Alright, so I'm in the market for a new laptop (transferring to a new university fall), and I'd like to buy something to replace my quite outdated P4 desktop haha.
Here are the two computers I've found:
Lenovo Ideapapd y560p: Lenovo IdeaPad Y560p 4397-28U Notebook PC - Intel Core i7-2630QM 2.0GHz, 8GB DDR3, 500GB HDD, DVDRW, AMD Radeon HD 6570M, 15.6 Display, Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit at TigerDirect.com
ASUS G53SWn1: Newegg.com - ASUS G Series G53SW-XN1 Notebook Intel Core i7 2630QM(2.00GHz) 15.6" 6GB Memory 500GB HDD 7200rpm DVD Super Multi NVIDIA GeForce GTX 460M
Things I'd like to be doing with the computer:
I do HD video editing as a hobby so I need something with fast video render times. Both of the above should have no problem with this requirement.
Gaming would be nice too. Both seem to be pretty good, with the ASUS having an advantage for sure. Right now I do most of my gaming on my 360 (simply due to outdated PC), and the kind of games I'd like to be able to play on this machine would be CoD, SC2, Diablo 3, Guild Wars 2, and maybe even BF3 if possible.
Another requirement is that the computer is solid in terms of build quality and hardware. I've read in this forum about G73s not turning on, faulty mobos, etc etc. I've been burned in the past and I'm a little weary. The reason I'm on such an old machine right now is because a HP laptop I bought in '07 (the infamous dv6000 series) had a faulty mobo which overheated till it fried out of warranty. I'd really like something which will last me 4 years, just in physical terms, not even talking about obsolescence, etc. Of course as a student I need something reliable, I take care of my things but I can't just have this thing out of commission for repairs, if you know what I mean.
Some obvious comparisons of the above laptops:
ASUS has the better gpu, screen (not a problem though since I intend to use either with my 24" monitor, better cooling (is that true?), and 7200rpm HDD
Lenovo has price advantage, RAM advantage
I'd appreciate your thoughts. My price range is probably limited around here because I'm a broke student(900-1200).
Thanks!
EDIT: after reading a lot of Newegg reviews, I'm concerned about the fact that so many people have had their ASUS g53s DOA or bricking shortly after.
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G53SW by a long shot IMO.
The 6570M is a mid class 2 GPU only scoring 8862 in 3Dmark06 so expect to game at low-medium if that on the newest games. BF3 you have no chance of running to be frank with ya expect 5-10FPS.
The SW is a good model and is worth the extra $300 for the GPU because the Lenovo is out of date before you even buy it if you intend to game with it.
The RAM advantage you mention means nothing you dont need more than 6GB for general use and gaming and even if you did 2GB RAM costs $25.
In regards to the cooling the G53SW may run slightly hotter than the Lenovo but that is only because the graphics card output is a LOT higher and the cooling in the G series is very good.
Have you thought about picking up a G73JH if your budget is low. You can pick up repasted and problem fixed JH's for around $800-$900 these days. -
Thanks for the input!
I'm leaning towards the G53SW too, however I'm still concerned about these things being DOA (at least according to Newegg reviews). Reliability is a huge factor.
As for the G73, I'm really looking for a 15.6" screen and Sandy Bridge, so this is the only one I could find. -
If thats what you are looking for the SW is a wise choice good little laptop that one and you cant beat a good sandy! Just stay away from the best buy 1GB GTX's.
All the best. -
If there were so many DOA units, i think we'd see threads creeping up on us at NBR and i haven't noticed an increase in the usual complaints/questions across all G series models. Nothing as worthy of attention as the GSOD threads and comments that kept appearing before the new JH vBios. Whatever you buy you always run the chance of getting a lemon and you can bet people getting one are more likely to write reviews due to being unsatisfied with their purchase (at least that's my take on it but take it for what it is: an opinion).
EDIT 600 posts, 65 more to go before posting something truly evil
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ALLurGroceries Vegan Vermin Super Moderator
There have only been reports of DOA units from newegg in the G53SW owners lounge (as far as I can remember). It's very strange.
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I think I may chance it, thanks for the input guys. This thing looks like too much of a beast of a machine to pass up. -
ALLurGroceries Vegan Vermin Super Moderator
If you get a DOA unit from newegg, call them up and insist on cross-shipping a new one to you at their expense.
There isn't much comparison between these systems anyway, they are really aimed at different users. -
No matter what brand of computer you buy, there is always a chance of a lemon, even the big fruit company makes them. Unless it's a known problem existing in all machines or a bad batch, avoiding a brand due to a few lemons is just not the sensible thing to do.
If you want to play games, the choice is simple. This is not even a fair competition between Lenovo and Asus as others have pointed out. You are better off looking at HP DV6t Quad Edition and Dell XPS 15 to compare.
G53SW vs. Ideapad
Discussion in 'ASUS Gaming Notebook Forum' started by cdkee, May 26, 2011.