Asus G73SW-BST6

Asus G73SW-BST6

The Asus Republic of Gamers G73SW-BST6 ($1,299.99 list at Best Buy) has a lot going for it. Its Sandy Bridge Core i7 processor delivers very good productivity and multimedia performance, and its Nvidia GeForce graphics solution will satisfy the hard-core gaming crowd. At just under $1,300, this 17-inch desktop replacement laptop doesn't come cheap, but it's not unreasonably priced considering its performance. Still, for this kind of money I'd like to have seen a full HD display and/or a Blu-ray drive included. The G73SW-BST6 is massive.At 8.3 pounds, it is significantly heavier than most other 17-inch laptops, including the 6.1-pound HP Pavilion g7-1033cl ($649.99 list, 4 stars) and 6.6-pound Dell Inspiron 17R-1695MRB ($799.98 list, 4 stars). Once you add in the sizable power brick, the total travel weight rockets up to a shoulder straining 10.2 pounds. The lid sports a rubbery matte black finish that gives the notebook a sturdy feel and prevents it from being mucked up with fingerprint smudges. A polished chrome Asus logo adorns the beveled lid, as does an etched Republic of Gamers badge. A pair of large air vents mounted on the rear of the chassis provides plenty of airflow to keep the system from overheating.