Compal HEL80 vs ASUS Z96Js???

I have this in "Which Notebook should I buy" but thought I might get more opinions here. ALso, if you know of a cheaper or better vendor, that would be helpful as well. As for the Asus, I like the looks, more Ram, extra battery. As for the Compal, I like the faster hd, and better warranty. Which would you buy? Thanks for the help!

Asus Z96Js from Ajump.com:

15.4" 1680 x 1050 WSXGA+
T7200
1GB 667mhz ram
100GB 5400rpm hd
ATI X1600
DVDRW Drive
Intel 3945ABG Network Adapter
Built in 1.3mp camara
No OS
6-cell and Spare 9-cell battery
1yr warranty

Price: $1536


Powerpro 8:15 (Compal HEL80) from Powernotebooks.com

15.4" 1680 x 1050 WSXGA+
T7200
1GB 667mhz ram
100GB 7200rpm hd
nVIDIA GeForce Go 7600
DVDRW Drive
Intel 3945ABG Network Adapter
No OS
9-cell battery
3yr warranty

Price: $1503

 

I'm just starting the laptop game, and I'm trying to decide between those two as well. I'm leaning towards the HEL80 because of the sharp looks and better warranty (I'm going to buy from Milestone up here in Canada). From everything I've read, though, both are great machines and you'd (we'd?) be happy with either one. Good luck!

 

I'd get the HEL80 since it's cheaper, has a longer warranty,faster hard drive, a bigger battery.

You clearly have a winner, no?

 

Not to be terribly picky, but there is so much already posted like that I encourage you to use the search...

 

Actually I believe djegators made his decision yesterday. HEL80 .

 

Well of course he did... it's the only 'correct' choice!

Just noticed you didn't say that the HEL80 has a built in 1.3mp cam... (it does)

 

Yes I did select the HEL80. I would have gotten the Z96J from powernotebooks.com anyways, so 3 year warranty would apply also. I am sure that I either laptop would be very nice, but I decided that I preferred the matte screen, the built in fingerprint reader, and standard 9 cell battery. Both seem to be great computers, doubt you could go wrong with either one.

 

all about the matte screen. After seeing the review of the 1680 x1050 matte screen res with all the hard angle photos I have to say, this screen has to be one of the best on the market. In fact, I haven't seen another screen that can handle that broad a range of view...except for home LCD screens.

 

Very true. You really can't go wrong with either system. They are both excellent value buys that offer a lot.

 

Yeah, both are extremely competent systems, having both in the same room (my roommate has a Z96J, also from PowerNotebooks) they are nearly identical. The main differences being that the HEL80 has more feature built in! like the TV tuner, which does it's job admirably. AND, both can run Supreme Commander, at full quality. The screen on the Matte screen on the HEL80, awesome! The only screens that can show it up are the bigger, heavier, 22" Samsung of my roommate, and the 19" TV/Screen of mine. Even then, at the size of the screen, the resolution is perfect.

 

Which one would you say is more quiet ? Is there a noticeable difference between them ?
I am mainly interested in the Idle-Noise they make, because this is when a notebook has to be quiet.

 

The noise level/fan activity is somewhat dependent on many external factors like room temperature, etc. Bottom line is that these systems both have powerful GPUs that will need cooling unless you undervolt your processor and underclock your GPUs. You can also update the BIOS which I have heard can regulate the fan activity.

I consider the HEL80 to be rather quiet, but others feel the fan is bothersome when it cycles on/off. If quietness is a priority, perhaps a system with a less powerful GPU would be more appropriate.