How should I configure my S96J?

Hey, im looking for a good laptop for college. i want something that can handle some of the bigger games out there, but that i can still take to classes without it dying out on me.


I decided (with a lot of help from here) to get the Asus S96J, but im not sure how to configure it. Ive seen a lot of sites that sell barebones systems that i can customize but i dont know what is worth upgrading to, and what is unnecessary. i.e how much ram do i need, what processor, ect, any suggestions are appreciated, thanks



1) What is your budget? 1500-2000

2) What size notebook would you prefer? 15''-16'' maybe

a. Ultraportable; 12" screen or less
b. Thin and Light; 13" - 14" screen
c. Mainstream; 15" - 16" screen
d. Desktop Replacement; 17"+ screen


3) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook? Gaming, Schoolwork, Downloading (legal) music hah, Photoshop, some DVD watching etc

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

5) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games? Uhh, wanna check out Half Life 2

6) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like? Nope, but dont really want an Apple

7) How many hours of battery life do you need? id like 2

8) Do you mind buying online without seeing the notebook in person? not at all

9) What country are you buying this in? USA

Screen Specifics

10) Would you prefer standard or widescreen? id like wide
11) From the choices below, what screen resolutions would you prefer?

Standard
a. XGA -1024x768 - Large and easy to read text + graphics icons, but you fit less stuff on the screen.
b. SXGA - 1400x1050 - Compromise resolution between XGA and UXGA.
c. UXGA - 1600x1200 - Very small text and graphics icons, you can fit lots of stuff on the screen.

Widescreen
d. WXGA or WXGA+ - 1280x768/800 or 1440x900; Wider viewing version of XGA, good for movie viewing or spreadsheets.
e. WSXGA+ - 1680x1050; Wider viewing version of SXGA, good for movie viewing or spreadsheets.
f. WUXGA - 1920x1200; Wider viewing version of UXGA, good for movie viewing or spreadsheets.

XSGA or WSXGA

12) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non-glossy screen?
doesnt really matter
Build Quality and Design

13) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you? nope

14) How long do you want this laptop to last? through college 4 or 4 1/2 years

Notebook Components

15) How much hard drive space do you want; 40GB to 120GB? maybe 80

16) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a DVD-ROM, DVD-CD/RW or DVD-RW drive? id like to burn CD's but i dont really need to burn DVD's

Thanks so much for the help

 

Hi there

Great choice - I have this laptop myself. however - I would suggest you do your research over at ASUS forum, specifically "S96J owners Lounge" - it has substantial amount of info regarding builds, personal experiances, comments, issues, etc regarding this laptop

vasylko

 

I would suggest the Asus W3j or A8jm for something snaller with some gaming abilities. The W3j offers a modular battery if you need more time.

 

I recommend that you consider what size of LCD screen you need. Playing games should be better for a 15.4 or 17" desktop replace size. If half time for gaming and half time for working, 14.1" will be give you more portable and light weight feeling. The video chip will not a big issue for you because all the models in the market from Asus start from ATI x1600 or nVida go 7600 and up. They are good enough to handle all the games rightnow.