> 

ASUS Asus G74SX-3DE Review

SEE IT
ASUS Asus G74SX-3DE
2,535 $ at amazon.com
  • Intel Core i7 2630QM (2.0 GHz)

  • NVIDIA GeForce GTX 560M

  • 12 GB RAM Size

  • 1500 GB HDD Capacity

2

Our summary of all reviews

  • Performance

    /100

    At this level, the performance is very low. This limits the user to usual activities e.g surfing the web, writing emails. Using applications like Word or Excel is possible, though at a very low speed. Gaming and other high performance tasks are impossible. People looking for a secondary laptop or using non-complex applications only will be satisfied.

    • 3DMark Vantage

      9227 #

    • PCMark Vantage

      7227 #

    ▼ expand ▲ collapse
  • Design

    4.0/5

    The design delighted the majority of all reviewers and they predicted it to be at the taste of most users. The notebook’s appearance walks a fine line between function and form.

  • Build Quality

    4.0/5

    The build quality provides for high standards to people requiring good protection for the laptop’s inner fragile parts. People on the move will find this laptop suited to handle both everyday life circumstances (putting it in and out of your bag/carrying it around) and significant challenges(falling from the desk to the hard floor, using it in a bus travelling on a bumpy road) very well.

    • Base Unit Flex

       : 

      3.0/5

      The laptop chassis is quite resistant, however few imperfections with gaps and cracking sounds might annoy the user. The surface will suffer from some scratches if the computer is not protected during transportation.

    ▼ expand ▲ collapse
  • Display

    3.0/5

    Generally the reviewers deemed this laptop to be above average. Users could expect this display to provide for average satisfaction with office work as well as multimedia use. Gamers and professional designers might however not find this display to their taste. To get a more comprehensive review of this display, users should check the ratings of the different attributes of this screen.

    • Display Resolution

      1920×1080

      This resolution is also called, Full-HD. It provides for great multitasking and as well easy and enjoyable office work. The vast screen estate allows for two websites to be viewed side by side. Different tasks such as graphic design, high resolution picture and video editing can be carried out by professional picture and movie editors smoothly and with no annoyances. As this resolution has the same width and height of most movies, users will be happy to enjoy viewing movies with no back bars at the top and the bottom of the picture. Gaming is only possible if the computer features a very powerful graphic card able to support this native resolution.

    • Contrast

       : 

      4.0/5

      This computer features a good contrast between black and white. Dark letters are very easy to distinguish from the bright background, fulfilling the needs of office workers. Mobile users will be content, as this contrast improves outdoor readability. Shadows are well displayed bringing this screen to the liking of any Horror, Mystery or Action movie fan. This notebook will also conform to the needs of professional designers and gamers alike. Small displays will particularly benefit from this contrast.

    • Contrast Value

      689 :1

    • Brightness

       : 

      3.0/5

      The maximum brightness of this computer is adequate for viewing the screen comfortably, even under bright ambient light. However, the users must be cautious to only push the brightness to its maximum in bright conditions, eg. outdoors. Setting the brightness to a high level will drastically decrease the battery life. In addition, using the notebook at maximum brightness in a dark room will be tiring for the eyes.

    • Average Brightness

      352.3 cd/m²

    • Reflections

       : 

      4.0/5

      The minimal reflections on this display allow for comfortable viewing under most conditions both in-and outdoors. Under indoor medium to bright lighting conditions, the display provide for an enjoyable experience. Using this laptop in a park will be no problem, though direct sunlight will cause some reflections.

    • Viewing Angle

       : 

      3.0/5

      Two individuals can sit next to one another comfortably, and still view the screen with hardly any image deviation. Colours might start to change if you move far to the sides of the display, so viewing the screen with a group of people will not guarantee a clear picture for everyone.

    ▼ expand ▲ collapse
  • Sound

    3.0/5

    The sound quality of this laptop is average compared to other notebooks. Although these internal speakers are adequate for easy listening, you should not count on them for a fun movie night with friends. Gaming could still be fairly enjoyed, but the user should always account for external speakers or headphones for a better sound experience.

    • Maximum Volume

       : 

      1.0/5

      Turning up the volume of the internal speakers to the maximum will still be miles away form a decent audio experience. You need to cling to your computer as closely as possible to be able to satisfyingly hear sounds, even at maximum volume. The user should always have external speakers or headphones in reach.

    ▼ expand ▲ collapse
  • Keyboard

    3.0/5

    This keyboard will be valued by most users as convenient for frequent use. Be it for writing long emails, or surfing the net, most users will be satisfied with the comfort and the speed this keyboard provides for. If your professional life requires long typing hours, along with the highest levels of comfort, then you might want to consider a keyboard with higher rates.

    • Layout

       : 

      4.0/5

      The layout of this keyboard stands firmly within the ranges of conventionality. The positioning of the keys conforms with the standard layout, thus reducing the users adaptation time to their new keyboard.

    • Key Responsiveness

       : 

      3.0/5

      The responsiveness of this keyboard allows for most users to be satisfied with individual key feedback. The keys do require some pressure for efficient typing, without being either too soft or too stiff for manipulation. Most users will find this keyboard supportive for long typing hours as the keys can be pressed down without any difficulty and they respond back quite fast. Although this keyboard might not be responsive enough for some, the general feel of the keyboard should be within the ranges of satisfaction for most of us.

    • Keys Clicking Sound

       : 

      4.0/5

      When typing on this keyboard, the users will notice the clicking sound of the keys, but will however not be disturbed by it. The clicking noise fades into the surroundings and for most users it will be a friendly sound associated with their keyboard usage.

    ▼ expand ▲ collapse
  • Touchpad

    3.0/5

    Most reviewers agreed that this touchpad should be to the liking of many users. The levels of accuracy, the size and the smoothness vs. resistance rates make this trackpad fairly above average. It is well suited for office work, browsing online and most other usage, although demanding users, designers and alike, might require a higher level of accuracy and would thus prefer an external mouse. The trackpad button quality was generally described as good and fitting the needs of most users.

    • Sensitivity

       : 

      3.0/5

      Your expectations of an accurate touchpad should be generally satisfied. The levels of precision and speed provided by this touchpad are quite decent, and for most users, this touchpad will be just enough for daily use. Although the accuracy can be fine tuned in the Windows or Mac settings, the basic accuracy hardware wise is enough.

    • Touchpad Size

       : 

      4.0/5

      The size of this touchpad allows for navigating large displays with no problem. The users will not need to worry at all about inconveniences such as with excessive scrolling or getting an extra mouse, as this touchpad answers all these needs quite convincingly. You will most probably not need to turn the sensitivity settings up, as you will not need to make your mouse move any faster. Keeping your sensitivity settings low will ensure that you will enjoy higher touchpad accuracy.

    • Buttons

       : 

      4.0/5

      The feedback of the trackpad’s buttons will fulfil the needs of most users. The well defined pressure point gives adequate feedback, making it clear when and where the buttons have been pushed. Therefore they are efficient for most activities, even those requiring high levels of precision such as picture editing. Nearby individuals will rarely be disturbed by the unobtrusive and soft button’s clicking sound.

    ▼ expand ▲ collapse
  • Battery Surfing

    2:05 h

    The battery provides for up to 3 hours working away from a power source, if the energy saving mode is enabled, and the brightness is set to the minimum. Needless to say that you should avoid running any other programs while you are on battery alone. If you require more independent time from a power source, you should seriously consider a second battery to carry around with you.

    • Battery DVD/Video

      3:14 h

      The laptop will last for 3 to 4 hours when used for performance demanding applications such as watching movies. Other tasks such as turning the brightness all the way up, playing music in the background, or streaming online videos will stress your battery as well. Playing games will use the battery up even faster, so if you want to use your notebook for some time, you might want to avoid it all together. Buying an additional battery could be quite expensive, but it will allow you to double the time you can stay without a power plug.

    ▼ expand ▲ collapse
  • Weight

    9.44 lbs

    This laptop will be considered by most users to be on the heavy side. You might find it best to only move this notebook under exceptional conditions and use it as a desktop replacement. You will definitely notice the heavy weight when putting the notebook on your lap. If you factor the extra weight of the charger, carrying around this computer will tire you, even if your praise yourself to be in good shape.

  • Noise

    3.0/5

    Most users will find the laptop to be on the quiet side. There is some noise emitted from the fan, the CD drive and other laptop parts, yet most will not experience any inconveniences due to it. Noise sensitive people might opt for an even quieter computer.

    • Noise Idle

       : 

      3.0/5

      You could hear some silent noise from the fans when the laptop is idle.

    • Noise Normal Use

       : 

      3.0/5

      Noise emitted from this laptop will not cause any major inconveniences when doing office work or browsing the Internet. Although it might be be noticeable in a quite room, it should not be obstructing your concentration.

    • Noise Full Load

       : 

      3.0/5

      When you are watching a movie, editing a video, or playing games, the noise emitted by this laptop will not be of much disturbance according to most reviewers. The degree to which you will be annoyed depends on your sensitivity and on how quiet your surroundings are.

    ▼ expand ▲ collapse
    • Heat Top: Full Use

       : 

      5.0/5

      The laptop keeps quite cool at normal use. That’s very convenient.

    • Heat Top: Normal Use

       : 

      5.0/5

      The temperature on top of the notebook is excellent. It never gets too warm.

    • Heat Bottom: Normal Use

       : 

      4.0/5

      The temperature on the bottom of the notebook is fine. It never gets to warm.

    • Heat Bottom: Full Load

       : 

      3.0/5

      There can be some spot where the laptop gets warm.

    ▼ expand ▲ collapse
4

Where to buy

You can get the ASUS Asus G74SX-3DE for 2,535$
A

All external reviews  ASUS  Asus G74SX-3DE

Language Source URL Review Date Author

English

www.notebookcheck.net 7/3/11 J. Simon Leitner
▼ expand ▲ collapse
Total number of reviews: 1