Gigabyte P34 Review

[section_title title=Conclusion] Conclusion

The time we’ve spent with the P34 has really left an impression – namely positive – in that it’s been the antithesis of the P27. Even if impressions are different, the P34 itself is all but meant to be different to the P27, and Gigabyte have succeeded here.

Taking the price first, after using the both the P27 and P34 it would be hard to recommend the P27 I feel. Both laptops cost the same with the P34’s cull of larger screen and faster GPU coming to make room for a smaller, more exclusive chassis. For me, the trade-off is worth it. Our own benchmarks don’t have the two systems far apart at all and when you’re spending north of £1000, I’d personally rather be seen with the P34 rather than the plastic P27 – as good as the latter looked for a gaming laptop.

If looks wasn’t reason enough to argue in favour of the P34 then performance should be. It’s slower than the P27 but only slightly. What you lose in FPS you make up for in a more humane sound level whilst the laptop is in use and cooler components. Of course Gigabyte test their systems to make sure they can stand a certain level of punishment, but if offered the option to run your components at their limits or significantly below, I’d be siding with the latter.

There’s also the size aspect of the P34 to consider, mainly, to it’s benefit. The P34 can easily be used on the train and in public places whereas larger gaming laptops can’t. At only 1.67kg you can easily take the P34 anywhere in comparison to the P27 with it’s bulk and weight which just doesn’t cater well to being carted around. In terms of a value proposition, it’s hard to argue against the P34 relative to the larger ‘gaming workstations’ at this price range.

All in all the Gigabyte P34 has been a pleasant surprise and experience in addition to setting the tone of what I’d now expect from a gaming laptop. Gigabyte have demonstrated that there is little need or use of going for a large notebook to satisfy your gaming needs, even if it has meant sabotaging their own products. Instead you can settle for a laptop that’s compact, well built and extremely pleasing on the eyes whilst retaining 1080p gaming in the latest games.

I would like to thank Gigabyte for the sample and look forward to seeing more from them in the future.