Decent notebook with 512mb dedicated graphics, wireless n, 4gb ram, blu Ray.
Has a dual core 2.16ghz, which is faster than a core 2 duo 2ghz in virtually every application. The core 2 duo's have more cache, but if you look at processor reviews it is apparent that cache is primarily a marketing tool.
how does this compare with the Lenovo G530 444638m on the MLN site? which is more bang for buck?
The ASUS is significantly better value for money.
Pros:
Cons:
- Slower CPU (by a minor amount)
- Have to send away for Windows 7 rather than have it pre-installed, it may be a con [a petty one at that], but the Lenovo also needs to be sent away.
(Edited for accuracy)
Thanks mate. Great info. :D
No problem :)
Just one thing to add, following netsurfer's post it appears this laptop may not initially be listed in the Windows 7 upgrade promotion. I suggest contacting ASUS here to clarify - https://ebiz3.mentormediacorp.com/Query/%28S%28vcvdpj55ljt2d… .
For the same price, you can get the Toshiba L500/016 with 500Gb hard disk and Windows 7 Home Premium.
Toshiba looks like good value but lacks dedicated video card, no Blu-ray, only 1 year intl. warranty, no Wireless N. I'd put my money on the ASUS
Anyone know how heavy this laptop is?
Dimension & Weight:
• 36.7 x 26.2 x 2.70~3.50 cm (W x D x H)
• 2.6 kg, (with 6 cell battery)
So is this the best laptop for around $700 on MLN ? o_O
May be the best value $700 laptop anywhere at the moment.
What's wrong with this laptop?
It was $848 from MLN less than 2 weeks ago:
http://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/20454
Wow thats a price drop. I almost bought this as an xmas gift.
Damn this is tempting
First of all, overall, this is a good deal… The Blu-ray drive and 4G RAM are good selling points. This price with a Blu-ray drive… is special.
Now.. the could be better / not so prefect bits…
- SiS chipset
- No HDMI out (so LPCM 7.1/5.1 is probably out for Blu-ray)
- No eSATA (okay.. this one is wishful thinking)
- Not listed in Asus Windows 7 upgrade program
- The CPU does not support Intel VT-x (but then again, just about ALL laptops in this price range don't have it).
At this price, it is a good deal. Windows 7 drivers are available online… and the lack of Windows 7 upgrade is not an issue. The upgrade will most likely be for 32-bit Windows 7 Home Premium and you need to pay $35AUD for it. Might as well save the $35AUD and get a 64-bit Windows 7 to utilise the 4G RAM.
Would this laptop have enough grunt to transcode and stream 1080p mkv files to a PS3?
Which one is better? this or the
http://www.mln.com.au/product/?itemID=785&typeID=23
After cash back they are the same price, this one has HDMI port and Win7 upgrade offer. But only 1 yr warranty and no Blu-ray.
Gateway has better HDD, CPU & graphics along with Windows 7 and HDMI out.
Asus has Blu-Ray and a 2 year warranty.
It's a coin flip. If you've no use for Blu Ray, then the Gateway is probably a better deal.
that and the support after the fact ie would think asus support better than gateway(acer)
i try and go for the better brands that have good support although they are getting fewer
Here is a review of the Asus without blue-ray:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductReview.aspx?Item=N82E16…
I'd personally go for the Gateway, with it's HDMI connection.
I read that picture quality on the Asus isn't that good, and there are some blurs with the blu-ray.
If I were to get a notebook now, I'll get one with Windows 7. BTW, contrary to an earlier post, the Toshiba L500/016 has wireless b/g/n in-built. It also has eSATA.
My mistake, website I looked at only said b/g, I think the only L500 without N is the 00D.
Great price. Pity the graphics is an older chip, but still a great price.