Gaming/School laptop

[smasker]

Hello this is my first post here. I just wanted to ask if anyone know a good laptop for both school and gaming would be. I've been looking at the ASUS G53. Its looks nice but im concerned about the mobility. I really want it to last long and it still keeping in shape. My budget will be around those 2000$ at max.

Thanks for any advise :)

[powerpack]

You are stuck. Yes the G53 will be a very nice gamer. Yes not the most mobile in size or battery life. The problem is any shift you make toward mobility will take away from gaming.

If you need the mobility for say note taking in class many in the past have suggested get the gamer and a netbook.

The size swing in the 15/16 class is a little over 1 1/2lbs. Battery life is not great with any.

If you go down to a 13.3" Asus U36JC-1. You get great mobility. Under 4lbs and 10hr batt life. It can do some gaming does have a discrete GPU. But it is a major gaming step down.

If I could decide between U36 and G53 based on needs I would do one of those. The middle ground between the two of those is not appealing to me. They do not offer both mobility and performance.

Post back if you can mention what you are willing to sacrifice I might adjust my suggestions.

To be clear the G53 is not the only good gamer but I am not recommending any other gamers because I see no difference between them and G53 for your issues.

If you want to consider a netbook and G53 is over budget I might sugest a good gamer for less than G53.

[JP@XoticPC]

Hey Smasker, thanks for your interest in XoticPC! The ASUS G53JW-A1 is definitely a great system. Also, we've got a current promotion allowing you to add 2GB of RAM at no extra cost, for a total of 8GB of RAM. I can definitely understand your concern about mobility, and I might add that the G53 comes with a Targus backpack included at no extra cost.

I guess my only questions would pertain to preference in screen size and also resolution. The G53 has 1080p resolution, of course, but I do know there are some people who prefer the 1680 x 1050 resolution, a 16:10 ratio.

Also, how much does weight factor into your decision?

Edit: My thunder was stolen by powerpack. Let us know what you think!

[powerpack]

Smasker one other option I forgot is get the U36 for about $1000. Then maybe build a desktop for gaming. What is better about this is your mobile has some real horse power. I had an Asus 14" w/HD3650, the 310 is close to that. I could play COD 4 demo on the highest settings XGA at about 30fps avg I think. Turn a couple things down over 40 fps. For casual gaming that is not bad. I did Crysis Demo at 800x600 and found it enjoyable. BioShock XGA also was fun. And the mobility was great.

You can see I have the G73. I love it. The build and look with the backlit keyboard is great. The performance is out standing. The G53 is mostly the same.

JP mentioned the backpack. That is a very good point I somehow skipped. So let me ask and comment. If by mobility you are worried about size? I have the 17.3 and with the backpack it is not hard at all. I even carry my camera bag with FHD video recorder and camera. And many other items. I usually carry only over one shoulder and walk to trains and such. If physical size is a concern in that way I think it is mobile.

As far as in class I don't think it will vary much with any 15/16. The foot prints are very close with all.

If the battery aspect of G53 is the issue. That is a real problem, and there just is no way around that. Kind of like you can't have a fast car that gets 50mpg. Some buy a 2nd battery?

I am a big fan of the U36 right now.

[smasker]

That could be an option. Would it be able to play wow cataclysm/left 4 dead 2 etc. and school? and what about cooling? is it good? what upgrades should i add?

[JP@XoticPC]

That could be an option. Would it be able to play wow cataclysm/left 4 dead 2 etc. and school? and what about cooling? is it good? what upgrades should i add?

If you went with the G53, it would be able to handle just about anything you could throw at it. Just make sure to bump up the RAM to 8GB and grab the blu-ray drive upgrade for only $47. Other than that, you'll get the free mouse and backpack with it! Also free UPS Ground shipping!

If you were to go with the U36, it doesn't need too many upgrades, but you may want to take a look at maybe bumping the RAM up to 6GB 1333 MHz for a little extra oomph and possibly take a look at the 500 GB hybrid HDD Seagate XT.

You may already know this, but I just wanna make sure you do. the U36 does NOT come with a CD/DVD drive. We do offer a slim external CD/DVD combo drive for only $19.

Last but not least, and this is true of both laptops, you'll probably want to take the upgrade to the Intel Wireless N-6200 card AT LEAST. the N-6300 has an extra antenna which may help boost signal a little bit.

And hey, if you do order a computer from us, be sure to tell them JP sent you from the forums. :biggrin:

[smasker]

Thinking about buying this:
http:i//www.xoticpc.com/asus-n53jqa1-p-2831.html?wconfigure=yes
With IC Diamond Thermal Compound
10 GB RAM
4x Blu-ray reader
Full Size Aluminum Cooler
Intel® Ultimate-N 6300
Price is $1367 which is cool with me.
Will it play modern games right now?

[JP@XoticPC]

Thinking about buying this:
http:i//www.xoticpc.com/asus-n53jqa1-p-2831.html?wconfigure=yes
With IC Diamond Thermal Compound
10 GB RAM
4x Blu-ray reader
Full Size Aluminum Cooler
Intel® Ultimate-N 6300
Price is $1367 which is cool with me.
Will it play modern games right now?

Sounds great! That extra RAM should help out.

According to this info (http://www.notebookcheck.net/NVIDIA-Geforce-GT-425M.34152.0.html), the GT 425M should be able to play modern games, but on medium settings. It also says on less demanding games you should be able to kick it up a notch.

Like I said, let'em know JP sent you, I'll keep track of your order. :)