• Some users have recently had their accounts hijacked. It seems that the now defunct EVGA forums might have compromised your password there and seems many are using the same PW here. We would suggest you UPDATE YOUR PASSWORD and TURN ON 2FA for your account here to further secure it. None of the compromised accounts had 2FA turned on.
    Once you have enabled 2FA, your account will be updated soon to show a badge, letting other members know that you use 2FA to protect your account. This should be beneficial for everyone that uses FSFT.

Asus A8Js

doubleJ

doubleJ

Limp Gawd
Joined
Aug 10, 2004
Messages
221
Hello...
Is there a barebones version of the Asus A8Js? I was looking at the different asmobile models, but none seemed to match.
I really like the geforce 7700/7600 and core2duo, but I don't like that it's 1x1024 ram and 5400 rpm hdd. I might also rather have a T5500 for less money.
I haven't seen anywhere that I can change those options. I've seen where you can configure for a faster cpu or 2gb ram, but not less on either.
To be honest...
What would rock would be a 7700/7600 in a 12/13", but I've not seen one, yet. They seem to max out at 7400.
On the options side...
Is there anywhere that can configure a 13" macbook with a T5500 and 7200rpm hdd?
JJ
 
doubleJ said:
Hello...
Is there a barebones version of the Asus A8Js? I was looking at the different asmobile models, but none seemed to match.
I really like the geforce 7700/7600 and core2duo, but I don't like that it's 1x1024 ram and 5400 rpm hdd. I might also rather have a T5500 for less money.
I haven't seen anywhere that I can change those options. I've seen where you can configure for a faster cpu or 2gb ram, but not less on either.
To be honest...
What would rock would be a 7700/7600 in a 12/13", but I've not seen one, yet. They seem to max out at 7400.
On the options side...
Is there anywhere that can configure a 13" macbook with a T5500 and 7200rpm hdd?
JJ
Click to expand...

for the macbook part, no, you can't pick 7200rpm drives via apple's website, nor can you pick a core 2 duo processor that is slower than 1.83ghz.

also note that the processors in macbooks and macbook pro's are soldered to the logic board so you are unable to change them.

macbook hard drives and memory are extremely simple to replace however.

mine came from the store with an 80gb hdd and 512mb pc5300 of memory, so i've since double the hard drive to a 160gb pmr 5400rpm hdd, and quadroubled the memory to 2gb pc5300.

i probably should have just gone pro from the get-go but i like the form factor of the macbook with the rest of my school supplies better.

Here's a special HardOCP deal for the A8JP

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16834220104&CMP=AFC-HardOCP&ATT=34-220-104

from the hotdeals section.
 
In case you hadn't noticed...I do realize it's not the config you want, but ZZF has the A8Js for $1379 - T7200, 1x1GB, 120GB (5400, I assume), 7700 with 512MB. Free ground, 2-day is about $8. I prefer the 7700, although head-to-head comparisons to the x1700 between an A8Js vs. A8Jp show they're pretty close in some things, in others the 7700 walks away.

ZZF takes an extra day for processing, but I have one on the way that should arrive Friday. I think it's a great deal, but then again I wanted a T7200 and already have a 7200GB drive I may swap in. The only thing I would have changed is 2x1GB sticks, but at least they didn't put in 2x512MB, so I can just add another 1GB module later.

Good luck, I'm hoping this lappy is as sweet as it appears on paper.


Tom
 
doubleJ said:
Hello...
Is there a barebones version of the Asus A8Js? I was looking at the different asmobile models, but none seemed to match.
Click to expand...
nope it's an ensemble model, but you can configure it through some resellers
here's a complete list of asus resellers


I really like the geforce 7700/7600 and core2duo, but I don't like that it's 1x1024 ram and 5400 rpm hdd. I might also rather have a T5500 for less money.
I haven't seen anywhere that I can change those options. I've seen where you can configure for a faster cpu or 2gb ram, but not less on either
Click to expand...
You might try to call some of the resellers to see if they will put in a slower processor for you.

To be honest...
What would rock would be a 7700/7600 in a 12/13", but I've not seen one, yet. They seem to max out at 7400.
Click to expand...
correct


hemi said:
I prefer the 7700, although head-to-head comparisons to the x1700 between an A8Js vs. A8Jp show they're pretty close in some things, in others the 7700 walks away.
Click to expand...
here's a really good thread about the 7700 vs x1700

the $200 upgrade for the 7700 isn't really worth it
 
You can just throw in another gig of ram with ease, and a 7200rpm HD is also helpful, but in retrospect I wish I didn't spend the extra cash on it.
 
So...
What do you guys think about the Compal Hgl-30/Sager Np2030 for $400 less?
A8js $1400 / Hgl-30 $1000
T5500 instead of T7200
80gb 7200rpm instead of 120gb 5400rpm
2x512mb instead of 1x1024mb
7600 instead of 7700
There's no dvi on the compal, but would there be $400 worth of performance/build/warranty/etc... difference?
JJ
 
doubleJ said:
So...
What do you guys think about the Compal Hgl-30/Sager Np2030 for $400 less?
A8js $1400 / Hgl-30 $1000
T5500 instead of T7200
80gb 7200rpm instead of 120gb 5400rpm
2x512mb instead of 1x1024mb
7600 instead of 7700
There's no dvi on the compal, but would there be $400 worth of performance/build/warranty/etc... difference?
JJ
Click to expand...
The Compal chassis is quite a bit heavier than the Asus, and comes with 7600 instead of 7700. Also, if you have to drop down to 2 x 512 that'll clearly suck for going to 2 gigs. From the sound of it, you're wanting the best portability/power ratio you can find like I was. There just really isn't a ton of competition to the A8Js in that regard IMO..

Just got an A8Js about a month ago and I'm loving it. Really, the only thing I didn't like was bloatware + restore discs with no o/s disc. The thing is it isn't your typical spyware and junk, its actually all Asus utilities to do this or that in terms of power management and about a thousand other things. Some are nice, but they slow things down too much. Easy to uninstall them though, and now its awesome.

Really, the only reason I think it feels slower than the overclocked Opteron rig in my sig is the RAM. Might be close in terms of day to day stuff after that, even considering the slow HDD..

cliffs: in my experience you'd love the asus, but ymmv of course.
 
tickle_me_emo said:
here's a really good thread about the 7700 vs x1700

the $200 upgrade for the 7700 isn't really worth it
Click to expand...


Quick math:

A8Jp at Newegg: $1298.99 (link above)
A8Js at ZipZoomFly: $1379.99

That's a whopping $81, and ZZF has free ground shipping or cheap 2-day ($8 from CA to NJ in my case). Granted you could take that $81 and buy another GB stick for the p model, but I think it's worth it for the 7700 (and I'm still gonna buy another stick of RAM).


FWIW, my A8Js arrived yesterday and they are really sweet machines. Build quality is excellent and it seems quite a bit sturdier than the HP (Compaq) V2000Z it's replacing. The display is very good, better than what I've read. I am extremely happy with the purchase so far. (BTW, this came with XP Pro and has the express upgrade coupon for Vista Business - I wanted to go with XP Pro as I'm not interested in running Vista just yet). You can't go wrong with the ASUS A8Jp/s IMHO.


Tom
 
Wow, that does really suck. :confused: I've never had to deal with ZZF customer service, but I've never had a problem with them either. I ordered my A8Js with the free SD card (Visa deal) on Monday night (2/12). The memory card shipped Tuesday and arrived Thursday. The laptop shipped Wednesday and arrived Friday. I paid $8 for 2-day shipping as noted above and they covered two separate shipments with it, which I assume means they came out of different warehouses. They also note with the laptop listing that it requires an additional 1-2 days processing, and mine took 1 additional (shipped within 48 hrs).

I didn't even realize their Reseller Rating had dropped. They used to be really good, and I've been ordering from them since they were called GoogleGear. Before this laptop, I ordered an EVGA 8800GTS in January and also received that quickly (2 days), and they also had the lowest price at the time ($369 after MIR). I've always considered them the alternative to Newegg, and they usually have dirt cheap shipping in comparison. For example, 2-day Fedex from Newegg for this laptop would have been $50. Of course, if ZZF's customer service sucks that bad, then it's something else to consider...which I certainly will do when making purchases in the future.

BTW, I've only played WoW and MotoGP 2 on the A8Js to this point and both scream with everything cranked to the max at 1440x900. Very pleased with the performance thus far, and I can't wait for UT3 to drop...hope it arrives this year. :rolleyes:


Tom
 
i guess you placed your order before they went out of stock?

I was also unaware of their reseller rating dropping that low. But their shipping pricing seems to be the best around.
 
Actually, I think I ordered after they came back in stock. They were listed out of stock on the pricing engines (i.e. PriceGrabber), but ZZF's site showed them in stock. Up until Monday when I found it for $1379, I was very close to ordering it from geared2play, but did a last minute price search. Glad I did and saved $120... G2P has a good rating and really good feedback from recent customers.
 
doubleJ said:
Well...
It seems that the price on the a8js has gone up. Even zzf is >$1400.
There is a froogle guy that claims to have 250 a8js's for $1000/each.
http://www.google.com/base/a/1516990/D4135635030023040820
Do any of you know about it?
JJ
Click to expand...

Sounds kind of fishy to me, he only accepts cash or check. Also, in his picture of the PS3's it says lacheap or something, which seems to me it's a picture someone else took.
 
Well...
I got an e-mail from the froogle guy. That's a good first point, aye?
JJ
Subject: shipment plan
From: GENERAL SALES LTD <generalsaleltd@yahoo.co.uk>

Thanks for your interest in my ASUS. Its brand new and never opened and shippment cost is depending on your location.
Get back to us with your postal address, so we send an invioce containing the shippment cost via UPS.
NB: Also indicate if you want 3-5 working days or overnight
Click to expand...
 
If it works out that'd be one hell of a deal, but step lightly.

I was happy gettin' mine for about 1400 shipped a couple months ago. Positively love it...
 
Yeah...
I think I'll skip it. I also saw sony sz3xx's for $600-$800, and an m1210 (t7200/go7400) for $900. They all seem to be cash/check.
Doesn't the check give you some clearance, though, as you can just cancel it (or at least it has to be cashed at their bank).
JJ
 
I am about to order the Asus. I e-mailed him asking if they accept PayPal and they do so if it's a scam all you need to do is cancel the credit card payment.
 
Once the check is cleared, your money's gone. If the vendor is fraudulant, and probably if it's not, no goods will be shipped until it's cleared. Unless your bank offers some sort of fraud protection for checks (I've never heard of it but anything's possible) once a scammer deposits your check you're SOL. I'm not sure what the rules are on CC checks, you might be covered that way, but you're generally charged an extra few percent as a convenience fee.
 
Hey, for what its worth I FINALLY got approved for my Vista upgrade a couple of days ago for my A8Js. Took them like 6 weeks to acknowledge my EMAILED invoice. Sounds like Moduslink is actually more constipated than the US Government, but the gears are turning slowly and surely.

So for those of you who recently bought one, don't expect the upgrade quick but it should come eventually.

So that's a free, legal copy of Vista Business for both of my machines...free upgrades/msdnaa ftw!
​
 
Hawkeye said:
I am about to order the Asus. I e-mailed him asking if they accept PayPal and they do so if it's a scam all you need to do is cancel the credit card payment.
Click to expand...
Well...
Please let us all know how it turns out.
I think about anyone would hop on an a8js for $1k.
JJ
 
Hell yeah...I paid the better part of 1500 for mine at the beginning of Jan. and felt it was worth every penny.
 
enlightenedby42 said:
Hey, for what its worth I FINALLY got approved for my Vista upgrade a couple of days ago for my A8Js. Took them like 6 weeks to acknowledge my EMAILED invoice. Sounds like Moduslink is actually more constipated than the US Government, but the gears are turning slowly and surely.

So for those of you who recently bought one, don't expect the upgrade quick but it should come eventually.

So that's a free, legal copy of Vista Business for both of my machines...free upgrades/msdnaa ftw!
​
Click to expand...


Cool, I'm going to put in for mine in the next day or two. Not really in a rush, but I guess I should get it while I can.


Tom
 
doubleJ said:
Well...
Please let us all know how it turns out.
I think about anyone would hop on an a8js for $1k.
JJ
Click to expand...

The deal went from being promising to being sketchy again. He e-mailed me saying that there was a delay in him being verified and wanted only check. Then he e-mailed me a day later saying that PayPal was working, however, the PayPal name was The___Pong or something like that and that just screams of scam...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top