Help deciding between 14" & 15.4" ASUS

[ibskiing]

I've narrowed my search down to two ASUS Laptops I've found. I wanting this for a work / home / gaming computer.

ASUS G Series G1S-B1 NoteBook Intel Core 2 Duo T7700
http/www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834220216

ASUS F8SV-B1 Intel Core 2 Duo T7700
http/www.excaliberpc.com/ASUS_F8SV-B1_Intel_Core_2_Duo_T7700/90NNPA3331777CQL350Y/partinfo-id-583341.html

The main differences are:
Newegg Excaliber
15.4" 14"
200 GB 7200 250 GB 5400
Video cache 512 Video cache 1024
HDMI & DVI DVI only
$1,549 $1,369 (after ASUS rebate)

I think the ASUS also has a rebate on the Newegg computer, I guess Newegg is filing that themselves?

Questions:
Is the 7200 vs. 5400 Harddrive difference very noticeable?
You can get a DVI to HDMI adapter cord, correct? However, it will not transfer Audio, right?
So what do you think, performance s/b real similar?
I guess it is portability vs. bigger screen and faster harddrive?
Opinions on the value difference?

 

[lostandwandering]

I think the ASUS also has a rebate on the Newegg computer, I guess Newegg is filing that themselves?

No, you will get the rebate to fill out and send in.

Questions:
Is the 7200 vs. 5400 Harddrive difference very noticeable?

If you run programs that constantly pull stuff from the HDD (like games), then yes. Otherwise not so much.

You can get a DVI to HDMI adapter cord, correct? However, it will not transfer Audio, right?

Yes and yes I believe.

So what do you think, performance s/b real similar?

Asside from the HDD's the performance should be almost identical.

I guess it is portability vs. bigger screen and faster harddrive?
Opinions on the value difference?

Yes those are the differences and the screen resolution. The 15.4 will probably weigh a little more, but shouldn't be a huge difference. I am a fan of higher resolutions, so I would probably pick the G1.

Just as an FYI there is a Gateway system out that's around the price of the F8 and comes with an 8800mGTS which will run circles around the 8600GT.

edit: Gateway P6831FX is the model.

 

[Maziar]

GATEWAY P6831FX is a solid laptop, too bad it isnt availabe outside of US

 

[ibskiing]

I took your advice and visited Gateway, couldn't find the model you suggested. The closest I found in specs and price was Gateway® P-171S FX Edition $1,600

http/www.gateway.com/systems/product/529667905.php

This Gateway does have the faster Video card, but is only a 2.0 gig CPU vs. 2.4 and the harddrive is the 5400 250 gig. It does come with 3 gig of memory. Also, it is a 17" monitor.

Question: Does Gateway not allow you to customize their laptops? If they do I can't figure out how to do it. Is there a big difference in the 2.0 and 2.4 dual core processors?

 

[Maziar]

Here is the link to GATEWAY P6831FX:
http/www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8651167&type=product&id=1195599780039

unfortunately gateway doesnt alow to customize their laptops but the specs are good

If u have the $ , then go for that P-17S FX which u linked, its faster than the one i recommended
aslo 3GB RAM is good also a 2.0 CPU is fine and the most important thing is tha 8800M GTX destroys a 8600M GT

 

[ibskiing]

OK, Leaning toward the Gateway, but want you guys to look at another option from XOTIC PC for $1,594. This would be a smaller but better LCD screen 15.4", faster 2.4 CPU, but the slower Videocard, less ram-2 gig ram, faster HD 200gb SATA300, could go XP Pro or Ultimate and from I've heard much less bloatware!!! See the specs below and let me know what you think.

SAGER NP2092 Custom Laptop (Built on Compal JFL92)
- 15.4" WSXGA+ "Matte" Type Super Clear Ultra Bright Screen (1680x1050)
- Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound
- Intel® 45nm "Penryn" Core™2 Duo T8300 2.4GHz w/3MB L2 On-die cache - 800MHz FSB
- 512MB PCI-Express nVidia GeForce 8600GT DX10
- 2,048MB DDR2 667 PC2 5300 (2 SODIMMS) DDC Memory
- Combo Dual Layer SuperMulti 8X DVDRW Drive w/ Software
- 200GB 7200RPM (Serial-ATA II 300 - 16MB Cache)
- Internal 4-in-1 Card Reader (SD/MMC/MS/MS PRO)
- Internal Bluetooth 2.0+ EDR
- Built-in Intel® PRO/Wireless 4965 802.11 a/g/n
- Built in 2.0 Megapixel Camera
- Integrated Fingerprint Reader
- Windows XP Pro SP2 w/ Drivers, Utilities CD

 

[lostandwandering]

That one is going to be about the same as the Asus G1. I think the Gateway would still be the better option.

 

[Maziar]

agreed^

 

[Redspade]

Here is the link to GATEWAY P6831FX:
http/www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8651167&type=product&id=1195599780039

unfortunately gateway doesnt alow to customize their laptops but the specs are good

If u have the $ , then go for that P-17S FX which u linked, its faster than the one i recommended
aslo 3GB RAM is good also a 2.0 CPU is fine and the most important thing is tha 8800M GTX destroys a 8600M GT

Incorrect. there are a few different versions of this FX laptop for sale...Not to mention it is the most upgradeable laptop I have ever had. Yes it voids GATEWAYS Warranty to change it but it doesnt void the manufactures one on the parts, example intels or OCZ(My ram) or nvidias. I would rather mail a stick of ram or cpu back and get a new one then ship my whole laptop out and pay the fees.. But this thing is so easy to add your own stuff to it it is unreal. Very well made...Voodoo,Alienware should be taking notes from this design. Fully upgradeable laptops are the future.

OK, Leaning toward the Gateway, but want you guys to look at another option from XOTIC PC for $1,594. This would be a smaller but better LCD screen 15.4", faster 2.4 CPU, but the slower Videocard, less ram-2 gig ram, faster HD 200gb SATA300, could go XP Pro or Ultimate and from I've heard much less bloatware!!! See the specs below and let me know what you think.

SAGER NP2092 Custom Laptop (Built on Compal JFL92)
- 15.4" WSXGA+ "Matte" Type Super Clear Ultra Bright Screen (1680x1050)
- Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound
- Intel® 45nm "Penryn" Core™2 Duo T8300 2.4GHz w/3MB L2 On-die cache - 800MHz FSB
- 512MB PCI-Express nVidia GeForce 8600GT DX10
- 2,048MB DDR2 667 PC2 5300 (2 SODIMMS) DDC Memory
- Combo Dual Layer SuperMulti 8X DVDRW Drive w/ Software
- 200GB 7200RPM (Serial-ATA II 300 - 16MB Cache)
- Internal 4-in-1 Card Reader (SD/MMC/MS/MS PRO)
- Internal Bluetooth 2.0+ EDR
- Built-in Intel® PRO/Wireless 4965 802.11 a/g/n
- Built in 2.0 Megapixel Camera
- Integrated Fingerprint Reader
- Windows XP Pro SP2 w/ Drivers, Utilities CD

No it wouldnt be
For one you can remove bloatware and when you upgrade the HDD and get vista 64 it wont matter anyways. it will be a fresh install of the OS and not the Gateway Restore Disc..

http/www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=4208

That is a complete review of the Gateway P-6831FX, 20pages... The reason you didnt see that on the gateway web site is because it is a Best Buy only item. You can only get it there. The only difference between the laptops is no finger print reader and lower CPUon the bestbuy only one and the gateway 17FX has them. But is $1500 and not $1100. or it did when it went on sale. That is in USD!! Since I stumbled onto this laptop I havent seen it on the shelf since. Sold out everytime I go into a bestbuy.This laptop is pretty much made to be upgraded very easy. it has 2 HDD bays. take out that crappy 5400 and drop in 2 7200 SATA 300 16MB drives in. New egg has a seagate one at 200 GB for $179. get 2 and RAID them. They slide in real easy. Next the display can be removed and you can spend like $200 for a new screen if ya want and replace it. the DVD burner can be removed and a bluray added later when the prices drop. the video card is solid. 8800GTS. I run COD4/UT3/ET:Quake Wars on max settings. Crysis alittle over med settings and 2aa and it runs nicely. right out of the box my score was 7200 on 3dMark06. thats with no upgrades. This thing comes with 3 GB of ram and still runs in Duel channel mode. I dropped in a second 2 gb stick for $30 and now I run in true duel channel and got another 150 points on 3dmark. the CPU can also be upgraded with very little effort. this is such a good laptop. I cant stress it enough. and upgradable as hell.

http/www.overclock.net/laptops-notebook-computers/293505-gateway-fx-laptop-series-thread-mods.html
http/www.notebookforums.com/thread212385.html

That is a massive write up on what can be upgraded and how. Like 10 pages(Yes it has pictures to show you how...real nice like)

so lets see.
$1100 Laptop
$360 for 2x200GB 7200RPM SATA 300 16MB Buffer(Raid-0)
$30 for another 2gb stick of ram.
$350 C2D T9300 CPU 6MBcache 2.5GHZ or a X7800
or
$260 C2D T7500 Merom 2.2GHz
So for $1700-$1800 you have

17inch widescreen display(it can be upgraded anytime)
4GB Duel channel DDR2 667mhz ram
512MB Dedicated (shareable up to 1.7GB) Geforce Go 8800 GTS
2x200GB 7200RPM SATA 300 16MB Buffer(Raid-0)
C2D T9300 CPU 6MBcache 2.5GHZ(can o/c to 3.0GHZ with a laptop cooler)
HD Audio,bluetooth,web cam+mic,intel wireless Network card
one of thebest features...A FULL SIZE KEYBOARD!!! no more gayass mini laptop keyboards...
DVD Burner/w Light Scribe
a truely artisticly designed laptop. Copper highlights on this metallic finish...for $1800....there top end FX comp is $2999. and this one is better and less $1000. if you want to grab a 1900x1200 display for it add $500 and it is still -$700. get a 1680x1050 for like what $250/$300 and be happy with a 1050p laptop for $2000 ish. You cant beat this laptop right now. a compairable desktop is only like $100-$200 cheaper then this laptop.

personally I will be getting the T9300 but both the T7500 and the T9300 have unlocked multiplyers so o/c is easy.
Drop in X9000 CPU when prices drop (that is the new 45ns Tech CPU) and you are good to go for the future,. This will take any Socket P intel chip. mostelikly not the Socket P'(' is the mobile quad core CPU)

Hands down the best laptop out atm for the price.

oo and yes this laptop is compatible with Solid State Hard Drives.
There is also a debate on weather or not the video card can be upgraded. I am hoping there will be away!!!!

 

[Maziar]

Incorrect. there are a few different versions of this FX laptop for sale...Not to mention it is the most upgradeable laptop I have ever had. Yes it voids GATEWAYS Warranty to change it but it doesnt void the manufactures one on the parts, example intels or OCZ(My ram) or nvidias. I would rather mail a stick of ram or cpu back and get a new one then ship my whole laptop out and pay the fees.. But this thing is so easy to add your own stuff to it it is unreal. Very well made...Voodoo,Alienware should be taking notes from this design. Fully upgradeable laptops are the future.



No it wouldnt be
For one you can remove bloatware and when you upgrade the HDD and get vista 64 it wont matter anyways. it will be a fresh install of the OS and not the Gateway Restore Disc..

http/forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=209623

That is a complete review of the Gateway P-6831FX, 20pages... The reason you didnt see that on the gateway web site is because it is a Best Buy only item. You can only get it there. The only difference between the laptops is no finger print reader and lower CPUon the bestbuy only one and the gateway 17FX has them. But is $1500 and not $1100. or it did when it went on sale. That is in USD!! Since I stumbled onto this laptop I havent seen it on the shelf since. Sold out everytime I go into a bestbuy.This laptop is pretty much made to be upgraded very easy. it has 2 HDD bays. take out that crappy 5400 and drop in 2 7200 SATA 300 16MB drives in. New egg has a seagate one at 200 GB for $179. get 2 and RAID them. They slide in real easy. Next the display can be removed and you can spend like $200 for a new screen if ya want and replace it. the DVD burner can be removed and a bluray added later when the prices drop. the video card is solid. 8800GTS. I run COD4/UT3/ET:Quake Wars on max settings. Crysis alittle over med settings and 2aa and it runs nicely. right out of the box my score was 7200 on 3dMark06. thats with no upgrades. This thing comes with 3 GB of ram and still runs in Duel channel mode. I dropped in a second 2 gb stick for $30 and now I run in true duel channel and got another 150 points on 3dmark. the CPU can also be upgraded with very little effort. this is such a good laptop. I cant stress it enough. and upgradable as hell.

http/www.overclock.net/laptops-notebook-computers/293505-gateway-fx-laptop-series-thread-mods.html

That is a massive write up on what can be upgraded and how. Like 10 pages(Yes it has pictures to show you how...real nice like)

so lets see.
$1100 Laptop
$360 for 2x200GB 7200RPM SATA 300 16MB Buffer(Raid-0)
$30 for another 2gb stick of ram.
$350 C2D T9300 CPU 6MBcache 2.5GHZ or a X7800
or
$260 C2D T7500 Merom 2.2GHz
So for $1700-$1800 you have

17inch widescreen display(it can be upgraded anytime)
4GB Duel channel DDR2 667mhz ram
512MB Dedicated (shareable up to 1.7GB) Geforce Go 8800 GTS
2x200GB 7200RPM SATA 300 16MB Buffer(Raid-0)
C2D T9300 CPU 6MBcache 2.5GHZ(can o/c to 3.0GHZ with a laptop cooler)
HD Audio,bluetooth,web cam+mic,intel wireless Network card
one of thebest features...A FULL SIZE KEYBOARD!!! no more gayass mini laptop keyboards...
DVD Burner/w Light Scribe
a truely artisticly designed laptop. Copper highlights on this metallic finish...for $1800....there top end FX comp is $2999. and this one is better and less $1000. if you want to grab a 1900x1200 display for it add $500 and it is still -$700. get a 1680x1050 for like what $250/$300 and be happy with a 1050p laptop for $2000 ish. You cant beat this laptop right now. a compairable desktop is only like $100-$200 cheaper then this laptop.

personally I will be getting the T9300 but both the T7500 and the T9300 have unlocked multiplyers so o/c is easy.
Drop in X9000 CPU when prices drop (that is the new 45ns Tech CPU) and you are good to go for the future,. This will take any Socket P intel chip. mostelikly not the Socket P'(' is the mobile quad core CPU)

Hands down the best laptop out atm for the price.

oo and yes this laptop is compatible with Solid State Hard Drives.
There is also a debate on weather or not the video card can be upgraded. I am hoping there will be away!!!!

U didnt get what i was saying mate
i said u CAN'T customize it in GATEWAY site, u have to upgrade it yourself thats what i meant and i have seen alot of people who has upgraded their CPU in it

 

[lolitha]

I think with 14 inch one you will get more portibilty and battery life. I find my ASUS F3 series notebook poor battery life because of the screen with screen dimmed my batter will last about 3.20 hrs and with the brightness in high it will only stand out about 2.30 max. which is quite annoying for me

 

[Redspade]

U didnt get what i was saying mate
i said u CAN'T customize it in GATEWAY site, u have to upgrade it yourself thats what i meant and i have seen alot of people who has upgraded their CPU in it

"unfortunately gateway doesnt alow to customize their laptops but the specs are good "
is what ya said. Worded that way you are incorrect.

"i said u CAN'T customize it in GATEWAY site"
That is correct so its all good man you corrected yourself.


This laptop's only con is the battery life. The gateway one. about 60 mins running a game. So I would grab a second battery from gateway or see if they have a better battery you can buy. But again you cant beat this laptop for $1100.

 

[ibskiing]

Well I plan on order the Gateway (171s) today, thanks for all the replys they've been great. BYW, notebookreview.com is an excellent site if you are thinking about a laptop.

Redspade, This is a very upgradable laptop, but it is a little more than $1,100 from what I've found. The 1.6 gig is $1,349 at Bestbuy (I think they have had it for less) and the 171s (2.0 gig CPU) is $1,599 at Gateway. Gateway will sell it for less and I am in the process of negoitiating the amount. Right now it looks like they will sell for at least a 10% discount ($1,439, just $90 more than BestBuy but with a better processor). If I had a bought this a couple of weeks ago the discounts were closer to 20%. According to the sales reps, they are still awaiting arrival of this laptop, but it is due any day). Once it arrives, they may not be able to offer the discounts.

 

[theworminator]

Hahah, nice. Looks like it's gonna be a nice laptop there. As for battery life, for random comparison, I get 1.5 hours

Notebookreview.com is a good site for technical info, except that they're biased against some companies because Sager sponsers the site. It's still a good site for information though.

 

[ibskiing]

Just ordered my laptop, supposed to be delivered on the 19th.

Worm, I noticed Notebookreview.com sure seem to push the Clevos/Sager laptops. I seriously considered one, but went to several of the sites and tried to duplicate the Gateway I just ordered. Cheapest I was able to build was $2,350. I got the Gateway (tax, shipping) and a nice Targus Case for under $1,700.

 

[theworminator]

That's a sweet deal. This laptop of mine (came with a messenger bag styled case, I bought a huge 17" Targus backpack to replace it) cost about 2200 when I got it last year. Oh technology, how you advance so fast...

Anyway, when you receive it, give us an update on how it is, I'm interested to know how it performs!