The G73 Best Buy info thread

I went into a little detail in my thread at futuremark http://www.yougamers.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123147

If they are using the LG 17.3" LCD's for both 1600x900 and 1920x1080 then the difference in quality is vast, I have the spec's for both panels listed in my thread right from LG, it looks to me like sources for 17.3" HD+ and Full HD panels are pretty scarce so this is likely the case.

I am curious if everyone is getting LG panels in their laptops or not, mostly based on the fact that some people don't seem to have the issues with wretched viewing angles that I encountered. If there are other brands of panels in the mix then it's a panel lottery and there might be some units out there that I would find more acceptable.

Also curious, anyone else having issues with excessive flex under the left wrist rest? I also had issues with moderate flex under the keyboard as well, how are the rest of you doing on those scores?

 

I think all the 1920x1080's are Hannstar panels. The Hardware ID's in my X1 and X2 are both HSD06A5. If I remember correctly, evryone that has mentioned the 1920 screens by manufacturer mentioned Hannstar.

While mine are not the same models as the Best Buy variants, I would think they use the same 1920 panels across all the models that have the full HD screens?

 

I have not examined an X1/X1/A1/09 models so I was guessing they would also be LG panel's the fact that the specs for the LG 1920x1080 panel are a very close match to the descriptions I have read about the X1/X1/A1/09 panel performance, was all I really had to go on

Also someone had mentioned the price for the 1600x900 panel I see resale prices ranging in the $180~200 range, and for the 1920x1080 LG I see prices ranging from $200~$240, so I am guessing that Best Buy only saved $20~$40 a unit by going with the low quality screen.

 

A1/A2/X1/X2/X3 are all 1920, but I believe the 09 is the same as the 05 at 1600. There have been rumors that the 09 is 1920, but they've not been confirmed yet...

 

Bought the RBBX05 today. It came with the an LG panel, based on the hardware ID, and Kensington 1333 RAM according to HWINFO. My last laptop was a p7805u with WUXGA. I thought I would miss the 1980x1200 display, but I find the 1600x900 to be very readable and crisp and EVE Online looks pretty decent, too.

 

I am not sure that this is totally false. Running a screen at anything other than default resolution will have some degradation. Screen is designed for a given res displaying at anything else involves messing with the display format.

Will it matter to most people? Maybe not. I can tell when a machine is not running at default res though.

I am a avid gamer and long time IT developer and have used dozens of machines over the years.

I have the BB05 and in my opinion it is a great machine and not a bad display at all. Pretty bright, with good color. I prefer the 1600 as it is not as hard on my eyes when doing normal processes. Does suffer from washout viewing angle issues but most cheaper panels do. I don't have any issues while using mine.

I have yet to see my card get hotter than 89 after playing BFBC2 for hours. Generally runs at about 85.

BTW I think there may be a small design issue regarding the case that may be contributing to the poor display for some.

The panel only goes back so far before it is stopped by the rest of the case. So for a taller user sitting at normal desk height this might not be the proper angle for them with no way to further adjust. Just a thought.

I think no matter which model you get it is a incredible machine at the various price points.

 

Your non-native resolution claim is completely bogus. As mentioned before, you're going from a 1:1 pixel-mapping to something else, and that's going to cause quality issues that wouldn't be present running in a straight native resolution. This is most easily seen in text as edges appear "blurry" and aren't as sharp. As others said, I can tell when someone isn't running native resolution just by looking at it.

If anyone cares, the HD caddy is potentially available for import from Asusparts.eu . I ordered it and they posted a ship date and tracking # (which aren't in the system yet). I can update when I receive it. I know that the BB ones didn't come with a 2nd caddy in some models, so if you're interested let me know.

 

Do you mind posting the the item #, i would like to check in asus us store.

 

A part number for the Bluetooth module would be good as well if anyone knows it.

 

http://www.asusparts.eu/index.php?cPath=67674_73347_158847_158848_158863

13GNY81AM020-1 HDD Bracket Assy

I've confirmed with ASUS that is the correct part #. It's not in their store yet though and last I heard would not be until September!

 

Stupid question, where would I find this in device manager? I could look when I get home if no one else has answered yet. Otherwise you could always call ASUS and ask- their estore reps aren't too bad.

 

According to Everst Ultimate, my screen is a LG Philips LP173WD1-TLC1 1600x900 Resolution that came in my Best Buy model. And, honestly no real complaints.

 

Still looking for some w/ the 09 to confirm whether it's 1600 or 1920...

 

I've seen absolutely nothing of substance to imply it's not 1600x900. I think 7805 was mistaken.

 

The only complaint I have/had with the screen is that the gamma was/is frigging incredibly high. I went in to the Catalyst tool and turned it down to .75, I think. That seemed to make colors more vibrant (less washed out) and blacks a little deeper. It could probably be even a little lower, IMO.

(edit for speling)

 

I'd say check under the bottom panel. I think it would be located in there as I see a connector for a small ribbon cable which is unused in my 05 model.

 

I'll see if I can take a look tonight. My days have been seriously hectic with contractors in and out of my house, so maybe I'll get some time to take a peek if no one else does in the meantime.

 

Sorry. I didnt mean to confuse people. Its still early on ordering the 09's and I was only going off what I have read. I think theres a possibility it may be a lotto like the Gateway FX's..(1920x1080 vs 1440x900 screens)...now that was a lotto...I remember calling BB and having them check the last for of SKU and manufacturer numbers

 

Anyone loaded up Just Cause 2 on this thing yet? It's my new favorite time killing eye candy and it's a bit of a hog.

 

I just got the machine today the 6 gigs of ram etc.. this is a very confirtable keyboard the build quality isn't as bad as i would think, rep point for Asus to have a matt surface on most of the notebook, i have disliked flashy palmrests. Anyway, i have the 1600x900 screen LG Philips, i asked for the 1080P screen and someone recommended this one http://www.247laptoplcd.com/servlet/the-79988/LG-PHILIPS-LP173WF1(TL)(C1)-LAPTOP/Detail
This beast is so amazing i want to put in a 920 extreme, i heard the bios is unlocked that way too. Also would this screen even work, i was told that the hanstar screen is the 1080P one. Also i wonder if that would ruin your warranty by upgrading all of these components.

 

I have read that replacing the CPU will technically void your warranty as there is a sticker on it, but Asus will still help you. It makes sense as they are big into mobos and overclocking everything.

 

Well what if they put it in there for me!

 

I can't speak for other countries but in the US Asus cannot void the notebook warranty for a user replacable part simply because Asus was not used to do the replacement. They are not liable for the user replaced part nor any damage caused by it's replacement but they cannot void the entire warranty simply because of it's replacement (the sticker being broken.)

 

The sticker crap get quite annoying after a while.

 

Asus won't put it in there for you, but if you buy from certain resellers (Gentech and XoticPC, for example), they will do it for you and, if I understand correctly, it won't void the warranty. However, it is not inexpensive...

 

Won't void the warranty through that reseller, but will through Asus. But in the case of companies like XoticPC, their warranty is better anyhow. Well, except for accidental through Asus.

 

Exactly what he said! I've researched this in the past several years ago and confirmed with good sources on AVScience ... if you dont have 1:1 pixel matching you get pixel "stretching" which is what causes the blurring ... It even goes as far as lowering your performance of the screen's response time... I dont have the link but its on avsforums as a resource

 

To members thinking the CPU is a easy swap forget it.
You basically have to take the whole laptop apart to get to it.
It's possible but not for the faint of heart.

 

Yes i have seen it before, but ATI graphics rely heavyly on your cpu, and eventualy for a long term machine the Q720 won't cut i lol. You know it would be crazy if one could put a rgbled in this beast lol. http://www.pcwith.com/17-inch-wxga-l...top_p6132.html How about this?
Also this one
http://www.screenaid.com/samsung-lap...s-c-12326.html, I eventualy will not desire the 1600x900 screen, so are these safe to put into this machine?

 

could you elaborate more on that please? btw, thats not a rgb led.

I called 2 retarded best buys. asked them specifically if they had the item on display. both said yes. got there and nothing. f*ck I Hate going to big retail stores.

 

Same here.?

 

I picked up the Bestbuy version Monday evening and have been playing games (Company of Heroes (maxed DX10), Titan's Quest Immortal Throne, Rise of Legends (both maxed)) with no issues at all. I only uninstalled a few things and installed my own AV. Sounds works great. Left the ATI drivers alone and have no artifacts or hangs. I'm on vacation so playing for 4-6 hours at a time is no problem. The 1600x900 display is fine with me. I would have liked the 1080p but can't justify an additional $400-$500 and a long wait. I already had an addition HD and BD-ROM that I've already installed. Now I will sell my G72 for about $800 to help pay for this one.

No issues at all (other than BB versions not being eligible for the extra ASUS warranty). Great machine.

Cheers,

 

So you have two HD's in there or just one? Did the BB version come with two HD brackets or did you add in your own?

Lots of folks have been trying to figure out a cheap solution to the bracket situation, so any input is appreciated.

*edit* Wait, it comes with two 320gb drives, doesn't it....

 

Does anyone here have a laptop with what's considered to be a good display they can take a picture with comparing the G73? I've had 2 Asus laptops, one 720 and one 1080. Both had horribad displays with horrid black levels and pitiful viewing angles.

 

I have the 1600x900...viewing abgles are not that great but not "horrid"..Mine is a desktop replacement so I look at it from one angle only and I have no complaints that way...ALTHOUGH, with brightness maxed, I do not like the whiteness "pop" to the display..it is too washed out white almost like light leakage...but thats what you get with a LED LCD...the colors are bright and great...I play a lot of "dark/horror" games so I need my display to go jet black at times and glowing or "lighted dark" screens are a no no with me...In CCC, I changed my gamma to .75 (you could go even lower) to help make up for the nature of a LED lit LCD

 

I used to own a G50VT BB version and it had a bit of foam in the second drive bay which once the cover was put on held the drive securely. I just folded up some cardboard -- no foam right now and put the cover back in place. No problems at all.

Cheers,

 

No second bracket in BB model, I used an extra bracket from my G51, worked ok.

 

Any chance of pics?

 

I have the 1600x900 screen and its not that bad at all, i have a rgbled screen for my precision m6400 i really prefer having this type of screen glossy but not edge to edge glass it becomes annoying after a while another reason why i left alienware.. but boy do i still miss that design of the body just became heavy at times. I really like the screen a lot and i was benching and doing some gaming here and there on my Samsung 1080P monitor, everything on High and ultra and it had some problems, i could tell the card was being stressed but i haven't done a clean install yet etc.. The viewing angles are alright what can you expect for the price, now i want a bloody bracket lol.

 

It only comes with 1 500gb drive. Not 2 320's.

 

If you pay full price @ BB it's @ $1,318 taxed. Yhe G73 A2 is $254 more with another HD, more memory, mouse and better screen so not alot more. Just the wait is the problem. I waited @ 3 1/2 weeks and don't get mine till MON. The no intrest payment is nice @ BB but I like to support good online vendors.

 

Yeah, pondered both options, but went with Best Buy.... it was $1292 out the door, and I had an extra 500GB drive and a bluray drive I took out of my G51, so for $1292 I had a G73 w/ 1TB (2x500GB) HDD's, Bluray, 6GB RAM, and a great GPU.... screen is still 17.3", and honestly, 1600x900 is just fine for me on this size screen. To me it made sense, plus, I've had it for a week. That counts too, ha, I'm impatient. Plus, $25 Reward Zone Bucks to spend!

Nice computer, I'm enjoying it, no major issues thus far.

 

Nothing wrong with the BB if thats what you want. I just wanted to mention the other G73 aren't $400- 500 more. And you get quite a bit of extra. For the $240 more. Including a free wait.

 

Well my A2 already shipped and this is going back to best buy tomorrow unless anyone want one? Better for me cause of the restocking fee lol.

 

Same here. Tax is fine with me, especially after rewardzone $$. Already had everything except the 1080p display. I've been playing since Monday with no heat issues, no freezing, no static from speakers. Running all stock drivers.

Cheers,

 

Did you do a clean install, cause its been throttling and locking up when i am installing isos. Oh well getting the A2 tomorrow with a 1080P screen.

 

I'm sure this question is totally off topic but I'm going to ask it anyway.................is there anyway to adjust the brightness of the led light under the display? I've seen some youtube videos where the G73 had a brighter led light than my own....thanks in advance.

 

Well let me see the video and i will tell you, also didn't you raise the brightness all the way up?

 

No clean install. Uninstalled bestbuy installer and the included av program but left most everything else stock. Installed bd-rom and software to play the br disks. Installed my games and started playing. Unplugged power and ran on battery and reconnected to power with no issues. No slow downs or hangs.

At some point I plan on testing the ati drivers by cloning my drive and installing the new drivers on the clone.

Cheers,

 

Compare the screens??