The good: Good components for cost; secondary instant-on Linux OS; separate number pad.
The bad: Big, heavy, and power hungry; mixed performance; lights can't be completely shut off; no dedicated media controls.
The bottom line: The Asus G71GX-RX05 is a solid gaming-oriented desktop replacement, but with a few shortcomings that could make or break a purchasing decision.
| $1,149.99 | |
| Processor | 2.53GHz Intel Core 2 Duo P8700 |
| Memory | 6GB, 800MHz DDR2 |
| Hard drive | 500GB 5,400rpm |
| Chipset | Mobile Intel P43 Express +ICH10 |
| Ports | All ports, I/O jacks, and network connections no Bluetooth, USB 2.0, mini-FireWire, and audio jacks |
| Graphics | 1GB GDDR3 Nvidia GeForce GTX 260M |
| Operating System | Windows |
| Dimensions (WD) | 16.2x12 inches |
| Height | 1.8-2.4 inches |
| Screen size (diagonal) | 17 inches |
| System weight / Weight with AC adapter | 8.9/10.9 pounds |
| | |
Asus have not made any graphic embellishments on the lid of this G71GX model, and kept casing a basic glossy black. You fingerprints will imprint everywhere in a few minutes. Beams of lights on the lid go up each side and across the middle.
There's also a control to start up a secondary Linux-based OS called Asus Express Gate. This lets you get faster access to the Web, Skype, and IM, as well as music and photos on the laptop without waiting for Windows to boot--although we find that consumers rarely use these pre-Windows environments.
The keyboard on the G71GX is a decent size and there is a separate number pad. However, the keys make a strange almost metallic clacking noise and the keyboard itself shifts slightly from side to side.
