Recently I got a chance to try the Asus ROG Strix GL502. To start off, here are the specs of the GL502 tested:
2.6 GHz Intel Core i7-6700 HQ
Nvidia GTX 1070
32GB RAM
I’ve previously tried the G752, its other gaming cousin. One distinctive difference is that while G752 is designed for really hardcore gamers, the Strix is more for the general gamers that plays demanding games. A notable difference is that the Strix feels slightly more lightweight and sleek compared to the G752. Indeed, it weighs at around 2.2kg, which is way lighter than the G752’s 4kg and about a couple of hundred grams heavier than other power laptops such as the Macbook Pro.
Indeed, it is because of such relative lightweight, that of all the gaming laptops that I have previously tested (GX700, G752, and Strix GL502), the Strix is the only one which I can easily bring to other places by just slipping the laptop into my messenger bag, and bringing around to play in places such as cafes, offices, campuses, and even cruises.
In spite of the light weight, the laptop manages to pack itself with GTX 1070 (8GB RAM) graphics card. This makes playing new and high graphics demand games possible even when travelling. It also comes packed with an Nvidia G-sync monitor, which ensured smooth and no tearing while playing fast games. The speakers deliver pretty rich and audible audio.
The minor caveat of Strix is that it is very power hungry. I have tried gaming Overwatch on the top deck of a cruise (without any power socket). The battery drained to slightly less than half after about an hour of Overwatch. Even while not gaming, it drains after about 3 to 4 hours of just typing and occasional movie watching.
Overall, I think it’s quite a good gaming laptop! Though always remember to bring your power brick + find power sockets