Acer Aspire AS8943G-6190 18.4-Inch Laptop (Aluminum) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I've had this laptop for 3 weeks now. I haven't even had time to really push it to it's potential because it has so much to offer. Don't know about any wireless malfunctioning. Mine works just fine anywhere I go, in an N or G WIFI environment. I use it at home using my DOCSIS 3 cable internet with gigabit wired network or WIFI N class whenever I want to move to an unwired room,and I have not had a problem at all. The HDMI 1080P HD output using the onboard blueray is simply fantastic when hooked up to my LED flatscreen TV. Simply put, this laptop is flawless. Just a beautiful machine, with a gorgeous screen, big sound and a great useable keyboard. You will not be disappointed buying this laptop. I am certainly very satisfied.

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Acer Aspire AS8943G: Ultimate Multimedia Center
Whether are used for creating multimedia content, watching movies or dominating the latest PC games, the Acer Aspire 8943G notebook PC (model AS8943G-6190) delivers high-end styling and world-class performance. It features a brilliant 18.4-inch CineCrystal edge-to-edge glass LED back-lit display with full high-definition (1080p) resolution. And it combines best-in-class Intel Core i7 processing power and stunning ATI Radeon HD graphics with a Blu-ray Disc drive for viewing movies in crystal-clear HD resolution and a Dolby-optimized surround-sound system for an immersive on-the-go cinema experience. And the Blu-ray Disc drive includes an integrated SuperMulti drive for creating your own DVDs and CDs.

The AS8943G's exterior sports an aluminum cover that not only looks sharp, but also protects the seamless, frameless display. Upon opening the lid, you'll be wowed by sharp design lines as well as a host of balanced contrasts, including glossy and matte finishes and silver and black accents. The new dual-mode touchpad combines Acer's multi-gesture actions with a touch-sensitive media console. And the new chiclet style keyboard (keys with straight edges vs. slanted sides) extends to a dedicated numeric keypad.

You'll be able to burn through the hottest new digital media, content creation and advanced 3D gaming with the breakthrough performance of the Intel Core i7 processor thanks to the combination of Intel Turbo Boost technology and Intel Hyper-Threading technology, which maximizes performance to match your workload.

Quickly retrieve and store all your media files on the large 500 GB hard drive, and with dual hard drive support you can add another drive for backups or up to 1.2 TB of extra storage.

Enjoy the next generation of video playback with the HDMI output, which allows a single cable to transmit uncompressed high-definition video and audio to your digital TV or capable external monitor. The 1.3-megapixel HD webcam presents vivid images even in low-light situations so you can go face-to-face in online chats and easily take still pictures and videos to share. And to make data transfer painless, it includes an eSATA port to speed up large file transfers while a FireWire port moves videos quickly from your digital camcorder.

This Aspire laptop comes pre-installed with the Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium operating system (64-bit version).

Key Features
18.4-inch CineCrystal LED-backlit widescreen display with 1920 x 1080-pixel resolution (native 1080p for Full HD viewing). Its widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio is designed to present websites without lots of left-right scrolling, as well as with a smoother line of sight. Specs include a 220-nit high brightness rating, 8ms response time, and 60 percent color gamut.
1.6 GHz Intel Core i7-720QM processor (with Turbo Boost Technology up to 2.80 GHz) delivers maximum processing power in response to peak demands. Intel's Turbo Boost technology maximizes speed for demanding applications, dynamically accelerating performance to match your workload--providing more performance when you need it the most. It also comes equipped with Intel HD Graphics--an advanced video engine that delivers smooth, high-quality HD video playback, and advanced 3D capabilities, providing an ideal graphics solution for everyday computing.
500 GB SATA hard drive (5400 RPM) with support for a second hard drive
4 GB of installed DDR3 RAM (1066 MHz; expandable to 16 GB)
ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5850 graphics deliver advanced technology to deliver cinema-quality audio and video with 1 GB of DDR3 discrete graphics memory. Using ATI Stream technology, it helps accelerate even the most demanding applications, enabling you to do more than ever with your notebook. It's compatible with the latest DirectX 11 games
Watch Blu-ray Disc movies in crystal clear resolution with the read-only Blu-ray drive; this notebook also includes an integrated 4x DVD±R/RW SuperMulti drive capable of reading/writing of CD-R/RW, DVD±R, DVD±RW, DVD±R DL, and DVD-RAM.
Dual-Mode Touchpad lets you switch functions between a Multi-Gesture Touchpad and a Media Console.Control the show with touch-sensitive buttons that take you straight to your favorite movies or music. In addition, the scrolling volume wheel puts sound management at your fingertips. (Learn more)
Bio-Protection Fingerprint Reader provides an extra level of laptop security safeguarding unauthorized users from accessing your PC at the touch of your fingerprint.
Wireless-N Wi-Fi networking capability provides up to five times the performance and twice the wireless range using 802.11n-compatible routers as you would with 802.11g networks. It's also backward compatible with 802.11b/g networks (commonly found at Wi-Fi hotspots and in older home routers). This laptop uses Acer InviLink Nplify technology that enables multi-stream input or output for faster and more reliable bandwidth, and it also offers Acer SignalUp technology for enhanced antenna efficiency.
Bluetooth 2.1 connectivity enables you to communicate and synchronize wirelessly with Bluetooth-enabled peripherals such as printers and cell phones.
Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000)
5 built-in speakers and dedicated subwoofer simulate surround sound with trumpeting clear tones and deep bass beats while Dolby Home Theater Audio delivers riveting sound from any pair of PC speakers or headphones.
Headphones/speaker/line-out with SPDIF support for true 5.1-channel surround-sound output
Multi-in-1 Digital Media Card Reader compatible with Secure Digital (SD), MultiMediaCard (MMC), Memory Stick (MS), Memory Stick PRO (MS PRO), xD-Picture Card (xD)
Four USB 2.0 ports
Next-generation eSATA port offers a transfer speed of 3GB/s, delivering enhanced scalability and doubling the bus bandwidth for high-speed data retrieval and saves. It allows easy sharing and transfer of entertainment content and digital media on external devices.
FireWire (also known as IEEE 1394 or i.Link) port for connecting digital video camcorders and other peripherals.
HDMI high-definition audio/video output allows a single cable to transmit uncompressed high-definition video to your digital TV or LCD. It also includes a standard VGA video output.
Windows 7 Home Premium makes it easy to create a home network and share all of your favorite photos, videos, and music. And you can watch shows for free when and where you want with Internet TV on Windows Media Center. Get the best entertainment experience with Windows 7 Home Premium.
Get more features with Windows Anytime Upgrade. It's the best way to add features to Windows 7, takes as few as ten minutes, requires no software or downloads, and you'll keep your existing programs, files, and settings. Windows will walk you through the simple upgrade process.(Learn more)
Pre-loaded software includes Microsoft Works SE 9.0 for word processing and spreadsheet work. Enjoy a 60-day trial version of Microsoft Office Home and Student 2007.
Up to 3 hours of battery life (8-cell battery)
Dimensions: 17.3 x 11.6 x 1.7 inches (WxDxH)
Weight: 10.1 pounds
Warranty: One-year parts and labor limited warranty with concurrent International Traveler's Warranty

What's in the Box
This package contains the Acer Aspire AS8943G-6190 notebook PC, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, and operating instructions

It also comes with the following software: McAfee Internet Security Suite (trial version); NTI Media Maker; Google Toolbar; Acer Recovery Management; Acer GridVista; Microsoft Works; Microsoft Office Home and Student 2007 Trial (60 days); Norton Online Backup

Learn More
The Acer Dual-Mode Touchpad
The dual-mode touchpad offers integrated, capacitive touch media controller icons that allows you to switch between multi-gesture mode to media console mode. At the flick of a finger, you can go straight to your favorite movies or music. Integrated into the touchpad, the backlit media console icons glow underneath the pad, providing a clean simplistic design. In addition, a convenient scrolling volume wheel directly under the touchpad makes it easy to control volume levels.

With built-in multi-gesture capabilities, you can pinch, flick and swirl your fingers across the touchpad for more natural photo and video viewing as well as intuitive navigation of websites. It also enables you to scroll, zoom in and out and flip through Web pages, photos, spreadsheets and more.

Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium
Pre-installed with the Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium operating system (64-bit version), you'll be able to easily create a home network and share all of your favorite photos, videos, and music. Windows 7 is the easiest, fastest, and most engaging version of Windows yet. Better ways to find and manage files, like Jump Lists and improved taskbar previews, help you speed through everyday tasks. Windows 7 is designed for faster and more reliable performance, so your PC just works the way you want it to.

And with Windows Anytime Upgrade, you'll be able to add new features to your PC in as little as 10 minutes. Windows will walk you through the simple upgrade process, it requires no software or downloads, and you'll keep your existing programs, files, and settings

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ASUS G53JW-3DE Republic of Gamers 3D 15.6-Inch Gaming Laptop (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)First of all I'm used to purchasing gaming laptops, but I don't favor brand names or anything.. I always look for the best deal out there. After owning an MSI-GT627 for more than a year I wanted to upgrade since hardware has evolved a lot since then (what else is new right). With all the 3d craze all around I got curious about 3d enabled laptops (and I had already heard about nvidia 3d vision) and found good reviews for the ASUS G51JX-3DE. So I went ahead and ordered one and I got hooked to 3d gaming!! The laptop was great (performance), form factor was not so great (more uncomfortable than g53) and it came with a faulty hdmi port so I had to return it. I did more research and found out about the ASUS G53JW-3DE which was to release soon (like a couple of months ago when I was still looking). I decided to wait for it and pre-ordered from amazon because if I purchase a laptop online I rather get it from big stores which tend to be more trustworthy (in case of returns etc). Ok so thats the story, now to the good part:
This laptop just rocks!!!!
It IS a powerhouse... it will run anything at high settings (without 3d enabled) and it won't even stutter when enabling 3d vision (the G51 kinda stuttered (lagged a bit) in some games like LostPlanet2 when I enabled 3d vision). It is well known that there is a performance hit once you enable 3d vision but if there is one laptop that can put up with that is this one.
Another reason why I decided to wait for this laptop when I did is because it is directx 11 compatible (which means it comes with the latest technology out there). Like I said, spec-wise this computer is just top of the line and it delivers.
Now on to the design .. which I think is nothing short than revolutionary!! (no im not an asus rep trying to sell.. lol) I really mean this. I first had seen the G57 (and its good reviews) but I dont know if you can call that a laptop anymore lol (its huge!). So that was one more reason for waiting for the g53! Here is the thing, the vents on the back of the laptop just work.. gone are the days of putting up with heat issues and burning your hands.. NO MORE! Like I said I'm used to purchasing gaming laptops and this is by far the best design I've seen, it is just incredible how they tackled the heating issues and the stealth fighter concept is cool too!!
If you have researched this computer you prob already know about all its other features (lighted keyb, full keyb (w/numeric), webcam, face recognition, 1usb3.0 etc etc) (which are also great) so I focused on performance and design.
It is also worth mentioning that I have already tried playing a bluray 3d movie on this computer and it worked flawlessly (with 3rd party software).
I know you also want to know if there is anything negative about this computer, well there are some aspects that could be improved but didn't affect my rating for it. But for the record:
- Maximum screen resolution is hd only (720p). This is kind of a given at this point for 3d capable screens so there's not much they can do. But I'm sure full hd 3d capable screens will start to show up soon (if they havent). To me this was no biggie cause I've had full hd screens on a 15'' laptop before and I actually lowered the res because everything looked 2 small. I also hook up my computer to my 42'' lcd and I can run everything at FULL-HD if i want to that way too (without 3d until i get a 3d compatible tv).
- No ExpressCard port. Yeah I know this sucks.. i was like what??!!! I have an expresscard tv card (that didn't get a lot of use but still). I was considering taking 1 star just because of this but then you have to remember it does come with a USB 3.0 port.. I guess you can't have everything.
- AC adapter a little bit on the big side. This is not a big deal really but it adds to the weight and it might be worth mentioning.
And that's all I can think of right now.. if anything I will update the review.. so there you have it.. If you're looking for a 3d gaming capable laptop, this one is top of the line (a little bit pricey but well worth the money).. if 3d is not what you're looking for then look for other variations of the G53 which are cheaper.


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15.6" HD (1366x768) LED/Intel Core i7-740QM (1.73GHz Quad-Core)/6GB DDR3 RAM/NVidia GTX 460M 1.5G GDDR5 VRAM/750GB HDD (7200RPM)/Blu-Ray Combo Drive/Illuminated Keyboard/Windows 7 Home Premium (64bit)/802.11BGN/2.0M Pixel/Bluetooth/8 Cell battery/Gaming backpack and Gaming Mouse included/3D Vision Glasses included/1 USB 3.0 port/3 USB 2.0 ports/8-in-1 card reader/2YR Global warranty/1YR Accidental Damage Warranty/30-Day Zero Bright Dot/2-way FREE shipping/24-7 tech support

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ASUS G73JW-3DE Republic of Gamers 17.3-Inch 3D Gaming Laptop (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I decided to sell my G73JW-A1 when I saw this model get released. The main reasons for the upgrade were the added 3D Vision capability, 120hz matte finish screen, Blu-ray burner, and HDMI 1.4 port. All the other specs are identical.
As with all reviews, there are pros and cons with the new G73JW-3DE:
PROs:
- Great performance and impressive hardware specs overall for the money (similiar equipped Alienware without 3D capability would cost $400 more...)
- Superior cooling design allows laptop to run quietly even when gaming!
- Excellent 120hz 3D capable LED screen with a matte finish...about dang time! I can finally go to a LAN party and not see every single reflection behind me while gaming :D
- first laptop to offer 1920 x 1080 resolution while using 3D Vision and the screen is great for watching 3D and regular Blu-ray movies as well as 2D and 3D PC games
- Blu-ray burner drive is now a standard!
- Excellent sound from built-in speakers and subwoofer ans has EAX 5.0 capability
- HDMI 1.4 port! Didn't expect this from Asus so soon ;) Now you can use the laptop to send a 1080P 3D capable signal to any 3D TV!
- USB 3.0 port; albeit only one :(
- Battery life is surprisingly good for the performance power this laptop provides (about 2 hours from an 8-cell lithium ion battery is pretty good)
- White LED Backlit keyboard w/variable brightness (still not an available option on most laptops - only Dell, Alienware, and Asus provide this so far...)
- Light weight for its size - most 17 inch laptops weigh easily over 10lbs - this one weighs in at 8.5lbs! WOW
- Optic drive now a lot quieter versus the Blu-ray ROM drive that came with the G73JW-A1...Asus listens to their customers (and their complaints)CONs:
- No native RAID support - not sure why Asus removed this feature since it went to the Intel Core iX series of CPUs. The previous Core 2 Duo and Core 2 Quad Asus laptops had RAID support so why remove it now? Weird (and bad) decision by Asus.
- Stock WiFi card has just two antenna connections - good for only 2.4Ghz 802.11N
- Internal WiFi does not provide a third antenna for true 5Ghz 802.11N WiFi - you can buy an extra WiFi antenna from Amazon for about $15 and install it yourself (should you decide to upgrade to a 5Ghz 802.11n capable WiFi card; e.g. Intel 5300, 5350, and 6300 Ultimate-N WiFi Link cards)
- No ExpressCard slot - weird for Asus to omit this feature to allow the owner future upgradability/expandibility?
- No eSATA port - would have preferred both an eSATA port AND a USB 3.0 port since eSATA is still faster than USB 3.0...at least until USB 3.0 matures a bit more
- 4th DIMM slot is hidden on the other side of the motherboard; allowing the ability to upgrade only three of the memory DIMMs (unless you want to take apart the whole laptop just to upgrade!)
- GTX460M graphics card not quite powerful enough to play some of the newer games when using 1920 x 1080 resolutions while in 3D Vision mode; frame rates are unplayable until you lower the resolution and/or turn down the in-game graphic settings (AA, AF, Shadows, corpse count, etc); this is a known fact when using 3D Vision in games as frame rates are cut in half since the graphics card is having to render double the amount of information
- A bit disappointed that Asus didn't offer an option to buy this laptop with either a GTX470M or GTX480M graphics card or maybe even a new 500M series card in the near future...(fingers crossed) - this should help negate the slow performance when using 3D Vision in games
- **UPDATE - POSTED 22 JAN 2011** Just found out that the 3D driver issue experienced when playing Call of Duty: Black Ops has been resolved. The new nVidia 400M series laptop drivers were just released on 18 January. I installed them and COD Black Ops now plays great in 3D! W00T!! The original problem was to Asus' proprietary driver release 261.14. Looks like nVidia and Asus worked together to resolve this problem with the newer drivers - outstanding job! This should make a great many G73JW owners very happy. For a detailed list of what was improved with the 266.58 drivers, go to the nVidia website and read the release notes.
Additional comments:
1) I predicted that the GTX460M would eventually outperform the ATI HD5870 mobile once newer drivers from NVidia were made available. I WAS RIGHT! Not only is the GTX460M a faster card, it especially rules when the in-game settings are turned up. The GTX460M graphics card also overclocks quite well. Can't say that about the HD5870 which locks up almost immediately the second you try to overclock it. And did I mention that the GTX460M supports all games and applications that uses CUDA, NVidia Physx, and of course 3D Vision which by the way is a feature ATI is just now getting around to implementing. And, surprisingly the GTX460M runs a full 20 degees Celsius cooler than the 5870 when under full processing mode! O_o NUFF SAID! Don't believe me? Go here to see for yourself: [...]
2) Amazon has incorrectly labeled the type of system memory that the G73JW-3DE comes equipped with. The description states "8GB 1066Mhz" when in fact 8GB of 1333Mhz memory is installed. I verified this by using CPU-Z. So, if you were worried about that little fact, don't be :)
3) Some folks have been posting bad poop in the hardware forums saying that this laptop can't play 3D games and can only provide a 3D signal to an external source, while others are saying that this laptop can not use the 3D Vision mode at the 1920 x 1080 resultion. BOTH ARE FALSE STATEMENTS! This laptop can play all games in 3D Vision mode at 1920 x 1080 (albeit not at playable rates for some games like Metro 2033 or COD Black Ops) and is able to do so with it's own screen! Damn trolls are everywhere!
In conclusion, this is an excellent laptop and I am very happy with my purchase. I have only a few minor gripes to report and none of them are "show stoppers". I highly recommend this product for those looking not to spend over $1,940 on a very good gaming laptop and is well worth the upgrade for those of you who have a "lesser" system.

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17.3" Full HD (1920x1080) 3D 120HZ LED / Intel Core i7-740QM (1.73GHz Quad-Core) / 8GB DDR3 RAM / NVidia GTX 460M 1.5G GDDR5 VRAM / 1TB HDD (500G w/4G SSD x 2) / Blu-Ray Burner / Illuminated Keyboard / Windows 7 Home Premium (64bit) / 802.11BGN / 2.0M Pixel / Bluetooth / 8 Cell battery / Gaming backpack and Gaming Mouse included / 3D Vision Glasses Included; 1 USB 3.0 port / 3 USB 2.0 ports / 8-in-1 card reader / 2YR Global warranty / 1YR Accidental Damage Warranty / 30-Day Zero Bright Dot / 2-way FREE shipping / 24-7 tech support

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