F3SV-B1 Bottom Line?

Alright, I know there have been a lot of posts about the difference between the F3SV-B1 and the G1S-A1. I am also starting to see a trend of people who prefer the G1 over the F3SV. I am looking to purchase a new laptop within the next week or so. Personally, I was attracted by the F3SV-B1 over the G1 because, although I game, I am not a hardcore gamer, and the F3SV looks sleeker and more portable than the G1 - mobility is important for me. I want to be able to do moderate gaming (CSS, Half-Life 2: Episode 2 when it comes out, etc.), but I also want to be able to throw my laptop in my backpack and take it to class for a 2 - 3 hours every day. I was planning on purchasing my computer through GenTech (I am fairly set on that store - even if it is cheaper elsewhere, I know too many people who have had good experiences with them), and I was planning to upgrade it to 4 GB of RAM, running Vista Ultimate. There is about a $400 price difference between the F3SV-B1 and the G1 through GenTech, both with 4 GB of RAM and a 3-year warranty.

As far as I can tell, the main differences between the F3SV-B1 and the G1 is that the G1 has a better graphics card, the G1 has a bulkier chassis, and the G1 has an eSATA and HDMI port.

All of this being said, would people still recommend the G1 over the F3SV-B1, or does it sound like the F3SV-B1 would meet my needs? Keep in mind that my main needs are 1) mobility, 2) light to moderate gaming, and 3) a laptop that should last for the next two to three years (I am aware it will be outdated technology long before two to three years - I am talking about durability).

Thank you!!!!

 

Unfortunately durability isn't so good on the F series... but I'm not sure the G-series is much better in that respect either...

 

I'm interested in the F3Sv too but read some bad reviews about the build quality ( http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=126949 and http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=127098).
If you have to move around plastic and crappy materials isn't a perfect match.
The G1s is way too "hard core"
'njoy

 

Hey man, if you just want to play Half-Life episode 2...that computer should treat you well.

I have a Z96j and the F3sv-b1 looks like it has roughly the same look/build...correct me if i'm really really really wrong but i've had mine for about a year now and i've thrown it around and its been through some punishment and still together in one piece. so yeah...

 

Thank you for your replies!

Having a plastic case doesn't necessarily bother me. My old Dell Inspiron 1150 that I am trying to replace right now has a plastic chassis, and it has taken 3 years of hard use, with the only noticeable wear being some cosmetic scratches and much looser screen hinges. The question is, does the F3SV-B1 have a well constructed plastic case? I've played around with the Asus Z96j, which does seem to have a similar chassis to the F3SV-B1, and it seems like it could last for awhile, even when being used as a truly mobile machine, as long as it is taken care of.

What I am really interested in knowing is, does the F3SV-B1 get decent battery life (can I take it to 2.5 hours of class and make it through using wireless and Word), can I do moderate gaming on it, and is around $1900 a reasonable price for the machine outfitted with 4 GB of RAM, a 3 year warranty, and the other "standards" listed at GenTech ( http://1toppc.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=F3SV-B1)?

Also, given what I am looking for, would anyone recommend a different machine at a similar price (I don't really want to go above $2000)?

Thanks again for your help!!!!

 

same with me

yes, yes, and no, the 4 Gb is not worth it (32 bit vista can only recognize a max of 3 gb I think). I wouldn't get more than 2 GB. Personally, I don't think upgrading the warranty from 2 to 3 years is worth $130, but hey I'm cheap . Likewise, it is cheaper to buy memory off newegg and upgrade it yourself.