Asus G50VT-X1/X5 vs. Gateway P-7805u FX

Ok, I have done a lot of research and narrowed it down to either the Asus G50VT-X1/X5 (either X1 or X5 is fine to me) or the Gateway P-7805u FX. I have seen several other threads about whether to buy the G50VT or the P-7805u FX and it appears that most people are saying to buy the Gateway. I would like to spend the least amount of money possible so money is a factor and I know that the G50VT is about $100+ cheaper. Back to what I just said- more people said buy the Gateway, but they didn't support it with many reasons. Some said that the Gateway is better because it comes with the WXGA+ screen (1440x900) vs. the Asus WXGA screen (1366x768), that it has 1GB of video memory vs. the 512 mb that the Asus has, that the Gateway's processor speed is 2.26 GHz vs. the X5's processor speed of 2.13, and that the video card is very slightly better being a 9800m GTS vs. the 9800m GS. From what I understand the 512 mb of video memory is more than enough for the Asus and the video card it has. Especially with the fact that the X5/X1 have a lower screen resolution and therefore the screen would take up less video memory.
I think some people are just not fully educated and see that the Gateway has higher numbers like more video memory and a better processor speed and just think it wins hands down. The one thing I wish the Asus had was a WXGA+ screen because I think the extra pixels would be nice. Although I don't know a lot about screens so how much better would the Gateways WXGA+ screen look vs. the Asus' WXGA screen. Also I haven't found much information on the brightness of either of the screens on these computers so if anyone knows any info about that it would be nice.
I personally like some of the features of the G50VT a lot like the over-clocking button which I believe can easily bump the processor speed to a bit past 2.26 GHz and the video card to a 9800m GTS (same as Gateways FX). I also like the OLED display that can tell you some cool things like the battery power and if you have an instant message or email. And I like the instant start up feature that allows you to use the internet music and other basic things like that with out even completely starting up the computer (not sure how much I would use that feature, but it might come in handy sometime). And one other little feature I think is cool that that you can log-on by the web-cam looking at you and recognizing your face. I don't know any cool features like this in the Gateway FX so if you guys do, please share them! The battery sticks out in both the X5 and Gateway... I don't really like that, but I could deal with it. The battery doesn't stick out in the X1 because it is only a 6-cell battery vs. the 9-cell in the other two so you make a crappy battery life even crappier even though the battery no longer sticks out.
The current prices as of today (7-30-09) appear to be $760 for the X1, $740 on the X5 and $850 for the Gateway (all on tigerdirect.com). So not a huge price difference although I have seen the X5 and X1 for under $700 buy it now on ebay so that is also a possibility.
The one last thing I have to say is that on the Gateway FX many people have the WUXGA 1920x1200 because the manufacturers somehow messed up the screen resolution by putting that in instead of the WXGA+ 1440x900 screen. So many people have said that they are very happy that they received the higher resolution by accident, but my question is: wouldn't the 1920x1200 make everything look a little small on that 17" screen as well as take away some of the power of the graphics card when gaming?
So... bottom line: I think I am leaning towards the G50VT-X1/X5 because of the slightly better portability 15.6" vs. 17" (17" laptops are MONSTERS!), cool little features, and just as good gaming power for a cheaper price. Someone correct me if what I'm saying is wrong. So then what it boils down to is the X1 or X5 and that is basically a toss-up for me: about the same price, the X1 has a little faster processor but terrible battery-life and the X5 has a little better battery life, but a tiny bit worse processor speed and that stupid 9-cell battery sticks out a bit.
I apologize for the long-*** post... I guess I got a little carried away and couldn't stop typing...
Any advice is appreciated thank you!

P.S. ummm... if anyone knows about any other gaming laptops in the same price range and relatively same specs, feel free to share it!

 

At the lower resolutions that the two notebooks offer, it's doubtful you'll use all the VRAM.

The X1 actually has a very comparable processor, but yes, at stock the Gateway has a better CPU.

The 9800m GS is just a slower GTS. Literally. Architectually, they are the exact same card. The only difference is that the GTS offers higher core/shader/memory clocks, and the Asus laptops can easily be flashed or overclocked to GTS speeds. In short, the Asus can be said to have a 512MB 9800m GTS.

Believe you me, that OLED is very useful... especially after you tinker with it to give you more readings.

Very useful if you are traveling.

It's more of a gimmick than something that can prove useful. If I held a picture of you up to the camera I could log in that way.

Not necessarily. You'll only notice that if you go to your highest (native) resolution. While the monitor looks the sharpest at native resolution, by no means do you have to use it.

I might be the only one here who says this, but I actually prefer a low-res screen. I can go to native resolution, thus having sharp images, but I don't have to sacrifice game performance or teeny-tiny icons to do so.

Definitely. Although, just so you know, the Asus laptops are pretty big 15-inchers. I needed a 17-inch bag to carry it.

IT's not your price range, but if you save up I'd suggest the Asus G51. It has a killer video card and the processor's are easily upgradable. I used to have a P7350. I know have an X9100, and the original processor can fetch me some nice cash.


I'd go with the X1 myself. Personally, the lightning bolts of the X5 were just a little too much.

 

thank you so much for the quick and in-depth reply! ya i agree with you, although the gateway is definitely a great computer for its price, the g50vt is just as good or even better because it is over $100 cheaper and all you basically lose is a little nicer screen resolution (1440x900). and i wouldn't want a 1920x1200 because if you want the same gaming performance you would get on the WXGA or WXGA+ screen resolution you would have to lower the screen resolution from the 1920x1200, no longer making it native and then you run into a whole other story with pixel stretching and not as crisp graphics.

 

I've had both the P-6831FX and now have the G50VT-X1, obviously the G50 is faster than the gateway I had, but the G50 is fast enough for sure.

Gateway Advantages:
16:10 screen ration if you're into that. I notice the 16:9 on the G50 is a bit short sometimes, but really no big deal.
Slightly better key placement. Home, end, page up, page down are separate keys. ON the G50 you have to toggle the numpad off to use them.
My Gateway came with a mounting bracket for a 2nd HDD in it, apparently the G50 doesn't.

G50 Advantages:
OLED screen thing is pretty cool. I just use the default settings but I really like to be able to monitor ram and CPU usage.
Price. I think it's cheaper than the gateway.
Size/Weight. It's almost as wide as the gateway but shorter from front to back. It is NOTICEABLY lighter and I like that.

In summary: Both are good models of computers. the Asus is lighter., but almost as physically big.

 

thank you for the reply's. anyone else have any other thoughts about which one i should buy?

 

the asus is easier to overclock. lol

 

I have owned both and I can say you will be happy with either one.

 

The quality on the ASUS is superior to the Gateway. Head over to the Gateway Sub-Forums on NBR and look over some of the troubles with the Gateway FX series.

 

I never had any problems with mine. I felt that the build quality was pretty much on par with comparable notebooks.

 

Well i have a 7811 and also never had any problems with the build as well so im pretty lucky.

If i was in your shoes i would just pony up the extra buck and get the G51 sure you may have to wait longer to get it but it will pay itself off really quick, good luck man