The G73 Best Buy info thread

Yes they are the same except for some specs.
You want full HD then you have to pay, for $1200 this is a great deal.

 

Well, this thing really is huge. My Targus and Swiss Gear bags which are both rated at 17" systems will not fit this beast. The G73JH is just too damned deep.

What are people using to carry this thing if they bought it without the Asus backpack?

 

One thing I noticed on my system this morning when I went to add another 2gb of RAM to it is that the damned thing is advertised as 1333 (PC3 1060), but it came with PC3 8500 at 1066mhz. I pulled out the installed RAM and verified the Hynix labels, then verified via the BIOS. Everest also shows that Windows sees the RAM at 3x2gb slots 1,3,4, all running at 1066mhz.

Anyone else seeing this or manage to get the correct memory at Best Buy? I'm wondering if Asus skimped on the RAM they shipped these models with.

 

I have the best buy version 05- The RAM is NOT marketed as 1333...ALL G73's after March 5th came with 1066. From best buy or not. All G73's. Prior to March 5th it was 1333......Really....theres no difference betwen 1066 and 1333 so you shouldnt be upset ; )

 

2 reasons:

1) It is marketed as 1333mhz, take a look at the Best Buy website. Their information tags in store show it also.
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Asus+-+...lack/9741729.p?skuId=9741729&id=1218165344675

2) I bought an extra stick of PC3 1333 at a higher price due to the advertised specs. I would have saved a few bucks by buying the cheaper 1066mhz RAM.

Yes, realistically there is no difference in performance and I realize that, but the advertising needs to be adjusted accordingly.

 

The 1333 you are referring to is regarding the CPU...not the RAM

 

I really want an A1, so I'm planning on using the money towards that. However, I'm very tempted to just go with this one...

 

No, I was referring to the memory speed, not the FSB. I could have sworn the BB page said something like 6gb of fast 1333mhz DDR3 memory. The wording has changed and now it states nothing more than 6gb. It would make sense though, I've been reading and it seems the ram speed varies from people getting orders currently.

But the point was, I ordered 1333 from what I read and it won't clock down. It's even Hynix branded which is what Asus used as well.

 

The extra 2gb is cheap and really won't be used.

Bluetooth I fixed with a $2 dongle from www.dealextreme.com for now until I can find a part number for the Asus module.

Blueray to me isn't essential as a DVD at this small screen is fine and I watch most movies on my laptops as rips anyway.

The 1080 screen was the one real point I miss with the BB 05 version. I've always preferred a high res screen and Win7 scales everything great. Realistically though, the 1600x900 will probably get better FPS though and for most things I don't think I'll really notice that much. I'm happy with my laptop so far. The Sony I bought last month had noticeable imperfections rather quickly.

 

Ya its a toss up with what you'll get 1066 or 1333!! Kind of like my last purchase of a FX 7805u...they came in 1920x1080 and 1400x900 and you never knew what ud get until you opened the box and booted up! lol.

How can I check if I have 1066 or 1333? Easy check? I opened lid but cant decifer what the numbers on the Hynix RAM means?

 

I also tried the Sony and thought that 1920x1080 on it's 16.4" screen didn't cut it. For some reason I've had my heart set on a FullHD machine w/ a BluRay player so I could consider selling my PS3 and 60" big-screen home theater system to generate some more cash for the bills...

 

I would like to get more feedback from owners of the BB version. My memory is DDR3-1333. What about others?

 

Download CPUz64 it will tell you about the CPU but there is two tabs for Memory.

If you have the memory exposed write down the model number that is on the chip. If it says asu1333d3s9dr8..... most likely it is DDR3-1333

 

I just purchased the 05 model from BB today. I'm noticing a few things from the screen. When you start to dim it from the maximum brightness, you can see spotlighting coming down across the top of the screen. Also, whenever it's not at full brightness, I notice it sometimes flickers. I'm guessing I have a bad model. Any suggestions? Thanks!


Edit: Actually I shouldn't say flicker. It seems like it dims the brightness up and down. Not sure why it's doing this. Maybe an updated video driver??

 

Do you have it in power saver mode?

 

3 ways.

1) You can run software like Everest to see the specs of all your hardware and what it is running at.
2) The BIOS will also show the ram speed.
3) The best is to just look at the ram. They Hynix chips will say PC3 noting that they are DDR3 and there will be a number like 8500 or 10600. 8500 is 1066mhz, 10600 is 1333mhz.

On a side note, a guy at worked ordered the $1600 model from Best Buy and got it late last week with the 1333.

 

let me know how that bluetooth dongle works when u get it (the super mini dongle?)

 

They work great. I bought a couple last year and just ordered another couple last month. I'm using one now with my MS Bluetooth Notebook Mouse 5000. I also ripped one apart and soldered it inside my Acer Aspire One

 

From what I've gathered.
If the RAM is Hynix, 1066mhz
If the RAM is Kingston, 1333mhz

 

According to hwinfo I have 1333 Hynix:

 

Nope. I put everything on high-performance. I've also set it to never dim the screen. It's still happening. I'll try a new video driver. I still have the stock driver.

 

I stand corrected!

 

Hey I thought the same thing ... I was thinking, why check my ram, the RBBX05 cant possibly have 1333 ram ... low and behold kingston pc3-10700 in slots 1, 3 and 4 lol

awesome!

 

Can the CPU be OC'd in the BIOS [or with SetFSB or other]?

 

Just as a FYI- one should NEVER go upon best buys websites specs for laptops (or anything) for reference...The RBBX05 ($1,199) version (which I have) has a 6MB L2 Cache i7 720QM not a 8MB L2 Cache as advertised.....in fact, the 720QM ONLY comes in 6MB L2...8MB L2 does not start until 820 and 920 i7's!!!!.....and also...the $1,599 G73 states a 1600x900 screen (which is what my RBBX05 displays) when infact it is a 1920x1080!

This is not the first time they've done this and it really is false advertising. My G73 RBBX05 didnt even have the specs on the box...My last laptop, a FX 7805, from best buy, was a joke buying...there were threads upon threads about SKU #'s and lokk for this and that on the box code yadd yadda bc gateway shipped the FX's with different resolutions! Best buy was no help as usual....you just had to open the box after purchase and hope to get the screen you wanted (1900x1200 vs 1440x900)

Rule of thumb...best buys a joke
(Better bet your a$$ I checked every spec in my G73 when I unboxed/booted it up)

Oh...and when oyu ask the tard behind the counter to give you the ACTUAL specs...they print you off the website specs and are confident THATS WHAT IT IS..and give you a look like your dumb...poor guys

 

I've thought about returning mine and seeing if I can get one with the 1333. Has there been any info as to whether the box has any indication of what the ram is?

 

quietas-there is no difference between PC-8500 (1066) and PC-10600 (1333) RAM so I wouldnt worry. NO performance gain or anything from 1066 to 1333...just more expensive, so to me 1066 is the better route to go if you upgrade the last 2GB slot in the future....anyway no there is no way of knowing prior to opening box...seeing as they have NO SPECS ON THE BOX ; (

 

You are saying the RBBX09 is a 1080 screen? Source?

 

The reason I thought about returning mine is that I bought another stick of 1333mhz ram to fill the last slot. It was via Craigslist and thus isn't return/exchangeable, but the laptop is.

 

bigddy- no REAL proof just from reading up on it quite a bit...but again...with best buy...you never know what ul get! It should be called the "un-guarantee" store...although, I did get a cool dude when purchasing my G73 who basically said to ask for him should I have an issue within 14 days

quietas-Ya thats understandable...your 1333 should clock down to 1066 though and work?

 

I would have thought so as well. I know most DDR2 and below normally do as long as it is not too many steps. It seems the RAM I stuck in will not. The laptop starts up and shuts down prior to any BIOS screen coming up, and then it repeats.

 

YES, YES, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE make it be 1920x1080!!!! I'll return my 05 and get one of these. I realize it's a ripoff versus the pricing for an A1 or X2 (I think that's the other one w/ BluRay), but I need the BB financing to be able to swing this. I can add the BluRay myself...

 

GTO-why do you want the 1920x1080 res so bad over the 1600x900? 16x9 is gorgeous...and will be more futureproof than the higher res...

 

I disagree. That may be true for gaming, but not watching any HD content, such as Blu-ray or streaming HDTV. Just like any laptop, this thing is eventually going to fall off the cliff in being able to play games, but HD shouldn't drastically change specs (outside of 3d) for years to come. I'd rather have the 1080 screen.

 

Are you serious?

This is wrong on so many levels.

 

I want this to replace my PS3 and have quite a few BluRay discs already. I can understand the argument that a lower native res screen, which wouldn't tax the video card as much as FullHD, might be more future proof for gaming. With that said, I'm not much of a gamer - the only game I get regularly is NCAA Football, which isn't even available for PC, so I guess I won't be selling my PS3 until later this year...

 

If anyone else can confirm the 09 has a 1920x1080 screen please let us know, thanks!

 

aramis I agree with your disagreement with my statement I am soley speaking of gaming

I am speaking about gaming...only one level here...and mine and its right

 

I wouldn't get your hopes up.

 

Why would anyone get the 09? It makes no sense. the 09 is only offered online, if you can get it that means you can shop online. If you can get your lappie via online why not hit up a specialty vendor like gentec or excalibur and pick up the A1? You will get it for cheaper and even get some nice freebies.

 

Because Best Buy offers 18 mos financing and a physical place to bring the laptop if they have trouble.

Also is the A1 even in stock anywhere? Best Buy can have one to your doorstep in 1 day if you want.

 

"Because Best Buy offers 18 mos financing and a physical place to bring the laptop if they have trouble."

This, along with geting it the SAME DAY I made up my mind, are literally the only reasons I purchased the RBBX05 from best buy....no waiting/backorder BS...I see everyone crying online about how they placed their orders months ago and talking about what the performance MIGHT be when Im sitting on it as we speak..just sayin...do your homework people..cancel your orders...I literally called up 2 local best buys..first didnt have stock...the second had 3 of em..drove up there and had it same day I decided I wanted it...supply and demand my friends...paying $70 a month for 18 months with NO interest is pretty damn sweet ; )

edit: Given you want the 1600x900 screen and use it for gaming (not HD blue-ray media etc) and dont want to squint/burn your eyes out at text and online web browsing, and Im not putting down the higher rez trust me, just different strokes for different folks!

 

What is the font differents between the 1600 vs 1900? I Can't tell on my current monitor? I'm not going to do any movie watching on my laptop or rarely. Slight gaming and online.

 

Repost

I am on the fence deciding to go with the BB version of the G73. I really want the 1080 screen, but the BB version does not give me that.

Here is the rub..... I have $1,400 in BB rewards, which would take my out of pocket down below $500 (pretty good deal for a G73).

My question - If I buy the BB version and down the road I want to upgrade the screen to 1080, can that be done?

 

FYI, I just checked the BB In Flagstaff, AZ.

They have the G73 05 on display - featured on an endcap and I could see the actual boxes for at least two more on the shelf underneath it.

 

Yes it can be done, but it will most likely void your warranty, and it is not real simple, and will probably cost you $500 at least.

Also, $1400 in BB Rewards? What did you BUY that ended up with that much? A corporate account? I mean I spent over $5000 in one year and ended up with a few houndred bucks total. I guess if you bought your entire home theater there, with sound system, and a few computers and getting double or triple points you might get there. My GOD man, you're an electronics fiend!

Why don't you get the 05 version and put in a second hard drive and 2GB Ram yourself? It'd save you money. I mean do you really need 1TB storage? Even so, a 500GB 7200 RPM will run you $130 + 2GB RAM $50 ~ $180 and not $500.

 

And... and... YOUR CHILDREN BITE YOU. SO THERE!

Oh, wait, you weren't talking to me. Disregard that last bit.

Get it. Bit. Tee hee.

 

Just an update. It turns out I had a defective LCD. Brought it back to BB and replaced it with a new unit. The spotlights up on the top aren't visible anymore and there isn't any dimming.

Got lucky, they only had two in stock before I got the first one. When I came in to return it the salesman was shocked that someone sold it to me. I called before I picked up the first unit, and they told me I had to wait until Monday to purchase. I drove to the store the next day and just picked it up (2 in the case). So for those who wanna pick one up, try both ways (call or just go there personally) if they don't sell it to you until Monday.

 

Just got my g73-rbbx05 earlier today! Man this thing totally kicks a 3-5 year old laptop's @$$ (which is what ive been using till now) so im not complaining about it one bit. Um one question, does any know where the express gate button is?

 

Did anyone get EOM DVDs with your BB05 laptop?