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First laptop - college - Asus Z70va Perhaps??

post #1 of 47
9/5/05 at 7:56pm
Thread Starter 
Damn, where do I begin?? I don't even know if I should be posting this in here, or in the Notebook General section. Sorry for making this such a long post, and being such a newbie. So, let me get down to business.

I'm transferring to UCSB as a junior and I'm looking to get my first laptop. At this point, my head is spinning because I am so lost and confused about so many choices. I don't have much knowledge when it comes to laptops either, and I'm pretty rusty when it comes to computers. My move in day is Sept. 17th, and first day of classes is the 22nd. My dad gave me about $2000 to spend on a laptop, which I think is pretty damn awesome if you ask me. I have been told that Sony and Toshiba make pretty good laptops, and to stay away from HP and Gateway and the likes. I know nothing about non-commercial companies, such as Sager, Acer, Asus, Alienware, yada yada. After browsing these boards, it seems that many people DON'T like Sony and Toshiba. Also, I'm not too sure on how good Dell laptops are. So let me get to it...

I'm looking to get a laptop that is around 14-15.4" (I think??). I really don't know; that range just sounds good. I'm thinking anything bigger would be overkill if I want to move it around, and anything smaller is just too small for my eyes. I'm told that Pentium M is the way to go, and 1.7-1.8ghz would be just fine. As for memory and HD's, are those upgradeable? Should I order my laptop with something small and get the memory and HD after and try to get a better deal? As for the screens, I want a widescreen. However, I have no idea what SXGA+ or WUXGA or any of that means. As for the OS, would Win XP Home be ok? Or will I need Pro if I am going to be running off the school's network?

Here comes the part that I've been having the most trouble with. A few years ago, I used to play games on the computer, like Quake and Counter Strike; but then I stopped. When I go off to college, I really don't know if I'll get back into playing any games?? So I've read that shared memory is bad and that I should get dedicated memory. However, If I'm not going to play games, does it really matter? Should I just get a good video card just in case? I'm so frustrated and I don't know what to do.

Anyway, I mentioned the Asus Z70va in my topic. It looks as though many people are saying this will be a pretty good laptop. It seems to be right in my range. Yet, I have no idea where to buy this laptop. I haven't really seen any pictures of it, and I've read there are problems with a few of the online dealers. I also believe I read that they won't ship out until the 14th. If I order it now, should I be receiving it before the 22nd when my classes start?

Again, I'm sorry for making this such a long post. I am just looking for a few helping hands to point me in the right direction. I would also like to know any other info that you could give me, such as warranties, cases, what good mice are out there for laptops (bluetooth as well), etc etc.. I'd appreciate any help that you can give me.

`John
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post #2 of 47
9/5/05 at 8:08pm
if u dont plan on gaming, there's no use for a dedicated graphics car. however, the z70va is one hell of a good laptop. u could always get the z70v which is the same thing with a x600 instead of a x700 but without bluetooth. of course the size of the z70va and all other 15.4" laptops look like they'd be a bit of a hassle when at college with such small desks. i'd recommend a 14" maybe the asus z63a which doesnt have a dedicated gfx but it well made and pretty well liked among reviewers.
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post #3 of 47
9/5/05 at 8:25pm
Thread Starter 
thanks for your input swcaps7...

I also forgot to ask about batteries. What do you guys suggest when it comes to batteries, as far as having a back-up? or how any cells?
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post #4 of 47
9/5/05 at 8:32pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by swcaps7
of course the size of the z70va and all other 15.4" laptops look like they'd be a bit of a hassle when at college with such small desks.
I beg to differ. I'm at University of Delaware with my new z70va and I love it! Desk space isn't a problem at all - it still takes up less than a desktop. You may want to go with the plain ol' z70v if you're not doing any gaming, but then again, if you're dad's paying for it...
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post #5 of 47
9/5/05 at 9:10pm

Z70va is a good choice

Quote:
Originally Posted by swcaps7
if u dont plan on gaming, there's no use for a dedicated graphics car. however, the z70va is one hell of a good laptop. u could always get the z70v which is the same thing with a x600 instead of a x700 but without bluetooth. of course the size of the z70va and all other 15.4" laptops look like they'd be a bit of a hassle when at college with such small desks. i'd recommend a 14" maybe the asus z63a which doesnt have a dedicated gfx but it well made and pretty well liked among reviewers.
i'd have it disagree with you on this one. If you plan on having your machine for over a year and upgrading to Windows Vista you better have a graphics card. In the near future high end cards will be more utilized and this machine has the potential for staying alive longer than a year.

I'd say go with the z70va and get it 1.86. You will have to wait a bit though as it will be available starting September 14. I myself am also going to college and I'll be using the computer lab till my z70va comes

Asus is a very reputable company and they are a very large manufacturer of other laptops including the Apple laptop lines! You probably won't find any quality problems with a notebook if you purchase from Asus unless you get a lemon.

Good luck.
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post #6 of 47
9/5/05 at 9:14pm
Thread Starter 
sweet, good response...so where could I purchase it from?
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post #7 of 47
9/5/05 at 9:29pm
www.istnc.com
www.geared2play.com
www.canadasys.com
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post #8 of 47
9/5/05 at 11:30pm
I may be a bit partial seeing as I am going to buy the z70va too, but I think it'll be a fantastic laptop for what you need. Sure, you could go with a z70v for less money, but the difference in price and difference in value between the two makes the z70va the better buy IMO. Depending on your knowledge of installing parts (going by your original post, I'm guessing no much, no offense), you could get a VERY respectable configuration (2.0GHz Processor, 2GB RAM, 100GB 5400RPM HDD, Bluetooth) for about $2000, which is a pretty damn great deal.
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post #9 of 47
9/5/05 at 11:35pm
I just ordered one from geared2play.

2.0GHz Processor
2GB RAM from newegg (saved 100)
100GB 5400RPM HDD from zipzoomfly (saved about 30)
extra battery


total about 1700 I believe. I can't wait.
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post #10 of 47
9/6/05 at 12:53am
Quote:
Originally Posted by little-man
I beg to differ. I'm at University of Delaware with my new z70va and I love it! Desk space isn't a problem at all - it still takes up less than a desktop. You may want to go with the plain ol' z70v if you're not doing any gaming, but then again, if you're dad's paying for it...
i didnt mean room desk space, i meant classroom desk space. as to batteries, a modular battery is always good and can give an extra one or two hrs.
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post #11 of 47
9/6/05 at 1:56am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by JUST_BLAZE
I may be a bit partial seeing as I am going to buy the z70va too, but I think it'll be a fantastic laptop for what you need. Sure, you could go with a z70v for less money, but the difference in price and difference in value between the two makes the z70va the better buy IMO. Depending on your knowledge of installing parts (going by your original post, I'm guessing no much, no offense), you could get a VERY respectable configuration (2.0GHz Processor, 2GB RAM, 100GB 5400RPM HDD, Bluetooth) for about $2000, which is a pretty damn great deal.

Good post. The z70va does sound like a great buy. When it comes to installing parts, I've built my own computers since I was 10, so I know how to build them. It's just been a few years since I've done any of that, because I lost my interest in computers a few years back. Thing is, I've never worked on a laptop before, so I don't know if it's different as far as installing shit. What I'm saying is that I'm out of tune as far as the new shit that's out...like memory and what not. Last time I was building computers was when DDR memory JUST came out, so I don't know much about dual channel memory, FSB on memory, etc etc. So if I get a laptop, can I just order them without a HD or memory and buy them separately from another website?
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post #12 of 47
9/6/05 at 2:11am

C9Tech all the way

c9tech seems like a very good place to buy from. I'm buying from them. Sasha is extremely helpful (he works for c9tech) and promptly responds to any questions or concerns very quickly.

Standard 2-day shipping paid both ways. Pretty nice deal. Also you get an assigned customer service representative so you don't have to go through hundreds to get a freakin answer!

they haven't posted the z70va on their site yet but it'll be up soon. http://www.c9tech.com

talk to Sasha before you finalize anything - I think you'll like him and the company.

but http://www.istnc.com is good, http://www.discountlaptops.com is good, and so is http://www.proportable is quite good too. I'm sure people will add more.

good luck
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post #13 of 47
9/6/05 at 1:22pm
Thread Starter 
good help so far in here...keep it up guys
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post #14 of 47
9/6/05 at 2:17pm
I wish all these guys would update their site. I keep hearing certain sites have the z70va in, but the only ones that I have seen it on their sites is ISTNC and Geared2Play. I'm still waiting for the (hopefully) soon-to-be-coming versions with built in BT & DVI-out.
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post #15 of 47
9/6/05 at 4:29pm
I highly reccomend that you buy it from ISTNC. That's where I got mine, and they were absolutely incredible, going far beyond what's expected of retailers these days.
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post #16 of 47
9/6/05 at 7:25pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by little-man
I highly reccomend that you buy it from ISTNC. That's where I got mine, and they were absolutely incredible, going far beyond what's expected of retailers these days.

Just so I'll feel better about buying from geared2play, I'll say they also had great service. I did exchange PMs with eddie, and they had a pretty good price.


Both companies have perfect 10s from resellerratings as well.
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post #17 of 47
9/6/05 at 9:44pm
Thread Starter 
what kind of memory/HD woudl be good to buy on my own? Like brand names and such. Also, would getting 1gb of memory be a good idea? If so , should I get 1 stick or 2 sticks of 512? It takes DDR 533 correct? Also, If I get the HD & memory on my own, but order the laptop with Win XP Pro, do they just send me the cd so I can install it on my own?
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post #18 of 47
9/6/05 at 10:19pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dem1K
what kind of memory/HD woudl be good to buy on my own? Like brand names and such. Also, would getting 1gb of memory be a good idea? If so , should I get 1 stick or 2 sticks of 512? It takes DDR 533 correct? Also, If I get the HD & memory on my own, but order the laptop with Win XP Pro, do they just send me the cd so I can install it on my own?
not sure about brands - get the manual for the machine and find the approved vendor list for the ram. In terms of how much i recommend you get a 1gb stick so you can add 2gb later if you plan on keeping this machine longer than 2 years. Otherwise just go ahead and get 2 512 sticks to take advantage of the dual channel (makes the ram a little faster). The price difference is very small though so i'd just go with the 1gb stick.
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post #19 of 47
9/6/05 at 10:25pm
It's DDR2 533 actually (PC4200). Technically 2 sticks of 512 would be better because you could go dual channel, but most people seem to agree the difference is minimal and 1 stick of 1GB is usually cheaper. I personally would go with the latter as you can always add another 1GB stick for about $100 or so. As for memory brands, mushkin, corsair, kingston, and crucial are all top notch, so I'd just go with whichever is the cheapest among those. For the HDD, I would personally recommend Seagate (although my experience is limited to their desktop HDDs), but if you want to go with a 7200RPM drive, I don't think Seagate make a 7200RPM 2.5" drive. (BTW, I would suggest a 5400RPM drive, especially if you're going for a large capacity drive, as the price difference is huge, but performance difference is small to minimal.

I'm not sure about your last question, but I would guess so. Although if your trying to save money, I'd just find 'another source' for your XP Pro CD.
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post #20 of 47
9/6/05 at 10:34pm
Hey Dem I go to UCSB also, Im a computer engineer going into my junior year. Whats your major? Im also going to get a asus refresh, seems a pretty reasonable laptop.
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