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    Help Selecting 14" Asus Ensemble

    Discussion in 'Asus' started by Jeff_Fries, Jun 15, 2006.

  1. Jeff_Fries

    Jeff_Fries Notebook Enthusiast

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    I want to buy my kid a notebook for college. Gaming isn’t an issue. Portability is important and it needs to last three years. I have some ideas about what to buy. However, I’d like to get further input on what and where to buy in the US.

    Thanks,
     
    Jeff_Fries, Jun 15, 2006
    #1
  2. ClearSkies

    ClearSkies Well no, I'm still here..

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    Only Asus 14" Ensemble models are W3j and A8jm, the latter is available in the US only from PortableOne as their MX series. W7j is 13" Ensemble, available in US sometime in July, but price hasn't yet been confirmed. Check ProPortable's sticky/website for further details on the W7. You could also look at the Z62f series for customizing an Asus system; details at either ProPortable or Geared2Play.

    Would suggest purchasing the unit (Ensemble or BOA) from a reputable reseller, see here from the faq for listing - would stick with the Platinum level or higher, plus c9tech.com for possible vendors.
     
    ClearSkies, Jun 15, 2006
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  3. Darrick

    Darrick Notebook Deity NBR Reviewer

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    I think the only available 14" Core Duo ASUS' currently are either the A8Jm or W3J. The S62J/Z62J isn't out and I'm not sure when it'll be out.

    So, I guess those are your only 2 choices at the moment.

    Edit: Egh, got beaten to posting by a few seconds :)
     
    Darrick, Jun 15, 2006
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  4. ClearSkies

    ClearSkies Well no, I'm still here..

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    The Z62f also has the CoreDuo, with integrated graphics.
     
    ClearSkies, Jun 15, 2006
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  5. Darrick

    Darrick Notebook Deity NBR Reviewer

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    Oh yeah.. forgot about that... :) that might be a better option if gaming isn't an issue...
     
    Darrick, Jun 15, 2006
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  6. Jason

    Jason Overclocker NBR Reviewer

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    Yea it runs at around $950 from geared2play. Not a bad deal for a nice notebook with a camera.
     
    Jason, Jun 15, 2006
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  7. Justin@XoticPC

    Justin@XoticPC Company Representative

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    The are many Asus models available including the ASUS Z62F and the ASUS W3J :D

    Another good model is the MSI-1022

    If you dont mind a 15" the Z91F is a good choice also.

    Do you have a price range you are trying to stay within?
     
    Justin@XoticPC, Jun 15, 2006
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  8. Jeff_Fries

    Jeff_Fries Notebook Enthusiast

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    Thanks for all the speedy and helpful responses. I’d like to spend about $1700 max. . What are your collective thoughts on the Asus W3V? I wasn’t sure what the core duo brings to the non-gaming party. I’m a bit leery about the W3V’s 4200 RPM hard drive.
     
    Jeff_Fries, Jun 15, 2006
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  9. c9tech

    c9tech Notebook Evangelist

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    The hard drive isn't that big of a deal...
    For most notebook use, most of the performance difference [between 5400 and 4200] is very small.
    Unless you're doing huge file transfers all the time, it really won't matter much.

    Another plus for W3V seekers... a few W3V's are left @ $1395 [$1195 after $200 ASUS Mail-In Rebate].
     
    c9tech, Jun 15, 2006
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