Asus G73JH-RBBX05 from Cowboom Refurb

So, my G73 from cowboom FINALLY came in yesterday. Boy let me tell you, this is one good looking laptop. The build quality is sure impressive, and I think i'm the only person in the world that thinks this laptop is thin for what it is and the specs it has. Now, everything was gravy until I powered on the dang thing. The screen looks awful. I'm talking, washed out, super narrow viewing angle that is WAY under par in my book. I was using a 5 year old flat screen off-brand monitor with 1600x900 res with super low contrast, and that 5 year old monitor SMOKES this crappy asus screen . I am asking people out there who own this laptop, am I the only one? Is there something wrong with my screen, or do they just look that bad? Anyway, I wish that was my only issue. The Biggest issue I'm having is the constant BSOD. I, like everyone else, uninstalled the creative software like a good little boy. But once I installed steam, just cause2 and bad company2, as well as new ati drivers, im getting bsod every 10 mins. I am PISSED. My other question is does anyone know what I need to do to fix this problem? Because if it's an easy fix to get rid of the bsod, I might live with the fast my screen looks like crap. PLEASE HELP!!!

 

I'm thinking maybe a fresh install. I hate "generic partition installs". You don't know if the partition they used is specific to your model, or a more general one.

BTW, what panel did you get? Sounds like an AUO.

 

How do you check for what kind of panel it is? Under device manager mine just says generic PnP monitor...
My screen looks fine, got the same model as you. No BSOD's yet but I haven't put Steam on yet. I left the Creative software on and haven't had any issues with that either. Once I do a fresh install I'll get back on here and let you know if I've had trouble with Steam or anything else. You might want to let Cowboom know what's going on.

 

The AUO screen can even vary from one computer to another. I am on my second G73 (the first was replaced under warranty after loosing keyboard lights) with an AUO screen. The first one did look washed out when compared to my G72 with an LG screen, but the second one looks almost identical to the G72 screen when they are setting side by side.

 

To find the kind of panel double click on generic PnP monitor from device manager then click on details and select Hardware Ids under property.

 

Like Micman, I'm also unsure on how to check what type of screen I have... Chasity, I tried making a backup with a DVD-r, but it says it was missing the partition. I'm guessing I was also victim of the cowboom complete harddrive wipe. I did contact cowboom about my issue, and they sent me a label to send back my g73. But for some reason, I'm kinda reluctant to send it off in fear that I might get another unit in worse shape.. this one I have now is is prefect shape, it looks brand new.... hmmmm....

 

Thanks! Ill check when I get home from work tonight!

 

AUO Screen. Thanks for the tip Chet L.

 

Then all you really need is the Driver Disc and a Win7 Install DVD. The product key is on a label on the machine, and you'll have to phone activate. (I prefer to keep it simple and legit )

 

im debating on getting one of these or a GX640 for 1200$

i really dont want a faulty laptop that i have the return 4 times to be happy

and i really dont wanna get a crappy screen

not sure what to do here

 

I'm too busy playing Overlord on my faulty laptop. You need to decide for yourself.

 

So you went with the MSI?

 

I'm sorry for not bringing anything useful to this thread, but I just had to say that I'm just amazed at how many problems people are having with their G73's. I must be lucky not to have experienced any problems even after messing with formats and driver updates.

BTW, I would go with Chastity's recommendation on a clean install of Windows 7 and going from there.

I too am busy playing games on my NON-faulty G73. Good luck trying to fix your laptop.

 

I guess I lucked out. The screen on mine looked decent to me. Checked and I got an LG. It just arrived today so I haven't done any extensive testing so I'm crossing my fingers that everything else is good but it does appear to be in almost new condition.

 

As for the BSODs you're almost certainly just having left over junk from the cowboom install mucking with you. Grab a copy of the windows install dvd from MS, burn it, and fresh install, easy.


The screen though... urgh.... that rbbx version junks up the forum so hard with complaints....

That's a best buy edition, it's cut a lot of corners to get the price down.
It has less ram, smaller hard drives, and a smaller resolution and inferior screen.

So, the ram and hard drives are no big deal, but the inferior screen can be an LG one which are generally pretty good, or they can be an AU Optronics which range from passable to atrocious.

If you have an AU Optronics screen and it bothers you; source out an asus replacement 1080p screen; since it is the highest quality screen I've ever used on a laptop, and is pretty much universally acclaimed as being stellar. Replace it and know that if you ever accidentally smash your screen, at least you have a replacement.

OR

Send back the budget unit and get an a1/a2 model and enjoy the extra accidental warranty, ram, hd, and better screen for a couple hundred more.

 

As noted in the G73JH owners thread page 1, the fail rate is only 2-3% for this model. I'm not sure if that accounts for Best Buy models, but you just have to assume that 100% of those 2-3% make it on here to complain so it seems like more than it is. A lot of people who are happy with their G73JH never post on a forum. I for one am happy with mine so far.