Let me first start off by saying that I know my computers almost inside and out (built my own from the ground up and have taken extensive computer courses... also work in IT). However, this was my first laptop experience. Although it has started off a little shakily, I still think I made a good choice in this machine.
I recently was able to get into my college's graphic design program. Unfortunately, they demand that you get the latest laptop in order to run the applications while having portability. My research eventually led me to the Asus G2S. Not only did it meet the school's minimum requirements for a new machine, it exceeded them. Take a look at the basic specs below:
SPECS
- Intel® Core Duo Processor @ 2.2GHz
- DDRII 667MHz, 2GB RAM
- 17.0" WXGA+/WUXGA
- NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT GPU, External 256MB GDDR3 VRAM
- SATA 160 GB HDD
- DVD Super-Multi/
- MMC, SD, MS, MS-Pro Card reader
- Built-in 1.3M Pixels video camera
1 x HDMI Port
1 x VGA port(D-sub 15 pin)
5 x USB 2.0 ports (ONe USB port COMBO with E-SATA)
1 x 4 in 1 Card Reader
1 x Express card
1 x Microphone-in jack
1 x Headphone-out jack (S/PDIF)
1 x IEEE 1394 port
1 x RJ11 Modem jack for phone line
1 x RJ45 LAN Jack for LAN insert
1 x Wireless ON/OFF switch (Wireless Console to control Wireless/BT)
1 x TV-out(S-Video)
1 x Line-in jack
- Standard Keyboard with 88 keys and Hot Keys
- Li-Ion 71WHrs (8 cells: 4800mAh, 4S2P)
charging time: 4.5hrs/2.5hrs (System On/ Off) to 95%
- AC Adapter
- Physical Specs:
41 * 31.5 * 4.6 cm(W x D x H)
4.4 Kg (8-cell)
- Built-in Intel® High Definition Audio w/ speakers and mic
- Booting / HDD User Password Protection and security lock
- Kensington lock hole
- 2-year limited global hardware warranty
- 1-year battery pack warranty
Obviously, that doesn't hit everything that comes with the computer out of the box, but you get the idea of the hardware we're working with. If you're not as computer savvy, pay main attention to the processor (2.2Ghz, dual core), memory (2GB), and dedicated video card (Nvidia 8600M) as these are the typical features most people will probably be wondering about for this machine. Also, I've noticed that not all G2S models have the same specs. Some have more memory, faster processors, and different optical drives. I believe thought that most will perform about the same, seeing as the hardware differences aren't too major. Now on to the meat and potatoes...
PROS
Let's face it, at this particular time this laptop is more of a desktop in terms of specs, and it does reflect that in performance.
CPU
This computer comes with an Intel Core 2 duo, as stated above. Far as speed goes, I'm really loving it. Most calculations go fairly quick. In applications that rely heavily on CPU (like games such as F.E.A.R. or Adobe graphic applications) it responds very fast. It is basically up to par with its desktop equivalent.
Video Card/Display
For those ready to get into DirectX 10 gaming, this thing is already ready for you. At the time of this writing, the Nvidia 8600M is one of the most powerful cards on the market for a mobile solution (and even desktop solution). The G2S has a very high resolution monitor at 1900x1200 pixels. That's a lot of pixels to cram in the space of 17 inches, and it shows. When at the displays native high resolution, the 8600 has no problem driving it, and it looks sharp and crisp. I usually run this computer in a dual monitor setup at my home, and the card is easily able to manage running both even with a demanding program or two at the same time (such as running multiple Adobe programs between the two). For gaming, I've ran Half-Life 2 at full resolution and effects with no slow down at all (same goes for Age of Empires 3, while serving multiplayer no less). For those with HDTVs in the house, the HDMI output should serve you nicely.
Keyboard and Touchpad
Though I recommend if you're gonna be using this for gaming you get an external mouse, the built in touchpad isn't bad by any means. It's responsive and feels nice too. Although I did up my own mouse settings so that I could move around quicker with it on screen, it serves its purpose well. For those with external mice, a hotbutton above the keyboard can easily turn it on and off, preventing you from accidentally clicking somewhere. The built in keyboard takes some getting used to, but like the touchpad is responsive and eventually becomes comfortable. Even though there is no number pad, the amount of shortcut keys and the rather normal size of the keyboard help it redeem itself.
Other Pros
This computer comes with lots of connections, one thing I really like. The eSATA port in the back is good for those of you with a compatible drive. USB ports are also plentiful. Though its more standard now, the memory card reader on the side is also a nice feature. I've learned it will read just about anything (although some cards do need an adapter). For those who love video chatting, the integrated camera is a nice touch (along with the mic). Integrated WiFi works as it should, and is easily disabled if you wish. In case you didn't notice from the pictures, the computer itself looks very sharp, and with all its special lights and design features on the outside, you can positively turn some heads at that next LAN party you go to. For those who have the software and the option, there are IR receivers all over the exterior, meaning if you want you could use it as a media center PC. Hard drive is a very big capacity seeing as most laptops don't have 100+ GB.
CONS
Unfortunately, there are some things about this machine that aren't so good. Nothing that can't be remedied though with a little work.
Video/Display
Wait! I thought this was a pro?! Well, there's good and bad to this particular coin. Even when the computer is set for peak performance, the 8600M didn't live up to all my expectations. Some of the more high end games (like the afore mentioned F.E.A.R.) will require you to tone down your settings. Unfortunately, almost to the point of a desktop ran Nvidia 6800. Considering the card in the laptop is supposedly two generations ahead of that line, I expected much better. Granted, with the right settings you'll get a great framerate, but at a lower resolution and without the extra options that would make the game shine. You can, however, increase performance of the card a bit by installing newer drivers online. Again though, disappointment, as you'll have to go to a third party site to get drivers since the mobile cards are only supported by manufacturers NOT Nvidia (as is the case in desktop cards). Also, despite the dedicated 256MB of RAM this thing has, Asus felt it necessary to give it up to 768MB of additional system RAM. 256MB is more than enough, and Vista is a memory hog as it is, so taking away almost half the system RAM bottlenecks you entirely. This is unchangeable in BIOS as well. If you plan on serious gaming, get the 4GB version or be prepared to plop down some extra cash for RAM.
Audio
Don't get me wrong, this isn't horrid, but its nothing to brag about either. Asus doesn't give great audio specs for the G2S, and as a consequence, you might have some difficulties. Again, get the newest drivers from them ASAP. Even after update though, I notice a lot of cracking. Nothing major, but a distraction to those of us used to high quality audio. Speaker performance is about on par with other laptops or just slightly better. I usually use external speakers or headphones with this guy.
Software
This one is the biggest headache of all. Asus, like most manufacturers, includes a TON of software that actually makes the experience much less enjoyable. Most of it is downright useless (one simply controls the side lighting on the monitor), and I've found some of it actually isn't too friendly with Vista and other important programs, such as McAfee. Conflicts between McAfee and the included Asus software caused my computer to blue screen nearly a dozen times in my first 3 days of owning it (and I did rule out hardware issues). My advice to anyone considering this is too run the add/remove programs option immediately and get rid of almost everything that comes with the machine ***Be advised though, I only recommend this for advanced users who know what is and isn't necessary in their systems***. Vista is also a big headache in most of these situations though. With a service pack due soon though, I'm hoping most of these issues will be resolved. Nothing major (random locks, shutdowns... but very few and sparse). If you're willing and able, there is a post on this notebook's forum at Asus that will help you install Windows XP on the system if you want. See Update below for my impressions with XP.
Hard Drive
Depending on the model, your hard drive size may vary, but I'm guessing Asus made the formatting similar. The drive is sectioned into two equal amounts (in my case 80GB a piece). This is great if you need to ever do a recovery, but stinks if you'd like more space in one of the partitions. The hard drive is also a slower 5400RPM. Most people probably won't notice or care about either issue, but the hardcore gamers might want to take it into consideration, as it is the bottleneck of the system. You could swap it out for a faster drive if you're able to.
Portability
This is a powerhouse of a computer, both by laptop and desktop standards in this price range. As such, its more of a desktop replacement that will be easier to take to a LAN. Battery life even on power saving settings is just over 2 hours at best. The computer weighs a good 10 pounds, so you won't want to be taking it everywhere with you. Although, if you're going somewhere with an AC outlet, its good for the gamer on the go. If you're looking for something that you can take to classes all day long without a stop for a charge, you'll want to consider a different machine.
Others
The optical drive is rather noisy and can be annoying when its revving up a disk. Media buttons in the front are almost completely useless, as they are hard to press and if not pressed right will not respond. Support from Asus is fairly light, so if you're not technically inclined to troubleshoot problems, get it at a retail store (e.g. Best Buy).
Summary
Despite all the cons I just mentioned, the only real big one is the software, which if you're any good with computers, or know someone who is, is easily fixable with a few updates and uninstalls of the included software. Even if you did accidentally uninstall something you needed, the supplied recovery disk has everything that came with it (with labels in the program of required or optional). Once I got all the software kinks out, the computer really runs smooth. Although it fell short of my gaming expectations in some of the newer titles, I'd still say its overall performance still had the ability to give you the edge in your next LAN. For those who demand peak performance in their gaming, I suggest going with the beefier G2S that comes preinstalled with better hardware, or doing your own upgrades on this one.
Again, once all the kinks are worked out, its a great machine and a heck of a value at about $2K. Most laptops of similar hardware go for 500 to 1000 more (or even higher). You won't be jogging down the street with it tucked under your arm, but you'll make an impression at that next LAN party you go to. If not for your frags, then for the heads that'll turn to look at your new beast of a computer.
***UPDATE***
Over the last few months I've experimented with using Windows XP on the system instead of Windows Vista. By using the drivers that are supplied on the Asus forums for this computer, it performs WAY better. F.E.A.R. can now run at almost peak settings, meaning the full 1920x1200 at all high settings. I run it a bit lower though to achieve good frame rates. Applications load and perform much better, the way I originally expected them to considering the hardware. Games like Half-Life 2 I've completely maxed out the settings for. I recently purchased Bioshock and run it on a secondary monitor at full settings as well. If you are able to, switch this baby to XP entirely or dual boot with it as an option for your gaming. Don't forget to upgrade BIOS before doing it though, as XP won't recognize the SATA HDD.
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