ASUS asmobile laptops

[invasian]

Hi guys, I'm looking for opinions on these ASUS barebones laptops that I've customized...as interesting as Vista looks, i'm probably going to be using this with XP (possible upgrade to vista later on) and linux...

so here are the two i've narrowed it down these two...but other suggestions for similar laptops are very welcomed

Asus Z96Js: $1562

1. Display: 15.4 inch WSXGA+ (1680x1050) Glossy LCD w/ 1.3MP Webcam
2. Processor: 2.00GHz Intel Core2 Duo T7200 w/4MB L2 Cache - 667FSB
3. Thermal Paste: Standard CPU Thermal Compound Paste
4. Graphics & Video: ATI MR X1600 w/ 512MB Hyper Memory - 256MB Solid VRAM
5. Memory: 2.0GB DDR2-667 Corsair Memory (2x1.0GB-Dual Channel)
6. Hard Drive: 100GB 5,400 rpm SATA/150 HDD
7. DVD/CDRW Drive: Dual Layer Super Multi DVD-RW/CD-RW Drive w/Software
8. Wireless LAN: Built-in Intel PRO/Wireless 3945 802.11 (a/b/g) LAN & Bluetooth

ASUS Z84Jp: $1773.00

1. Display: 17 inch WSXGA+ (1680x1050) Glossy LCD w/ 2.0MP Webcam
2. Processor: 2.00GHz Intel Core2 Duo T7200 w/4MB L2 Cache - 667FSB
3. Thermal Paste: Standard CPU Thermal Compound Paste
4. Video: 512MB nVIDIA GeFORCE GO 7600 MXM II
5. Memory: 2.0GB DDR2-667 Corsair Memory (2x1.0GB-Dual Channel)
6. Hard Drive: 100GB 5,400 rpm SATA/150 HDD
7. DVD/CDRW Drive: Dual Layer Super Multi DVD-RW/CD-RW Drive w/Software
8. Wireless LAN: Built-in Intel PRO/Wireless 3945 802.11 (a/b/g) LAN & Bluetooth
9. Main Battery: Smart Li-ion Battery: 6-Cell


It looks like the price difference is based on the screen size and video card...i do plan on doing some moderate gaming (more real-time strategy than FPS) and as I mentioned, I would like to put linux on this laptop as well. Which one is better or are they similar enough? I'm willing to go up to $1800 but any higher and i'm just tempted to get a macbook pro (yea, i know, kind of out there).

 

[Scouzer]

I would not consider a 17" laptop with a midrange graphics card. It is a complete waste.

Either go all out on performance with a 17", or midrange with a 15.4". No 17" with a midrange card.

 

[Brainonska511]

The MR X1600 is a little better than the 7600Go as well. I'd go with the 15.4" since it is cheaper and faster.

 

[invasian]

thanks for your opinions...sounds like a front runner now.

 

[bigal40]

also take a look at the Compal HEL80

 

[CTrain]

Originally posted by: Scouzer
I would not consider a 17" laptop with a midrange graphics card. It is a complete waste.

Either go all out on performance with a 17", or midrange with a 15.4". No 17" with a midrange card.

I totally agree.
You can get a Dell 9400 with a 7900gs for around $1100+tax.

 

[StormRider]

No. I don't like the name. It looks too similar to "Anus Assmobile".

 

[Chadder007]

Originally posted by: Scouzer
I would not consider a 17" laptop with a midrange graphics card. It is a complete waste.

Either go all out on performance with a 17", or midrange with a 15.4". No 17" with a midrange card.

But the 15.4 has the same resolution. Resolution is what matters with a graphics card, not the size of the monitor. Both of those cards in a notebook have very similar performance.

 

[CTrain]

Originally posted by: Chadder007

Originally posted by: Scouzer
I would not consider a 17" laptop with a midrange graphics card. It is a complete waste.

Either go all out on performance with a 17", or midrange with a 15.4". No 17" with a midrange card.

But the 15.4 has the same resolution. Resolution is what matters with a graphics card, not the size of the monitor. Both of those cards in a notebook have very similar performance.

What in the world are you talking about ??

Hes talking about how both the 15.4" and 17" have the Go 7600 which is considered mid-range.
Hes saying if you're going to buy a 17"(and deal with the enormousity of it) you should get a better graphic card like a 7900gs, etc....
The only reason to settle for a 7600 right now is if you want a smaller laptop cause thats the best graphic available for 15.4" and smaller.(yes 7700 and 1700 are available in smaller laptops but those are very small difference)