a8jp or a8js?

I'm in a bit of a dilemma. I'm going to be buying a laptop within the next 48 hours (assuming that the a8jp is available on newegg), but I'm still ambivalent as to which one I should buy.

At first I was set on the a8jp because of its ridiculously good value, but I've been phased at the fact that there have been so many posts dedicated to how there is no driver for the x1700 (I don't understand why someting would be released without a driver).

Because of that lack of drivers, I feel like moving to the closest solution, being the a8js, even if it is a couple hundred dollars more.

Please help me with the decision, and someone explain to me if not getting an a8jp because of the lack of gpu support is a sound reason.

 

There's no reason why a driver won't be released soon. I think it will soon be included in the Catalyst drivers.

 

Didn't a new version of the Catalyst drivers come out recently?

 

There is a driver on Asus' site. For vista, they have the latest driver (same as what is on ATI's site), but for XP, they are two versions behind. That really isn't so bad. I'm sure they will be updated soon and as the x1700 becomes widely used by other laptop brands, ATI will support it with the drivers on their website.

Here's the thing...I was in your position just a week ago. I chose the A8JP because of the insane value. I got two gigs of ram with it and it was still cheaper than the A8JS. It had bluetooth and the better CMO screen. Seems like about half the people who purchased the A8JS got the crappy AUO screen with horrible viewing angles and bad colors. My A8JP's screen is astonishing.

If you play a lot of games, specifically OpenGL games, then maybe spending $300+ more for the A8JS makes sense for you. But if you play games occasionally, and most of them are DirectX based, then the A8JP will do pretty **** well.

I have 0 regrets for choosing the A8JP over the A8JS.

 

Wait for the Asus A8Jr - it will be available in March.

 

Asus A8Jr ?

 

it has an x2300, whatever that is, probably dx10 and will be for vista

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=99953&highlight=a8jr

Looks very promising!

 

I went with the a8jp for the value - I do game a fair bit, but the value is what sold me on the deal (even with upgraded RAM). I can easily sell my old RAM as well to recoup even more the cost. I wasn't even aware of the screen issue with a8js, which is also an outstanding notebook specs wise.

The a8jr looks awesome but what will the price be? If gaming is more important than value, I'd get the a8js (or wait for the a8jr) for the better video cards.

 

Congratulations, I think you made the right choice.

 

the a8jr can't be any good.... x2300 sounds like the direct successor to x1300. ( so 2x the 1300 performance maybe?) I would wait for an a8j or w3j model with a x2600/x2700 or geforce go8700/8600.

 

a8jr also comes with the t5500

I think the difference between the 7700 and the x1700 should be 100$ max
It is nice if you are spending that much money to have the best gpu. But theres a line somewhere.
I think the a8jp is a better deal

 

Depends on your usage. Gamer, get the A8Js with the nice graphics card and expect to spend more on another gig of ram.

If not go for the A8Jp. Pretty simple decision IMO since the only factor is gaming.

 

Thanks for your help people.

I decided on the a8jp b/c of the value. And after reading some benchmark comparisons, the performance difference isn't enough to warrant a $200+ price difference.

I just hope that this thing isn't doa.

 

according to resellers, the w3j has been discontinued, thats why i got mine, before they all run out.

And yea the a8jr doesnt sound too good.

 

I have heard rumors of a 14.1" V2 perhaps that is what they are going to introduce as a replacement for the W3j.

 

i got the a8js at btotech.com, it's exactly $200 more than a8jp with 3 differences:
1. The obvious video card - $100
2. 1x1 vs 2x512 ram - $50
3. XP Pro vs. XP MCE - $50


4. Knowing that you bought the most high end model - priceless

It was also not the easiest choice for me, but I am happy with it. I am the kind of person who will load up all the options when buying a car, and enjoy the fact that I have it all.

Besides emotional reasons, I didn't want to bother with ebay and selling the old memory sticks, not to mention, when you buy 2 sticks to upgrade, there is more of a chance one of them will be bad, and you'll have to deal with rma's.
Last but not least, XP Pro makes a huge difference for me, as I have to be able to join domains and run a remote desktop server, which are absent in MCE and Home premium, but available in business. Also I am eligible for upgrading to vista business x64, where the asus site does not state such an upgrade for home premium users.

Also, if you get the A8JS model that ends with 24P, you will get the good CMO screen, same as the A8JP.

 

I wish you had bought the Media Center edition MahirAydin --- only so I could trade you my Vista Business upgrade for your Vista Ultimate upgrade

 

Is the A8JP not compatible with Vista?

 

The A8JP is fully compatible with Vista.

 

It is my understanding that the x64 upgrade option was a mistake. They will ship x32 discs no matter what you order. You will, however, be able to use your key to upgrade to x64 as soon as you can get a disc from Microsoft. I read about this on the Channel9 forums.