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[biggersmaller]

EDIT: It costs $1000.

Yes, it's time for yest another "should I buy this?" thread. I've looked around, and I'm not that keen on Asus' history. Biggest issue I'm worried about is build quality and just whether it lives up to the specs.

Bottom line:

Yay or Nay?

Processor Brand
Intel®

Processor Platform
Intel® Centrino® 2

Processor
Intel® Core™2 Duo Mobile

Processor Speed
2.13GHz

Display Type
WXGA widescreen with 1366 x 768 resolution

Screen Size
15.6"

System Bus
1066MHz

Cache Memory
3MB on die Level

System Memory (RAM)
4GB

Type of Memory (RAM)
PC2-6400 DDR2 SDRAM

Hard Drive Type
Serial ATA (7200 rpm)

Hard Drive Size
320GB

Optical Drive
Double-layer DVD±RW/CD-RW

Optical Drive Speeds
Drive speeds not specified

Direct-Disc Labeling
Yes

Digital Media Reader or Slots
Yes, digital media card reader

Graphics
NVIDIA GeForce 9800M GS

Video Memory
512MB GDDR3

Personal Video Recorder (PVR)
No

TV Tuner
No

MPEG
Yes

Built-in Webcam
Yes

Modem
None

Networking
Built-in 10Base-T/100Base-TX Ethernet LAN with RJ-45 connector

Wireless Networking
Wireless-A+B+G+N

Bluetooth-Enabled
No

Security Technology
Facial recognition

S-Video Outputs
None

Additional Audio/Video Connectors
HDMI

Audio
Azalia audio chip

Speakers
Built-in Altec Lansing

PCMCIA Slots
1 Type II

USB 2.0 Ports
4

IEEE 1394 FireWire Ports
1

Parallel Ports
None

Serial Ports
None

Game Ports
None

Laptop Weight
Standard (more than 5.5 lbs.)

Battery Type
Lithium-ion

Pointing Device
Touchpad

Operating System
Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit

Included Software
Power 4 Gear Extreme, Life-Frame 3, ASUS Direct Console and more

ENERGY STAR Qualified
No

 

[mr stroke]

Price?

 

[livestOne]

how much?

 

[TheExodu5]

No. A desktop PC is gaming's best value.

edit: as far as laptops go tho, that's pretty damn good.

 

[crimsonheadGCN]

For $1000, that's a pretty great laptop.

 

[timmy]

The Orange Box is gaming's best value.

 

[vanty]

The Orange Box is gaming's best value.

Valve Complete Pack is better value.

 

[mikekennyb]

I have an ASUS laptop very similar to that one, but I bought it a year ago with an NVIDIA 9500 GS. It's been a great notebook, no problems.

 

[livestOne]

For 1000 that ain't half bad but for just over 100 bucks more you can get yourself a Gateway P7805u

Processer Speed
2.26 Intel core 2 duo

1GBGeforce 9800M GTS

Screen size
17"

Display Resolution
1440 x 900 protip: there's also a chance you could end up with one of the early models that had a 1900 x 1200 screen put on by mistake

 

[Like the hat?]

I bought the X1 a few months ago for $999. It is fanfreakingtastic.

 

[TheExodu5]

For 1000 that ain't half bad but for just over 100 bucks more you can get yourself a Gateway P7805u

Processer Speed
2.26 Intel core 2 duo

1GBGeforce 9800M GTS

Screen size
17"

Display Resolution
1440 x 900 protip: there's also a chance you could end up with one of the early models that had a 1900 x 1200 screen put on by mistake

Not really worth it, unless you want a bigger screen size. Processor speed differences are fairly negligible. You'd be hard pressed to find any game that uses over 512MB of VRAM at such low resolutions (except for GTA IV...though you'll want the settings toned down regardless). Also, I think Asus is a more reliable brand when it comes to computer hardware.

 

[matmanx1]

Ive used an Asus for over 2 years now and it's been very solid. It uses one of the 6600 mobile GPU's that slots into the motherboard instead of being soldered on and it's failed on me once (laptop still worked but refused to load any kind of video driver without blue screening, it was the GPU's fault) but was replaced under warranty. I've easily got thousands of hours on it as it was my primary work laptop until August of last year.

 

[elbkhm]

I picked up an ASUS N80Vn just a couple of weeks ago. Unfortunately, there was a problem with the video card, so I had to send it in under warranty. On the plus side, one thing that you haven't mentioned is that ASUS provides a 2 year manufacturer warranty + 1 year accidental damage. That's pretty damn sweet.

 

[biggersmaller]

I picked up an ASUS N80Vn just a couple of weeks ago. Unfortunately, there was a problem with the video card, so I had to send it in under warranty. On the plus side, one thing that you haven't mentioned is that ASUS provides a 2 year manufacturer warranty + 1 year accidental damage. That's pretty damn sweet.

Thanks for the input!

Yeah I was looking at the warranty, I think GAF should get a cut on this purchase from Asus.

 

[Musashi Wins!]

I'm using the G50v and it's hot as hell, I love this laptop.

Also, they have a free one year accidental damage warranty. I dumped coffee on my keyboard. Free fix, free shipping. That means I now love Asus.

 

[Zaraki_Kenpachi]

You're worried about ASUS build quality? What?

 

[Cat in the Hat]

For 1000 that ain't half bad but for just over 100 bucks more you can get yourself a Gateway P7805u

Processer Speed
2.26 Intel core 2 duo

1GBGeforce 9800M GTS

Screen size
17"

Display Resolution
1440 x 900 protip: there's also a chance you could end up with one of the early models that had a 1900 x 1200 screen put on by mistake

I have this, it plays Bioshock, Fear 2, Mass effect, Dead space, Left 4 dead, The witcher, Stalker, Stalker clear sky all maxed out 60+ FPS. I run crysis on all high at 1024*768 at about 25-30 FPS. I love this laptop

 

[zoku88]

You're worried about ASUS build quality? What?

maybe he confuses them with Acer?

 

[teepo]

For 1000 that ain't half bad but for just over 100 bucks more you can get yourself a Gateway P7805u

Processer Speed
2.26 Intel core 2 duo

1GBGeforce 9800M GTS

Screen size
17"

Display Resolution
1440 x 900 protip: there's also a chance you could end up with one of the early models that had a 1900 x 1200 screen put on by mistake

Product Weight
9.1 lbs.

 

[Chris R]

Product Weight
9.1 lbs.

So? Its not like you would be busting your laptop out on a bus or something to play. Its a PORTABLE DESKTOP, or DESKTOP REPLACEMENT not a laptop.

 

[zaidr]

so, where are you getting this laptop for such a good price? I'm looking at a similarly speced ASUS laptop for like $2000+ ...

 

[StriKeVillain]

For 1000 that ain't half bad but for just over 100 bucks more you can get yourself a Gateway P7805u

Processer Speed
2.26 Intel core 2 duo

1GBGeforce 9800M GTS

Screen size
17"

Display Resolution
1440 x 900 protip: there's also a chance you could end up with one of the early models that had a 1900 x 1200 screen put on by mistake

I picked up the P-7811 FX in September for $1,250. I haven't met a game it can't run. Crysis Warhead runs great at medium/high and Orange Box + L4D all run maxed out.

 

[Fantastical]

so, where are you getting this laptop for such a good price? I'm looking at a similarly speced ASUS laptop for like $2000+ ...

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage...=01&srccode=cii_5766179&cpncode=23-23356882-2

 

[teepo]

So? Its not like you would be busting your laptop out on a bus or something to play. Its a PORTABLE DESKTOP, or DESKTOP REPLACEMENT not a laptop.

wtf?

the asus he posted is 15 inches, making it easily portable and weighing only 6 pounds. you don't buy a 15" laptop for a desktop replacement.

so going by your definition, we could easily assume he was looking for a "LAPTOP", not a desktop replacement.

 

[StriKeVillain]

wtf?

the asus he posted is 15 inches, making it easily portable and weighing only 6 pounds. you don't buy a 15" laptop for a desktop replacement.

so going by your definition, we could easily assume he was looking for a "LAPTOP", not a desktop replacement.

You might want to re-read who he quoted.

 

[teepo]

me?

 

[StriKeVillain]

me?

Yeah, he was talking about the Gateway, not the Asus.

 

[teepo]

the point i was clearly making is that while the gateway might have great specs, it's not exactly portable. going by the OP, i can assume it's not exactly what he's looking for so i brought the products weight into question. somehow rhfb missed the point entirely and could have been been offended in the process.

 

[Blimblim]

At work we are almost exclusively using Asus laptops, there must be about 35 of them now, age 3.5 years old to 2 weeks depending on when someone was hired.
Never has a single problem with the laptop's hardware itself. Only thing that happened so far is a hard drive that died, and someone spilling a coke on the keyboard (simply had to replace the keyboard, the rest was fine).
We also bought 2 G50V recently for our sales people who handle gaming, and they are *very* happy with the performance. The only downside is that only the orange model was available, and it's not very "pro" looking to say the least

 

[Musashi Wins!]

At work we are almost exclusively using Asus laptops, there must be about 35 of them now, age 3.5 years old to 2 weeks depending on when someone was hired.
Never has a single problem with the laptop's hardware itself. Only thing that happened so far is a hard drive that died, and someone spilling a coke on the keyboard (simply had to replace the keyboard, the rest was fine).
We also bought 2 G50V recently for our sales people who handle gaming, and they are *very* happy with the performance. The only downside is that only the orange model was available, and it's not very "pro" looking to say the least

Especially when you turn on the blinking led!

Seriously, though, as garish as it can be I'm sick of the IBM grey black boring laptop design. I actually like the orange haha.

 

[brain_stew]

You're worried about ASUS build quality? What?

Came to post this. That's like saying that you're worried about buying a Ferrari because you heard Ferraris aren't fast. ASUS are pretty much the best manufacturer around in terms of laptop build quality, they have a great warranty as well.

Don't understand the person suggesting that hulking Gateway as an alternative. You'd be much, much better served buying a desktop if you're happy to settle for a huge, 13 pound monstrosity from a very questionable brand.

 

[Zapages]

I own an Asus... Only thing bad thing I can say is the keyboard is a bit awkward aka the feel of the keys... But you get used to them... Asus are top notch laptops man.

 

[thaOwner]

I have the G50-A1 and its pretty good. I paid 1300 and change for it
and i absolutely love it actually. I haven't had any problems with it
and also ASUS Free 1 year Accidental Damage Warranty is so good.

EDIT: One thing I hate about ASUS computers is their Camera. It's the
shittiest camera I have ever seen on a laptop.

 

[spwolf]

Came to post this. That's like saying that you're worried about buying a Ferrari because you heard Ferraris aren't fast. ASUS are pretty much the best manufacturer around in terms of laptop build quality, they have a great warranty as well.

Don't understand the person suggesting that hulking Gateway as an alternative. You'd be much, much better served buying a desktop if you're happy to settle for a huge, 13 pound monstrosity from a very questionable brand.

no they are not... I bought into "Asus hype" and got pretty expensive laptop from them, and I got to say that Dell's XPS line is much superior than anything Asus has to offer. I change laptops once a year, and I get ones that are over 2k in price...

As to the gaming, it is kind of dumb because you wont be able to game properly on laptop keyboard...

 

[zoku88]

no they are not... I bought into "Asus hype" and got pretty expensive laptop from them, and I got to say that Dell's XPS line is much superior than anything Asus has to offer. I change laptops once a year, and I get ones that are over 2k in price...

As to the gaming, it is kind of dumb because you wont be able to game properly on laptop keyboard...

That is NOT how you would determine build quality. Not just from one laptop. That wouldn't even make sense, given how manufacturing processes are not perfect.

EDIT: Also, ASUS makes some of the XPS line anyway (at least, the m1330.) Dell doesn't actually design very many of their laptops, as far as I know. I think most of it is either quanta or compal.

 

[spwolf]

That is NOT how you would determine build quality. Not just from one laptop. That wouldn't even make sense, given how manufacturing processes are not perfect.

EDIT: Also, ASUS makes some of the XPS line anyway (at least, the m1330.) Dell doesn't actually design very many of their laptops, as far as I know. I think most of it is either quanta or compal.

you are mixing up production and design.

Apple does not have an single factory, so what? Does that make chinese rip-offs produced in same factories equal in features and quality?

There is nothing wrong with my Asus, it is not an lemon, it is just not using high quality materials matching the price.

You need to try out few other brands if you think Asus makes top laptops... they really dont.

 

[zoku88]

you are mixing up production and design.

Apple does not have an single factory, so what? Does that make chinese rip-offs produced in same factories equal in features and quality?

There is nothing wrong with my Asus, it is not an lemon, it is just not using high quality materials matching the price.

You need to try out few other brands if you think Asus makes top laptops... they really dont.

No, really. A lot of OEMs don't actually design their own laptops. That's the reason why you see companies like Quanta and Compal showcase laptops at computer shows, but you almost never see them sold anyway. It's because OEMs use those designs to make their own laptops. This is common knowledge.

It has nothing to do with owning factories. ASUS designed the m1330. Rebranding laptops is pretty common.

The reason why you're wrong, even if your laptop is not a lemon, is that it's only one laptop. AFAIK, Asus makes more than one line of laptops, as does everyone else.

If you really want to compare build quality, you should focus on business laptops or the midrange consumer laptops.

 

[cartoon_soldier]

Don't like the resolution.

 

[tirant]

If you want build quality go for a Thinkpad T-series.