The Asus A8Js is a14 inch widescreen thin-and-light notebook with strong graphics capabilities built around Core 2 Duo T7200 (2GHz, FSB: 667MHz, 4MB L2 Cache) processor, the nVidia Go7700 graphics card, and an improved WXGA+ resolution (1440×900). NBR (NotebookReview.com) reviewer writes about Asus A8Js: “The quality of the plastic that is used (in Asus A8Js) is phenomenal. It feels almost metal-like and there is certainly no flex in the area surrounding the keyboard. The black keyboard contrasts nicely with the silver case and the Asus logo on the lid of the laptop is understated but still impressive. The hinges are tight and there doesn’t seem to be anything loose, out of place, or poorly designed about this laptop.

Screen: I’ve seen many screens in my day and I would say that this screen is one of the best for several reasons. First, the resolution really sets it apart. It’s tough to find 14” screens with anything higher than WXGA resolution. I’m used to higher resolution laptops, so I’m biased, but it just seems that if you can turn up font settings and if you can’t tell the difference between games at native and non-native resolutions then you might as well go for the higher resolution. Second, the viewing angles are surprisingly good and there seems to be a large error margin for being within the “sweet spot”. Third, the clarity and brightness of the screen are superb and the glare-type screen (versus matte) is not as distracting as I had feared it would be.

Sound: I had read on the forums of NotebookReview.com that there was a problem with Asus laptops having low speaker sound. Now this is no doubt true, but it didn’t seem to be a problem for the A8Js. Either they fixed something or my sound expectations aren’t as high as others. The speakers have no bass and probably shouldn’t be used on an airplane in-flight (not only because your neighbors will glare at you) but they are perfect for filling a room with reasonable amounts of sound.

Processor and Performance: I have the 2GHz Core 2 Duo and it is blazing fast. Of course my reference point is my work computer and my Compaq laptop, but still, the processor is truly a work of advanced science by Intel. As you can tell, I’m impressed with the performance of the A8Js, and this is only with 1GB of RAM. Everything is snappy and responsive with this laptop, especially in the area of gaming. I played Counter-strike 1.6 (not Source) and as expected it could run it on high settings with no problem. I also installed Warcraft III and there were no problems with that either. The strong performance coupled with the beautiful screen really enhanced the gaming experience.

Heat and Noise: The A8Js is blessedly silent with only some hard drive access noises which I find sort of reassuring anyway. I tried gaming for a while but all I got out of the A8Js was a low whir — definitely nothing that would turn heads in a fairly quiet lecture hall. As for heat, it’s been on for hours now doing both demanding and easy tasks and it is somewhat warm but not uncomfortably so.

Keyboard and Touchpad: The keyboard has no flex and the buttons on the laptop all seem to make sense in terms of placement. The first button resembles a running man and it toggles through modes in Power4Gear which is Asus’ included power settings program. Undoubtedly, it increases/decreases performance likely at the cost and benefit of battery life. Next is the Bluetooth button which actually doesn’t work because Bluetooth doesn’t come standard with the A8Js (you can have it installed, but it voids your Asus warranty). Then comes the Wireless On/Off button and after that a button which affects screen color modes. Finally, the last button launches some sort of Asus media center.

Input and Output Ports: The A8Js has a variety of ports. There’s not much more to say beyond the fact that I am impressed that there are DVI, VGA, and S-Video ports. With 5 USB 2.0 ports, there’s no shortage of USB capability. An ExpressCard slot is included as is a gigabit LAN and telephone modem port.

Wireless: The included Intel PRO 3945 Wireless 802.11a/b/g card works as expected and gets strong reception even through multiple walls.

Battery: Battery life ranges from around 2 hours 15 minutes at full brightness and while downloading large files over wireless. With battery saving mode on, that number changes to around 2 hours 40 minutes. It’s not ideal for road warriors but okay for those who need some battery time between plug-ins.” - NotebookReview

The full specs of Asus A8Js:

* Intel Core 2 Duo T7200 2GHz, FSB: 667MHz, 4MB L2 Cache
* 14.1″ WXGA+ resolution (1440×900)
* nVidia Go7700 512MB Discrete Memory
* 1GB RAM, DDR2 667MHz (1×1GB)
* 100GB 5400RPM 2.5-inch SATA Harddrive
* 8x DVD-RW Dual Layer Drive
* Intel PRO 3945 Wireless 802.11a/b/g
* 8-in-1 Card Reader (SD/MMC/MS/MS Pro/XD)
* Gigabit LAN, DVI, VGA, S-Video, Firewire, 5 USB ports, Infrared
* 19mm Full Size Keyboard
* 13.18” x 9.64” x 1.37”~1.46”, 5.25 lbs

This entry was posted on October 29, 2006 and is filed under ASUSTeK Computer.