Asus G53JW (A1 & 3DE) Owners' Lounge

Hello all,

As we all know, the G53JW in now available, and here is the Owners' lounge. Firstly, I ordered the G73JH, didn't like it and sold it, bought the G73JW, didn't like it and sold it and NOW I am getting this mini-beast. Until I get mine from PortableOne, keep this thread alive with pics and reviews of this beast laptop.

Record: Voodooi First user to get it



Specifications:

G53JW-3DE:

-15.6" LED High Definition (1366 x768) (120Hz)
-Intel® Core™ 2 Quad Processor i7-740QM 1.60GHz up-to 2.8GHz with Intel® Turbo Boost Technology
-6GB DDR3 (8GB Max)
-NV GTX 460M 1.5G GDDR5 VRAM
-750G 7200RPM Hard Drive
-Blu-Ray Combo Drive
-Windows 7 Home Premium (64 bit)
-802.11 bgn
-On board 10/100/1000 Mbps Fast Ethernet Controller
-Integrated BlueTooth
-3 x USB 2.0, 1 x USB 3.0 ports
-8 in 1 card reader SDXC,MMC,MS,MS-Pro,MS-Duo
-2.0MP Web Cam
-8 cell Battery
-7.9 lbs with 8 cell battery 15.6" x 11.9" x 0.8" - 2"
-Color: Black
-FREE Gaming Backpack & Gaming mouse / Nvidia 3D Vision Kit
-MS Office Ready (60 Day Trial-required additional license to activate)
-Energy Star 4.0 Compliant
-2YR Global/1YR Accidental Damage/30-Day Zero Bright Dot/2-way FREE shipping/24-7 tech support


G53JW-A1:

-15.6" FHD (1920x1080) (LED)
-Intel® Core™ 2 Quad Processor i7-740QM 1.60GHz up-to 2.8GHz with Intel® Turbo Boost Technology
-6GB DDR3 (8GB Max)
-NV GTX 460M 1.5G GDDR5 VRAM
-750G 7200RPM Hard Drive
-Super Multi Drive
-Windows 7 Home Premium (64 bit)
-802.11 bgn
-On board 10/100/1000 Mbps Fast Ethernet Controller
-Integrated BlueTooth
-3 x USB 2.0, 1 x USB 3.0 ports
-8 in 1 card reader SDXC,MMC,MS,MS-Pro,MS-Duo
-2.0MP Web Cam
-8 cell Battery
-7.9 lbs with 8 cell battery 15.6" x 11.9" x 0.8" - 2"<
-Color: Black
-FREE Gaming Backpack & Gaming mouse / USB 3.0 / Illuminated Keyboard
-MS Office Ready (60 Day Trial-required additional license to activate)
-Energy Star 4.0 Compliant
-2YR Global/1YR Accidental Damage/30-Day Zero Bright Dot/2-way FREE shipping/24-7 tech support


Great Guide By Ken Lee at GentechPC to mod the keyboard backlight for G73/G51/G53:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/asu...-reviews-owners-lounges/asus...ml#post6710457

( Thanks Ken for such a great Mod.)


GenTechPC Review:

YouTube - Asus ROG G53JW nVidia GTX460M Gaming Notebook overview

XoticPC Review:

Part 1:
YouTube - ASUS G53JW - A1 ROG Gaming Laptop Part 1 of 2 Review by XOTIC PC


Part 2:
YouTube - ASUS G53JW - A1 ROG Gaming Laptop Part 2 of 2 Review by XOTIC PC

BTOtech Review
YouTube - BTOtech.com | Asus G53Jw-A1 Gaming Notebook with nvidia gtx 460m Asus G53Jw review G53 benchamarks



Benches & Temps:

Xotic PC:




GentechPC:




Removing Access Panel ( Thanks Ken from GentechPC):


12.5mm drive should be no problem since the G73 series can take it, EDIT G73 and G53 do NOT uses same HDD bracket ( Thanks to Justin@xoticpc for this correction)



750GB drive is 9.5mm.


Also it's not easy to access hard drives on G53JW, the access cover on the bottom does not have screws, the screws is under the pamlrest.

So in order to remove the access panel on the bottom you must first

1: remove the keyboard:



2: Remove the palmrest:



3: Remove 9 screws:



4: before you can remove the access cover for HDD, Wireless and 2 RAM slots:


______________________________________________________________

Famous & Respectable Resellers selling it:

ASUS G53JW-A1:

PortableOne:
ASUS G53JW-A1|15.6|FHD|1920x1080|LED|i7-740QM|1.73GHz|6GB|750GB|DVD|ROG

GentechPC:
Asus G53JW-A1 15.6" FHD/NV GTX460M 1.5GB GDDR5/i7-740QM/6GB DDR3/750GB 7200rpm/DVDRW/Win7HP64: GenTech PC Store

XoticPC:
ASUS G53JW-A1 - XOTIC PC - Republic of Gamers Laptop

BTOtech:
Asus G53Jw-A1 Intel Core I7-740qm 8gb DDR3 500gb 7200rpm NVIDIA GTX 460M DVDRW 15.6

Powernotebooks:
ASUS G53JW-A1 Republic of Gamers Laptops
Provantage:
PROVANTAGE: Asus G53JW-A1 Black 15.6 inch I7-740QM (1.73GHZ Quad-Core) 6GB DDR3 750G 7200

ASUS G53JW-3DE:


PortableOne:
ASUS G53JW-3DE|15.6|HD|1366 x768|LED|120Hz|i7-740QM|1.73GHz|3D|6GB|750GB|Blu-Ray

GentechPC:
Asus G53JW-3DE 15.6" HD 120Hz/NV GTX460M 1.5GB GDDR5/i7-740QM/6GB DDR3/750GB 7200/Blu-Ray/ In Stock: GenTech PC Store

XoticPC:
ASUS G53JW-3DE ROG 3D Gaming Laptop - XOTIC PC

BTOtech:

N/A

Powernotebooks:
ASUS G53JW-3DE Republic of Gamers Laptops

Provantage:
PROVANTAGE: Asus G53JW-3DE Asus Notebook EN 15.6 inch G53JW-3DE Intel COREI7-740QM 750G 6G GTX460M WIN7HP Black RTL

CNET.uk review:
Asus G53JW Review | Laptops | CNET UK

Additional Video:

YouTube - ASUS G53 3D ROG laptop.mpg

FAQ ( great thanks to RapboY for this wonderful FAQ):

Alternate Configurations
- ASUS G53JW-XA1 from Amazon
- ASUS G53JW-XR1 from bestdirect.ca

General Comments
- Great bang for buck.
- Huge for a 15" laptop.
- Almost the same as the G73.
- Power cord can get in the way of mouse for right handed people.
- Touchpad buttons are too stiff and loud.
- Some people have been having trouble with Mozilla Firefox. If you're one of them, try using Google Chrome instead.

FAQ
1. What's the difference between the G53 and the G73?

Spoiler

Not much noticeable difference between the two besides the size. The G53 is also made out of a slightly different material, much harder to open, and does not have a separate subwoofer. The G53 also requires a lot of work if you want to replace its parts.

2. Does it have any heating issues?

Spoiler

No, it runs pretty cool especially in the palm rest area. It stays mostly stays below 80C. The fans don't kick into their highest speed until the GPU hits 80 so it stays mostly quiet.

3. How long is the battery life?

Spoiler

2h15m with wifi off and 2h05m with wifi on and two firefox tabs.

4. Why doesn't the battery reach 100% charge?

Spoiler

It is mostly normal and is generally assumed to be a precautionary measure for overcharging.

5. How is the performance of this game with regards to gaming?

Spoiler

Most games play fine on high/ultra setting except for Crysis/Metro 2033. But both are still playable. World of Warcraft with everything on Ultra runs fine - 50-60fps in big wintergrasp battles or raids, 30fps in crowded dalaran and over 100fps everywhere else.

6. Why doesn't my laptop have a 2nd HDD bracket?

Spoiler

The ASUS G53JAW-A1 does not come with the 2nd HDD bracket. You have to order it from an ASUS dealer that is authorized to do upgrades.

7. Why can't my laptop play Blu-ray discs?

Spoiler

Well, the obvious initial question for you is, "Do you have a Blu-ray ROM?" If not, then you have to buy one and replace the default DVD drive. If yes, then your vendor probably did not provide you a Blu-ray software. You have to go to ASUSTeK Computer Inc.-Support- and select Notebook in the first drop down, Apps in the second, and ASUSDVD in the third.It is a large download but it will get your Blu-ray drive going.

8. What should I do if my FN (function) keys stop working?

Spoiler

Go into Program Files (x86)> ASUS> ATK Hotkey and double click hcontrol.

9. Why does my laptop hibernate even if I disable hibernation?

Spoiler

You have to open up Power4Gear Hybird. Disable the option in "Miscellaneous Power Setting" for Hibernation.

10. Should I upgrade the wireless card?

Spoiler

The stock card is decent, but the upgrade is cheap and several users have reported improved speed and stability.

11. How do I control the 3d settings (for 3DE)?

Spoiler

The nvidia control panel on your computer has short cuts to reduce depth, conversion, etc. Alt+F3 and Alt+F4 reduces and increses depth, respectively. Alt+F12 enables/disables the 3d sight. Go the the nvidia control panel by going to hardware and sound in the control panel.

Useful Links
- 260.99 driver download link
- 260.99 driver download alternate link
- ASUS G73JW Discussion Thread
- ASUS Utitlity and Bloatware Guide
- ASUS Laptop Clean Install Guide

User Links
- G53JW Review by Voodooi
- Cosmetic Review by Butr0sButr0s
- Guide for Disassembling the G53JW and Installing 2nd Hard Drive by bendok
- Powercord/brick photos by Ursinus
- Powerbrick brand photo by Ursinus
- ASUS G53JW-A1 Overview by ibraveheart
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- Black Ops Gameplay by ibraveheart
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NB: If you have any additional info. that you want to be added, then it would be my pleasure to add it, just shoot me a PM.




TipTip

 

Thanks for building the library TipTip. A good one stop shop.

'We now return to our previously scheduled impatient waiting'

 

1 rep point for u thx for job

 

May I ask what you did not like about the G73JW and how it would differ from a model only slightly smaller. Genuinely curious.

 

Personally - it is only an inch smaller but that is still measureable. The G53 is heavy enough and the extra pound for the G73 is 13% more. Basically it is still a bit bigger and heavier than I might want, but the compromise between that and the equipment it comes with and the fan setup make for a fair balance. I like the G73, however the G53 pushes my limits as is.

 

Hi tiptip please do include the asus g53jw-xa1 thats on sale on amazon.com for 1300$..

 

Definitely subscribed.

 

it says out of stock for me, is that because its sold out or because they haven't even gotten it yet? And does anybody who ordered it from there have an ETA on when they should be arriving?

 

Not in stock and no ETA. I would guess that units will show up as soon as they are available at other retailers. (Maybe next week but more likely late November)

 

I was psyched when the G73JW was announced. Even more so when the G53JW was announced at almost $200 plus cheaper with almost exact specs in the right places. The specs on offer for a $1500 laptop is astounding to say the least. But after watching the Youtube video reviews of the G53, I have to admit that my initial excitement has definitely gone down.

Here are a few of the kinks that made it a deal-breaker for me:

1) Its ridiculous that you have to literally disassemble the whole laptop to just gain access to the Hard Disk and the RAM. I am not an expert with laptop disassembly, but I definitely know how to remove a couple of screws and a panel to remove/change my HDD & RAM. And that's all that I ever want to do. Not remove a zillion screws and then lose track of which is which and what goes where, risk breaking parts, and risk not putting everything back as it was.

2) Still no RAID?? I thought ASUS would have listened to their customers who demanded it on the G73.

3) If in the future if I want to add another HDD or SSD, I need that metal casing thing(forgot what its actually called) to be able to attach it onto the 2nd dock. Its funny that ASUS wont just put it in even if it is empty so that users can add a 2nd hard drive by themselves.

4) According to the video I saw on youtube, the G53 has only 3 ports for RAM. I'd really have liked to have the standard 4 ports.

5) The finishing seems to have changed drastically from that of the G73. No rubberized matte finish anymore and just hard matte plastic that is supposedly less resistant to fingerprint oils.

6) The G53 is HUGE! 1.7 inches smaller on the screen size than the G73 but the overall size is still just barely smaller and lighter than the enormous G73. What's with the plus size dimensions? I'd have preferred to carry around a 15.6'' laptop with less effort.

Anyway, IMO these are the main points of dissension for me. I think I'll go back to drooling over pictures of the G73JW till I get mine a coupla weeks from now. It may not be perfect but it offers excellent value for money.

 

Why are so many people going mental on this...yes it is a pain but honestly, how often do you change the HDD in your laptop?

It has got 4 ports, but they only found it later next to the empty slot under the keyboard.

 

Yes thats true but it also makes it harder when it comes time to cleaning out the dust from your fans, heatsink, etc. I know people who do this every couple months. Plus I plan on doing upgrades to the RAM and Hard Drive later after I buy it and am not looking forward to taking it apart like that. The G73jw does seem more convenient when it comes to this.

 

I´m not looking forward to it either when thinking about putting my SSD into it, but it definitely is not a deal breaker for me. I have not cleaned the dust out of my G50Vt in 20 month and never had a problem with it.

 

Actually, I do it quite often; at least twice a month. I also plan on doing upgrades on the HDD and RAM myself in the future. See, I have two reasons why the accessibility is such a problem for me.
1) Pure Unadulterated Chronic laziness. Seriously. Disassembling a whole laptop to get to the HDD and RAM is just too much work for me.

2) I don't plan on doing many modifications by myself but if I do and something goes wrong, I'd prefer to tinker around with it first before sending it out to a service center. I live in the Middle East and I won't relish having to spend a lot of money on shipping to the US and also be without a laptop for 2-3 weeks at a time.

Its good to know that the G53 has 4 ports for the RAM.

I don't have anything against this laptop. I love its looks, its specs(hell yeah!) and its price, but its the small niggling things that give me an itch. When I'm spending $1500 plus on a gaming rig, I'd really appreciate all the conveniences that I can get and not just settle for something that'll keep bothering me all the time.

 

BUmping this thread for more ppl to post in it. Or is it cuz only 1 of us has it so far? Either way, we should soon be seeing more posts in here than the other thread in the Gaming section.

Hoping to be an avid poster in here VERY soon.

 

Anyone have a working link to the backlight mod thread for this notebook? The link in the first post isn't working and I can't seem to find it with the forum search.

 

http://forum.notebookreview.com/asu...m/515430-asus-g73jw-discussion-thread-20.html

 

@ Magnificus I agree. The G53 is a non-starter for me. It's getting a Macbook Pro 5 generations ago where you have to remove 22 screws to change the hard drive.

No thanks

 

Does Asus release/make accessible the manuals/guides for their lappies so we can look at how to take it apart n stuff? This would be really helpful for ppl like me, who don't want to send it in and lose 2-4weeks of productivity.

TYIA!

 

Great points and I agree 100%.
I really want to like this laptop(still do) but after I add everything up I'm still on the fence.
Don't get me wrong it's a excellent laptop with awesome gaming potential but I too like to add my own hardware when I get the itch, to take the whole laptop apart to just to add components really seems like a PITA.
Hard finish is disappointing also, everything else I can deal with but those are the 2 main reasons.
Saying all that more than likely I still just might get one
Just waiting for some reviews to see if there are any major issues that stand out.

 

Ahh good to see you IKAS. What was your other choice other than the G53?

 

G73 and maybe a CLEVO W860CU just for the optional 470M GTX.
My main goals are
1) get the best bang for your buck.
2) upgradability, I want easy it and fast, take off the bottom panel and bam! It's all right there.

 

I agree with the above statement. I have the np8690 and it is very easy. When the new nvidia cards come out I may just snag one up and put in here. I will see what people say about real world performance

 

Do websites like Xoticpc and powernotebook offer discounts on laptops during black friday? I would like to know because the 1st wave of asus g53 are out and I will gladly wait a month to save some extra money. Thanks.

 

best thing to do is contact justin from xotic directly via the website and ask for a sure answer

 

Might want to add the XA1 from Amazon. Just preo-rdered it. Hopefully they get some in stock soon.

Edit: I haven't had any problems with Amazon so far, but I've only done small pre-orders; nothing like this.

 

You mean you preordered it. Keep an eye out on your account/bankaccount/cc account. They get shady when it comes to preorders. Keep in mind that amazon DOES NOT call you to confirm your order. If you do receive a call, immediately report it to amazon via a phone call to the company itself--ESPECIALLY if you receive a middle-eastern/Indian-accent sounding person like the one that called me. This happened to me when I "preordered" the GX640, and the CSR that I reported this to, and his supervisor, and HIS supervisor, AND the supervisor of their investigations department ALL confirmed that it was not amazon doing the call. They stated that the only kind of communication amazon does is through email, and ONLY through email. So since then, I've been reallllllly hesitant of ordering through amazon. Just thought you might want to know, so that you may cancel/keep a closer eye on your preorder at Amazon.

EDIT (10/27): Hmm.. Amazon's still not in stock yet, and neither are any of our favorite resellers. Wonder what's the holdup, Asus?

 

Does anyone actually STOCK this unit - US or Canada (prefer Canada) ? I've gone ahead with the G73jw, which I really like (except for size) and would like to get the G53jw-A1 for mobility (yeah really!LOL).
Thanks!

 

I think there were people saying the G53 is not really that much smaller, yet much more difficult to upgrade. I'd personally stay with the G73JW.

Cheers,

 

I think that little 1 inch makes it that much easier to tote around..

 

I already own the G73jw (see signature), and am quite happy with it. I am looking to purchase the G53jw-A1 in addition, as my portable machine - hence the reason I asked if anyone in the US or Canada (prefer Canada) actually has this unit in stock. So I can buy it!

Anybody?

 

Hey guys, I found this site that sells the G53jw-a1 for only 1430 flat, NO TAX + FREE SHIPPING + a free cheapy mouse thats like 24$ lol!

and IT'S IN STOCK too. I just ordered mine this morning and its shipped out.

But I don't know, it feels kinda weird cause everywhere is Pre-Order but this site ACTUALLY HAVE IT. SO I don't know how legit it is, I read reviews on the site and its both bad/good all together... So its hard to decide. but I'm still a little worried, I hope they don't send me some other Asus model...

But ya, you guys should check it out. This place is cheapest compared to others. The next cheapest is Xoticpc.com (no tax here either).

This spec i got stock specs 6gb, everything else stock for 1430, and at Xoticpc.com its 1450(w/ cash discout) w/ 8gb ram and everything else stock - but its on pre-order so it'll take 4-6weeks for it...

ASUS G53JW-A1 - Intel Corei7-740QM - 15.6 inch Notebook

I'll update, once I get the laptop to see if its LEGIT...

 

I got mine yesterday, and I bought it from them. I'm very happy with it.

 

Nice!! now i can stop worrying lol... and everything is as it's description? like 1333mhz rams, etc...

 

Hello,

Brand new to these forums (and to laptops in general).

I've been using a Dell Inspiron 6400 for four years, given to me as a gift in university. Looking to do a major upgrade.

I've been doing some research and it looks like the G73JW has been getting great reviews. However, the G53JW is like 3-400 dollars less, and essentially the same components (if I order from XOTIC PC, I can upgrade to 8 GB RAM no charge, so the only difference that I can see is the screen size and hard drive).

I'm wondering, though, about the heating in the G53JW. I've read a lot about how the G73JH had some heating issues, which apparently the G73JW has corrected. I think I would like to go with the G53JW, but only if it's as reliable and cool as the G73JW supposedly is. Otherwise, I'd rather spend the extra money to save myself headaches down the road.

Does anyone know if the G53 is essentially identical to the G73JW save for size/hard drive space, or if there are any differences/issues/etc.?

(Some other computers I've been looking at are the Alienware M11x/M15x, the HP Envy 15/17 and the Dell XPS 15/17. The M11x is too small, the M15x seems to have somewhat outdated components compared to the G53/73 for the same price, and from what I've read the Envy and XPS have some heating issues. My goal is to find something reliable that will last a few years. Not very knowledgeable when it comes to PC maintenance...)

EDIT

I should add that like LostInCanada, I'm also shopping in Canada (Toronto)... Seems like XOTIC PC ships here and they've been getting good mentions in the G73JW Owner's Lounge. But if you guys know a better/equal place to pick up a G73/53 in Canada, I would appreciate the info!

 

I talked to one of the guys at Xoticpc, and they said the G53jw runs very cool (no heating issues, since they have the new cooling system?). For lasting several years? G53jw just came out so we don't really know, but its pretty much identical to the G73jw.

If you want to go for the G53jw-a1 try abesofmaine.com, its 1430 for the 6gb rams though and ITS AVAILABLE.

at Xoticpc its 1450 for 8gb rams and everything else stock, BUT ONLY PRE ORDER (so it'll take at least 1-2 month before you get yours). read my older post about the price comparison.

So you can always get another 4gb ram or something, since there's 4 slots on this machine. But depends on you, if you want to get it now or wait...

 

OH by the way, I DID TONS OF RESEARCH on a gaming laptop for myself... and the G53jw seems perfect because of the pricing/graphic cards (rank 14 on http://www.notebookcheck.net/Mobile-Graphics-Cards-Benchmark-List.844.0.html), and components...

At one point I was gonna go for the G73jw but then it might be too big to carry around and stuff and its more expensive w/ the same stuff...

SO i stuck w/ the g53jw... I'm getting it 11/03 so i'll post more about it when i get it...

 

oh yea... don't worry man!!

 

Hi there,

The cooling in the G73jw is excellent, the G53 is essentially the same unit except they start you out with only one HDD (expandable to two and you can upgrade to SSD if you want) and apparently you have to do a lot of disassembly to add components. That doesn't bother me - plenty of info available online and these forums have been very helpful.

I did a whack of research before buying my G73jw - I was considering the HP8740w, Lenovo thinkpad701, the Asus G53jw and the Alienware M15/17x.

My last laptop was an HP, plagued with overheating issues, and I decided the new design didn't convince me it wouldn't have the same problem. Lenovo was way to expensive, Alienware is owned by Dell and I flat out refuse to ever buy anything from Dell. Ever. A month ago the Asus G53jw wasn't listed on either the Canada or US Asus sites (found it on the international site) and everybody was taking pre-orders only. The G73 kept popping up in reviews so I waffled briefly between the JH and JW and ultimately chose to go with the stock JW-A1. I love it.

I did all my comparison shopping for my 4 shortlisted models through shopbot.ca and ultimately bought my G73jw from Best Direct.ca It was cheaper to buy from them (free shipping too) than any US price I found using other online search bots. So add to that exchange, customs fees and GST - forget it!

Bottom line is, if you don't mind waiting a bit, the G53jw (both versions but I'd suggest the A-1) will be available in Canada soon enough - keep your eye on shopbot.ca That model is listed in Canadian locations as pre-order, but I bet you'll see it soon as available. If you can get it from Best Direct.ca, the service is excellent and I believe they ship from Toronto as well as Vancouver, where mine came from. I may just send them an email and ask them if they will be listing it soon.

If you do find a good place to purchase, please let me know as I would also like the G53jw (not sure which configuration yet)

 

G53JW definitely doesn't have any heating issues! Runs pretty cool and the palm rest feels really cool after several hours of running (not gaming tho). I think it is identical to G73JW other than the size...

I don't know where to buy in Canada, however I know many online merchandisers in the US don't have it in stock, except Abe's of Maine where I bought mine from. They have it IN STOCK! If you don't wanna wait and you are okay with the custom fees (I have no idea how much it is, should not be too much), you can order yours from them... I recommend them because I'm very happy with my purchase!

 

Wow, great information guys. Thanks!

LostinCanada: I checked out bestdirect.ca and it looks like they have the G53JW-A1 and XR1 in stock in Vancouver! (Free ground mail shipping to Ontario.) I'm going to email them to see if they would upgrade the RAM in the A1 to 8 GB from 6 - it seems like a lot of the U.S. sites are doing it free.

The size comparison between the 73 and 53 in the Gentech PC review video - YouTube - Asus ROG G53JW nVidia GTX460M Gaming Notebook overview - kinda made me realize that I wouldn't mind saving the extra 200 bucks to get the 53. I don't think access to components will be an issue for me. I'm not the most knowledgeable person when it comes to computers (although I would like to learn one day), so I don't think I would be opening the computer up very much. But it can be done if I need to do it.

I also don't really need the Blu-ray player. And the XOTIC PC video review talks about a difference in the material on the case between the 73 and 53, but from how he described it, I don't think I'll find it an issue.

Anyway, I'll report back when I hear from bestdirect.ca. Thanks again!

 

Great! Let us know how you make out with the upgrade Are you saying their model doesn't offer the Blu-Ray?

 

It looks like the G53JW-A1 build they're selling (on bestdirect) comes with a DVD Super Multi. The specs for the G53 on Asus' website say that it can come with either DVD, Blu-ray/Dvd or a Blu-ray writer. The G73 comes with a Blu-ray/DVD. Some U.S. sites I've seen allow you to adjust the components (i.e. add/remove optical drives), but bestdirect.ca doesn't seem to let you do that...

I emailed them last night but it's the weekend and I'm not hoping to hear from anyone till next week. I wouldn't want to add a Blu-ray player, but going from 6 to 8 GB of RAM would be nice!

 

Yeah. When stuff cross the border you now pay HST (Harmonized Sales Tax) of 12-13% (used to be just GST - 5%). If the retailer forces you to accept a UPS shipment, prepare to get hosed on customs and brokerage fees. Example: I recently paid $300 US for a vehicle cell amplifier/antenna (small, very light box) and UPS hosed me for $86 - only $36 of that was tax - after taking forever to deliver it.

I try and support US retailers that offer USPS shipping - that is the cheapest, best, and often the fastest way to get parcels in northern Canada. USPS does not charge inflated brokerage fees.

 

UPS should ask for your consent before assuming the broker role. A friend of mine did deny UPS the broker role and he was compelled to pay a trip to the nearest CRA and cleared his item duties. Taxes paper got stamped and UPS handed the item to my friend with no brokerage fees charged.

UPS rep's sometimes tell that the item's duties get cleared at the point of entry which does not align very well with Canadian UPS tales flying online.

 

Well, I heard back from bestdirect.ca (on the weekend no less!) and unfortunately they are not able to upgrade the computer before they ship it. They offered to do the upgrade if I brought the computer to their store in Vancouver, but I'm in Toronto. Oh well.

However, I think I have a change of plans. On bestdirect.ca, the G73JW-XR1 is selling for slightly less than the G53JW-A1, with almost the same components! So essentially I could get the G73JW-XR1 for less than the G53, and have an easier time upgrading the RAM (easier access to components in the G73, apparently). The hard drive in the G73JW-XR1 is 500 compared to 750 in the G53JW-A1, but that's not a big deal (or is it?).

What do you guys think?

G73JW-XR1 (bestdirect.ca)


G53JW-A1 (bestdirect.ca)

 

Keep in mind that any X versions will not come with a bag or mouse, and as you noted they have less ram and hd space; they also do NOT come with a second HDD bracket so if you want to add another hdd later you will have to order one (which is a huge pain apparently).

Otherwise it's just personal choice between 15" and 17".

 

My unit arrived yesterday - I haven't had much time with it yet but went through some software tweaks. I posted this in the g53 thread in the gaming forum but wanted to list it here for those who are interested:

My personal setup changes----

Uninstalled:
Acrobat.com
Adobe AIR
ASUS - AI recovery
-lifeframe3
-liveupdate
-mult
-smartlogon
-splendid video
-virtualcamera
Trend micro internet security
G series screensaver
Express Gate Cloud
Control Deck

Debating: Roxio Cineplayer

Turned off:
Disk Indexing
System Restore
Defragmenter (don't need this with a solid state drive)
System Hibernation
Sidebar Gadget Platform

Disabled in MSconfig startup:
Sidebar
Creative updreg
bluetooth
setwallpaper
sessionloon
cpmonitor
wireless console3
ATK media
Synaptic

Removed taskbar icons:
touchpad
realtek audio
bluetooth

 

Preordered mine from Xotic last week, I won't get it until December but that's fine with me. November is too crazy busy to concern myself with the clean-up and tweaking that a new computer requires! I went with a custom shop mainly so I could ensure all components were in good shape and to get a second HDD installed (for the brackets if nothing else), but any direct reseller (like Abe's of Maine, B&H Photo, etc.) would be fine for stock versions. Just double-check the warranty, as some models don't qualify for ASUS's standard two year global warranty.

 

Just bought the G53JW-A1 from B&H Photo on Monday. It should be here Thursday. I'm excited. I already received my 128 Crucial SSD from newegg. I really hope it comes with a second hard drive bracket though. I've been searching online and haven't seen any word on whether or not this model comes with an extra bracket since it comes with only the 750gb HD. I guess I'll see tomorrow. If not, I'll just use some cardboard for short time.

After reading about setting up the SSD, it seems like all I should have to do is plug it in the empty slot and restart the computer, go to Bios, and reinstall windows onto the SSD with 2 drives. If anyone knows any complications with this, feel free to inform me.

Thanks,

Tray