NVIDIA's world-beating
GeForce GTX 260M GPU hasn't
presented itself in too many gaming laptops just yet, but somehow or another it found its way into ASUS' bargain priced G51VX. Originally
showcased back at Computex, this 15.6-inch rig is amongst the cheapest portable gaming machines in its class, packing a 2GHz Core 2 Duo CPU, 4GB of DDR2 RAM, a 1,368 x 768 panel, 320GB (7200RPM) hard drive and a 1GB GeForce GTX 260M handling the graphical duties. The benchmarking gurus over at
HotHardware sat this here machine down for a stern talking to, and while they could've stood for the resolution to be a bit higher and the battery life (1.75 hours) to be a tad longer, the actual performance was top shelf. Put simply, it was deemed a "well balanced machine that's a winner at this price point," offering up a far nicer GPU than any other competitors in the $1,000 range. Tap that read link for a look at the full review -- we get the feeling you'll like what you see.
posted Aug 17th 2009 1:39PM
Eh, I don't like ASUS...
I love ASUS products.
Just when I was looking for affordable gaming laptop. Thanks, Engadget!
he likes ASUS if you replace the first S with an N
Asus is the best quality for its price. I mean, this thing is under $1000 in some places!
eh, I don't like google.
"Asus is the best quality for its price. I mean, this thing is under $1000 in some places!"
Where at? I'd love to get this for less than a thousand, even if it's not the best model in the line.
I own a G50V, and i love it.
I would suggest any one that is looking for a gaming laptop or just a PC to get one of the Gseires from Asus they are vary reliable.
I own one as well. I have to say that it was shit until I installed Windows 7 on it, now it runs like a beauty. Only thing is, Asus hasn't supported 7 yet, and I haven't found drivers that install correctly for many of the laptop's features. My function key doesn't work, so I have no home, end, print screen, num lock, etc. My webcam won't work, no drivers. My card readers won't work, no drivers. My built-in mic won't work, no drivers. Worst of the worst, though, funtion key is needed for volume keys.
I can't complain much, though, because it cost $900 a handful of months ago, and plays everything I've thrown at it aside from Arma 2, which is a system hog for some reason. It's certainly a desktop replacement. And a toaster replacement (mufcker is HOT@!)
So, if you have Windows 7, and have gotten drivers to install for those things, gimme a buzz...
It is important to note this is the Best Buy model that they reviewed. I purchased the G51VX-A1 model from xoticpc.com which comes with duel 320GB HDDs, as well as a higher resolution, 1920x1080 to be exact, resolution screen and a quad core 2.0Ghz CPU as opposed to the duel core 2.0Ghz one in this particular model. All for around $600 more, very worth it in my opinion and makes it more a top notch mobile gaming machine. Also, the GPU runs hot! So, for an extra $37 on the A1 model you can get it with Arctic Silver 5 thermal paste on the CPU and GPU also very worth while imo. Anyway, just pointing out this model comes in much better flavors if the low resolution or crappy processor is an issue.
Oh I forgot to mention that the A1 model also has Bluetooth which is missing from the Best Buy model and the built in camera is 2.0 MP instead of 1.3 MP. It is also important to note these guys don't seem to be very knowledgeable with regards to ASUS laptops as the so-called non-functional "reset" button is actually the Express Gate button for a quick boot limited functionality Linux OS giving you access to Internet, IM, and other limited uses... Obviously this is more of a second power button that would only function when the machine is currently turned off...
definatly. I've had a Asus G2S-A1 for two years now and its still going strong, minus one little hiccup that was covered by Asus' 2-year standard warranty (as long as you buy it anywhere but bestbuy) The hiccup was the optical drive making a buzzing sound and it was after I had traveled, so it was probably handling during the trip that caused it and not manufacturer's fault, but they still covered it.
I've had the G2s-A1 for 2 years now, and I'll be honest, I am less than satisfied. The 8600M GT is simply too low powered for a 17" gaming machine, and I always found the gaming performance mediocre at best. Also, it was never really a snappy machine and left something to desire in terms of general speed. It recently totally crashed (motherboard failure or something) and Asus has opted to replace it with a new G71GX-RX05. I am confident it will be better than the G2S-A1; the components are lightyears better.
Glad to hear they took care of you. I do agree that the GPU in the G2S-A1 was not up to driving games at the 1920x1200 resolution that the LCD is able to display, but the screen handles lower resolutions flawlessly. I am able to run some games at full res, and others still look great at lower resolutions where required. L4D I run at 720p just fine.
I think at the time though there really wasn't any better offerings available at the time i purchased it. I remember the 512mb slightly faster version of the 8600m came out a month later though.
The angular industrial design is original and wholly un-Apple-like. But isn’t it odd that the word “marketplace” doesn’t quite fit on the screen in the Zune’s main menu?
Clearly, the Zune HD is going to be compared to the iPod Touch. Its biggest shortcoming is that it’s just a media player and web browser; no apps, no games. The Zune HD prices look good compared to today’s iPod Touches, but not so much compared to the new camera-equipped ones Apple is set to announce next month (16/32/64 GB for $199/299/399).
Wrong story buddy.
*cue twilight zone music*
I don't know if this error is you, or Engadget's comment system...
Psst ... the article you were looking for is that way ---------------->
Don't worry, I won't tell :)
LOL
most reply fails here are the user's fault... but sometimes some serious borks can occur in the comment system :/
Easy to upgrade to a quad core too.
This version (the BestBuy version) does NOT support quad cores.
you can upgrade laptops now? Where have I been?
Can I pull out the 9800 from my G50 and throw in the best they got yet??
hopefully a bios update will take care of that, thats whats missing, but you can still upgrade to a better cpu, maybe not the qc without a bios change
Not bad at all. I have been in the market for a new computer....
Kevin Smith is looking for a new computer?
This would be in close competition with the slightly better np8662 (better battery life, better cooling, compatibility to the 280 and faster procs), but the 8662 is just a couple hundred more $$
For anyone that is interested, beyond this G51 from bestbuy, there are also 3 other configs, all at newegg, with the premier configration also available from site like xoticpc and excaliberpc. Search asus g-series to find them on newegg
The 3 other configs have a better full HD screen as a common point, as well as a different casing graphic. The G51VX-X1A comes with a 2.53 ghz core 2 duo, while the G51-VX-X2A comes with a 2.8 ghz core 2 duo. The G51VX-A1 (the one I have) comes with a 2.0 ghz core 2 quad, and also comes with a backpack, rebranded razer copperhead, and a pair of Eee sticks (which I haven't tried out yet). Also, the G51VX-A1 is currently eligible for a $100 back to school rebate from Asus. Price points are $1,300, $1,500, and $1,700 (without rebate) respectively.
I've only had the G51VX-A1 for less than a month, but its very very smooth, and its full HD screen is beautiful. Plays all games I've tried wonderfully. However, some complaints are that the vent on the left side gets terribly hot, and the fan is a bit loud. Also, maybe this is because the original Halo game is rather old, but it lags a bit if all the setting are maxed out. I think this is becasue it isnt optimized for multicores, and a single core is only 2.0 ghz. However, this is basically a 3k laptop packaged into something half the price. Very worth it.
This laptop is old news... Engadget seems to be behind in the gaming notebook industry.
I still can't help the feeling that gaming notebooks is a very odd breed of computers. I also can't get over the terrible battery times... (well, with that GPU it's quite obvious why you don't get a lot more hours, but you know...)
They expect longer battery life out of a gaming laptop? I'm lucky if I get 2 hours out of a normal laptop let alone one to play games on.
Yeah, apm, HotHardware reviewed the lowest spec'd version of this laptop. For $1300, you can get a G51 with a 1920x1080 display and a 2.53GHz Core 2 Duo at Newegg.
My brother bought this. its amazing.. except the fact that it heats up prity quick. but otherwise.. brilliant performance
Screen resolution is awful... and I would guess that color reproduction is not above 40% Adobe color gammut.
I have to say guys, i was really excited about both this model and the A1 version with the quad core 2.0ghz and the dual 320 drives, but the keyboard was a deal breaker for me. Unlike most of my purchases, i actually went to BestBuy to test drive this thing out before buying the A1 online....
Everything is awesome...EXCEPT
The keys are not raised very high from the keyboard, and whatever materials they are made out of make typing a bit difficult....i'm not one to complain about smaller keyboards or anything like that, but i compared my typing speed on this Asus versus my Acer Timeline, and i seriously can type almost twice as fast with the Acer, which has somewhat of a standard keyboard.
Thus, i'd recommend trying this thing out before you buy it, especially if you are a college student.... the article says it would bode well for college students, but the truth is, as much as we love gaming, we all have to write papers and do school related work eventually....... and typing on this thing just isn't going to be "full speed."
Anyone else have similar issues?
I have the online version of this computer, and I have verified that it has the same keyboard as the BB version. In my experience, I can type just as fast as I could on my desktop keyboard. For me, the chiclet keyboard is a huge win. However, I am by no means a fast typer, so that may play a part in how fast you consider fast typing.
I recently purchased one of these and i have to say its pretty amazing, I couldn't be happier. The only true bad thing are the speakers, but once you put your headphones on or external speakers, your golden. It plays crysis very well, auto detect graphics is on high. The screen is nice and bright and it comes with its own overclocking program.... Upgraded from a Dell E1705 with an ati mobility .... incredible difference... thank you Asus on a wonderful program... O and backlit keyboard :)
That's a very pretty laptop. It also seems to perform better than $1500 laptops, which is awesome and totally ASUS-like.
I actually ordered one of these like 5 hours before this post! haha, I was feeling a bit unsure but Engadget has totally relieved my fears :) thanks!
looks like the RX05 which is the best buy one, is a lesser motherboard, so no QC then.
Unfortunately you have to look deeper than a review of asus notebooks. Their quality and subsequent support leaves a lot to be desired.
They never issued a recall for the nvidia 8600m video chip manufacturing problem. They have also discontinued the G1Sx series of notebooks. This is one of the models that had this problem.
The only remedy to owners is to accept a replacement notebook that has a lower resolution screen than what they had originally paid for.
Even though this was a manufacturing problem that was known to fail in the near future, customers are not getting fixes or replacements if they are past their warranty period. Warranties are for unexpected problems that may arise not known problems that should have never left the factory.
just brought this ASUS G51 and i love it. Its so powerful to play any game i want.