looking at this Asus... what are your IMOs?

[flyguyspy]

looking for a quality laptop with a good design, that isnt too bulky or heavey and is relatively portable. not looking for a desktop replacement.

i have been mulling over either the new studio15s by dell, or their 13" M1330.

im afraid that the studio is too large, and my mom has the M1330, and it may be a stupid reason to not get a certain PC, but I really dont want the same machine she has! ANYWAYS!

my curiosity has been sparked by this Asus i found. 14", tho 5.5lbs, which is kind of heavy.

there is this one:
Anitec.ca - Asus F8Va-C1 Intel Core 2 Duo T9400(2.53GHz), 14"WXGA+, 4GB DDR2, 250GB, VHP


New ASUS Montevina Platform
CPU : Intel Core 2 Duo T9400 2.53GHz 6MB L2 Cache 1066
LCD Size & Resolution : 14" WXGA+ (1440X900)
MB Chipset : Intel PM45
Optical Drive : Super-Multi DVDRW Dual Layer
Memory : 4GB DDR2 800MHz (2GBx2) up to 4GB
VGA Card : ATI HD3650 1G (DX10)
Hard Drive : 320GB 5400RPM SATA
WLAN : 802.11 A/G/N
LAN/Fax Modem : 10/100/1000 Fax Modem
Battery/Run Time : Li-ion 6-cell
USB/1394/IrDA/S-Video : 5/1/0/0/0/HDMI
Bluetooth/Finger Print : Yes/Yes
Card Reader/PCMCIA : 8-in-1 card slot/ Express Card
Color/Weight/WxDxH : Black/5.7lbs/13.6"*9.8"*1.5"
Warranty : 2 Yr Global/30days ZBD/1 Yr Accidental Damage
Operating System : Windows Vista Home Premium
Carry bag& mouse : Yes
Camera : 1.3M swivel
Software : MS Office Ready (60 Day Trial)




and the lower tier model:

Anitec.ca - Asus F8Va-B1 Intel Core 2 Duo P8400(2.26GHz), 14"WXGA+, 4GB DDR2, 250GB, VHP

New ASUS Montevina Platform
CPU : Intel Core 2 Duo P8400 2.26GHz 1066MHz 3M L2 cach
LCD Size & Resolution : 14" WXGA+ (1440X900)
MB Chipset : Intel PM45+ICH89M
Optical Drive : 8x DVD-RW Super Multi Dual Layer
Memory : 4GB DDR2 667MHZ (2GBX2) up to 4GB
VGA Card : ATI HD3650 1G (DX10)
Hard Drive : 250GB 5400RPM SATA
WLAN : 802.11 A/G/N
LAN/Fax Modem : 10/100/1000
Battery/Run Time : Li-ion 6-cell
USB/1394/IrDA/S-Video : 5/1/0/1/0
Bluetooth/Finger Print : Yes/Yes
Card Reader/PCMCIA : 8-in-1/ Express Card
Color/Weight/WxDxH : Black/5.7lbs/13.6"x9.8"x1.5"
Warranty : 2 Yr Global/30days ZBD/1 Yr Accidental Damage
Operating System : Windows Vista Home Premium
Carry bag& mouse : Yes
Camera : 1.3M swivel
Software : MS Office Ready (60 Day Trial)



The price difference in only $150, so I am guessing that the higher tier is better? (6mb cache, 800mhz ram...)

please tell me your thoughts. is it too heavey? does Asus make quality laptops? should i stick with good ol' reliable dell?? thanks for your time!

[Power Plant]

I did some research on this laptop and find that a lot of people love everything about it except for the battery life. If you're willing to go for a 15.4", you should check out the Asus M50VM models. They also have similar battery life, but there are replacement 9-cell batteries available which last significantly longer (plus you'd have 2 batteries). As of yet, it doesn't seem like the F8VA models have upgradeable batteries.

Other than that, I think it's a great laptop. If you live in North America, it also comes with a great warranty that includes a 1-year ACCIDENTAL damage warranty. The warranty alone makes it a great buy. In my search, I'm looking almost exclusively at Asus now, because of the warranty, and the overall quality and value.

Good luck!