NEW Updates on ETA's and pricing... Z35f / Z62j / Z96j / W3j / W2j

Ok, some things have been adjusted in the news sticky and I just wanted to address them here....

Z35f - Early May

Z96j - Early May

Z62j - two weeks - Mid April

W3j - Looks like price is finalized at $1,899 - 1.83ghz / 8x Super Multi drive - Mid April

W2j - Asus can't confirm the price yet, but coming in with W3j - Asus said they stuck with the slot load dvd burner - so no lightscribe at this point

A6jc - ready to ship in a couple days

A7j - ready to ship in a couple days

Lambo Vx1 - Still no ETA

 

Justin:
Thanks for the update! So when will you reopen the pre-order for the w3j? Thanks.
~Kenny

 

Any news on A8J?
It is still on the Asus USA
http://usa.asus.com/products4.aspx?modelmenu=2&model=1094&l1=5&l2=61&l3=0
Are they just teasing?

 

Thanks for the info, and looking forward to the release (W3J)

 

Just when you had me thinking that I would prefer the tray loading lightscribe in the W2J, we are back to the slot loading drive.

Any chance it is a slot loading lightscribe?

Thank you for the update, Justin!

 

No chance in a slot loading lightscribe - but perhaps down the road they'll change to a tray load lightscribe... but as of right now - they're order sheet reads 8x slot load super multi..... and that's what they confirm ordering.

 

I see they decided to keep the super-multi drive in the W3. I'm sure that's exciting for some reason.

(hey, 100 posts...now I'm a 'consultant', oh goodie.)

 

any info regarding the V1J? plz

Thanks, in advance,

MysticGolem

 

Are they changing anything other than 1.83GHz proc in the W3j from what was originally estimated? Just curious given the new price point.

 

Basically... it's my understanding that it's the same "original configuration" I gave, but a bump up to 1.83ghz. Basically - that's a $70 difference in cost... I don't know if they adjusted anything else, but it's my understanding that the super multi drive was NOT actually part of that original price and one reason the configuration was adjusted was because the new PM didn't want anything but. So, the price seems right now and is still a steal for what it is.... but we'll see.

 

Cool man - does it sound like the fancy mouse button and trackpad are a go though? Sounds like you were intimating that they were changed from the W3v (in a different thread), so I'm taking a dangerous leap.

 

Hey, Justin, thanks for the update!

Admittedly, the $100 increase in price for the W3J isn't fabulous, but I'd agree that it's probably more in line with the increase in value to the notebook. It (and all of ASUS' line for that matter) blow the doors off anything by most other manufacturers (e.g. the new Dell Precision Core Duo notebooks, for instance) in terms of looks and value. It'll still sell like hotcakes. Count me in.

 

same here. but hey, if it's anything like last year.. there might be a nice $100 rebate around mid summer

I'm also hoping that Asus USA's site isn't joking around and is serious about the A8

 

Hey Justin, I was just wondering what exactly is the Z62j?
I did a search and could only find that it's a 14" with a 128mb Nvidia 7300. Is this correct? What else does it have (or what else are you offereing to go with it)? Differences from Z62f? Webcam? Thanks!!

 

Wow that's Excellent news thanks for the update Justin.. Where should I order another Gig of ram for the W3J? Should I try to get the same brand? Now we just have to wait a little for W3J preorders to open YAY the end is in sight and it looks ooooohhhh so Sweet. I predict this thread is going to be Huge.

 

Justin on your W3J page you updated everything but the Optical drive it still reads 8x Dual Layer DVD burner probably should change it back to Super Multi.

 

Will be there DVI on Z35f / Z62j / Z96j?

 

Are these latest W3J specs aimed at all of North America, or is there any possibility that Canada might be getting different specs than the US at this point?

What's the main difference between the 8X Dual Layer and the Super Multi drives???

Also, does anyone know what manufacturer makes Apples Slot-Load SuperDrive DVD±RW/CD-RW and where to buy them on their own? Is there any possibility this drive could be fitted to the W3J...I mean If it can fit in both a 12" and 14" MAC, why couldn't it fit in a 14"+ Asus, especially with the versatility of a modular bay layout...

 

US and Canada will get the same spec W3j

Super Multi will work with DVD-RAM discs....... I've never used one... ever, but it's just another level of compatibility... but does everything else the same.

I'm going out on a limb with Panasonic.... if that's what Asus had available to them -- it'd say a lot to why it would be used in an Apple.... but yeah it could be used... but you don't need to can get apple drive... you can get the drive out of the W2. The biggest issue is making a custom faceplate for it and swapping the drive carrier from the stock drive to the new one....... trust me... more work than you'd really want to do and after a few months it gets old... trust me and ask anyone with a W2.

 

That sounds good, thanks for the answers.

So It's possible though...just out of curiousity, what does the W2 Slot load drive cost to buy on it's own?

It doesn't seem like something I'd do, but for someone like you, with the know-how and supplies you have at your disposal, It would seem like a cool thing to try...and it would make the smaller units even more sleek and unique than they already are!!!

 

wtf, a $100 increase in price?? son of a *****. i'd rather have 1.66ghz
1799 was a little intolerable for me, 1849 pushes me to the brink, and now it's 1899, bsbsbsbs

 

Be Happy, it's USD 2050 here (the standard model)

 

Just think rationally for a minute - it's only a $100 price difference.

If $1,899 is too much, $1,799 is too much.

Bag a lunch for a week or two and there is your $100

 

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wtf, a $100 increase in price?? son of a *****. i'd rather have 1.66ghz
1799 was a little intolerable for me, 1849 pushes me to the brink, and now it's 1899, bsbsbsbs

Dude......

That same spec machine is 1350.00 Pounds here in the UK, thats a whopping $2,349.66

do ya wanna swap countries?

 

I am assuming yes, but will a multi bay drive (battery and HDD enclosure) fit from the Asus W3V to W3J?

Can anyone tell me exactly what this drive writes ie. +- Dual layer, -RAM???

 

Can someone explain the difference between the the Z models and the W3J?

 

You can configure the Z models yourself. The W3J is totally prebuilt and you have to go with the specs, or have someone change it for you but that would void the 1 year global warranty.

The Multi dvd drive does Everything.

 

Yea, this was one reason that was obvious, when ASUS had it at $1799, it was a very good price point, but when they bumped it up, they will lose customers, though they will also gain.

Can't play both sides

 

So the Z35f is designated for the US in May (we hope), but any word on US release of W6 or W7?

 

I don't really think the potential target group will care about 100 USD...

 

True, but as shown above, there will be some.

But, I'm not saying the bump is a bad thing

 

Ok - well we officially have one person who *****ed about getting a bump up in spec and it costing $100 more.... any more takers to prove my point that you can't satisfy everyone?

The drive in the unit is a Super Multi 8x...... you can look up the specs for what "super multi" means but basically it means everything... here is a link of the drives that I've documented and you can see the difference: http://www.proportable.com/opticaldrives.htm

But yeah...... the drives are the same size... the system is the same size... W3v accessories not only work - but will just be renamed W3j accessories...

 

Anyone who's willing to drop $1800 on a notebook should be willing to pay $1900. If they're not, they probably shouldn't be looking at the computer in the first place. It's a 5.6% increase in price! That's like paying $2.20 for gas, but refusing at $2.32; or even more telling, it's like not buying a computer because it costs $1056 instead of $1000. If you're planning responsibly, this shouldn't be an issue.

 

Honestly, I still believe it is a steal at this price of $1899. I have looked around, other than the Sony SZ, no other laptop has really interest me. With its bigger screen and better specs than the SZ, W3J is definitely hard to beat. I will definitely purchase one from you, Justin. Count me in!
~Kenny

 

Is the W3J using the 12.7mm drive or the 9.5mm drive? And why is the 8x DVD Super Multi drive slower than the 4x DVD Super Multi drive?

 

According to the table posted by Justin, it is going to be 12.7mm because according to the specs at Justin's company site, the only 8x dvd super multi drive is 12.7mm where the 9.5mm only has it at 4x.

~Kenny

 

he was asking why the 4x is specced as faster than the 8x, given the increased bulk that comes with the 12.7mm drive...

 

Again - I apoligize for calling out the Super Multi drive originaly when apparently it wasn't planned..... The last W3v shipment that came over around the holidays had a Super Multi drive and it's unsual to go back in spec..... also, the optical drive was really the last of my concerns - considering to me, as long as they can't go up above 8x - and it's at least Dual Layer... there really isn't a difference.... Note that even on my news sticky I list everything but the drives because they're almost a forgotten spec to begin with...... 8x Dual Layer is "standard" on everything but the V6 (and that's only because 4x is the fastest 9.5mm drive on the market).

But anyway... $100 increase in what can now be considered a speculative price to begin with (as that PM was fired and no price is settled till ordering takes place), it's really still the same steal it was before.... Bumping up the cpu and the optical drive surely account for $100 - so a steal before, is still a steal given the updated configuration...... which as most have stated... is' far fetched.

Anyone who has to cut themselves off and refuses to buy this laptop that they obviously wanted, because the price went up $100 (not just for the hell of it, but because of a "better" spec) has to really question how bad they wanted to to begin with. $100 over the course of 3 years which is what I'd consider the realy lifespan of any decent system, is really nothing... When figuring in a little more "future proofing" by bumping up the cpu and adding more functionality to the optical drive may even give you a little more life to the system as well.

I called the W3v the perfect form factor last year and given the fact I use dedicated graphics - it was an awesome system...... besides the obvious factor of heat that there is no doubt this unit has to produce with it's 256mb x1600 - this is an awesome upgrade to that awesome system from last year. The only thing that could make it absolutely perfect would be if it wasn't affected by heat as much as we should all assume..... and if it's not, it would be a mircle and bar none THE jack of all trades... and master of ALL...... But I don't think cooling the x1600 is going to be easy unless they cripple the speeds from the factory (which is likely if you look at what they did with the W3v). This would infact make perfect sense. Those who don't know what they're missing will be happy with the system they got... and those who know what they're missing and know how to.. hum... not "overclock", but at least "clock to stock" can gain some added performance - but those same people would also be the ones who could understand the heat produced and have the knowledge how to slow it down if it's too much for them...

 

Sounds great. It's just a waiting game now.

 

I'd prefer the original drive vs. the Super multi (especially considering the extra $50) - given the performance hit with copying most DVD media - save for the RAM...but "you can't always get what you want".

 

I really don’t see what’s the big deal about the price increase. It’s not like they just dumped the price up with the same configuration. We are now getting a faster CPU; I personally think it’s a good thing. Just like a lot of people above said if you’re willing to spend 1800 on a notebook then $100 for better specs should not be that hard to come by.

 

The faster cpu costs $70

The added functionality of the optical drive costs $30

 

Is that optical drive link at Proportable correct?

The 4X Super Multi beats or equals the 8X Super Multi in EVERY category.

Something seems fishy when 4X beats 8X.


Sorry, someone already asked this
post left for posterity

 

Any idea when Fremont will actually be receving the W3J in stock?

 

People ask for the latest info, which when a model isn't even in production yet is always considered speculative...yet still, against their better judgment they give you what you want...and then when things change, which aren't really changed because they weren't finite to begin with, they complain...

People, please look at it this way...if Justin and others hadn't said one thing about the W3J until now, and then he gave you these latest final specs at $1899, not knowing there ever was a $1799, everyone in here and everywhere would be stunned and in love, the comments of praise wouldn't end for days. I don't think there would be one negative comment PERIOD!

Put this system in perspective with the rest of the market and what you're getting, and kiss Asus's ass for pricing this system, with these greats specs at $1899!!!

PS, Just don't go any higher than $1899 please...lol...

 

Anybody considering swapping out the Super-Multi drive in favor of an NEC drive from Newegg? Looks to be the best option.

Justin,

Is the extended warranty still an option?

 

That works, but there is no faceplate for the NEC...


Unless you mod it yourself

 

Maybe I'm missing something obvious here... but I don't understand the big deal with having the SuperMulti drive and the chatter around it concerning replacing it. I'd imagine that for most users, the performance of the SM drive will be fine, especially if it is the 8x drive. Is the debate concerning aesthetics, or is there a performance issue? I'm asking more out of curiosity than anything else - regardless of the reason, I'm still content with the lappy as-is.

 

Well, I'm a little pissed off about the price increase, but i'll still go with w3j.
what made me angry is that i had everything planned out originally
and now i have to resort to rubbing a bank to make ends meet.
Let's see. Every week i work 10 hours, $9 per hour. There's only 4 weeks left in this semster, so i'll earn about 360. And i only have 1500 left on my bank account.
what that means is I have to wait for another 3,4 months, because im working for my parents this summer, which means im not getting paid.

 

^ You need to leverage the fact that your working for your parents to give you the rest of the money you need to buy it. Be like - since you're not paying me the whole summer, could you just make up the difference here so I can get this laptop?

Now back to our scheduled program.