We’ve tested quite a few giant-size gaming laptops at PCMag, and the Strix G18 very much looks that part. Manufacturers increasingly leave some design flourishes like RGB underlighting for their biggest and best machines. With its huge screen, formidable chassis, and LED footprint trim, you can immediately tell what the Strix 18 is all about.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
Specifically, it measures 1.3 by 15.7 by 11.7 inches (HWD) and weighs 7.54 pounds—a laptop you’ll think twice about taking with you. This class of gaming system serves more as a desktop replacement that you can move when needed, rather than a daily traveler. You’ll find many smaller and thinner laptops if portability is your priority, while this is about a monitor-style experience and top performance.
Other than the LED strip along the bottom, this is a relatively restrained design–especially compared with the power inside. Asus opted for a minimal, single-color look without any wild geometry or other bits of flair. The ROG logo and a diagonal slash adorn the lid (both not textured or backlit), and the ROG motto (“For Those Who Dare”) sits above the keyboard.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
Otherwise, the laptop has a clean look and could sneak into a professional setting, which may well be your plan for media or work use rather than gaming. Its build doesn’t feel especially premium for the cost, but you’re really paying for the power and features. A particularly luxe or thin design would send this already high price to the moon.
Asus found plenty of room for inputs on this sizable laptop: It includes a full number pad on the keyboard, as well as a massive touchpad. The number pad helps provide a desktop keyboard-like experience, and while you’re likely to use a mouse for highly demanding work and gaming, the touchpad is a breeze to use when needed. The keys feel satisfying to type on, with cushioned travel but still-noticeable feedback.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
I find the keyboard a little too far away from the palm rests, due to the laptop’s size. I’m used to it now, but it’s a bit awkward to place your hands so far up the system to reach the keys. If it were shifted down, or if the keys were larger, the touchpad would have to be smaller. (This approach would also likely impact the internal layout.)
