ASUS G75VW is world's first notebook to sport Broadcom 802.11ac WiFi, we go hands-on (video)

In the back corner of ASUS' brightly lit Computex booth there's a simulated gamer's lair, complete with dim LED lighting, the sound of frequent gun fire and a small handful of nondescript gaming notebooks. The G75VW is one such device, but in addition to the Ivy Bridge Core i7 processor, NVIDIA GTX 670M and massive 17.3-inch LCD, this otherwise standard portable rig includes one very important distinction: it's the very first of its kind to pack 802.11ac WiFi. Approaching gigabit Ethernet speeds, this 5th-generation WiFi-equipped notebook supports up to 900Mbps of wireless throughput -- though we certainly wouldn't expect to see such speeds smack in the middle of a tech trade show exhibition hall. Instead, the device performed within the 200-400Mbps range, only jumping beyond that upper limit for a second or two during our demo.

You can't get 802.11ac without a properly equipped router, so we weren't surprised to see an ASUS RT-AC66U positioned an inch away from the lappy's rear. Computex may be an appropriate venue to launch the first 802.11ac-capable computer, but it's certainly not the best place to demo any flavor of wireless technology, so we look forward to putting the new spec through its paces in a slightly less saturated setting. For now, you can get a closer look at the router and G75VW gaming system in our gallery below, followed by our hands-on video just after the break.

Gallery: ASUS G75VW with Broadcom 802.11ac WiFi hands-on

Continue reading ASUS G75VW is world's first notebook to sport Broadcom 802.11ac WiFi, we go hands-on (video)

ASUS G75VW is world's first notebook to sport Broadcom 802.11ac WiFi, we go hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 07 Jun 2012 02:07:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.