Asus G1 Laptop for Gamers

Intro

The ASUS G1 is one of two notebooks Asus recently introduced targeted for the
gaming community.  Based on the latest Intel Core 2 Duo Mobile Technology the
ASUS G1 provides graphic solutions from nVidia with the 7700 512MB graphics card. 
The G1 features a Direct Messenger instant display, side/front speakers, hotkey
highlights as well as sidelights. The LCD cover of the G1 comes equipped with
special in-mold decoration design that gives the notebook an instant game
machine identity that stands out from the generic notebook design  The keyboard
of the G1 makes mobile gaming ergonomically comfortable while the W, A, S and D
keys are especially marked with color squares to match the rest of the notebook
color scheme.

Price:

The price for the G1 Gaming Notebook is $1799 USD.  I consider the G1 a good buy
based on the features and accessories included with the machine.   

Windows XP Media Center Edition

Intel Core 2 Duo 2.00GHz T7200 667MHz FSB 4MB L2 Cache

15.4" "Glare Type" WSXGA+ w/ Asus Splendid Video Technology

2GB DDR2 667 Dual Channel (2 Dimms)

160GB 5400RPM SATA

8x DVD Super Multi w/ Lightscribe

NVIDIA GeForce Go 7700 512MB

1 x Type I/II PC Card Slot

Gaming bag and Mouse

Gaming feature- ASUS Direct Messenger

Gaming feature - ASUS Direct Flash

Intel 945PM Chipset

RJ11 56K Modem

10/100/1000Mbps LAN

802.11a/b/g Wireless LAN

Bluetooth v2.0 +EDR

4 USB's

1 IEEE 1394

1 x S-Video TV-out, 1 x DVI, 1x VGA

3 Audio Ports

Integrated Sound card

Front/Side Internal Speakers

Vertical Scrolling Touchpad

4-in-1Card Reader

1.3MP Camera

8-cell lithium ion

Approx 3 hours Battery Life

6.84 lbs.

Initial Impression

The laptop & accessories were packaged extremely well. The exterior is very
sharp in person. I was surprised by the highly reflective, glossy carbon fiber
like exterior (view LCD reflecting off of the wrist pad below). This carbon
fiber like design covers the back of the LCD and also on the interior around the
touchpad and keyboard. There is black anodized brushed aluminum accents on the
lower part of the wrist pad and around the touch pad that matches well with the
carbon fiber type design. Coming with a matching backpack & Logitech MX518 Mouse
it all looks very well together. 

Asus also has miniature display (called Direct Messenger Display) between the
keyboard and LCD. Upon start up "ASUS" prominently shows in this display. This
display in combination with the included Direct Messenger Software provides
status for MS Outlook items, phone calls, clock & battery level. You can also
use this software to create your own personal messages that will show on this  display.

Whats included:

1. G1 Box

2. G1 Manual

3. Windows Media Center Restore CD

4. Asus Support Reference Card

5. G1 Quick Start Guide

6. MS Works 8.5 CD

7. G1 Driver CD

8. Power Cord

9. LCD Cleaning Cloth

10. Nero CD

11. Asus DVD

12. A-Video to RCA Adapter

13. Telephone Cable

14. Asus Media Show SE CD

15. Asus Power Director CD

16. G1 Matching Backpack

17. AC Adapter

18 Battery

19. Logitech MX518 Matching Wired Mouse

Screen  (1680x1050) WSXGA Display

When viewing this laptop you can really appreciate the workmanship & design of
this laptop. The design is very sleek. I also liked the hinge design on this
machine. The LCD is sturdy and shows little flex. Pressing on the lid does not
exhibit any ripple on the screen. The horizontal viewing angles are great. The
vertical viewing angles allow some movement up and down and viewing remains
clear. There are 15 brightness levels, the lowest setting is dark but still
viewable. The screen is bright and I feel comfortable viewing at 8/15
brightness level. 

On the G1 there is a green flashing indicator light on each side of the LCD
After reading of the initial specification & pictures from Asus, I was curious
on what the Flash Indicators were going to do. The green flashing indicator
lights blink when Microsoft Direct X 9/10 is running.  

Keyboard & Mouse

The surface of the wrist pad feels very smooth and comfortable when typing.
There is very little flex in general with the keyboard. The ergonomic keyboard
makes mobile gaming comfortable while the W, A, S and D keys are especially
marked with green color squares.

3DMark '05

Using stock nVidia Driver

Score (Stock) - 4256 (450 Core / 400 Memory)

Score (Overclocked) - 4743 (474 Core /
458 Memory)

3DMark '06

Using stock nVidia Driver

Score (Stock) - 2389 (450 Core / 400 Memory)

Score (Overclocked) - 2612 (474 Core /
458 Memory)

(!!Overclock at your own risk!!)

 

Battery run time (with standard 8 cell & all devices enabled)

Screen 50% Brightness:  3 Hour and 21 Minutes

Screen
75% Brightness:  3 Hour and 10 Minutes

Screen 100% Brightness:  2 Hour and 48 Minutes

Software

The G1 comes with Windows Media Center Edition pre-installed on the system.
Some software that is included with the G1 is Norton Internet Security, Nero
with Lightscribe, Virtual Drive, Asus Notebook Probe, Asus Direct Console,
Asus Live Update, Asus Splendid, Asus Net4Switch, Power4 Gear, LifeFrame,
Mult & Asus DVD.

Conclusion

Overall this a good laptop that is unique and
has numerous features & accessories at a good price. The performance is great,
and I would consider this to be a good portable gaming computer.

 

Pros:

 

-Solid build and attractive overall look & design

-Very little flexing

-Built in 1.3MP Camera

-DVI & VGA Output's

-nVidia 7700 512MB

-Good gaming performance

-The "coolness" factor

-Packed with accessories and many features at a good price

-Decent Battery Life

-Laptop runs very cool & quiet

-Good Port Layout

Cons:

-Would like to see a 9 Cell Battery

-Programming of Direct Messenger can be difficult-

-More options with the flashing indicator lights

-Would like to see Instant On DVD Playing with Front Audio DJ

-Direct Console software is buggy with other applications such as Access and causes problems with hibernation / stand-by

This review was done by
www.xoticpc.com