Asus unveils new durability-focused 'TUF'-series FX705 and FX505 gaming laptops

[Polycount]

What just happened? Dell isn't the only coming working on laptops that can take a punishment. Asus has launched two new "TUF" series notebooks that focus on gaming performance and certified durability. For now, the TUF line-up includes the 15-inch TUF FX505, and the 17-inch TUF FX705.

Asus promises that both laptops have been rigorously tested, and achieved MIL-STD-810G durability certifications. This means that, in theory, the TUF-series notebooks should be able to withstand table-to-floor drops, shock and vibration, high altitude, "solar radiation," high or low temperatures, and humidity.

While we can't verify any of those claims without taking the devices for a spin ourselves, their bulky nature does lend some credence to Asus' claims.

Moving on from grand marketing boasts, let's discuss the real meat of these laptops: the screen and hardware. Both devices offer identical component options, but since the FX705 isn't listed on Asus' online storefront as of writing, we'll only focus on the pricing of the FX505 in this piece.

FX505 customers will be treated to 144Hz, 1080p "NanoEdge" IPS displays. The laptop comes in 5 different hardware configurations, starting with a Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 and Intel Core i5-8300H-powered version for $699. You'll also get 8GB of DDR4 RAM and a 1TB HDD.

The mid-range FX505 houses an Intel i7 8750H, a GTX 1050 Ti, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD; all for $999. The most expensive FX505 will run you a whopping $1299, featuring similar hardware to the previous configuration, but with a 6GB GTX 1060 and an extra 8GB of RAM.

It may seem a bit strange that Asus has chosen to pair a 144Hz display with such -- comparatively speaking -- weak hardware, but users should be able to comfortably hit around 100 FPS in well-optimized modern titles by turning the graphical settings down a few notches.

If the 15-inch FX505 sounds like your cup of tea, you can snag any of the previously-mentioned models via Asus' official storefront. If you'd rather hold out for the 17-inch FX705, you can take a look at its design, specifications, and other features on its dedicated marketing page.

Image courtesy Rock Paper Shotgun

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https://www.techspot.com/news/77194-asus-unveils-new-durability-focused-tuf-series-fx705.html

 

[VitalyT]

People who buy laptops for gaming do intend carrying them around, despite their excessive weight, ahem, of laptops that is

And the heavier the laptop, the more damage-prone it is even after a minor impact. So any extra ruggedness is very welcome, also since the extra weight it adds is negligible here.

 

[psycros]

I wonder whey they chose to put hybrid drives on the lower-end ones when SSDS cost only a little bit more? True, Panasonic was putting spinning drives in laptops that could be thrown across a room without damage a decade ago..but still, I wonder. That said, one of these would probably be my gaming laptop of choice just because their likely to have longer life due to more heat tolerance, better soldering, etc. And the prices are NOT outrageous for what you're supposedly getting. Obviously I will await some detailed reviews..I've no doubt that all the major sites are chomping at the bit. I can't remember seeing a high-durability gaming laptop before so this might be a market first. (If its not then previous ones were probably very expensive boutique products)

 

[oldikes]

"Dell isn't the only coming working on laptops that can take a punishment."

1.) what is that sentence
2.) what laptops are you referring to? curious

 

[Theinsanegamer]

I can only think of two things

1.) many games do not work properly above 60-75 FPS, some can do 144, but not all. The tradeoff here is battery life, these 144hz machines do not use optimus, so battery life is mid 2000s level, think 2-3 hours of wifi browsing. Doing that with weak 1050/1060 hardware is absurd. It was only 3 years ago alienware offered a laptop with a core i7, a 980m, and 8 hours of wifi browsing in the same machine. We are going backwards.

2.) why is there nothing smaller. All gaming laptops today seem to be 15 or 17" models. What happened to the 13 and 14" models from a few years ago? If I have a laptop, I want it to be portable, and 15" is already a bit bulky.