[jennie xhx]

I posted not too long ago looking for advice about a laptop to use for college, Skyrim, and general gaming purposes. After a recommendation here and a lot of research, I'm pretty sure that I want to go with one of the Asus G series laptops. I was originally going to wait until the end of the summer to purchase to wait and see if anything new of interest came along, but I'm leaning towards buying earlier in the summer so I have more time to adjust to the laptop (I've used Macs for the past 7 years) for general and gaming use (I've been a console gamer) before college starts. So, here are the two laptops I'm currently considering, links to where I'd buy them, and the pros and cons I've found. Any advice as to which I should pick would be appreciated.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/ASUS+-+Laptop+/+Intel%26%23174%3B+Core%26%23153%3B+i7+Processor+/+17.3%22+Display+/+8GB+Memory+/+750GB+Hard+Drive+-+Black/1774899.p;jsessionid=2E11C9AC6B67DED4D7C8D470B849F7D7.bbolsp-app06-33?id=1218290438380&skuId=1774899&st=g73&cp=1&lp=1
Pros-newer, faster processor (2.0 GHz), more RAM, easy to upgrade RAM, easy to install second HDD or SSD, larger screen
Cons-1.0 GB GTX460M (128 bit memory bandwidth), Heavier, included in sandy bridge recall (supposedly recertified), 1600x900 screen resolution

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834220861
Pros-1.5 GB GTX460M (192 bit memory bandwidth), more portable, 1920x1080 screen resolution, not affected by sandy bridge recall
Cons-Smaller screen, 6 GB RAM, RAM upgrade or installation of second HDD or SSD requires major disassembly, slower processor (1.73 GHz)

In theory the prices should be the same, because the G53 is about $90 more, but if I'm not mistaken, there is no sales tax when ordering from Newegg? Also, my initial budget was $1500, and I'm not willing to adjust that. I realize portability and battery life are weak on both of these, but that isn't a major issue for me. However, I definitely want to get a notebook, because it is still far more portable than a desktop. My only other concern is reliability, but my research so far has shown Asus notebooks to be very strong in this area, but if anyone has any warnings, please let me know (I've found some issues with these computers posted on forums, but they don't seem abnormally frequent?).

Anyway, obviously I'm new to computer gaming, so judging the differences in the tech specs is difficult for me. So, any information from those of you who are more knowledgeable in this area on the significance of the RAM, processor, and GPU differences would be very helpful. I want to be sure I'm getting a computer that will perform well for gaming now and for several years to come. I'm also curious as to how serious the graphical difference would be between the larger, lower resolution of the G73 and the smaller, higher resolution screen of the G53. Is it worth giving up some screen size for higher resolution or vice verse? And lastly, the cooling system on these notebooks seems rather impressive, but would the it perform less effectively in one or the other and increase the odds of overheating?

Also, the CPU in the G73 was affected by the Sandy Bridge recall, but it seems that these computers are now sold with "recertified" CPU's, will be labeled as such, and should be safe. Should I still be worried about this?

Sorry, I know it's a lot of questions, any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

[jasminε]

Pardon the double post, iPod doesn't get along with the post editor. Anyway, I seem to have found a reasonably priced option with everything I want on Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/G73SW-XA1-Republic-Gamers-17-3-Inch-Gaming/dp/B004LRO9AK/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1302200130&sr=1-2

Does anyone see any flaws I'm not seeing? And would there be any way to verify this has the revised CPU before ordering?

[CSar L]

The difference being?

I sold my computer today so save me the trouble of googling stuff on my phone.

Between the two? The screens are pretty much identical....the Asus panel is based off the Dell one, but kind of uglier yet cheaper.

Or between the ones I suggested and the ones you linked earlier? IPS panels have better color saturation and viewing angles. The LED screens you chose are TN based panels and have the benefit of faster response, but the difference between 5ms and 2ms is rather unnoticeable to most. IPS screens are generally more preferable and more expensive. The panels I linked are pretty cheap.

Pardon the double post, iPod doesn't get along with the post editor. Anyway, I seem to have found a reasonably priced option with everything I want on Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004LRO9AK/ref=aw_cr_d_pc

Does anyone see any flaws I'm not seeing? And would there be any way to verify this has the revised CPU before ordering?

Good choice there over the other two. No flaws except for the 2-4 week ship. All the SandyBridge recall stuff is water under the bridge at this point...everything has been fixed so you should be fine. They would not be selling you the flawed motherboard chipset version of the notebook at this point.

[Susan]

i5 doesn't do hyperthreading though.

Some do. In my laptop I have an i5 460m which is a dual core CPU but it shows 4 threads. http://ark.intel.com/Product.aspx?id=50179

[NAtIVe GOddess]

10% off all HDDs...starts the day after I hit the checkout button. Anyways, anyone looking to buy a computer from newegg should really sign up for their email, you get some pretty good promos. For instance, I've got $20 off a 6870, so BoonProtR3 if you need the promo code just pm me.

[Kim Bradley]

Between the two? The screens are pretty much identical....the Asus panel is based off the Dell one, but kind of uglier yet cheaper.

Or between the ones I suggested and the ones you linked earlier? IPS panels have better color saturation and viewing angles. The LED screens you chose are TN based panels and have the benefit of faster response, but the difference between 5ms and 2ms is rather unnoticeable to most. IPS screens are generally more preferable and more expensive. The panels I linked are pretty cheap.

Well, I took yours and others advice and went with the IPS panel. The ugly ASUS one to be clear, but I'm not really picky about aesthetics anyways.

I'll let you know how it goes.

Entire build follows:

NZXT Phantom
1TB Caviar Black
Mushkin Blackline DDR1600 4gb
Asus GTX 460 756mb
MSI NF750-G55 motherboard
Athlon II X3 450
XFX BE 750w PSU
Win 7 Home Premium 64-bit

[Donatus Uwasomba]

Well, I took yours and others advice and went with the IPS panel. The ugly ASUS one to be clear, but I'm not really picky about aesthetics anyways.

I'll let you know how it goes.

ASUS makes great quality, I think you'll be happy with it. :thumbsup:

[Phillip Hamilton]

Well, I took yours and others advice and went with the IPS panel. The ugly ASUS one to be clear, but I'm not really picky about aesthetics anyways.

I'll let you know how it goes.

Entire build follows:

NZXT Phantom
1TB Caviar Black
Mushkin Blackline DDR1600 4gb
Asus GTX 460 756mb
MSI NF750-G55 motherboard
Athlon II X3 450
XFX BE 750w PSU
Win 7 Home Premium 64-bit

Once you get an IPS panel , you don't get another TN panel.

I have a H-IPS Dell U2410 which is great, but a bit out of your price range.

[Jennie Skeletons]

Anything has to be better that the 20" sceptre I used to have... :laugh:

Appreciate the help yall, monitors are one thing I've never known much about.

[luke trodden]

In theory the prices should be the same, because the G53 is about $90 more, but if I'm not mistaken, there is no sales tax when ordering from Newegg? Also, my initial budget was $1500, and I'm not willing to adjust that. I realize portability and battery life are weak on both of these, but that isn't a major issue for me. However, I definitely want to get a notebook, because it is still far more portable than a desktop. My only other concern is reliability, but my research so far has shown Asus notebooks to be very strong in this area, but if anyone has any warnings, please let me know (I've found some issues with these computers posted on forums, but they don't seem abnormally frequent?).

As for Asus reliability, I had to send my laptop in for repairs three or four times I think, in the three years I had it before it died. Considering everything I put it through, I'd consider that okayish. Asus' repair service is great though. The first time I sent it to the online store I bought it from, terrible service and it took ages, and in the end I found out they just sent it to Asus' repair service themselves since they couldn't fix it. The Asus repair service however has always been excellent, and fast too. Rarely more than two or three weeks. The last time they sent me a free laptop bag, as an apology for my laptop breaking again.

[Naomi Ward]

I just have a quick question about Windows 7. My computer has been running XP for the last several years, and while I've been satisfied, I've been toying with the idea to finally upgrade to Windows 7. However, it's not cheap. I am a student, and I notice that Microsoft is offering a nice student discount on a http://www.microsoft.com/student/en/us/windows/buynow/default.aspx for $30. But, the one thing I just can't find an answer for is: can I use the upgrade edition on my XP computer? Microsoft makes it clear that you need to select Custom when installing Windows 7 over XP; they just don't explain if the upgrade edition can do that. So: should I buy the upgrade edition, or should I stomach the few extra dollars and buy the full installation of Windows 7?

[Lauren Denman]

I just have a quick question about Windows 7. My computer has been running XP for the last several years, and while I've been satisfied, I've been toying with the idea to finally upgrade to Windows 7. However, it's not cheap. I am a student, and I notice that Microsoft is offering a nice student discount on a http://www.microsoft.com/student/en/us/windows/buynow/default.aspx for $30. But, the one thing I just can't find an answer for is: can I use the upgrade edition on my XP computer? Microsoft makes it clear that you need to select Custom when installing Windows 7 over XP; they just don't explain if the upgrade edition can do that. So: should I buy the upgrade edition, or should I stomach the few extra dollars and buy the full installation of Windows 7?

I'm fairly sure as long as you have the XP key you should be able to use the upgrade version. I'd wait on another opinion though since I'm not 100% positive.

[City Swagga]

I'm fairly sure as long as you have the XP key you should be able to use the upgrade version. I'd wait on another opinion though since I'm not 100% positive.

I believe that is the case, though it'll be a clean install of the operating system so none of your stuff will be saved, make sure you backup your data.

[Lloyd Muldowney]

But, the one thing I just can't find an answer for is: can I use the upgrade edition on my XP computer? Microsoft makes it clear that you need to select Custom when installing Windows 7 over XP; they just don't explain if the upgrade edition can do that. So: should I buy the upgrade edition, or should I stomach the few extra dollars and buy the full installation of Windows 7?

Yes.

So what are the rules? Let’s break it down by some specific situations:

You originally purchased a PC with a copy of Windows XP or Windows Vista. You qualify for an upgrade on that specific PC. Any version of XP or Vista qualifies for an upgrade to any version of Windows 7. So if you bought a Dell in 2007 with Windows XP Home preinstalled, you can buy a retail upgrade of Windows XP Professional and install it on that PC. This is true even if along the way you wiped the hard disk clean and installed a beta of Windows 7. The license for Windows XP was permanently assigned to that machine when you first turned it on and accepted the license agreement. The fact that the original operating system isn’t currently installed on the PC is irrelevant.

http://www.zdnet.com/blog/bott/clean-install-with-windows-7-upgrade-media-get-the-facts/1505

[ijohnnny]

I'm fairly sure as long as you have the XP key you should be able to use the upgrade version. I'd wait on another opinion though since I'm not 100% positive.

Microsoft recommends (I believe) the full version because a Clean Install is required to "upgrade" from Windows XP. However, the Upgrade version of Windows 7 should allow you to perform a Clean Install when you select the Custom option. This has been claimed from multiple sources, but I cannot confirm it. I bought a Retail version (when I upgraded from Windows XP Professional) because I wanted it to work for my future system (my current system is a partial upgrade).

[Leah]

I bought a Retail version (when I upgraded from Windows XP Professional) because I wanted it to work for my future system (my current system is a partial upgrade).

I buy the OEM versions and transfer the license when I get a new rig.

And yes, for anyone not in the know, you can do that with OEM. I just did it with W7 a few months back. I replaced the mobo/CPU/RAM and W7 validated without calling MS like I had to do with XP. :thumbsup:

[Joe Alvarado]

So i've got some issues with my 160GB ipod classic that are just wonderful./sarcasm. On my itunes library i have about 7,500 songs that add up to a total of about 53gigs, or so. For some reason, all of the sudden, some of the songs on my ipod just wouldn't play, which was frustrating (maybe it was because it got a little wet, but i somehow doubt that). So i went to the music tab when i synced it to the computer and unchecked "sync music" which brought it down to 0 songs, then i clicked to restore the ipod. After that, I tried re-syncing the ipod and putting all of my songs on at once. after about 2 and a half gigs it just freezes on a song and tells me that there's a bunch of problems and i need to restore my ipod again. So i do it again and i sync one artist at a time. It goes up to 2.56GB of memory, then when I try to sync it again it has the same problem. Could it be the hard drive or is there an easier way to fix this?

[Daniel Lozano]

Microsoft recommends (I believe) the full version because a Clean Install is required to "upgrade" from Windows XP. However, the Upgrade version of Windows 7 should allow you to perform a Clean Install when you select the Custom option. This has been claimed from multiple sources, but I cannot confirm it. I bought a Retail version (when I upgraded from Windows XP Professional) because I wanted it to work for my future system (my current system is a partial upgrade).

Alright, thanks for all the responses everyone. My PC is a custom build with an OEM installation of XP on it. I'm also looking to upgrade the hard drive at the same time, so I assume that re-installing XP on the new hard drive, then using the Win7 upgrade on top of that installation would do the trick.

[Catherine Harte]

Alright, thanks for all the responses everyone. My PC is a custom build with an OEM installation of XP on it. I'm also looking to upgrade the hard drive at the same time, so I assume that re-installing XP on the new hard drive, then using the Win7 upgrade on top of that installation would do the trick.

No need to install XP at all. Just use the Custom option on the new drive straight away.

If you missed it earlier:

So what are the rules? Let’s break it down by some specific situations:

You originally purchased a PC with a copy of Windows XP or Windows Vista. You qualify for an upgrade on that specific PC. Any version of XP or Vista qualifies for an upgrade to any version of Windows 7. So if you bought a Dell in 2007 with Windows XP Home preinstalled, you can buy a retail upgrade of Windows XP Professional and install it on that PC. This is true even if along the way you wiped the hard disk clean and installed a beta of Windows 7. The license for Windows XP was permanently assigned to that machine when you first turned it on and accepted the license agreement. The fact that the original operating system isn’t currently installed on the PC is irrelevant.

[Vincent Joe]

No need to install XP at all. Just use the Custom option on the new drive straight away.

If you missed it earlier:

Ah, alright. Makes perfect sense. Thanks!

[Jerry Cox]

Good choice there over the other two. No flaws except for the 2-4 week ship. All the SandyBridge recall stuff is water under the bridge at this point...everything has been fixed so you should be fine. They would not be selling you the flawed motherboard chipset version of the notebook at this point.

Cool, I think I'll be ordering as soon as possible. This is significantly earlier than I had planned on getting my college computer, but I think I'd regret passing up such a good deal.

[Laura Simmonds]

So I'm gonna reinstall Windows 7 in a couple days should I just pop the disk in or first wipe my drive with DBAN?

[SaVino GοΜ]

I use Secure Erase myself, but I have an SSD. (80GB and it's done in seconds.) I've found if I do not use Secure Erase (or some variant) my SSD is not as fast on a clean install.

I never noticed a difference on an HDD.

So which do you have?

[noa zarfati]

500 GB HDD. It's my laptop.

Won't be posting for a bit, I'm going to sleep now.

[Craig Martin]

I'd say DBAN it. It wont hurt, just add a bit of time is all.