ASUS - 17.3" - Intel Core i7-3630QM - NVIDIA GeForce GTX 670M - 12GB Memory - - Windows 8 ()

Pros: I have to say I am really impressed with this laptop. The matte full HD screen is outstanding, the keyboard is the closest I have seen to a Mac, 670MX performance is excellent. Excellent build quality, no flex anywhere. The keyboard surround is aluminum so no fingerprints anywhere. The palm rests are a soft rubbery material which is extremely comfortable. Virtually no heat on the KB even after hours of gameplay. Even at full 1080P gaming, can only hear a faint 'woosh' out the back. This was the first laptop that my wife didn't say anything while at the table (compared to numerous complaints with my former Alienware). Surprisingly can get 3 hours of battery with wifi and fairly high brightness on the screen (not gaming, casual browsing). Win7 drivers! There are Win7 drivers! You can actually have a brand new full gaming laptop without the atrocity that is Windows 8!

Cons: This thing is BIG! But if you are gaming, you know what you are getting. Power brick is big and also heavy. Doesn't come with Bluray but I used that close to never in my other laptop.

Overall Review: In all fairness of Windows 8, it's not bad if you have a tablet or a touchscreen. But I feel that OS is more if you want top play with social media. For actual work, I would even get a Mac before Windows 8. Hoping 8.1 can make workstations be used for productivity again instead of facebook and twitter, so people over 19 can accept it.

Pros: Heavy duty construction - this thing has heft, which is a GOOD thing. I'm tired of notebooks/laptops that are so lightweight they break after a few months generic use.

Fast - a big upgrade in terms of CPU and graphics ability from her last laptop and nothing she's tried to play has given her any problems at all (bear in mind she isn't playing top-of-the-line graphically challenging games though although I'm sure this thing can handle those).

Ability - plenty of outputs and ports on this baby. You won't be left wanting for a USB port or HDMI connection to be sure!

Cons: WIndows 8 pre-installed. I really REALLY wish we'd have had an option when it comes to the operating system. Windows 8 is every bit as annoying and horrible as you've heard. My goodness this OS sucks on ice. Even after the 8.1 update it's a chore to use. Why oh why MS?!? I've been debating dropping another $100 and simply buying Windows 7 and installing that instead, but I've already dropped $999 on this beast!

ASUS - this *used* to be a Pro, Asus used to make excellent products that lasted - and if they didn't, gave great customer support. Sadly, 2 of the last 3 Asus products I've purchased (this notebook and 2 wireless routers) have given me problems within the first month or two. Worse, getting support from Asus has been difficult and unwieldy. I'm sorry, but a product still under warranty should be shipped back at Asus' expense, not the customers! Why are we paying to send back faulty equipment you sold us?

This particular Notebook has developed a weird habit of suddenly and randomly losing power while being used. This has got to be a build/power supply issue as the notebook was actually plugged in all three times this has happened (over the past two weeks). I have just initiated contact with Asus support about this issue, so I'll have to hold off judging how they handle this particular issue until it's resolved.

Overall Review: None