f3v vs a8js vs w3j?

Each seems pretty solid in terms of specs and are about the same price BUT they all seem to have pretty major problems.

f3sv (typo in topic) - apparently poorly built? but dx10
a8js - paint rubs off, dvd noise, bad screen
w3j - reliable but HOT!!

Is there another option that maybe has none of these problems? Am I mistaken in the severity or even the existence of these problems? Do you own one of these and absolutely love it? Have a workaround for a problem? Any problems I dont know about?

What would you suggest? Thanks for you help!

 

Another problem with the W3 is that its a discontinued model line; you will have to buy a used one.

 

I've got that problem taken care of.

 

Heat is kind of a problem you will have to deal with in any current laptop. There are some that avoid it, but most that are thin or have high-po graphics cards get hot.

A8Js is a really nice computer. The screen really isn't as bad as some people say; all 14" WXGA+ screen suffer from rather poor vertical viewing angles. DVD noise seems like a minor annoyance that occurs once in a blue moon when you actually use the dvd drive. As for paint rubbing off, I haven't seen that on the forums much, if at all.

F3Sv does have rather subpar build quality compared to some of the upper Asus models. In general: V > W = S = R > G > A > F.

 

if ur a heavy gamer and looking into upcoming games like crysis, and the laptop will be ur main gaming machine go for the f3sv, or wait for the refresh of the a8js. If not go for the w3j.

 

the paint rubs off on the a8js.

 

Well your comparing a 15.4" budget laptop the F3s to a budget gaming laptop the A8js to a highend W3J that is EOL.

Do you want a 15.4" or a 14" laptop? Do you plan on purchasing an external LCD for home use? How about portability? What about the G1S?

How much gaming potential do you need or want.

Can you wait for the refreshed version of the A8js with Santa Rosa, so that you get a DX10 card?

I know these are a lot of questions but they will help you figure out what you want and what your looking for.

 

These are all things you picked up from random posters none of which are fact
a8js paint can rub off the same as dozens of laptops out there from many manufs. it all depends on how you use it and how often. its been out for almost a year so if the palm rests did not wear i would think that is odd
w3j is realiable. it is not any hotter then most other notebooks in the same class
f3sv poorly built? hey it may not be a lambo but there is not a single person on this whole forum that can proove this. its been out for a week. there are no inherent issues and no reason to think that its anything but a value notebook from asus
Nothing wrong with a8js screen. you are picking up someones personal oppinion. that 14" screen is a dime a dozen the same screen quality is found in most 14" out there.

 

Isn't the chassis nearly identical to the F3J that has been out for well over a year now? The only updates were Santa Rosa and DX10, I think. So general problems with the F3 should be known by now.

 

Hope that helps.

Thanks for the replies!

 

I'm now leaning toward the F3SV-X1, even though it is a 15.4 inch. I believe this version is Santa Rosa, but I am not sure. It has a lower 3dmark06 score with the 8600 GS, but it should still run the games I want decently, shouldn't it? Also it is native DX10, so it should hopefully last me a while. Really my only concerns are the size and the durability, but from my experience even low end asus notebooks are pretty durable, and with a two year warranty it seems pretty hard to go wrong.

What do you think? And is there a similar notebook in 14.1 wide?

 

I hear the F3SV-A1 has a better screen... but is it 100 dollars better?

 

The similar 14" would be the update to the A8Js.

The A1 I think has a faster processor and a much higher res screen. I would go for it just for the screen. I think WSXGA+ is worth $100, especially if it gets you a faster CPU as well.