.4inch screen
3-4 hour battery life
dedicated video card

ram and hd does not matter because I would upgrade those myself.

 

Asus A8Js
Asus W3J

The two best options, both 14 inch laptops, both highly recommended by NBR members.

The Asus A8Js is even more/as powerful as the MacBook Pro, and the W3J has better looks than the MBP, but slightly worse specs. However, some resellers will customize it for you if you wish.

 

Don't forget the W7J... it's a 13.3" beauty with a dedicated graphics card.

 

Oh! And the W7J .

Its a 13.3 inch laptop with a webcam, graphics card and power .

 

Thanks, ill check out what everyone recommended.

Also, is there anything I should wait for? I won't really need the laptop until after new years, but I don't want to wait too long before I get buyers remorse from Santa Rosa coming out =p.

Also, what resellers do you guys recommend?

 

I'm assuming you're in North America, so I would recommend PROPortable and BTOTech for and also MilestonePC.com, especially if you live in Canada, for Asus laptops.

These resellers frequently post in the forums, share their knowledge and news with us, and are highly regarded and recommended here at NBR.

Well, if you won't need it until after New Year's, could you wait until March? By then, Windows Vista will be pre-installed, and Santa Rosa will be released.

Tempting...isn't it?

 

I really like the W3J but it seems a bit pricey..

the stock W3J at proportable.com is $1799
T5500 1.66
1 GB Ram
100 GB 5400 RPM HD
x1600 w/ 256mb
it does have svideo, card readers and a few other features but

I could get the base 15" Macbook pro
2.16 core 2 duo
1 gig of ram
120 / 5400 rpm hd
x1600 w/ 128mb
OSX

+ warranty/customer service and convenience of the apple store near by.

The reason why I sold my original Macbook Pro is because i felt the price premium of OSX wasn't really worth it because I was primarily boot camping Windows. (Most of the software I use for work there are no osx port or universal binaries available)

What do you guys think?

 

The g1p is another choice. It's a 15.4" with a nvidia 7700. It should be coming out in a few months.

For a reseller I recommend BtoTech.com. Their service is top notch.

 

The G1P is nice. In fact, it should be arriving in December or January, not really "a few months".

 

I'm looking at the 15.4" MBP, W3J, and A8Js myself. However, I'm leaning toward the MBP because it's priced very well with the education discount and I can get XP through the Microsoft Development Network at no cost.

The G1P is a strong notebook, but I would have to ask what your definition of portable is? You originally came from a 17" MBP and now you are considering a W3J, which is a very wide spread. The G1P is supposed to weigh a little less than the 17" MBP at 6.6 lbs I believe so it won't be the most portable labtop. A W3J in contrast is about 5.4 lbs with the optical drive installed. The 15.4" MBP is about 5.6 lbs.

Based on your requirements for portability, quality, and long battery life the W3J is really your only choice. With the optional modular bay battery you'll get more than the 3-4 hrs you require. While the MBP and W3J are similar in weight, if you mainly use Windows, the W3J would be preferrred since MP battery life under XP isn't as good as under OS X. The A8Js doesn't have the quality of the W3J and doesn't have the 2nd battery option.

The only concern I have with the W3J is the low T5500 processor which doesn't have VT support. Still, I think the W3J is the best option for you, especially if you don't need extra processing power.

 

ltcommander_data, you can customize the W3J through a reseller, or you can buy the Core Duo version, which is Core Duo T2500 (2.0 GHz).

BTOTech.com and MilestonePC.com will customize the W3J for you.

 

Yeah I know you can customize. The cost doesn't seem worthwhile though since it's $249 CND to get to the T7200 on top of the $2049 for the W3J. A 15.4" MBP with T7400/2GB/160GB would be less than that with the education discount and other than the GPU, be more powerful overall.

Still for the original poster, the W3J is probably the better choice if processing power isn't essential, because of the long battery life under XP.

 

I am learning towards the Macbook Pro.

I REALLY like the style/look of the ASUS but the 15" MBP just seems like a much better buy (and general Macs have higher resell value then PCs)

I do need the processing & video card power since I do primarily 3D work. However, i won't be doing anything too heavy on it, I'll leave that to my workstation at home.

I do realize the battery and heating issues, how it is not fully optimized in Windows XP.. That was one of the few things that bug me about the MBP. I forgot to mention that this laptop is going to be used in school so thats why I was looking for something compact and portable...

I'm still researching before I jump back to Apple. I may even consider the T60 widescreen.. The current T60s are pretty cheap right now ~1200-1300$ but design/looks do matter to me.. UGH!

How does the actual quality compare between a T60 vs ASUS/Apple?

 

Actually I think I'm gonna go with the A8Js now

 

A very wise choice.

You give up the durable chassis though youll have to make sure you take care of it.

I wouldnt give up the higher res and the gpu for the other two straight up.

I think I would spend extra money getting to 2 gb.

 

A8Js ordered through Milestonepc.com group order

I am going to add another gig of ram myself. It shouldn't be a problem mixing and matching ram as long as its the same speed correct?

Cant wait to get it.

 

I already sent your tracking number to you, did you get it?

 

I received a e-mail invoice and logged in and saw the UPS tracking number.

Also, these come with Windows XP Pro which should be eligible for some Vista upgrade correct?

FYI: thanks for getting it shipped so fast!

 

Yes, qualified.

 

Good choice. I hope my opinion had some influence in your decision .

Have fun with your new laptop!