Stereoscopic 3D technology, which typically involves putting on a pair of 3D glasses and watching images leap out at you, is already a big hit in movies. Now, laptops are hoping to cash in on the 3D gaming market. Although the Acer Aspire 5738DG-6165 earned the distinction of being the first 3D laptop to hit the market, its visual effects ended up being more gimmick than substance. Now ASUS is throwing its hat into the ring with its own 3D laptop. If this were strictly a review about the 3D experience, the ASUS G51J-1B 3D ($1,700 street), powered by Nvidia's 3D Vision, would be the victor, hands-down. The 120Hz 3D panel and Nvidia GeForce 3D Vision kit (3D glasses and IR transmitter) delivered excellent depth and impressive clarity. Integrating speedy parts, like the Intel Core i7 processor and Nvidia GeForce GTX graphics, made the gaming experience that much more worthwhile. But just like the Acer 5738DG, the 3D technology benefits gamers only. In other words, your desire for "3D" game play should be on the cusp of "extremist" in order to justify dropping $1,700 for this laptop.
AsusTek Computer Inc.
http://www.asus.com
- Price as Tested: $1,700.00 Street
- Type: Gaming, Media
- Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium
- Processor Name: Intel Core i7-720QM
- Processor Speed: 1.6 GHz
- RAM: 4 GB
- Weight: 7.5 lb
- Screen Size: 15.6 inches
- Screen Size Type: widescreen
- Graphics Card: nVidia GeForce GTX 260M
- Storage Capacity: 640 GB
- Networking Options: 802.11n
- Primary Optical Drive: Dual-Layer DVD+/-RW
