Why do you see different models of W3J?

Right now the latest ETA for both W3J and A8Jm is still Mid May, but there is still confusion on the final specs, the final product we will receive MIGHT still have different specs comparing with we know now. Taiwan keeps changing specs, nobody knows a final confirmed specs for W3J now.

Another thing might also be a reason of the confusion, Asus does have different sku numbers for W3J(also the A8Jm), one for dealers like us, one for these big box stores, the models for big box stores will be here about mid June, ours will be here about mid May.

 

I know some specifications have been mentioned quite a few times already (memory config, gpu, etc). when i browsed the asus global website, it said

"Built-in Bluetooth™V2.0+EDR (optional feature)"

Will all our orders from our respective areas have the Blutooth Built in as part of the specs? Something to be aware about. Darn asus, and their ambigious pages.

 

This isn't exactly good news - I doubt they're going to improve on the specs if they change. Are US and Canada expected to get the same build?

I'm going to flip if they've downgraded the hard drive.

 

I don't know what they are, but will be the same.

I don't THINK Asus will do that if Asus can get 5400rpm HDs. I don't know exactly why the specs keep changing and the delay, I think a qiute possible reason might be the parts availability.

This happened couple of times before, for Z70Va, it got delayed again and again because Asus couldn't get X700 video at that time; half a year ago Asus used 4200rpm HD in some ensemble models because Asus couldn't get 5400rpm 80G HD, therefore used 100G 4200rpm HD instead.

Is it because X1600 shortage for the W3J delay? Could be, who knows.

 

The thing I don't understand (and this could just be my own ignorance regarding laptop releases) is if the unit has indeed shipped, why is it so difficult to confirm the specs the unit had when it shipped? That communication either seems to be non-existent or not very reliable. Add into the mix we have one reseller who thinks they have shipped and another that doesn't...there is just a lot of confusion and all (most) of us are doing a good job being patient.

I know from my own personal point of view. I had no problem with preordering understanding that we had an ETA and not a set in stone date but I didn't expect specs to be changing while we waited. I'm ok with their being two sticks of RAM instead of one but it makes me uncomfortable to know that something else could still change (specifically the hard drive).

The sense I am getting is that Asus (and maybe laptop manufacturers in general) don't release "final" or "confirmed" specs until the unit is out and those essentially become the "final" specs for that region.

I realize that maybe it isn't commonplace to hold pre-orders and thats what makes these issues come up in the first place (since generally Asus wouldn't need set in stone specs, the dealer would just receive what Asus sends and if it differs slightly then no big deal because people haven't already put there money down).

With all that said, I'm not upset, I don't feel slighted. I realize everyone is working with the best information they have and thats all we can work with. But I would be lying if I said I didnt' feel some anxiety not because I fear that the laptop will never make it here but because it may not be the laptop I bought. Thanks Danny and Justin for keeping all of us in the loop, I appreciate your efforts immensly, and I know you're just as frustrated (even more so) about future possible spec changes as we are.

*fingers are crossed*

 

Asus has confirmed the W3J-H017P is the final model that's being shipped. What today's news is, is that the ETA is still mid May, but they have NOT left Taiwan yet or at least Taiwan has not given Fremont that confirmation yet.

 

it seems most plausible that the cause of the delays is a possible x1600 shortage, the msi-1039 was delayed until may as well which also features the x1600.

 

OK, thanks for the update

*sigh of relief*

 

[100% speculation]

When I was at my local computer store with the rep from Asus and the W3j he said that it would come with the 7400 (same as V6j) video card.

Now I was sure he was mistaken so I let it slide, but maybe (hopefully not) he knew something we do not?

[/100% speculation]

 

Justin - can you get confirmation on the HD speed? That's my only major concern with UK models getting the slower drives.

How long before we're looking at a late May (or later delivery)?

 

Spoke to Asus not an hour ago and the specs I've posted at 100% confirmed

 

Ahhh....I can almost feel my ulcer subsiding as I type this.

 

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

LOL @ Undertow.

You can set the Tums down now.