HELP! I have pretty much narrowed my laptop search down to the Acer Travelmate 8103 and the Asus W3V. I need help deciding. Below I state the pros/cons as I see them. Please chime in with your thoughts! THANKS!
8103 over W3V
+more ergonomic keyboard (could reduce chance of CPS)
+seagate 100gb/5400 drive seems to run faster & cooler than hitachi 60gb/5400 drive
+15.4" WSXGA vs. 14" WXGA; 1680x1050 vs 1280x768
+better graphics. x700 w/128mb v. x600 w/64mb; I do lots of photoshop; will this matter?
+SignalUp enhanced antenna could help wireless reception
+DVI gives me the best interface to my 19" Dell LCD when at my desk
+smartcard reader for add'l security
+option to get 8104 w/faster CPU
+heat issues on 810x don't seem nearly as bad as the W3V
W3V over 8103
+way cooler styling - I like the outer brushed steel casing
+glare-type color shine screen is an option; I plan to use it outside sometimes
+lower native screen res might be easier on my eyes; I am over 40
+don't pay extra for graphics capability that I might not use (I'm not a big gamer)
+2 yr warranty vs. 1 yr; Acer seems to have support issues; what about Asus?
+lighter weight - 5.5 lbs vs. 6.3 lbs!
Other items appear comparable to me (Intel M750, ddr2 533 memory, 1394, 8 cell battery, $1700-1800, etc.)
The Acer seems like more for the money, but I am turned on by the styling and lower weight of the Asus. I plan to travel with the laptop frequently, and will be hauling it down to the local cafe a fair amount. What should I do?
8103 over W3V
+more ergonomic keyboard (could reduce chance of CPS)
+seagate 100gb/5400 drive seems to run faster & cooler than hitachi 60gb/5400 drive
+15.4" WSXGA vs. 14" WXGA; 1680x1050 vs 1280x768
+better graphics. x700 w/128mb v. x600 w/64mb; I do lots of photoshop; will this matter?
+SignalUp enhanced antenna could help wireless reception
+DVI gives me the best interface to my 19" Dell LCD when at my desk
+smartcard reader for add'l security
+option to get 8104 w/faster CPU
+heat issues on 810x don't seem nearly as bad as the W3V
W3V over 8103
+way cooler styling - I like the outer brushed steel casing
+glare-type color shine screen is an option; I plan to use it outside sometimes
+lower native screen res might be easier on my eyes; I am over 40
+don't pay extra for graphics capability that I might not use (I'm not a big gamer)
+2 yr warranty vs. 1 yr; Acer seems to have support issues; what about Asus?
+lighter weight - 5.5 lbs vs. 6.3 lbs!
Other items appear comparable to me (Intel M750, ddr2 533 memory, 1394, 8 cell battery, $1700-1800, etc.)
The Acer seems like more for the money, but I am turned on by the styling and lower weight of the Asus. I plan to travel with the laptop frequently, and will be hauling it down to the local cafe a fair amount. What should I do?
