Asus' first REAL gaming laptops (G1P/G2P); first single spindle since the S5 (S7Fm); Lamborghini Vx1 "Golden Edition"

My mistake. Still think the G1 is a good machine for me cause the 14" A8Js is just too small.

MilestonePC is taking orders now. Availability is in Mid. December. I'm not sure if I should just wait or order soon? I could spend $2300 for a G1 laptop or spend $3000 on a 8800 GTS and Core 2 6600 desktop. The only thing is I just hate spending more then $2000 on a computer, it's hard to justify.

 

In case anyone has missed anything on the upcoming G1 and G2P laptops here are some nice links I came across on my quest for more input...

Closest thing to a good review:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=88259&page=2

Current accurate pricing for Canada and USA:

http://www.canadasys.com/

Can't wait to see some benchmarks 3D05 or 06 and Oblivion fps from the lucky people in the UK who have the G1 or G2P!! If anyone has seen anything please let me know.

 

Is the G3 going to be a 15" or a 17" machine? Or is it too early to know yet?

 

It is 17", with 7900 vido card

 

Here's a thought; how about use the $2300 for a decent gaming desktop? Downgrade the CPU to E6300, get a GeForce 7900GS instead and it can be done. Rig (gaming-wise at least) should be significantly faster than the G1 too.

 

G3 ? huh

hmmm that sound like it will definiately kill my chances for a sager.

any eta or price on the g3 milestonepc ?

thx

 

They haven't even received the G1P/G2Ps yet, ptrout...it'll be hard to price it, or even imagine its looks (unless the resellers have some confidential info and pics they're not showing us ).

But since it has a 7900 graphics card, I'd say it'll be at least $2600 CDN. That's my estimate, could be far from the real price.

 

Is it even possible to pre-order the G2 yet? I know you can with the G1...

 

You can indeed pre-order both the G1 and G2, as mentioned numerous times thus far, from MileStonePC's website for North Americans.

The rule of thumb is that if you can wait on a laptop, wait. I am indeed doing this for several reasons:

1) Impending release of the Santa Rosa chipset (new releases of Intel chipsets span long times).
2) Impending release of Windows Vista (new releases of Windows OS span even longer times and on top of that, it would be nice for MS to hammer out any initial bugs discovered by the mass public before I jump in)
3) Impending release of DirectX 10 GPUs for notebooks (it will only be time before Nvidia makes the move and simply put, why live with a DX9 card when DX9 is currently being phased out?)
4) Most importantly, impending release of newer models of ASUS laptops. They are simply getting better and better (and potentially remedying problems brought up to them such as durability issues and grainy screen issues). In addition, new models bring forth the reduction of prices of current and past laptops giving greater value for the buck.
5) It is always a risk to be one of the first to take the plunge on a new product (this includes a new laptop model, a new OS, and even a new chipset).

So, wait I will.

 

Is Santa Rosa even worth the wait? How big of a performance leap are we talking from Core2Duo?

 

But the tough question is at what point will you stop waiting for the next "big thing?"
We know we've got Vista early next year, Santa Rosa in the spring.
DX10 dedicated mobile cards, except in desktop replacements, who knows when? The size, heat, and power requirements will probably bring new chasis and models to wait for.
Then will we be holding out for mobile quad-cores? Montevina (next chipset after Santa Rosa) along with the next CPU die-shink? Now we're into 2008.

I'm not directing this question only towards you, but everyone, including myself. It's a question we must all ask ourselves with so much change on the horizon.

 

the ps3 has a dx 9.0 gpu, its a 7900 gtx

ps3 wont be updated for 5 years . That means 5 years from now most of the top end games will still be compatible with your dx 9 gpu.

DX 10 exists computers and xbox 360 only.

 

Good question. I think it'll be best to wait until DX10. Quad-core and die-drink are nominal improvements that doesn't justify the wait. Think I'd be getting a new laptop summer '07 by the latest.

Who here thinks GPUs should be downclocked under Aero? Seriously don't think GPUs should be clocked at default setting for a not-too-demanding 3D acclerated desktop inferface. Terrible waste of power IMHO.

 

vista controlls your gpu speed and sets it lower automatically. mine runs at 100/200 in vista

 

How long do you guys think the shelf life of the 7700 will be before its power just doesn't cut it anymore?

 

On average, roughly 3 years. But even after 3 years, it will be sufficient enough to play many of the older games including newly released games which do not call for heavy graphics/technology.

Also, for clarification, the Intel Santa Rosa chipset is just a new Centrino platform, not a new CPU technology. In other words, the Santa Rosa chipset is nothing but a combination of multiple components including CPU, memory, integrated video, and other components. Some of the better features include Robson flash memory for quicker performance in applications in addition to an increase in FSB.

Santa Rosa probably not worth the wait relative to DX10 GPUs. I will definitely not get a laptop right before the advent of DX10 GPUs - DX10 will actually lower the shelflife of the 7700 (a DX9 card) especially when game manufacturers begin to utilize DX10 technology.

 

Alright, well this thread seems to have outlived it's intended purpose of informing people about these models.... it was dead in the water for a few weeks in fact...

Since Asus hasn't actually confirmed the spec or price - or worse yet - the actual incoming supply numbers, we've kept the G1/G2 and V1 off any official advanced order page. However, their ETAs haven't changed in the last couple weeks (G1/G2 mid month and V1 end of year), and we have been taking names and keeping a running "pre-order" if you will. The pre-order just gaurentee's you a spot in line and once we get official word the systems have left Taiwan, we'll be shooting everyone an email with a link to order. Once we get out final allocation numbers, we'll set the bar so customers will know if they can get a system of not. Right now, given what's coming in, there's still plenty of room.

Updates are being sent out to anyone who are on the lists (email [email protected]) and I'll put updates on my news sticky: http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=42307

 

Justin or Danny or anyone that gets a G1P in hand sometime, could you guys please post some more pictures of the G1P? The ones we have, while good (thanks mastha!), don't really show the real G1P. Like how about some pictures of the sidelights on in the dark, and close up of the keyboard, etc.

Thanks in advance, people!

 

Not a problem.. at this point, it's not a good idea to post anything until the retail models come... Give it a week or two.

 

We've got specs in the UK
Timescale - will be available from all good retailers from mid December

G1-AK005P
15.4" TFT (WSXGA+, Colour Shine) - Intel Centrino Core 2 Duo T7200 (2.0G, 64 bit) - Video Camera Built-in(1.3 million pixels) - NVidia GeForce 7700 512MB on board VRAM - 2048MB(1024x2) DDRII SDRAM - SATA 160GB HDD(5400rpm) - DVD Super Multi Double Layer - Intel 3945ABG WLAN - Bluetooth Built-in - WinXP Pro - Ultra-high resolution optical mouse - Gaming Carry bag

G2PC-7R004P
17" TFT (WXGA+, Ultra Bright, Colour Shine) - Intel Centrino Core 2 Duo T7200 (2.0G, 64 bit) - Video Camera Built-in(1.3 million pixels) - ATI Mobility Radeon X1700 512MB on board VRAM - 2048MB(1024x2) DDRII SDRAM - SATA 160GB HDD(5400rpm) - DVD Super Multi Double Layer - Intel 3945ABG WLAN - Bluetooth Built-in - WinXP Pro - Ultra-high resolution optical mouse - Gaming Carry bag

 

Specs look great...I'm especially happy about the 2GB of memory. Nothing for me to upgrade on this laptop at all.

 

Maybe upgrading from the default optical mouse to a laser mouse.

 

True. I wonder how big the backpack is, and if it will be able to handle a bunch of textbooks as well.

 

I've seen several bags which can carry 15.4" widescreen laptops and let me just say that they are noticeably larger than your typical backpacks, albeit longer.

I hope these bags come with one of those cushioned pockets specifically for the laptop - most laptop bags these days are specialized like that.

 

I've seen the similiar bags targus makes and these are no different (just a big customized for the G series.... but there is a super padded area for the notebook and plenty of room for a 2-3 classes worth of books and supplies.

 

Someone asked about some more pictures of the G1? Here is a nice link, make sure you look at every page. There are more pictures within this linked thread as well....

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=88259&page=2

another one with some OK pics.

http://images.google.ca/imgres?imgu...notebook,2006,asus-g1,index.html&h=331&w=350& sz=24&hl=en&start=20&tbnid=bmURZbjZK-vtIM:&tbnh=109&tbnw=116&prev=/images%3Fq%3DASUS%2BG1%26start%3D18%26ndsp%3D18%26svnum%3D10%26hl%3Den%26lr%3D%26sa%3DN

Also, I was told NO BLUETOOTH on G1. I really wish it had Bluetooth, it's a very useful option.

 

Thats good! well it is for some people.....mainly dealers...

 

It's unfortunate that we're not getting bluetooth in NA, if that's true. Are they trying to distinguish it more from the V1, or just saving on cost? I know the module costs add up, but it will be a mark against it for many people and with Asus trying to break into the "full-featured"-gamer laptop market, it's a questionable decision to not include it, even if they had to bump up the price $20.

It's still at the top of my list right now (pending more info), but it is disappointing.

 

My spec sheets shot bt 2.0+EDR... same as the basically all the other models.

But at $1800 for the G1 and $1900 for the G2... they're anything but truly "full featured".... The G1 is going to be a great little machine, especially for the price... and the G2 is getting the x1700 and only a WXGA+ res screen... However, that isn't sooo bad because for a 17" display, it'll have dual backlights and an 8ms response time like the W2... so for a gamer that might be better than a high res version with less of a backlight and slower response... but I think the G1 will be the fav.... but don't get me wrong, the G2 is priced to move too...

 

Hmm interesting then... Gave me some positiveness back with that post, thanks.

Yea, I understand. I put it in quotes because Asus seems to be marketing certain things above others as being important features. Like... "hey check out these flashly lights" and "we've included a mini-display for mail and IM updates" and "check out these fancy-looking exteriors" among other things.
I know that it still won't fit most of our expectations for the perfect laptop, but it does have solid specs for the price.

 

So what's up with the pictures of the G1's keyboard? Some of the keys are moved around like the @ symbol. http://notebook.cz/clanky/recenze-notebook/2006/asus-g1/12.jpg Is that just for overseas or will that be the same for the states?

 

I'm guessing it's just an overseas layout. On other pictures it looks like numbers 3 and 4 are "£" and "$." Can't get a good look at what #2 is. Perhaps a local currency symbol?

 

Hopefully. That would suck if it stayed that way. Heh heh, Asus switched the FN and Ctrl key for the better only to change something else.

 

How much slower is the monitor response time for the G1 compared to the G2? The G1 resolution must be pretty nice from the numbers we're seeing.

 

ALL marketing pictures of Asus' notebooks are done with either UK keyboards or Chinese... For those that don't know... keyboards have a standard layout for all first and second priority keys... Meaning, all US keyboards that we're all used to are exactly how we sell them here in the US... The only thing that changes from notebook to notebook is typically the size of the secondary keys and minor placement of arrorws and buttons like the home/end, page up/down keys.

I know it gets asked a lot, so perhaps that should finally be in the FAQ?!

I believe all of the monitors are now 8ms....... for 17" that was just really good for the size. The G1 has the same res the Z70, W1, Z96 all have... it's a great res for those professional graphics guys and gals.. but it is high.

 

the g1 has 16 ms response time

 

Oh, I've seen those already, RacingNorth. Thanks anyway!

I think the G2P won't be causing too much hype because, well, for a 17 inch gaming notebook it should have more powerful specs. I mean, the Dell Inspiron E1705, meant to be for multimedia, even has a NVIDIA GeForce 7900 GS. The G2P should've at least that graphics card. But we'll see what the G3 (if they is going to be one) will be like. Maybe it'll challenge the Sager NP5760 *ambitious smile*.

But the G1P will be really popular, for sure. It looks nice, has powerful specs, and nicely priced. I don't know about the green lights though, they could've been nicer (more interesting shape, in other places, etc.).

 

Yeah, I think the G2 will flop. The G1 on the other hand, has pretty good specs for its size. I just gotta decide if its chassis and extra features are more important to me than a 7900GS (in my current e1705 which I think I will return for the G1)

 

yea dunno why they didnt put a higher gpu on the g2

 

I think just putting in a 7900GS really bumps up the price. I imagine it would of been at least $300 CAD more with the higher card. Toshiba has newlaptops with 7900 GTX GPU's. The prices are crazy though. It's amazing how much more you have to pay for that jump up to the top GPU performance class. It's like going from BMW up to Ferrari... Anyways $3000 USD for: 7900 GTX / 17" / T7200 / 2Gb RAM is pretty crazy. For that price imagine the desktop you could build!

http://www.toshibadirect.com/td/b2c/cmod.to?coid=-30605&seg=HHO

 

I can see the G2 selling decently. Obviously it won't come close to the success of things like the A8J or projected success of the G1 because of the people looking for the more portable sizes. However, I think there are enough people out there looking for a 17 inch semi-desktop replacement under $2000 USD for it to sell. The thing I don't know is if Asus can get the word out on their new products enough this season and get the dealers stocked early enough for Christmas shoppers who don't wait until the last minute.

 

well here in the philippines

Asus G1 Gaming Notebook Series features:

Intel® Centrino® Duo Mobile Technology
Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor T7600 - 2.33GHz,4Mb, 667MHz
Mobile Intel® 945PM Express Chipset
Intel® PRO/Wireless 3945ABG Network Connection
Genuine Windows® XP Professional
2.0Gb DDR 667MHZ
15.4in. WXGA; Color Shine LCD
Asus Video Intelligence Technology
NVidia GeForce Go7700 512Mb Physical VRAM
SATA 100Gb HDD
DVD Super-Multi, Light Scribe
Built-in 1.3M pixel webcam
Asus Direct Flash+
10/100/1000, 802.11a/b/g, Bluetooth (were getting bluetooth?yey) V2.0+EDR (optional +PhP 3,0000.00)
PhP 138,999.00 that's almost 3000$!!!!!

http://www.pccorner.com.ph/products.do?action=showproductdetail&categoryid=57&productid=3328

 

Think about the screen resolution for the G2 too. It's lower than the 15inch G1. Personally, I wouldn't buy a 17incher with a screen res lower than 1920x1200.

 

I think these are a good way to start off new series... in the spring/summer we'll see more and it's more likely those units will be based on sales of these and reviews and customer comments.... It's a new series and it's got a long way to go.... but Asus really nailed "gamers" on the head... they're tpyically high school or college kids with either no money ... or their parents money... so it's a tricky game to play, but although hardcore gamers with money could afford a $3k laptop... it would be a very small market, so less would be brought it and therefore the cost per unit goes up tremendously... we'll see what happens, but it's more than a decent start.

 

Yeah I guess. Gotta say that the screen res on the G2 is the deal killer for me though.

 

Double post I know, but has anyone noticed that the chassis for the G1 looks similar to the Asus A6Va? I saw the notebook browsing reviews and mistook it at first for the G1.

 

Agreed, the hinge positions look the same. It looks like they based the G1 off of the A6 chassis.

 

It probrably is, just with a different physical 'mod' if that counts.

Similiar to the V6->VX1 scheme.


Though I'm curious on the G3....

 

Did we have an estimate price for the G3?

Also, are there no dedicated volume buttons on the G1? All I saw was the FN volume keys.

 

I'm glad 20 pages in that someone else comes up with the similiarities I pointed out on page 1 ... The G1 IS based on the A6 chassis.... and the G2 is based on the A7.


Who's the guy that even mentioned a G3? They should be shot..... although with a new series, it's only obvious that it'll probably be pushed into a 14" model as well - I honestly think off of the A8 chassis (see a pattern?) .... spicing up crappy chassis' to appeal to a new crowd is an awesome idea...... and by spicing them up I don't mean just adding paint and lights.. I mean adding carbon fiber and aluminum.. The issues I have with the A6 is that it was all plastic and a boring design... same issue I have with the A8 for that matter..... but spicing it up a bit helps a LOT.