Two notebook choices

[Forsythe]

Hi,

The Asus forum does not seem to be very active, so please bear with me.

I was initially planning to get an M6Nx, but decided that I will not be doing much gaming on the machine, since I already have a nice pc. Therefore, I am having trouble in deciding which notebook I should purchase for University, specifically for tasks such as, hardcore programming, typing notes, watching dvds/movies.

Right off the bat, the S5N will be the most portable. However, I cannot resist the price of the Z9000. Therefore, I just need a few opinions that will assist me in making a confident decision.

The following are the configs and prices. They are very similar.

Asus S5N - $2154 Canadian including tax

Intel Centrino 1.5GHz w/ 1MB Cache
512MB DDR PC2700
Intel Integraded Graphics
Toshiba 60GB 5400RPM
Wireless B
External CD-RW/DVD-ROM
2.5 Hour battery life

Asus Z9000 - $1927 Canadian including tax

Intel Centrino 1.5GHz w/ 1MB Cache
512MB DDR PC2700
Radeon 9100 IGP 128MB Shared
Toshiba 60GB 5400RPM
Wireless B
Internal CD-RW/DVD-ROM
3-4 Hour battery life

This is what I have compile from the two.

The Z9000 is heavier than the S5N at about 2.5-3 lbs more.
The Z9000 has a longer battery life than the S5N.

The following is a list of issues that worry me.

- fan noise
- heat
- general quality of the lcd.
- loud keyboards when typing

Therefore, do those two notebooks have loud fans, hot touchpads, etc? Furthermore, will there be ghosting on both machines when watching dvds or movies?
Sorry for the long post and thanks for your time. As stated, I just need a few opinions that will hopefully cause my brain to force me make a decision.

[ReverendDC]

The heat and fan noise on both should be about the same. Keyboards really don't vary a huge amount in terms of sound, although, if the second option has a larger keyboard, it probably will make a little more noise. The LCD displays should be roughly equivalent.

Here is the thing: If you want your computer to be light, the first option is going to be better. However, if you intend to take that external optical drive with you, you must factor in its weigh and the inconvenience of connecting them every time you turn your system on. On the other hand, the second system may be heavier, but it offers a little more convenience, and the IGP solution is far superior to Intel's "extreme" graphics solution. All things being equal, I would go with the heavier unit. Again, though, this will depend on your personal preferences.

[Forsythe]

Thanks for the reply.

Do you know if the wireless solutions on both machines have strong signals? I read some reviews of other notebooks and some have weak signals despite being equipped with a wireless g solution (both Asus' are equipped with wireless b solutions). Furthermore, is 6.6 lbs really that heavy and a hassle to carry around on the go?

[Run1track]

6.6 pounds is about average. Most range from 3lbs to 8lbs. There are some that are less than 3lbs and some that are as much as 15ibs. Mine weighs about 4lbs and it works great for me.

What brand of wireless "B" is it? I have intel brand wireless "G" and it works great.

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Fujitsu S6210: 1.6Ghz PM ~ 768MB RAM ~ 60GB 7200RPM Hard Drive
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[Forsythe]

I think it's the built in Intel wireless b

[Run1track]

I dont know why the wireless connection would be bad. What reviews said it was bad? Im guessing you already browsed the Asus forums about the wireless connection.

*******************************************************
Fujitsu S6210: 1.6Ghz PM ~ 768MB RAM ~ 60GB 7200RPM Hard Drive
*******************************************************

[Forsythe]

Yeah, I read some user reviews about the Asus and Fujitsu models (forgot which ones), some say that despite having a wifi g solution, signals were not as good as their friend's b solution. I think it really depends on the environment and since I am going to a University, they will prolly emit strong wifi signals if you know what I mean. Also, is ghosting on lcds, when watching movies a common thing? Any notebooks suffer from this issue?

[ReverendDC]

Remember, if the router and the connection is only B, then, even with a g solution, your speeds will only be at a b level.

Make sure that, on the wireless card itself, that the antenna wire is connected to the WIFI card. This might sound stupid, but some come off in shipping.

[Forsythe]

I see. Thanks a lot for the information.

If anyone else has any further opinions regarding to my initial post please feel free and post them.

Thanks.

[Underpantman]

With regards to ghosting on ASUS LCDs I can tell you that I haven't noticed it on my M6Ne or M2N while watching DVDs. But I'm not to sure what I'm supposed to be looking for. I was under the impression that ghosting was only really a problem with fast action games. I'm guessing that the screens on both these models will be good but not top of the line.
Personally I would go the M5N (which is just like the S5N only with built in DVD drive), and if you can afford it upgrade to a higher capacity battery.
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ps Sorry for the inactivity on the ASUS forum. I guessing its cause' no one has any problems with there notebooks ! lol