Considering buying the G73JH-RBBX05... a few questions!

Hi folks,

I've recently sold my desktop to purchase a new laptop for more portability and practicality for work/travel.

I'm basically stuck between the ASUS g73jh-RBBX05 and the MSI gx640. I have a few concerns about the g73jh and was wondering if the community could help me out.

In addition to reflecting on the concerns below, if you feel that the gx640 would be a better purchase, please do say so! However, I imagine most people here would not feel that way.

1. It seems a little bulky. Is it bulky to make lugging it around while traveling/going to work a hassle?
2. The one i'm looking at is refurbished and would only provide a 60 day warranty. I need to go refurbished to compare with the price of the gx640. Is this a bad idea? I've read numerous stuff on the web about these machines being somewhat problematic.

Thanks in advance!

These are the two deals i'm in between:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Asus+-+...lack/1231139.p?id=1218239487974&skuId=1231139

http://www.amazon.com/MSI-GX640-260...r_1_1?s=gateway&ie=UTF8&qid=1285464194&sr=8-1

 

I like mine. As far as bulk, I've never really carried it around. I brought it to the living room a few times and it was fine. It seems really thin when it's open for some reason.

 

Obviously, a lot of this is going to come down to subjective decisions...but here are my thoughts.

I've heard good things about the build quality of MSI machines...but spec for spec, there are some things to consider if you go MSI. First, you're gonna surrender some processor and definitely video power versus the Asus G73. Also note that the MSI screen resolution is obviously not a true 16:9 ratio...if you prefer that.

The G73 is definitely bulky...but there are many here that have come up with good bag/pack solutions.

Frankly, this is a bit of an apples to oranges comparison. If you want more power and can live with the bulk...go Asus. If you want a smaller chassis and don't mind the compromise in power...then MSI would be a decent deal.

 

Skip the refurb and get the new G73 for just abit more and a faster CPU ..

1257894 - BestBuy

 

Newegg.com had a "OPEN BOX" G73 for $1040 the other day. It was sold out and is now off the web site, but if you could get one of those, I'd try that. Newegg will save you tax and neweggs openbox policy better than bestbuys regular return policy. However, in the straight comparision between the two you listed, the G73 is the clear winner. Better CPU, bigger screen, better GPU, more RAM. Just make sure if you buy the Refurb G73 you test it immeidate upon getting it home. Do everything you would ever want to do with it in the first two weeks, then if you have any issues, exchange it immediately, once your two weeks are up, best buy will have nothing to do with you.

I do agree with Quadzilla that for $150 more, the BST7 model is the best deal of all.

 

Instead of the GX640 have you considered the gx740 or the gx660-053?

 

Huh...?

(10char)

 

The G73JH is spacious, but light for it's size, so lugging it around isn't all that bad.

I also agree that you should look at the newer refresh model. For $150 more you get a new unit, not someone's old headache, and has a longer warranty.

Asus - Laptop / Intel® Core™ i7 Processor / 17.3" Display / 6GB Memory / 640GB Hard Drive - Black - G73JH-BST7

 

Just an fyi, the BB Model that Quadzilla linked to lists the HDD as 5400 rpm.... This will be less of a problem if you plan on switching to an SSD in the future. Also, I would be cautious of the LCD panel (irrespective of whether you get the refurb or Quad's link). Definitely check out the display in person if possible before you choose to buy it. Otherwise its a solid model I guess. Oh and as far as GSODs and Heating issues go, I would check the temps of the machine before buying it (saves you the hassle of repasting it yourself later). And getting a GSOD free machine doesn't hurt either.

 

Most machines lost the GSOD with the vbios update.

 

I have the 05 model, have had it for about 6 months or so. No gsod's yet, heating not a problem, today it was 101 (about 39c I believe) where I live, I used it for a while outside on my patio, and as much as I used it, no cooling pad, it never broke 79c. I carry it around the county every day for work, use it at one office, then usually take it to my other one. Then I take it home and use it. I have a good sized bag, carry all my peripherals with it, yeah, it is no netbook, but I have owned heavier
and I use this exclusively all week. I probably would not want to take it on the bus or trolley each day, but I just pop it in the trunk, take it out, carry it into the office, no big deal. Great machine, I have never had any probablems with it, love it. Hope this helps.

 

@Abidderman

I think you got the one I wanted ;-)

Just kidding, I wish mine were as problem free as yours. I get 100°C when gaming at ambient 22°C.

The first time I took it to a work trip it locked repeatedly... now I redid all the fixes that had gotten rid of the problems in the past and it's been rock solid (for a week)... at this point I could not put all my eggs in this basket... good thing I had taken a second notebook with me just in case.

But I do love it when it works and would log it around like you do if/when I trust it.


btw: to come back to the subject.... carrying around no problem for a lot of people. MSI, much lower specs. Think again about how you will transport (car, bus, plane, etc) and how often.
As most people here suggest: I would get a new one whether I go MSI or G73.