The Asus G73Jh is a behemoth of a laptop, not just in terms of its physical size but also in its performance. This gaming machine was a powerhouse when it was released, and even today, it can hold its own against modern gaming laptops. But is it worth it in 2023? Let's delve into the pros and cons to see if this relic of the past can still deliver the gaming experience you crave.
Design and Build:
The G73Jh is a beast in the truest sense. It's a hulking 17-inch laptop with a design that screams power. The black chassis with red accents is a classic gaming aesthetic, and the overall build quality is robust. However, the sheer size and weight make it less than ideal for portability, and the bulkiness can be a bit much for travel. This isn't a laptop you'll be taking to a coffee shop.
The keyboard is surprisingly comfortable for a gaming laptop, with good key travel and responsiveness. The touchpad is also quite large and responsive. The display is a 17.3-inch Full HD (1920x1080) panel with a 120Hz refresh rate. This was cutting-edge technology in its time and still holds up remarkably well. The colors are vibrant, and the response time is excellent. The G73Jh also features a dedicated numeric keypad, something often overlooked in gaming laptops, making data entry a breeze.
Performance:
The Asus G73Jh boasts a 2nd generation Intel Core i7 processor, coupled with 8GB of DDR3 RAM. This is still a solid configuration for everyday tasks and some gaming. The star of the show, however, is the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 560M graphics card. It was a top-tier graphics card at the time, and even now, it can handle many modern games at decent settings.
The G73Jh was designed for high-performance gaming, and it delivers on that promise. It can handle demanding games like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare and Battlefield 3 with ease. Even with modern games, you can find settings that will allow you to run them smoothly. However, don't expect to run the latest AAA games at max settings and expect a silky smooth experience. Remember, this is a laptop from a different era, and technology has advanced leaps and bounds since its release.
Storage and Connectivity:
The G73Jh comes with a 750GB hard drive, which is ample storage for games, programs, and files. However, it lacks the speed of modern SSDs, and you'll notice the difference in loading times for games and programs.
Connectivity is a bit more basic compared to modern laptops. It includes:
- Ethernet: For a stable, wired internet connection.
- Wi-Fi: For wireless internet access.
- HDMI: For connecting to external displays.
- USB Ports: Multiple USB ports for peripherals.
- SD Card Reader: For reading memory cards.
Battery Life:
The G73Jh's battery life is the weakest point. Don't expect to be gaming on the go for extended periods. The battery is designed to provide a decent runtime for basic tasks, but the heavy hardware demands of this machine drain the battery quickly when you're pushing it to its limits.
Sound:
The G73Jh boasts a powerful audio system with speakers that deliver impressive volume and clarity. However, for the best sound quality, headphones are recommended.
Pros:
- Powerful Performance: It can still handle demanding games at reasonable settings.
- Excellent Display: The 120Hz refresh rate delivers a smooth gaming experience.
- Durable Build: The chassis is sturdy and well-built.
- Comfortable Keyboard: The keyboard is well-spaced and responsive.
- Dedicated Numeric Keypad: A helpful feature often missing in gaming laptops.
Cons:
- Bulky and Heavy: Its size and weight make it less than ideal for portability.
- Limited Battery Life: Don't expect to game for extended periods on battery.
- Older Technology: It lacks the features and speed of modern laptops.
- Lack of SSD Storage: The hard drive is slow compared to modern SSDs.
Verdict:
The Asus G73Jh is a relic of the past, but it still delivers a powerful gaming experience. If you're on a budget and want a gaming laptop that can handle older titles and even some modern games, this could be a great option. However, if you're looking for the best possible performance and features, you should look at modern gaming laptops.
Should You Buy It?
This is where things get subjective. If you're a budget-conscious gamer and are willing to compromise on portability and battery life, the G73Jh can still be a good value. It's a beastly machine that packs a punch for its age. However, if you're looking for the best possible gaming experience and are willing to spend a bit more, modern gaming laptops offer better performance, portability, and features.
FAQs
Q: Can I still play modern games on the G73Jh?
A: You can play many modern games on the G73Jh, but you may need to adjust settings to achieve a smooth gameplay experience. It's not recommended for the latest AAA games at maximum settings.
Q: How long does the battery last?
A: The battery life is quite short, especially when gaming. Expect a few hours of basic use, but much less if you're pushing it to its limits.
Q: Is it possible to upgrade the G73Jh?
A: Yes, you can upgrade the RAM and hard drive to improve performance. However, the G73Jh is a legacy machine, and finding compatible upgrades might be challenging.
Q: Is the G73Jh still supported by Asus?
A: Asus may still offer some basic support for the G73Jh, but don't expect the latest software or drivers.
Q: What's the best alternative to the G73Jh in 2023?
A: There are many great gaming laptops available in 2023, but some popular choices include the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14, MSI GE66 Raider, and Razer Blade 15.
Conclusion
The Asus G73Jh was a powerhouse in its time, and it still holds its own against some modern games. If you're looking for a powerful gaming laptop at a bargain price, the G73Jh could be worth considering. However, for the best possible gaming experience, a modern gaming laptop is the way to go.