ASUS N56VM/VZ

[cjl73]

Hi all,

Can anyone lay out what the difference between

ASUS N56VM versus N56VZ series? Is it just the graphics card?

And what about all the TB71, AB71, RB71, DS71, and ES71 specifications?

I'm totally lost.

 

[airanp]

Asus is notorious for unusual naming conventions. The primary difference between the two models are processor and gpu. The VZ is the 3rd gen Ivy Bridge upgrade of the VM. With the processor upgrade they also decided to upgrade the GPU from a 630m to the 650m in the VZ. As far as the TB71, AB71... those are different pre configurations that they offer for that specific model as there are a few options that you can upgrade with this particular laptop.

Hope this helps you.

 

[cjl73]

Thanks junky77, the VM and VZ series have the same i7 3610QM processor, so I was guessing the big difference was the GPU. I'm fine with the lower end GPU, the computer is mainly for academic work - statistical and mathematical programs - so the processing power is helpful. Discrete graphics are nice though for occasional gaming.

I want an N56 with a backlit keyboard, 6 or 8gigs of ram, the specified i7, I don't care if it has blu ray or not or about the GPU, but I can't tell which models have the backlight.

 

[cjl73]

Unless you're talking big programs that take hours to finish, there is no need in purchasing faster cpu, in you case. You can also get an I7 for less.
What do you need exactly?

I am indeed talking big programs that take a couple of hours to finish... 🙂 I'm a PhD student in Economics.

I want style and power, a backlit keyboard, with a 15.5 or 15.6 full inch HD screen (I do a lot of multitasking, i.e. browser, referencing program, TeX, and STATA/Matlab open and the more of them I can see at once, the easier my life becomes)

The budget is circa $800 to $1000. I can't do more than $1,000.

 

[airanp]

cjl73,

Unfortunately doing a little digging around a few sites you are not going to be able to get a N56 with 8Gb ram for under $1000. I did come across this, http/www.amazon.com/ASUS-N56VM-AB71-15-6-Inch-1080P-Laptop/dp/B008HDOEG8/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1344541170&sr=8-3&keywords=asus+n56 right at $979.00 but it only has 6Gb and it is only packing the GT 630m. If you want the 650m there is one on there for $999.00 but only has 4Gb of ram and is maxed at 1366x768 screen res. ( http/www.amazon.com/ASUS-N56VZ-ES71-15-6-Inch-Laptop-Black/dp/B007Z92SJU/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1344541170&sr=8-2&keywords=asus+n56 )

If you are willing to stray away from the N56, there are a few other options out there. The main one that comes to mind is the Sager NP6165, configured with a FHD 1080p screen, 8Gb, GT 650m (1Gb), and a 3rd Gen i7 3610QM 2.3Ghz processor. They are offering free upgrades to either a 500Gb with 4Gb ssd hybrid drive or a 750Gb 7200 hdd currently over at xoticpc.com. This configuration will run you $939 plus shipping. The downside is there is no backlit keyboard.

With a specific budget it is always hard to find 100% of your list, but if you need any more help scouring the internet for sometime just send me a PM.

 

[edit1754]

The N56VZ-ES71 model on Amazon is not a good option, because it comes with a 15.6" 1366x768 display. 1366x768 resolution in a 15.6" display makes things onscreen large, and 15.6" displays that have 1366x768 resolution tend to have very poor image quality due to low contrast. You should avoid this type of display (and similar types of displays such as 17.3" 1600x900) when it is reasonable to do so, unless you require the larger text for eyesight-related reasons.

If you're interested in the N56VZ, the better model to buy would be the identically-priced N56VZ-RB71 from MicroCenter: http/www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0394503

Aside from coming with a much better display, it also comes with a larger and faster hard drive.

 

[airanp]

The N56VZ-ES71 model on Amazon is not a good option, because it comes with a 15.6" 1366x768 display. 1366x768 resolution in a 15.6" display makes things onscreen large, and 15.6" displays that have 1366x768 resolution tend to have very poor image quality due to low contrast. You should avoid this type of display (and similar types of displays such as 17.3" 1600x900) when it is reasonable to do so, unless you require the larger text for eyesight-related reasons.

If you're interested in the N56VZ, the better model to buy would be the identically-priced N56VZ-RB71 from MicroCenter: http/www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0394503

Aside from coming with a much better display, it also comes with a larger and faster hard drive.

Nice catch on the micro center buy.

 

[cjl73]

Thanks for the responses everyone. I really need that backlight, does anyone know which models of the n56vm have it?

 

[cjl73]

wait, so - no gaming?
There is also the Sony Vaio 15.5" with IPS screen which might be better for you. Also has better thermals, I think

Relatively little gaming tbh. Just occasionally... love my Xbox

Anyways, I've managed to confirm (received it this morning, one day shipping) this one http/www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008HDOEG8/ref=cm_cr_thx_view

does have a backlit keyboard!

 

[possi]

On tigerdirect.com you will find ASUS N56VM-TB71 for 899.99 us dollars.

http/www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3184128


They say that the laptop has:
3rd generation Intel Core i7-3610QM 2.3GHz Processor. - is that not true?

It has DVD Super Multi Burner but not Blue Ray.
Full HD 1920x1080
8 GB mermory, hard disk 750 GB 7200 RPM

 

[possi]

On the laptop from tigerdirect.com : It has NVIDIA GeForce GT 630M, not GT650M.

 

[possi]

Asus N56VM - TB71 and The N56VZ-RB71 both have backlit keyboard.

 

[dawknezz]

It's a pretty sweet laptop. As for your price range, you will be looking at around $1000-$1100.

Microcenter - N56VZ-RB71
Microcenter sells the laptop for $1000. If you live in a state where taxes don't apply, this is your best deal.

B&H - N56VZ-DS71
B&H sells the DS71 for $1089 w/ no tax and free shipping, but takes 5-8 days

I'm actually not sure the exact difference but the models are pretty much identical. Both include i7 2.3, 650m DDR3, 1920x1080, and 8GB.

 

[possi]

N56VZ-DS71 has 750 GB 5400 rpm hard drive,

but N56VZ-Rb71 has 750 GB 7200 rpm hard drive.
They have NVIDIA GeForce GT 650M,

but Asus N56VM - has GeForce GT 630M and 750 GB 7200 rpm hard drive.

 

[Guest]

I want style and power, a backlit keyboard, with a 15.5 or 15.6 full inch HD screen (I do a lot of multitasking, i.e. browser, referencing program, TeX, and STATA/Matlab open and the more of them I can see at once, the easier my life becomes)

The budget is circa $800 to $1000. I can't do more than $1,000.

Hi cjl73!

I found this Laptop on BestBuy. It is the Asus n56. It's stylish, powered by the latest Intel Core i7 processor, has a back-lit keyboard, a 15.6" HD Display (1920x1080) and that 8gb (DDR3) RAM is more than enough for the multitasking you require.

If the RAM is still a problem, I believe it is up-gradable to 16gb.

The main thing is, it fits your budget costing only $939

Here is the link:
http/www.bestbuy.com/site/Asus+-+N56-Series+15.6%26%2334%3B+Laptop+-+8GB+Memory+-+1TB+Hard+Drive+-+Black/6904548.p?id=1218814072880&skuId=6904548#tab=overview

You've probably already bought your laptop but If you ever get a new laptop, this is a good choice.

 

[Giovhanny Archer]

Unless you're talking big programs that take hours to finish, there is no need in purchasing faster cpu, in you case. You can also get an I7 for less.
What do you need exactly?

I am indeed talking big programs that take a couple of hours to finish... 🙂 I'm a PhD student in Economics.

I want style and power, a backlit keyboard, with a 15.5 or 15.6 full inch HD screen (I do a lot of multitasking, i.e. browser, referencing program, TeX, and STATA/Matlab open and the more of them I can see at once, the easier my life becomes)

The budget is circa $800 to $1000. I can't do more than $1,000.

You'll find this one for about $800 if you look hard enough. I just picked one up and it's awesome, stays cool, instant on even with 5 big programs running (word, photoshop, chrome, etc...)

You may or may not have already upgraded but for anyone else reading this laptop is a good buy.