Asus G51Vx-RX05

The Asus G51Vx-RX05 can't match the performance of pricier gaming laptops, but reviewers say it offers great value. This inexpensive gaming notebook is especially recommended for college students or gamers on a budget. The 15.6-inch Asus G51Vx-RX05, which is sold exclusively at Best Buy, includes a 2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 320 GB hard drive, Nvidia GeForce GTX graphics and 4 GB of memory. Reviews indicate that this feature set will satisfy most users, with the exception of hardcore gamers. The laptop easily handles routine applications and even high-definition movies.

In a test of the Asus G51Vx-RX05 conducted by Laptop Magazine, the Asus G51Vx-RX05 performs very well in games run on DirectX 9, but it posts "mediocre" scores for games in DirectX 10. In addition, the screen resolution -- 1,366 pixels by 768 pixels -- is lower than what serious gamers may be used to. Still, multiple reviewers say the Asus gaming laptop is a good value. If you want the best gaming notebook money can buy, reviews point to the Alienware M17x (*Est. $1,800 and up). The M17x is extremely powerful and fast, but it's also heavy at more than 11 pounds. The Asus G51Vx-RX05 weighs 7.3 pounds, so it is slightly more portable.

We found the best reviews of the Asus G51Vx-RX05 at Laptop Magazine, ComputerShopper.com and HotHardware.com. Each publication offers detailed testing, although Laptop Magazine and ComputerShopper.com provide a more exact rating system. There are also a good number of user reviews on BestBuy.com.