Comparison

I just got out of high school and was given some money to gain some experience around the globe. I'm deciding to travel for a few years and return, but before that. I'd like to purchase a laptop that can last me for maybe 3~5 years. As always, ease of transportation is not an issue for me so 15" laptops are out of the question.

I'm a sucker for large screens

I currently have a M1730 that I'd always thought about upgrading to an x9000 and 8800M GTX SLI. (roughly 1.3k)

But looking over my options, it seems like a better value-for-dollar option to go for a Asus G73jh.

Processor wise, I'm not a heavy RTS gamer so it couldn't matter much to me. But I was wondering on the comparison between the 8800M GTX SLI and 5870.

While the GPU heirachy chart on nbr states that the 5870 is above the 8800M GTX SLI in tier levels I thought I would get a second opinion.

 

i would get the Asus G73... its going to be way better anytime than even the upgraded M1730... and it has way more power and better and more modern stuff.... also weighs less...

 

i posted this link before. another ranking chart + desktop GPUs

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/best-gaming-graphics-card,2544-7.html

 

Would look towards the W870cu just feel it would actually last the 3-5 years you wan't were the G73 wouldn't, if you wan't to go overboard the X8100 is a copper goldmine.

 

In terms of reliability, and absent buying a known POS or something truly rugged like a Panasonic Toughbook, there isn't a meaningful correlation between spending $2k on a laptop and $500 on another machine.

Fanbois here and manufacturers all over hate this, but according to consumer reports and their secondary web site consumerist, it's for real. Warranties are so similar between the $500 machines and the $2000 machine that any differences are kind of silly to argue about.

I would buy the minimum machine I would be happy with and use the remaining $$$ to otherwise 'enhance' my travels.

If you are bound and determined to over-spend, look for led backlights on the screen and a very rugged case and internal construction. Those are pretty much the ONLY two variables that will determine the life and/or ruggedness of a machine. Price is not a factor here.

The point of your travels is to travel, not be a mobile advert for the mobile/connected/overloaded (in terms of weight) crowd, yes?

 

I would opt for a $500 laptop, but I still plan on gaming during my busy days.

G73 still seems to be my prominent decision though, performance wise I don't think I can get anything better dollar for dollar.

 

I can game very well with my $500 HP G70 laptop. The current generation of that machine, the G71, is faster/better and costs the same.

My G70 certainly isn't a max-res CS machine, but at 1440x900 is does pretty well.

The machine has a good, not perfect chassis, LED backlit screen, and a hard drive with built-in drop/shock protection.

 

well don't expect much with G70 , 71... they're not really designed for gaming... if u really want a $500 odd dollar laptop , get the old Asus G50,G51... they'll do quite well but really , nothing can match Asus G73 for the price...

 

.....sez the guy who has never owned the HP or Asus G series.......

 

I don't think G51's are $500...

 

well G50s maybe... but i doubt u want to spend $500 and really , G50,G51 is 15inch...