Asus G73JW-3de VS Asus G73SW

Hey, I'm having trouble to choose between the G73SW model or the G73JW-3DE model. Any suggestion?

Here are the spec summary for the G73SW:
* 17.3-inch Super Clear Ultra Bright LED display with resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixel
* Built-in 2.0-megapixel camera
* Based on Intel’s new Sandy Bridge platform
* WiFi, & Bluetooth connectivity options
* Runs on either Windows 7 Home Premium, Professional or Ultimate OS
* 2.0-2.8GHz Intel Core i7-2630QM Quad-Core processor
* A NVIDIA GeForce GTX 460M 1.5GB GDDR5 graphics card
* Up to 16GB GDDR3 RAM
* Up to two 1TB hard drive or up to two 256GB SSD
* DVD burner or Blu-ray drive
* An 8-in-1 media card reader
* An HDMI port
* An 8-cell battery
* 3 USB 2.0 ports, & 1 USB 3.0 port
* Head phone, & Microphone jack
* LAN RJ-45

Spec Detail: ASUS G73SW-A1 - XOTIC PC - ASUS Gaming Laptop ROG

And the spec summary for the G73JW 3DE:
* 17.3 inches of full HD LED display screen
* 1920 × 1080 pixel of resolution
* 8GB DDR3 1066MHz RAM
* 1TB hard disk drive
* Windows Home Premium 64-bit operating system
* Intel i7-740QM processor
* 2.0 mega pixel of webcam
* Nvidia GTX 460M Graphics with 1.5GB GDDR5 memory
* Blue-Ray burner
* 1x USB 3.0; 3x USB 2.0 ports
* 8-in-1 card reader
* Illuminated keyboard

Spec Detail: ASUS G73JW-3DE - XOTIC PC - ASUS Gaming Laptop


I'm aware that for now, there is a defect on the intel Sandy Bridge chipset that is used on the G73SW model. However, I read it somewhere on the internet, that it is fixed.

Is it okay to buy the G73SW model now? Is it really fixed?
Or should I wait for it to be fixed completely or should I purchase the G73JW-3DE model instead?

Is there really a big difference?

I'm really having a hard time to choose between the two. Your help will be greatly appreciated.

 

Because they have the same graphics card, you won't see a significant difference in performance.

 

The screen on the 3DE is one of the best I have seen. I didn't think the 120 Hz display would make a huge difference with a 17" screen until I saw it with my own eyes. As for performance, you won't see a big difference in gaming performance with the same gpu, as DCx mentioned, but the processor on the SW will give you a slightly better performance being Sandy Bridge.

 

And also longer batter life.

 

g73sw
pro: slightly better cpu, better battery life, sata3
con: availability? iirc the "fixed" ones should be avail in late march, but maybe i'm wrong

g73jw-3d
pro: 3d, available now
con: lower battery life, soon to be end of life

you should really try playing something in 3d (like avatar or the likes) for about 1-2 hours. unless you can't get used to it, you'll goin' to get the 3d version

 

Hey thanks for the advices guys!

But I heard that the Sandy Bridge chipset will improve the graphic.

" The more noticeable improvement, or rather difference is in the integrated graphics section ( it is called Intel HD Graphics 3000). The Sandy Bridge graphics has been found to have 100 to 125% improved performance as compared to the Intel HD graphics. The core i7-740qm does not has integrated graphics." ( from Intel Core i7-2630qm vs Core i7-740QM | Starred Reviews)

Does that improve the performance a lot?

As for the battery life I don't think it'll matter so much, as I'll be mostly using it while plugging it to the adaptor.

 

Not exactly. The mobile Sandy Bridge chipsets, like you quoted will have the integrated Intel HD Graphics 3000 which performance-wise is similar to the NVIDIA 310M. When they mention how the graphics are better, Intel is comparing it with their previous generation Intel GMA HD graphics. When you're gaming with the G73SW, you'll most likely be using the dedicated graphics and not the integrated graphics, so at the end, there really isn't any performance increase.

If you're worried about gaming performance, take a look at some of the in-game tests GenTechPC made.

Asus G73JW-3DE 17.3" FHD 120Hz/NV GTX460M 1.5GB/740QM/8GB/1TB 7200 SSD Hybrid/BD-Burner/ In Stock: GenTech PC Store

 

Wait for the G73SW to be fixed up or get the G73JW-3DE now. The JW-3DE's screen is better than the standard SW model's (being 120Hz and a lot more vivid), also non-glossy. SW however does have 2 SATA III ports for the HDDs instead of SATA II. So theoretically, they're safe to buy as only your Bluray/DVD drive uses the SATA II controller, so degradation will take over a decade if any. Eta till ASUS starts including a eSATA port, seriously, this is the only thing this laptop is missing. There's so much space on the sides to put this.

 

Sandy Bridge CPUs are not only 'slightly' faster. The improvements are really noticeable. From NotebookCheck's G73SW review:

It also has better battery life.

Note that the 3D version of G73SW is being released this Friday (02.18).

 

Hmmm... Is the 3d version fixed? I'm just concern over the 'cougar point' issue tho. If only there's no such thing, I'll definitely pick the SW model..
when will it enter Australia?

 

@Sarge you are too picky tbh
"Slightly" regarding G73's overall gaming performance.
As you can see in that review, the 3D Mark 2011 score is 1812. Now look at G73JW with i7-740qm scores or even to my own i5 score.
Not much of a difference, right?

Obviously, if OP has a choice, he should pick the G73SW-3D over the G73JW-3D, but in regards to the initial question - random G73SW versus the JW-3D - that "slightly" is pretty accurate as the CPU power doesn't count as much and he may get better entertainment value from the JW-3DE version with an older cpu but a nice 3d ability

 

Yes, it's fixed. The date seems to have changed now - it's now listed available in Europe as of 15th March. No idea about Australia.