Introduction
The ASUS G73Jw-A1, a gaming laptop released in 2011, was a powerhouse in its day. It was a true beast of a machine with a sleek design, exceptional performance, and a range of features that made it a desirable choice for gamers and creative professionals alike. However, as with any technology, time has marched on, and the G73Jw-A1 is no longer considered a top-of-the-line device. But for those looking for a reliable and powerful machine on a budget, the G73Jw-A1 still holds its own. In this comprehensive review, we'll delve into the strengths and weaknesses of the ASUS G73Jw-A1, explore its key specifications, and assess its relevance in today's market.
Design and Build Quality
The G73Jw-A1 boasted a sleek and aggressive design that was typical of gaming laptops in the early 2010s. Its black exterior with red accents was a signature look, and the large chassis exuded an air of power and sophistication. The laptop's construction was solid, with a metal lid and a sturdy base that felt premium in hand. It was not a lightweight machine, weighing in at over 6 pounds, but it was built to withstand the rigors of everyday use.
The keyboard was a standout feature of the G73Jw-A1. It featured a full-size layout with a dedicated number pad, which was a rarity in gaming laptops at the time. The keys had good travel and feedback, making typing and gaming a comfortable experience. The touchpad was also responsive and accurate, but it could feel a little small for the size of the laptop.
Key Features:
- Sleek and aggressive design with black exterior and red accents
- Sturdy metal lid and base
- Full-size keyboard with dedicated number pad
- Responsive and accurate touchpad
- Weight: Over 6 pounds
Strengths:
- Solid build quality
- Well-designed keyboard
- Attractive design
Weaknesses:
- Large and heavy
- Touchpad could feel small
Display
The G73Jw-A1 featured a 17.3-inch LED-backlit display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. This was a standard resolution for gaming laptops at the time, and it provided sharp and vibrant visuals for games and multimedia content. The screen had a matte finish, which helped to reduce glare, and the viewing angles were decent, though not as wide as some modern displays.
Key Features:
- 17.3-inch LED-backlit display
- 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution
- Matte finish to reduce glare
- Decent viewing angles
Strengths:
- Sharp and vibrant visuals
- Matte finish reduces glare
Weaknesses:
- Viewing angles could be wider
Performance
The G73Jw-A1 was a powerhouse in its day, equipped with a powerful Intel Core i7-2630QM processor, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 560M graphics card, and 8GB of RAM. This combination of hardware allowed the G73Jw-A1 to handle demanding games and applications with ease.
We can compare the G73Jw-A1 to some modern gaming laptops to see how it fares.
G73Jw-A1 vs. Modern Gaming Laptops
| Feature | G73Jw-A1 | Modern Gaming Laptop |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i7-2630QM | Intel Core i9-12900HK |
| Graphics Card | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 560M | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 |
| RAM | 8GB | 16GB or 32GB |
| Storage | 750GB HDD | 1TB SSD or 2TB SSD |
| Display Resolution | 1920 x 1080 | 2560 x 1440 or 3840 x 2160 |
| Battery Life | 3-4 hours | 6-8 hours |
As you can see, the G73Jw-A1 is significantly outpaced by modern gaming laptops in terms of processing power, graphics capabilities, RAM, and storage. However, it's important to remember that the G73Jw-A1 was released in 2011, and technology has advanced significantly since then.
Battery Life
The G73Jw-A1's battery life was a mixed bag. It provided around 3-4 hours of use on a single charge, which was decent for a gaming laptop of its time, but not impressive by today's standards. While the battery life was sufficient for casual use, it would require frequent charging during extended gaming sessions.
Key Features:
- Battery life: 3-4 hours
Strengths:
- Decent battery life for a gaming laptop of its time
Weaknesses:
- Battery life is not as long as modern laptops
Connectivity and Ports
The G73Jw-A1 was well-equipped with a variety of connectivity options, including:
- Gigabit Ethernet
- 802.11n Wi-Fi
- Bluetooth 2.1
- HDMI
- DisplayPort
- VGA
- USB 3.0
- USB 2.0
- SD card reader
- Microphone jack
- Headphone jack
This wide range of ports and connectivity options made it easy to connect to external displays, peripherals, and networks.
Strengths:
- Extensive connectivity options
Weaknesses:
- No Thunderbolt port
Audio
The G73Jw-A1 featured integrated speakers that provided decent sound quality, but they lacked the power and clarity of dedicated audio systems. While they were sufficient for everyday use, serious gamers or audiophiles would likely want to invest in external speakers or headphones.
Strengths:
- Decent integrated speakers
Weaknesses:
- Lack of dedicated audio systems
Software and Features
The G73Jw-A1 came pre-installed with Windows 7 Home Premium, which was a popular operating system at the time. It also included several pre-installed utilities and applications designed to enhance the gaming experience, such as ASUS GameFirst II and NVIDIA GeForce Experience.
Key Features:
- Windows 7 Home Premium
- ASUS GameFirst II
- NVIDIA GeForce Experience
Strengths:
- Useful software and features for gaming
Conclusion
The ASUS G73Jw-A1 was a powerful and well-designed gaming laptop that was a force to be reckoned with in its time. Its sleek design, solid build quality, and powerful performance made it a popular choice for gamers and creative professionals. However, as with any technology, time has marched on, and the G73Jw-A1 is no longer considered a top-of-the-line device. Its battery life and display technology are now considered outdated, and its performance lags behind modern gaming laptops.
Despite its age, the G73Jw-A1 can still be a viable option for budget-minded gamers or users looking for a powerful machine for less demanding tasks. Its robust build and extensive connectivity options make it a reliable and versatile machine.
However, if you're looking for the latest technology and performance, you'll need to look at newer models. The G73Jw-A1 is a relic of a bygone era, but it holds a special place in the history of gaming laptops.
FAQs
Q1: What is the biggest advantage of the ASUS G73Jw-A1?
A1: The ASUS G73Jw-A1's biggest advantage is its powerful performance, thanks to its Intel Core i7-2630QM processor, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 560M graphics card, and 8GB of RAM. This combination allowed it to handle demanding games and applications with ease.
Q2: What is the biggest disadvantage of the ASUS G73Jw-A1?
A2: The biggest disadvantage of the G73Jw-A1 is its age. The technology is outdated compared to modern laptops, and its performance is no longer considered top-of-the-line.
Q3: Is the ASUS G73Jw-A1 still worth buying in 2023?
A3: Whether the ASUS G73Jw-A1 is still worth buying in 2023 depends on your individual needs and budget. If you're looking for a budget-friendly option for less demanding tasks, it could be a good choice. However, if you need the latest technology and performance, you'll need to look at newer models.
Q4: What are some alternatives to the ASUS G73Jw-A1?
A4: There are many alternatives to the ASUS G73Jw-A1 available in 2023, depending on your budget and needs. Some popular options include the ASUS ROG Strix G15, the Acer Nitro 5, and the Lenovo Legion 5.
Q5: What are the best features of the ASUS G73Jw-A1?
A5: The best features of the ASUS G73Jw-A1 include its sleek design, solid build quality, powerful performance, and extensive connectivity options. It also has a well-designed keyboard and a decent display.