Decision on Asus Notebook

Hey guys I just got a small question or so ...

I just did a real thorough comparison and look at notebooks, as I feel I need one at this point. So I went to a store today called Pacific Notebooks (store inside Pacific Mall) and the salesman kept telling me Asus manufacturers most notebooks out there such as for Apple, and some other ones. He also noted Asus notebooks are like the best quality there is, and Acer isn't as good. I originally had my eye set on Acer, but now I'm leaning more towards Asus.

He introduced the A3E model to me, and I looked at the specs of it and it seems pretty decent and suitable for what I will be doing (word process, surf internet, email, MSN, watch movies now and then). He then started talking about the widescreen models, and I am kinda lost if I should be looking into getting widescreen models or not. I'm looking at mainly 14-15" ones. My dad also feels that widescreen is more better right now. I also found that built in webcam feature to be pretty cool too.

Any one have any suggestions? whether I should go for this A3E model, or look at another one?

Also is there much of a difference with a 4200 RPM HD and a 5400RPM? will I really notice it when surfing the net or doing some multitasking work?

He said there was an W3 model that is widescreen as well but I cant seem to find it, it was in the $1k line not $2k.

A3E Model
-----------------
Intel Centrino Mobile Technology
- Intel Pentium M 740 1.73GHz or Intel Celeron M 360 1.4GHz
- Intel 915GM Express chipset

Microsoft Windows XP Home
15.1” 1024x768 (XGA) display
6.5 lbs, 12.9" x 11.3" x 1.5"
1.3 mega-pixel camera with mic
256MB or 512MB of DDR333 upgradeable to 1GB
40GB or 60GB 4200RPM hard drive
Built-in DVD/CDRW
Up to 4 hours battery life
802.11b/g & 10/100mb LAN
1394a Firewire, 4 USB 2.0 Built-in Bluetooth
4-in-1 memory card reader
1 year global warranty upgradeable to 3
------------------------

 

Well, Asus does make the best systems out there in my opinion....... however, it's also my opinion the A3 is the cheapest system they've ever made. Look at it how you, but if you like the A3, that's great and more power to you because you'll get it awfully cheap....... It's like a good old Ford Taurus compared to the high end German and Italian cars that I'd compare the high end models to..... A late model Ford Taurus is still than a new Kia though.....

 

That would be the Z63A, built-on model of the W3A. Here's what Pacific Notebook's website has:

Z63A
Centrino 1.73GHz, 533MHz FSB
512M DDR2 RAM, 60GB HDD 5400rpm
14" WXGA wide screen "Color Shine"
56k, Gigabit Lan, WLAN b/g
USB, Firewire, S-Video out
Free upgrade to DVD+-RW
$1299 CDN​

That doesn't include a copy of Windows though, you'll have to shell out about another $100 if you don't already have a copy.

If you're considering the A3, also take a look at the widescreen Lenovo/IBM Z60m they have for $1030 CDN:

Intel Pentium M 1.73 GHz
512MB Ram, 40G S-ATA HD
CD-RW/DVD Combo Drive
15.4" TFT
Gigabit LAN, 56k, WLAN a+b/g
Microsoft Windows XP Pro
One year parts and labour manufacturer warranty​

Heck of a good price for a decently specced Thinkpad.

For something with more of the latest tech, you might even look at the new Dell Inspiron 6400, $999 CDN for a Core Duo is cheap and definitely the most bang for your buck.

Intel Core Duo 1.66GHz
512MB DDR2-533 RAM
100GB SATA HD
CD-RW/DVD Combo Drive
15.4" WXGA (add $50 for glossy, add $150 for WSXGA+ glossy)
Integrated GMA950 Graphics
Firewire, S-Video out
Intel PRO/Wireless 3945 802.11a/g Mini Card
Windows XP Home
1 Yr Return to Depot Service with 1 Yr Tech Support​

I've played around with a few Inspiron 6000 and build quality ain't bad at all compared to my Z70Va. The palmrest feels a bit more soft and plasticky but that's about it. I find them a bit fugly though, and it's a very common notebook but it'll be the best performer off all the notebooks listed here.

 

PSIber,
Go Asus, you won't be disappointed. There is a large following in these forums for a reason. Yes, there is a difference between 4200 and 5400 RPM drives and you will notice it. The cool thing about the Asus comps are that you can even purchase a 7200 RPM drive for some models and that will absolutely SCREAM! It will be shipped stock, but you can put in the drive yourself. Good luck in your decision.