Acer AS5672 Replacement ?

[Mr.Pigeon]

Here's my situation:

Right now I'm an owner of an Acer Aspire 5672 (X1400/1GB). Overall, I think this rig is definitely worth the $1400 CAD I paid for it. But even though it has all the features I need, there is one major flaw: build quality. For those who arn't familiar with this issue, you can read all about it in the Acer forum. Problems range from overheating and breaking hindges to keyboard flex and poor LCD build. I've had to replacement my 5672 twice within 3 months due to LCD screen defects. I need this rig for the next three years, and I can't afford having it breaking down on me.

So essentially, I'm looking for a notebook with equivalent specs and features, but better build quality. I won't bother going through the FAQ, I'll just give you guys the specs I'm looking for straight up. The bolded items are prefered, but not necessary.

Processor
Core Duo
Core 2 Duo

Memory
1GB - 2GB DDR2 RAM

Display
15"/14" WXGA or WXGA+

Video Graphics
Dedicated card
X1400/7400
X1600/7600
X1700/7700

Hard Drive
At least 100GB

Optical Drive
DVD Reader/Burner
Slot-loaded would be cool

Other Inputs & Outputs (Required)
Memory Card reader (SD)
VGA and DVI
Wireless and Bluetooth
4+ USBs (back and side access)
SPDIF jack

I'm looking to spend at most ~$1800 CAD, not including shipping or taxes.

So far I found two ASUS models which seem to have everything I need: F3Jv and A8Js. Are there any other models I should be considering ? And keep in mind, I'm looking for something reliable in terms of build quality.

Cheers !

[the_realness]

I second your A8js choice, should be a good one. What are you gonna do with the 5672?

[ejl]

i believe asus and acer are probably the only companies that put dvi in notebooks less than 17". i think that's pretty much your only choices.

[Mr.Pigeon]

I second your A8js choice, should be a good one. What are you gonna do with the 5672?

I'll be returning my 5672 to Costco .. gotta love that return policy

i believe asus and acer are probably the only companies that put dvi in notebooks less than 17". i think that's pretty much your only choices.

I figured that was the case. Thanks for your help guys !

Cheers.

[Redline]

These are pretty similar to your current picks, but check out the A8Jm and the F3Jm. With the new Core 2 Duo models coming out, these may drop in price, making them pretty decent buys.

[Mr.Pigeon]

These are pretty similar to your current picks, but check out the A8Jm and the F3Jm. With the new Core 2 Duo models coming out, these may drop in price, making them pretty decent buys.

Unfortunately, the NA versions of these two models do not include a built-in bluetooth adapter A few months ago, this wouldn't have been a problem, but since I've discovered the wonders of BT I can't live without it I'm not particularly fond of USB BT adapters either .. kinda defeats the purpose.

Cheers.