Despite its simple design, the size of the Asus G74SX will give users the idea that the device is basically designed for gaming enthusiasts. Even though some issues were raised about the device, this laptop from Asus (TPE:2357) offers an enhanced performance for users with its appealing chassis.
The Asus G74SX features the Corei7 microprocessor of Intel (NASDAQ:INTC), 16GB RAM, 160GB SSD, and 750GB hard drive. The Asus G74SX also features the latest GeForce GTX560 Nvidia (NASDAQ:NVDA ) graphics card, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity along with a Blue-Ray player. The Asus G74SX also features the 64-bit Windows 7 Home Premium OS of Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT).
The XPS 17 3D of Dell performed slightly better than this laptop from Asus although the Asus G74SX offers excellent graphics for its users when used for gaming. The frame rate of the Asus laptop was better than the XPS 17 3D when they are used to play two different games.
However the Asus G74SX is not a lightweight device as it weighed almost ten pounds. The device also has a width of 16.5 inches while its length is at 12.7 inches. Despite its size, this laptop offering from Asus has a simple appearance with its plain black cover and soft rubbery feel. It also features the chiclet-styled keyboard and slate-gray aluminum appearance. A dedicated button next to the power button facilitates shifting from battery saving to performance mode and back.
The cooling system of the Asus G74SX circulates the air from its bottom and sends it to its thick back portion which reduces discomfort for its users and minimizes ambient noise while they are playing games. However, the device has a limited number of ports which include three USB 2.0 ports, one USB 3.0 port, Blu-ray drive, a slot for the Kensington lock, VGA and HDMI-out ports, multi-format memory card reader, gigabit ethernet port, and microphone and headphone jacks.
The big keys of the keyboard of the Asus G74SX are also backlit and have an ergonomic five-degree incline. Although the Asus G74SX itself is quiet, some users have indicated that the keyboard was loud aside from being a bit slick for fast typists.
The Asus G74SX also features a large touchpad which is quite responsive aside from supporting multi-touch gestures. Aside from the soft-touch buttons on the touchpad, Asus also provides users with an ergonomic optical gaming mouse from Republic of Games.
The 17.3-inch display of the Asus G74SX is glossy and has a 1920 x 1080 full HD full HD resolution. Some observers indicated that the display of the Asus G74SX has a good viewing angle and is among the best in the market.
While the video playback of the Asus G74SX was impressive, its audio playback needs some improvement. Although the integrated stereo speakers of the Asus G74SX offer good clear sounds, the volume at the back seem louder compared to the front. Some observers have indicated that this may have been affected by the cooling system of the device.
The Asus G74SX also has a number of pre-installed software including the 3D Vision of Nvidia, a disc suite for the Blu-ray from CyberLink (TPE:5203), along with Live Update and the Splendid Utility of Asus.