asus w3j vs z96j

the z96j (or previously the s96j) is out on powernotebooks with basically everything that i had wanted.

but having seen so many people praise the w3j, im just wondering how these two models compare..

if i were to buy the z96j.. the sepcs will be

Core duo T2500 2.0ghz
2gb RAM
Ati radeon x1600
15.4" WSXGA+ glossy
100GB SATA/150 7200rpm
integrated wireless, and maybe bluetooth

(i think it will end up being same price as the w3j)

How will this stack up with the w3j, and what do you guys think of the pro and cons. Cuz im not really sure if the increase in portability of the w3j is what i need, since im using it for uni and i anticipate it will stay on my desk a lot of the time (so maybe a bigger screen is better). though i would say it terms of looks w3j definitely beats the z96j. so what do you guys think?

on a sidenote, if i get an integrated bluetooth, what will its main use be??

oh.. one more... im a bit confused with the model A8jm, is it going to be release/released in the US? and how will this model compare with the above two?

thx for any advice.

 

If I actually had a choice between the Z96J and the W3J, I would go for the Z96J because of the higher screen resolution offered and the exhaust port not being at the right. The bigger chassis would also lend to less problems with heat dissipation.

Integrated bluetooth would come in useful with an external mouse; there wouldn't be any cable-tangle to bother you.

Spec wise, the Z96J (and S96J), A8Jm and W3J would more or less be similar. Thus, you can't really expect much difference in performance between these models. Build quality of Ensemble models (A8J and W3J) would be higher than that of the BOA models (Z96J and S96J); finish should be comparable between A8J and Z96J, W3J has metallic chassis and thus may appear to be better to some.

 

Your two systems are more or less the same, performance-wise, for most uses. The only real difference is the size - go to BBuy or somewhere and look at the 15.4" and 14" units to decide which you prefer.

The A8jm is a 14" system with a weaker graphics card, is not currently scheduled for US release with the usual resellers, as far as I know, although some places like NewEgg seem to think that they'll be getting some to sell. And, there's the question of whether MilestonePC will be able to offer them through their US office once that gets up and running.

Looks are subjective, but the quality of materials in the W3j, or other Ensembles, is certainly superior now to the Built-ons like the Z96. Me, I like the W3.