so lost...don't know where to start....

Hi all,

Being new to Asus, I'm completely lost in their product line... I've already looked at the asus FAQ sticky at the top, but I still have lots questions.

It seems to me that their really isn't a clear separation between their product classes... can anybody tell me the difference between A, W, V, F?

Dual core is a must and i'll need this notebook for at least 4+ years for college and beyond. Also, I won't be buying one until july/august and I will be in Taiwan (if that affects nething). After spending a few hours on this site, W3J seems to be the hottest on this board, but V1j also seems to be popular even tho it isn't released yet. The sticky by coriolis for To Be Released asus don't mention the models seen here .... http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=46562&highlight=built+asus

do we know when those are coming out?

Basically, I need lots of advice on picking an asus for me. But I'd also llike a general overview of their models.

My specs....
-13-15 in
-dual core (yonahs or the eventual meroms/amd turion x-2; i won't be buying until july/august in taiwan)
-dedicated graphics
-must be light enough to carry to classes ~ under 6 lbs would be best
-widescreen
-as of now, i don't game, but people tell me i will do at least some gaming when college comes around; watch movies
-mainly for school: web, presentations; but since its a long-term thing, i wanna try 2 future-proof it as much as i can...
-oh, and i'd rather sacrifice battery life for speed

Luckily, money isn't too much of an issue.... $2300 or less. And I'd like to stick with the ensemble line.

whew....sry you guys, I know lots of this have been asked before, but I've tried searching, and the wealth of information on this board is simply mind-blowing...or eye-numbing...

thanks in advance!

 

777 please fill out the FAQ in the FAQ section and then get back to us.

This is so we can get a bigger and better picture of what you require.

Fill out the FAQ and everything will be snappy.

Mike

 

yahl fill out the FAQ, but according to what i read, your just like most people here... gaming students

As of now, i can sugegst 2 laptops the W3J.. you know the specs and the V1J and you can see my speculations of the specs in all V1J threads.

Um, don't worry about the A, W, V, F, and the meanings of it... it sorta means the chasis and quality of the chasis.. but who cares about those numbers...just read the forums whether the chasis and performance is good, then ur set.

the V1J and W3J you can expect over 3 hours of battery life. They will both have Yonahs.

Your next Q might be, will Yonah be upgradeable to Merom...my skeptical answer is NO, so don't bet on upgrading it.

One option is to buy the W3J or V1J and then sell it roughly 10 months from now... and your loss would be roughly 1000$ USD. And then buy an ASUS Merom laptop.

hope this helps.

Thanks,

MysticGolem

 

hmm, so whats the rough order of the quality of the chassis?

 

lol....where's this FAQ form...?

 

lol 777, I believe it's in the FAQ thread for newbies by coriolis.

At the top of the thread list in the What to buy section, not this Asus section.

I think.

Oh yeah there are many notebooks for you to choose from, since all these new ones came out. I"m not familiar with all these new ones.

W3J seems about right for you since it is of solid build quality, videocard is admirable, screen size is about right 14", screen is beautiful too.

Just over the W3 series has been outstanding in overall size/performance/quality/style.

I say take a look, you'll instantly fall in love with it. Just wait in line as many have it preordered, and I dunno, but ask Justin over at www.proportable.com to see if you can still get on the list.

I'm sure you can.

 

This response is in reguard to the earlier post about the model's names:

It's funny because, I was thinking the same thing in a somewhat similar post I made:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=46735&highlight=asus+spreading

The format that ASUS markets its products is someone ineffective (from my USA perspective of course), the naming process for laptops especially.

The best I can explain is this (for ensembles):

Example: W3j

1st digit (letter): W = Chasis style. There are many versions such as: the "w" series, the "v" series the "a" series and the "f" series. Each has specific benefits such as some are more thin than others, made of carbon fiber exterior, etc. (Again it varies)

2nd digit (number): 3 = number to differentiate between the other various w models. The main difference is generally screen size.

This is where it gets wierd. The w2j is largest (17") while the w3j is the smallest (14"), and the w1j (15.4") will be inbetween.

Now, I am guessing that when ASUS created the w series, the first model made was the 15.4" version, the second was the 17" version and the third was the 14.1" version. Thus the order of 1,2 and 3. The size of the number does not coorelate with the screen size in this case.

Going even further with that, lets take a look at the V series numbers. So far the most popular is the v6 series, which i am assuming is the 6th ensemble model made by asus. ASUS's marketing numbers are more of an indicator of time rather than size. (Chronologically)

3rd digit (letter): J = The easiest to explain:Chipset type. Best examples are the w3v versus the w3j. The w3v is the pentium-m chipset while the w3j is the core duo chipset. Another popular example: V6j versus the V6v.

I think you get the general idea. But to be honest, Justin, Eddy and the other e-tailors have a boatload more knowledge on this than I do.

 

Your best explanation is friggin' perfect Androo.

That's it folks.

 

General Questions

1) What is your budget?
2300 max

2) What size notebook would you prefer?
between 13 and 15.4

3) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook?
basic computing, movies, occasional games, presentations

4) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk?
different places

5) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games?
won't be playing games often, probably just sports and wow

6) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?
lets stick with asus

7) How many hours of battery life do you need?
hopefully around 4 or 5 hrs doing web, word, music (3+ would be ok)

8) Do you mind buying online without seeing the notebook in person?
wel, since I'll be in Taiwan in August, I'll see it in person.

9) What country are you buying this in?
Taiwan, but for use in US

Screen Specifics
10) From the choices below, what screen resolutions would you prefer?
I'm pretty flexible about screen res. It just needs to be widescreen.

11) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non-glossy screen?
not really a factor, but i prefer the glossy ones that aren't as hard on the eyes

Build Quality and Design
12) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you?
definitely. must have the best build quality and materials

13) How long do you want this laptop to last?
at least four years, hopefully 8

Notebook Components
14) How much hard drive space do you want; 40GB to 120GB?
um, probably 100 is more than enough
15) Do you need a DVD, DVD-CD/RW or DVD-R drive?
yes

Needs to be at least core duos, maybe dual amds (or meroms, highly unlikely tho) if any are out by august. I want to future-proof as much as I can. size (thinness) is a plug plus for me. Also, heat and noise are definite factors. Thanks guys.

edit: oh, and lets stick with the ensembles.

 

Sounds like the W3J is the one for you then 777.

That's just my suggestion.

 

how about the V1J?

 

take a long hard look at the V6J. points of admiration: aluminum wristrest, slick chassis, 1.1" thickness, large screen, light weight, strong build...
and then imagine a widescreen instead of a standard screen. that would be the V1J.

also coming around the time of your purchase would be the W7J. 13.3" widescreen with dedicated graphics (nVidia 7400 according to Asus' display at CeBit 2006), albeit weaker than either the V6, V1 or W3, if you would like to go the lighter and smaller route.