Pros/Cons of switching to the Asus G1S

Alright I'm seriously considering changing my order just because I can't afford not getting my IFL90 before college. So I jus want to see how much I'm sacrificing or if I'm sacrificing at all.

So here's what I'm thinking:

Pro's of switching:
-Obviously no wait
-Better looking

Cons of switching:
-Fingerprint reader
-A little more cash
-Supposed worse battery life?(confirmation please)

So please inform me what I've missed and if you think the pro's out weigh the cons or viseversa

 

For me, the G1S appearance is a con - its not appropriate in a business setting. Appearance is subjective and up to you which you prefer. The G1S also forces you into its configuration and changing is expensive and may void the warranty. I don't need a backpack, mouse or OS and would rather not pay for them. The warranty is better on the powerpro and force machines. Asus says the battery life for the G1S is 2 hours. Compal says 3-4.

ON the pro side the G1S has an HDMI and E-SATA port and is currently shipping. Performance appears to be better.

 

It's also locking you into a high-resolution, glossy screen.

But the keyboard appears to be better, and you might be able to turn the blinking lights off.

 

Why whats the difference between the Compals screen?

 

You can turn the lights off. Appearance is totally subjective though. The G1S may appeal to one, but not to someone else.

 

Ah! That's the solution for those who want to bring the G1S into a board meeting: turn off the room lights and cover those blinking lights and you're set.

 

You should post this in the ASUS forum too. Unless it's against the rules

 

Best to not double post.

The G1s's image is totally subjective as mentioned, pictures don't do it justice unfortunately. Having it in your hands makes it look much much better then pics on the web. Lights can be turned off.

 

I agree, if your local Best Buy has their version of the G1S in store, go check it out and see what you think. Their price doesnt justify losing the higher processor, bag, mouse and 1 year of warranty though. But at least you can see it in person.

 

But in this case, wouldn't it be more helpful to double post since he would get more DIFFERENT views?

PS I'm not trying win an argument here
So no offense!

 

It would, but both sides will have obvious bias. I can move this thread to the WNSIB forum though.

 

Its human nature to support what you bought I guess. The best posts are the ones that are objective as possible and that point out opinion vs fact where appropriate.

 

I have ended up ordering the Asus G1s since the IFL90 had delays that got in the way of my college schedule. Originally I considered Asus.. but was not thrilled with the looks completely. I finally did go to the local Best Buy and play with an older G series they had there. It was really nice, fast, and solid feeling. I know the manager at the store, so I got to take it in his office and really fiddle around with it, from DVd's to games. It kinda won me over ..
Looks wise,, you can turn the lights off , which is a bonus. It's definitely on the edgy side, but so am I, so not being business oriented doesn't really matter to me. The performance of the basic G1 was amazing and the screen , even glossy, was really sharp.
I have a G1S with upgraded 7200 3kb/s HDD on its way. It's sad because I feel I went to the "dark side"! I still believe Compal and PNB is a quality company to deal with and would recommend them in a heartbeat. My situation just warranted a different plan of action in the end.

 

Hey - no reasonable person is going to fault you for getting the G1S. I took a hard look at them too.

Enjoy your new machine.

 

1 more of no Estimated shipping date and I will also have to get G1...

 

The look of the G1S is a huge con for me. Though I may end up switching to it anyway...

 

RMPG505,
It sounds like you were able to configure a G1S. Where were you able to customize a G1S? Or did you buy the stock G1S and then buy the upgraded parts on your own?

 

I'm leaning towards it a lot right now.

 

If only because we seem to have a chance of actually recieving one before the end of time :/

 

Yeah, if I didn't need mine for college, I'd be willing to wait through august, but that's nto really an option

 

As I said somewhere else, the G1S does not look as bad in person as it does online. I nearly decided to cancel my Sager 2090 order last week for a G1S. However, the short battery life (2-2.5 hours) of the G1S stopped me from doing so. I'm also concerned about its size. My current Dell is just short enough for being usable on the bus (I take Greyhound once a week when school is in session). But that's a tight fit. Based on the measurements available online, the 2090 would also fit. However, the G1S is too high. I'm sure I'd have space problems on the bus whenever the person in front of me would recline.

 

I made the jump to the G1S and it should be at my doorstep on Monday. Btw, check out the new asus models! Some interesting things like the v1 series and the 14.1" f series with 8600GT!

Pros:
Asus (supposedly better resale value)
HDMI
8600GT has DDR3
Ships next day after payment is received
no annoying fingerprint scanner

Cons:
Price
2x1GB RAM Sticks
IFL90 is supposted to be comming soon
glossy screen
looks
comes with 2 years warranty instead of 3

 

Geez!! Same configuration as my Sager 2090 is $500 more on the ASUS G1....but its so tempting...lol.

 

The asus g1s-a3 has a blu-ray drive and a 200GB HD

 

For $2699!

 

Im seriously liking the F8 14" with an 8600gt.... Thats not out either though.... The V1S is really nice too, and not out.... meh

 

Problem is that its much more expensive for the same configuration. It looks a little weird to me and the warranty is worst than the Compal. I ordered the Compal on July 13th, knowing that it would take a bit but I had until September 17th or so. I talked to them numerous times, and they said they would easily get it to me by that date. Recent stuff is making me a bit uneasy, but I still have time so I'm going to wait it out. Other people don't really have that option.

 

I have the IFL90 and I have to say the laptop looks absolutely beautiful... The pictures do not do it ANY justice. Just ask someone that's already gotten theirs...

 

How about you share some of the pictures there, Destin?

We'd love to see a lot of cool shots to stem us over until we get ours.

 

Yes, I was able to configure the G1s. The warranty is still intact through Asus, but the HDD will be covered by the Asus authorized rep/reseller. They will also do a burn in and stress test and make sure it's all good to go before shipping it. Upgrading parts on your own is more tricky with the warranty. The sticker on the CPU screw has to remain in tact, that's the one thing I know for sure. The rest is a gray area to me.
I already gave a call to Asus tech support to get a feel for how they are to work with, as I had a question about a BIOS update. The guy was direct in explanations & answered the call in less than a minute on hold.

 

CNet says the G1S gets 13 more FPS in Quake 4 than the Compal.

 

You guys all say that its a lot more expensive. I configured it the same as my Compal and it was only a little over 100 dollars more, and the G1S comes with a T7500 instead of T7300 so it doesnt seem too overpriced to me

 

Where did you configure from and what are your specs?

 

I don't trust CNet a half a bit.

 

The price difference depends a lot on what you need. A problem I have with the G1S is that you are forced to get a Windows license with it. The processor is also faster than what I need and I'd rather not spend money on that, etc, etc... But for sure someone with different needs (e.g. somebody needing a Windows license) might find a price difference which is less than what I found. (I think it was about $350-400 more for the G1S in my case.)

 

What do you mean a Windows Liscense, I was ordering Vista 32 bit for my IFL90 as well, do you just mean your forced to install Vista? Sorry I'm not extremely knowledgable about this stuff

My specs are as follows

WSXGA+
T7500 (only thing forced to change)
8600 GT
Supermulti...
160 GB 7200 RPM
2GB dual channel
Robson
Bluetooth
Wireless
Vista

The difference was 171.69, with all the same things

 

Ok, when you buy software, you are really paying for the media and for a license to use the software. There are two general kinds of license for Windows: OEM and Retail. Both kinds of licenses restrict how you can use copy of Windows while remaining legal. In both cases it is illegal for you to install and use Windows on more than one machine at a time. If you have two computers at home and buy just one license, you cannot legally install and use your copy of Windows on one than more machine. If you want to use it on two machines, you need two licenses.

The difference between OEM and Retail is that OEM is cheaper but comes with more restrictions. An OEM license is normally installed by an Original Equipment Manufacturer (e.g. Dell, HP, Sager, Asus). With an OEM license, the party responsible for providing support for Windows is the OEM, not Microsoft. Moreover, the OEM license comes with the restriction that it is tied to a specific machine (or at least a specific brand). You cannot install an OEM copy of Vista made for a Dell 1520 onto a Sager NP2090. The same is true in reverse. It used to be that you could do it without much trouble but as the years passed, MS has developed ways to prevent you from doing that. Just out of curiosity I tried with a Dell OEM copy of Windows XP and it complained that the machine was not a Dell. So the upshot of this is that an OEM license lives and dies with the machine you bought the license for.

A Retail license is more expensive but you can move your license from machine to machine. You still cannot install it on two machines at the same time but you can move it.

That's the basics. There are all kinds of licensing plans that MS offers for those who need many licenses but they are usually not appealing to home users. (Except maybe for big families where everybody has a computer.)

Anyway, here's the deal. My primary OS is Linux (Ubuntu distribution) and I use Windows only for gaming and when I'm in a situation where I have to use software that runs only on Windows. I have a Retail license for Windows XP that I can move from my old laptop to the new one and I have no thirst for Vista. Therefore, I do not need to buy a new license to run Windows. If I bought a G1S I would be forced to buy a new license because the G1S is not sold without Windows. Note: just to clarify, the license is not something separate: it is part of the price of the G1S. Still, the price of the G1S is determined in part by the fact that they have to charge you for the Windows license. If they sold it without Windows, they could sell it for cheaper because they would not have to pass on the cost of the Windows license to the customer.

Since Compals can be bought without an OS (and it is cheaper than buying an OS), I'm not forced to buy a license when I buy a Compal.

 

Okay thank you for the explanation, so if I got Vista 32 bit w/ my compal order it would be the retail version not the OEM like if I bought it from Asus. But it won't make a big difference for me since this will be the only computer I'll have for 4+ years, right?

 

My advice is that if you want to know for sure you should ask the reseller. In general, nowadays, if you get installation CDs (not recovery CDs) you have a Retail license. If not, you have OEM. But I've seen variations. For instance, I have an installation CD for XP from Dell but it is with an OEM license! (That was for a laptop bought 3 years ago. Things have changed since then...) So to be sure, I would ask my reseller.

You are right that if you plan to keep the laptop for a while and you think you will want to upgrade to the Next Big Thing when you change laptops, you are fine with an OEM. It depends a lot on what kind of user you are as to whether OEM or Retail is better for you.

 

ok thanks for clearing that up for me

 

Bluetooth is also mandatory, which I do not need as I already have a Dongle. Plus, isn't that without the warranty stuff? The Compal warranty is better too. Also, you can get a 120 GB HDD 7200 RPM in the Compal. Also, you get Artic Silver standard with the Compal and not with the Asus (and that stuff saves like 10 degrees from what I've heard.). And you can't get a matte screen.

 

As far as a laptop for college goes... do you think a G1S would be significantly more prone to theft over the IFL90? I might need to switch to the asus for times sake, Im giving it a couple more days, and this aspect worries me.
No one is going to single out the IFL for its looks, maybe so for the asus.
Or is a laptop a laptop to someone who wants to steal one?

Either way I plan on keeping it either in sight or locked in my room at all times.

 

Heh, when I was trying to choose between the Sager NP2090/Compal IFL90 and the Asus G1S, that's one thing that came up to me. With the gamer looks, flashing lights, and overall appearance, I think it would appeal to more thieves than the IFL90 (as it looks more professional). To many, it may just look like a "normal" old laptop. Even then, I'll still make sure my Sager is never out of my sight.

 

The g1s is far more subdued in person. Bluetooth costs almost nothing to add to laptops. That doesn’t strike me as an advantage worth mentioning. Arctic silver 5 shaves off a couple of degrees tops, unless they use really crappy thermal paste (doubtful). I have applied it on my desktop cpu (quad core extreme) and that is all I’ve noticed. For reference, it has already set for over a month. The drive in the g1s is a Hitachi perpendicular drive. It has a higher density than many drives, and is capable of matching some 7200 drives.

 

In the end if you want to max out a compal go for the g1s. If the buyer values time over the marginal price difference go for the g1s. If you want the fastest machine available for under 2k go for the g1s. If configurability and savings is key get the compal. If you want a plain glossy black appearance get the compal. If 2 years of warranty isn’t enough get the compal.

 

if you want a matte screen, no vista and a more business look get a compal

 

A lot of this is correct but OEM licensing is a grey area. A good description is here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Original_equipment_manufacturer .

As far as I understand it, OEM licenses traditionally were agreements between s/w manufacturers (read: MS) and hardware vendors. They consisted of the Retail license as described above with certain conditions such as providing first line support and restrictions on sale such as requiring hardware to be sold with the OEM license. Some countries have now made this requirement null and void and you can now easy buy an OEM version of Windows XX from an online retailer. All it means it that you just get a basic package: a simple windows install CD (not a "recovery CD") and you do not get a manual, pretty packaging or a first line support provider.

The statement quoted that you cannot move OEM licenses from machine to machine is one of the major grey areas and the example given of Dell's restriction of prevented the user from installing that particular media on another machine is simply Dell's own software added to the windows install media. If you were to perhaps 'circumvent' (I'm not suggesting you do, of course ) that protection to install on another machine, I don't think Dell would not have much luck in a court of law preventing you from doing so. However, you will have waived your right to having 1st line Support provided by Dell.

Just my 2 pence

 

The fact that you can buy an OEM Windows from Newegg or any other vendor does not change anything to the terms of an OEM license.

 

John is correct with his response.

I've owned both Sager 2090(for 10 days) and Asus G1s. Straight off the bat, I can easily say that IFL90 has the best Matte screen I've ever see on a laptop. G1s screen is great, however it only shines when you are in a low light environment. I've always used a glossy screen so IFL90's display got me spoiled. It took me a little bit of adjusting back to glossiness again. The G1s is more well built (IMO)...it seems more sturdy.

IFL90 is highly configurable, giving you the option of getting what you want for your money. G1s, you will be stuck with only 20% of configuration.

As far as gaming performance, you will find many reviews and comparisons to show you that G1s has an upper hand over IFL90. Warranty and customer service wise, IFL90 has an upper hand. You will have great people backing you up(as if it was their personal issue from PNB specially) if you ever have any issues

I returned my Sager 2090 only because I needed more kick out of my games. I needed the laptop to be able to last that 3rd year in terms of gaming that John is referring to.

 

I have a question for those who just got their G1S. Is a certain number of stuck, dark pixels normal on a WSXGA 15.4" screeen? I switched the background to white and went over the screen with a magnifying glass and you can definitely count about 20 pixels in various states of stuckness (some are gray, others have a color to them, a few are totally dark).

Im asking in this thread because its fairly active with new G1S owners.

I switched the background to black and thankfully nothing jumped out at me.

I've read these dark pixel threads where everyone has these perfect screens. Has anyone tried to look at them with a magnifier? You can't see these pixels unaided.

I actually need to use this for work about right now so I cant undergo yet another cycle of shipping, hoping and waiting. Its been a 4 month saga trying to get a maxed out laptop for work. A Toshiba failed out of the box, then the compals were delayed because of QC problems....then I ordered the G1S.

Does anyone know what is normal for WSXGA 15.4" laptop screens regarding dark/ stuck pixels?