The ASUS ROG Strix GL703 series, a powerhouse in the gaming laptop arena, offered a compelling blend of performance, features, and design. This detailed analysis explores its capabilities, target audience, and how it stacks up against the competition, providing insights for potential buyers.
Outline
- Introduction
- Design and Build Quality
- Display and Audio
- Performance
- Keyboard and Trackpad
- Ports and Connectivity
- Battery Life
- Best Alternatives for Gamers
- Verdict
- FAQ
Introduction
The ASUS ROG Strix GL703 was a gaming laptop designed to provide a premium gaming experience. Positioned as a mid-to-high-range offering, it packed powerful components into a stylish chassis. The focus was clearly on delivering smooth gameplay at high settings, making it a popular choice among gamers looking for a desktop replacement.
Design and Build Quality
The GL703 typically featured a robust build with a combination of plastic and metal components. The design was aggressive, in line with the ROG (Republic of Gamers) aesthetic, often incorporating sharp angles, illuminated logos, and customizable RGB lighting. The build quality was generally solid, offering good resistance to flex and a premium feel, though some users may have preferred an entirely metal chassis.
Display and Audio
A crucial aspect of any gaming laptop is the display. The GL703 typically came with a 17.3-inch display, providing ample screen real estate for immersive gaming. Depending on the specific configuration, users could choose between different panel types, including IPS (for better viewing angles and color accuracy) and TN (for faster response times). Refresh rates varied, with options like 120Hz or 144Hz available to provide smoother visuals. Audio quality was generally good, with integrated speakers delivering a decent sound experience, though external speakers or headphones were recommended for the best immersive audio experience.
Performance
Performance was a key selling point. The GL703 was equipped with high-performance components, including Intel Core i7 or i5 processors and NVIDIA GeForce GTX or RTX series graphics cards. This combination allowed the laptop to handle demanding games at high settings with excellent frame rates. The inclusion of NVMe SSD storage provided fast boot times and application loading speeds, contributing to an overall snappy and responsive user experience. RAM configurations often started at 8GB and could be expanded to 16GB or even 32GB, depending on the model and user's needs, ensuring ample capacity for multitasking and demanding games.
Keyboard and Trackpad
The keyboard on the GL703 was typically designed for gaming. It often featured customizable RGB backlighting, anti-ghosting technology, and good key travel, offering a comfortable and responsive typing experience. The trackpad was generally responsive and accurate, offering smooth navigation, but most gamers would opt for an external mouse for improved precision and control during gameplay.
Ports and Connectivity
A comprehensive selection of ports was provided, essential for connecting peripherals and accessories. These typically included USB 3.0 or 3.1 ports, USB-C ports (potentially with Thunderbolt 3 support), HDMI, Mini DisplayPort, an Ethernet port, and an audio jack. These ports ensured that users could connect a variety of devices, including external displays, gaming mice, keyboards, and storage devices. Wireless connectivity included Wi-Fi 802.11ac and Bluetooth for wireless networking and peripheral connections.
Battery Life
Gaming laptops are not typically known for exceptional battery life. The GL703 offered reasonable battery performance for general use, but under heavy gaming loads, the battery would deplete quickly. Users should expect to keep the laptop plugged in during extended gaming sessions for optimal performance and to avoid interruptions. Battery life would typically range from 2-4 hours with light use to under 2 hours during gaming.
Best Alternatives for Gamers
When considering alternatives to the ASUS ROG Strix GL703, several other gaming laptops compete in the same space. Here's a comparison of some popular choices:
Comparison Table: Dell G15 vs. Alternatives
| Feature | ASUS ROG Strix GL703 | Dell G15 (Example) | Other Alternatives (Examples) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i7/i5 | Intel Core i7/i5/i9 | AMD Ryzen 7/9 (e.g., in some MSI, Lenovo models), Intel Core i7/i9 |
| Graphics Card | NVIDIA GeForce GTX/RTX | NVIDIA GeForce RTX | NVIDIA GeForce RTX (e.g., MSI, Razer), AMD Radeon RX (e.g., some ASUS, HP models) |
| Display | 17.3" IPS/TN, 120Hz/144Hz | 15.6" IPS, 165Hz/360Hz | Varies (15.6" and 17.3" options are common, refresh rates up to 360Hz) |
| Storage | SSD + Optional HDD | SSD | SSD + Optional HDD, NVMe SSD |
| Build Quality | Good, often plastic and metal mix | Good, often plastic and metal mix | Varies (metal chassis more common in higher-end models) |
| Price (Approximate) | Mid-Range | Mid-Range | Varies (dependent on specifications) |
| Ports | USB 3.0/3.1, USB-C, HDMI, MiniDP, Ethernet, Audio Jack | USB 3.2, USB-C, HDMI, Ethernet, Audio Jack | Varies (similar to the GL703) |
This table provides only a snapshot, and specific configurations within each model range significantly. Before buying, carefully consider your specific needs and budget. Consider these alternative models:
- Dell G15: Offers good value, a wide range of configurations, and reliable performance.
- MSI Gaming Laptops: Often feature strong performance and aggressive designs.
- Lenovo Legion Series: Provides excellent performance, refined designs, and often competitive pricing.
- Razer Blade 15/17: Premium options known for their sleek design and high-end components (at a premium price).
Verdict
The ASUS ROG Strix GL703 was a well-rounded gaming laptop that delivered a solid gaming experience for its time. It offered a good balance of performance, features, and design, making it a strong contender in the mid-range gaming laptop market. While it faced competition from other manufacturers, its robust performance and features were noteworthy. Potential buyers should consider its capabilities against newer models from competitors and their specific budget and needs.
FAQ
Q: What is the typical screen size of the ASUS ROG Strix GL703?
A: The screen size is typically 17.3 inches.
Q: What kind of graphics cards did the GL703 come with?
A: It was equipped with NVIDIA GeForce GTX or RTX series graphics cards.
Q: What is the battery life like?
A: Battery life is generally limited, with around 2-4 hours of use, depending on the workload.
Q: Does it have customizable RGB lighting?
A: Yes, many models featured customizable RGB lighting for the keyboard and sometimes other areas of the laptop.
Q: What ports are typically included?
A: It usually includes USB 3.0/3.1, USB-C, HDMI, Mini DisplayPort, Ethernet, and an audio jack.