Which G53 notebook to buy?

[ES_Designs]

I'm new to ROG notebooks, but I'm looking for a desktop replacement and over the years I've come to trust ASUS. The G series seems like the perfect desktop replacement for me that could then be taken on the road when traveling. Here are the two models I'm looking at. The only difference that I notice is the GPU. 2gb gtx 560m or 1.5gb gtx 460m.

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=637425&CatId=4938

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=576146&CatId=4938

I prefer the 15" over the 17" for the times when I will want to travel with it. The rest of the time it will be plugged into my existing dual monitor set up in my office. I value your input. Thanks guys.

[Chastity]

the G53SW-XT1 would be the better choice, with the nice 1.5GB config 460M. The HDD they include is slow, so I would also get a Momentus XT 500GB, or a SDD to set as your boot drive.

[ES_Designs]

Thanks for the info, that's the direction I was headed, plus it costs slightly less! What capacity SSD is recommended for a boot drive. I'm not a gamer, I'm a graphic designer so I'm guessing it would make the most sense to also run Adobe CS5 from the SSD as well, and use the HDD for media storage? Ideally, I'd like to get a SSD for my boot drive and the 500gb Momentus XT for the secondary drive. How difficult is it to copy the factory HDD to the SSD boot drive?

[ES_Designs]

I'd also like to throw this one into the mix. Downside is no Blu Ray. Is it possible to upgrade the optical drive, and if so about how much $ are we talking? Thanks again for any info.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834230027

[grungeboy2]

the g53sw-xt1 from tigerdirect is a better deal than the one from newegg.

2GB Ram, 140GB extra HDD space, and the blu-ray player.

the newegg version could have a blu-ray drive for about 80 extra, but then you have to swap it. considering the extras included in the tigerdirect version and the fact that it's about 150-200 more, i'd spend the extra and get a little bit nicer one.

just noticed that the tigerdirect is a XT1 and the newegg is a XN1. i'd get the XT1.

[ES_Designs]

The reason I was considering the Newegg XN1 is the faster HDD (7200 rpm). Honestly I'll probably never use the additional 140gb, that the slower 640gb drive would offer. Also the price, just $792.99 after rebate, about $270 cheaper than TD. I can add more RAM relatively cheap at anytime. Not sure I'd want to be bothered by the Blu-Ray drive install though, any idea how involved that is? I figured I could add more RAM, Blu-Ray Drive and 120gb SSD to the XN1 and spend less than $100 more than either of the XT1 notebooks from TD. Maybe there is something I'm missing. Any thoughts? Just trying to make the best decision, I appreciate your input.

[Chastity]

I would get at least a 120GB SSD, and remember to leave it at least 20% free space, so that it can perform TRIM effectively. I also agree on the XT1.

[Ayemageyene]

Chastity@ASUS wrote:
I would get at least a 120GB SSD, and remember to leave it at least 20% free space, so that it can perform TRIM effectively. I also agree on the XT1.

Is there a sticky about SSD, TRIM, and the suggested free space? ;D I'm kind of new to the SSD's and the process of garbage data.

[Chastity]

Sounds like a plan. As for the ODD, you open the bottom, and unscrew the once screw holding it in place. Then, use your screwdriver to gently push it out. Swap the faceplate onto your new drive and install it.

[ES_Designs]

Ok, so I think this is what I'm going to go with.

ASUS G Series G53SW-XN1 892.99 - 100.00 MIR = $792.99
G.SKILL 8GB (2 x 4GB) $44.99
Corsair Force Series GT 120GB SATA III 219.99 - 30.00 MIR = $189.99

So after rebates that's $1027.97
I will wait a little for the blu-ray drive, don't have one on my current desktop so not a big deal for now. If any one has better suggestions for RAM or SDD I'm open.