Help! N61JQ-A1 or G51VX-X3A?

Hello Internets... noobie walking by!

I need help deciding which to pick between the two

Asus G51VX-X3A vs Asus N61JQ-X1

G51VX Specs http://www.newegg.com/Product/Pro...6834220639

Me likey:
Resolution - 1920 x 1080
Graphics - Geforce GTX 260m
HDD - 7200 rpm
Keyboard - Backlit!
Lid - Cool design with backlight

Not so likey:
Processor - Intel Core Duo P8700
Price - $1,099
Battery Life - under 2 hours!


Asus N61JQ-X1 Specs http://www.newegg.com/Product/Pro...6834220696

Me likey:
Processor - Intel i7 720QM
Graphics - Radeon HD 5730
Price - $999
HDD - 7200 rpm

Not so likey:
Resolution - 1366 x 768
Keyboard - No backlight
Design - A little bland, but more civilized for outdoor use.

I watch and store a lot of HD movies (like in my previous laptop). I watch a lot of shows on Hulu.com and other streaming video sites (pun intended). I am in college and a desktop really isn't an option for me (and i have phobia with netbooks).

Before anything, i just wanna say that im not that computer savy, just enough to get around... Anywho, here's my gripe. I like all the specs of the G51VX-X3A, but it has a Dual Core P8700 at 2.53 Ghz, while the new N61JQ has the new i7 720qm at 1.6Ghz. But what gives? Would it matter? What are the differences? Benchmarks charts shows that the i7 has twice more points than the Dual core, what does that mean?

I would love to play all the current games and the Radeon HD 5730 would suffice just as the GF GTX 260m would. The resolution on the N61JQ is a letdown, but i think it wouldn't be much of a difference... Also, how much difference does USB 3.0 make?

I think both are really good deals... but...
...which of these two laptops are more future proof?

 

the n61JQ is obvisouly the more future proofed one by far quad core with latest i7 processor

 

I think the N61JQ is a better option for you although the benchmarks you would have looked at would be misleading as 3Dmark06 is quite CPU intensive and does not give a very good representation of what your real life gaming performances are going to be. The resolution of the N61 I'd consider a pro point since you'll be able to play almost all games in native resolution with the HD 5730 where as you'll be pushing it playing some of the newer games on the full HD display with a GTX260m. I for one avoid playing games at non-native resolutions at all costs. Of course, the 1366 resolution means you won't yield the best of results when it comes to 1080p but eh, stick onto a TV via HDMI? Still on a 16inch screen you won't be seeing any noticeable differences.


Be aware though, the 5730 is nowhere near as powerful a card as the GTX 260m. I'd reckon it'd be more similar to 250m GTS which still manages to go through almost all games at medium-high at 1366x768 (according to notebookcheck.com).
What else?


USB 3.0 of course won't amount to any benefit in the near future and thus its relevance is an issue only depending on how long you intend to hang on to this.

Well that's my 2 cents, hope it helps and good luck.

 

N71 is 1600x900 if its in your budge and 17" isnt an issue...

 

@ Masq... - whats ur opinion on the the dual core against the i7 in terms of gaming?

 

Masi you have already posted this exact thread in the What Notebook I Should Buy. Please don't double post.

I thought you already bought the G51?

 

In terms of gaming the P8700 is still quite a competent processor and will handle, along with the 260m GTX, almost all games at high. However the i7 will perform better when multitasking or when running a very CPU intensive game such as Empire: Total War. But my point being, when gaming the decisive factor here is the GPU and the G51v outclasses the N61 by quite a bit. Although, bare in mind, considering the low resolution of the N61, games will run at higher settings with 5730.


In the end, it's really just up to you although if it were up to me, and gaming isn't a huuuuuge deal, I'd hands down go with the N61.

 

I apologize. I just thought id get more traffic here.
If possible, feel free to delete my other thread. Again, my bad.

 

Well, its not really a huuuuge deal... Some games that id probably try out:
Red Alert 3, Empire, Battlefield Bad Company 2, Operation Flashpoint, Crysis, Far Cry 2, rFactor, NFS Shift, and more racing games (i own a g27).

I really like the N61 but the G51 design really gets me. I love the backlit keyboard The small things that are irrelevant to most are playing a big factor on my decision =/ I think i need a few nights and more info to make it final.

 

Hehe. I know how hard it is to actually buy something that you will be using for quite some time. Have you had a chance to play with either of these in person? The look and feel is a complete different experience than looking at it online.

I would seriously go for the one that will give you the most use and that would be the higher resolution since you seem to watch a lot of movies. Plus it had the power to game when you need to.

The G51 is my choice of the two for the needs you have pointed out.

 

Yes it is. Its like choosing between a blonde and a brunette, either way, its a win win situation! You just hope you choose the one without the STD lol. No offense to blondes and brunettes, my gf's a mutt

I was really going to buy the N61 today, but after a number of replies from various forums, it has made me think twice. If the N61 didnt have an i7 for that price, i wouldnt even give it a second look. Same with the G51 and its GTX 260m... =/

 

Lol, you summed it up. Look, you can't go wrong with either one of them but considering the list of games ye put up I'm leaning towards the G51vx here. If you're not going to hold onto this for atleast 2 years you're certainly not going to miss USB 3.0 and the GTX 260m will hold out atleast for the next year although you will definitely not be able to go native resolution with most of 'em. And the i7 that the N61 has, ye know, it'll help you with day to day tasks if you multi task a lot....I mean a lot...But as I said the Core2 will hold out fine for the most part.

You'll certainly enjoy the screen resolution of the G51, although this I find is more often than not just a matter of personal preference.

Good luck eitherway.

 

Well, i do multi task a lot, but i guess that depends. Aside from hanging ten surfing the net and school work, i dont really run a lot of different apps, just the ussual like picture and movie editing. Aside from gaming, i download and watch a ton of movies. Also love hulu and numerous other streaming video sites (pun intended). I also frequently talk to friends and family overseas via video conference.

What would you classify as hardcore multi tasking?

 

Non of which you mentioned. I mean running many CPU intensive plug-ins in fruity loops or Sibelius, while Amplitube is open somewhere in the background while listening to an iZotope enhanced version of Bob Dylan while running two difference monitors at the same time which manage to even strain my current T9500 considerably. But, if you're not an audiophile editing every string of notes that come out of your guitar or a CS3 guru, editing his or her way to the next great conspiracy theory, you'll be fine. For any menial tasks such as surfing the web while running a movie in the back ground the P8700 will perform in a more than satisfactory manner. So in short, go for it, the p8700 nor the GTX260m will not disappoint.

 

Ok. Can i sue you when i come out disappointed?

Kidding!

 

i have the same choice for me. i say: if you want it mostly for gaming but want it to be capable of other stuff: get the g51, if you want it mostly for stuff like photoshop/premiere pro/3d rendering, while being able to do gaming, go for the n61.

 

This is really killing me. I need to see the N61 in action and see its game benchmarks... how is the battery life? Will i be able to use the USB 3.0 right away? Ive read that it charges the battery faster, thats a plus since id be traveling a lot with it plugged in my car. I think the G51 meanwhile would run under 1 hour at full capacity. What to do! What to do!!

 

What to do? Either pull the trigger or wait to see when people actually have the machines and try to do some testing.

 

The the computer *sends* over USB 3.0 is faster, so USB devices would charge faster with it. You'd still be plugging in the laptop with the car DC adapter.

 

Well here's some action for you. Crysis on high with the exception of shadows/shaders and no AA. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1w45_VuGZk

As for benchmarks, XoticPC has a thread with 3DMark scores and a video review of their own. http://www.xoticpcforums.com/showthread.php?t=5586

I like the GPU and the backlit keyboard in the G51, but the CPU and a solid color lid instead of the tacky tear decal on the N61 make it a hard call. Personally since I have a gaming PC at home, I think I'd just go for the N61 because while I would like to play video games away from home, I wouldn't mind if it weren't on all high settings.

 

Thanks for the input. Even though a desktop is not a priority for me, it is in my plans within a year or so. Both specs are win-win, i guess whats bothering me now are the aesthetics. I really love the G51 design (lid and backlit keys) and its resolution compared to the N61. But it seems like the G51Vx is phasing out (X3a originally at $1.4k) and i don't see much owners hanging around here - while the N61JQ is having a good solid following with its great price for its specs...

I'm starting to sound like a broken record.

Has there been any issues regarding the G51Vx?

 

It will still be quite a while before the G51Vx following reduces significantly. So dont bother too much about that.

 

I see. Well, if i get the chance and the extra cash, id consider upgrading to a quad core, but if so, how can i compensate with the added heat? (other than a cooler)

...and just out of curiosity, the RX05's white lid is just beautiful, i wonder if it can be swapped with the X3A's. The RX05 reminds me of Star Wars. It looks more reserved compared to the X3A's. Much more public friendly imo.