A8JS or TM8210

[NilknarfLP]

TM8210
or
A8JS

I've narrowed my search down to these two laptops. Both laptops use C2D, have the capacity for 2gb ram (the a8js can be upgraded for $100 or so), have powerful GPUs, and use WXGA+ or WSXGA+. The A8JS appeals to me because it's small and because it's built by ASUS, who I've heard good things about. The TM8210 appeals to me for the opposite reason. That is, it has a bigger screen size while still staying within the 14-15in range. Seeing people's personal experiences would help me greatly in deciding. Specifically, I would like to hear about the build quality and customer support of acer vs. asus. Also, which gpu is more powerful (the x1600 or the go7700)?

Thanks

 

[imported_kenyee]

The TravelMate is probably better built...that's a really confusing Newegg description...claims it has WXGA at the top but then the tech specs below it says it has WSXGA+.
Depends what you'll do w/ it. For regular use and some gaming, the Travelmate is better (unless you pixel double because the X1600 isn't fast enough to drive a WSXGA+ display at high game speeds).
The TM8210 just came out so people won't have it yet. Some have the A8JS already and it seems ok, but there are some complaints of it feeling a little cheapy for the price. The TM8210 is $500 too high IMHO...

 

[NilknarfLP]

Thanks for the response. What is pixel doubling? I will be using this laptop for gaming primarily and also some schoolwork, but no work that couldn't be done on a regular office computer. I've searched pretty extensively, but if there are any older, more used laptops that people can recommend I'm open to suggestions. My main requirements are: 14-15 inch WXGA+/WSXGA+ screen, at least 1gb dual channel ram, dual processing power with 64bit capability, DVI port, and a decent video card.

 

[andrewbabcock]

Originally posted by: NilknarfLP
Thanks for the response. What is pixel doubling? I will be using this laptop for gaming primarily and also some schoolwork, but no work that couldn't be done on a regular office computer. I've searched pretty extensively, but if there are any older, more used laptops that people can recommend I'm open to suggestions. My main requirements are: 14-15 inch WXGA+ screen, at least 1gb dual channel ram, dual processing power with 64bit capability, DVI port, and a decent video card.

For that price, you can't really beat the A8JS...

 

[NilknarfLP]

Yeah, that's kind of how I feel after searching through endless laptops. But the 8210 seems to be a 15inch version of it, and I'm wondering if there's anyone here who has them or can talk about general build quality and customer support for the two companies side by side.

Still wondering about the differences between the x1600 and the go7700 too.

 

[imported_kenyee]

If you're getting the WXGA+ version of the travelmate, ignore the pixel doubling comment. I thought you were getting the WSXGA+ (1680x1050 vs. 1440x900) version. Both should be similar speeds.

 

[NilknarfLP]

My bad, kenyee I am looking at the WSXGA+ version for the tm8210 and the WXGA+ for the a8js. Sorry for the confusion.

 

[imported_kenyee]

In that case, what I said applies. Basically, those graphics chips don't have enough horsepower to drive that 1680x1050 display at much faster than about 40 fps. You'll end up running the game at a lower resolution and having it scale up the image so it'll look somewhat fuzzier or use less of the screen.
That said, I had the money, I think I'd take the Travelmate. Check out the laptopforums.com forums for opinions on the Acer/Asus ownership experience. Neither are stellar, but not many are in the laptop world except maybe Thinkpad ownership...

 

[cheesehead]

I don't know. High-end Asus stuff (like the "W" line) has a very goood reputation for quality, as does Acer. You get what you pay for.

That said, I paid 650$ for my Thinkpad x40. Then again, it's not very fast, but it's practical.

 

[Scouzer]

I bought the A8Js.

It is performance and nothing else. Build quality is around average. The screen exhibits flex and the leading edge of the computer is sharp...hard to rest your wrists on.

DVD drive is of extremely poor quality, when it spins up its louder than any DVD drive I've ever heard....desktop or laptop.

If Dell put a good video card in the 6400, I would have bought that in a heart beat over this computer.