The ASUS N82J is a 14-inch multimedia notebook packing a Core i5 processor and powerful Nvidia GT 335M graphics with Nvidia Optimus technology. Is this notebook the ideal compromise between portability and performance? Read our review to find out.
Our ASUS N82JV-X1 review unit has the following specifications:
Build and Design
The N82JV has a standard notebook shape but does not look ordinary at all because of its unique color scheme. The entire lid and area below the screen are a striking copper-colored aluminum, which is imprinted with an elegant pattern. It looks and feels positively luxurious. The rest of the palm rest area is matte plastic with a slightly rubbery feel; a sticker on the palm rest says it is scratchproof, which I have no problem believing. Unfortunately the glossy black plastic surrounding the lid does not share the same DNA; it scratches easily and attracts dust and fingerprints.
The N82JV’s build quality is excellent; this is one of the most solid notebooks I tested in a long time. The chassis is nearly impossible to twist by its corners, indicating it has a strong internal supporting frame. It takes abnormal pressure to produce any flex in the palm rest area. The lid resists flexing well thanks to its aluminum backing; no ripples appear on the screen when pushed in from behind either. Fit and finish is excellent; gaps between parts are even for the most part and there are no unfinished edges.
The N82JV feels hefty as a result of the high-quality build materials, coming in at a shade over five pounds. It is also thicker than usual at 1.4 inches, however this is a result of having to accommodate high-performance components like the Nvidia graphics card. Overall, the build quality is fantastic; my only complaint is the use of glossy plastic for the screen surround.
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Our ASUS N82JV-X1 review unit has the following specifications:
- 14-inch 720p (1366x768) glossy panel with LED backlighting
- Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
- Intel Core i5-450M dual-core processor (2.40GHz/2.66GHz Turbo Mode, 3MB L3, 2.5GT/s QPI, 35W TDP)
- Intel HM55 chipset
- Switchable graphics via Nvidia Optimus technology:
- Nvidia GeForce GT 335M w/ 1GB DDR3 video memory
- Integrated Intel HD graphics
- 4GB DDR3-1066 dual-channel RAM (2x 2GB)
- 500GB 7200RPM Seagate hard drive (ST9500420AS)
- Atheros AR9285 802.11n Wireless LAN
- DVD burner (TSSTcorp CDDVDW TS-L633C)
- 1-year global limited warranty w/ 1 year accidental damage coverage
- 6-cell Li-ion battery (11.1V, 47Wh)
- USB 3.0 port
- Weight: 5.06 lbs.
- Dimensions: 13.8” (L) x 9.7” (D) x 1.4” (H)
- MSRP: $999
Build and Design
The N82JV has a standard notebook shape but does not look ordinary at all because of its unique color scheme. The entire lid and area below the screen are a striking copper-colored aluminum, which is imprinted with an elegant pattern. It looks and feels positively luxurious. The rest of the palm rest area is matte plastic with a slightly rubbery feel; a sticker on the palm rest says it is scratchproof, which I have no problem believing. Unfortunately the glossy black plastic surrounding the lid does not share the same DNA; it scratches easily and attracts dust and fingerprints.
The N82JV’s build quality is excellent; this is one of the most solid notebooks I tested in a long time. The chassis is nearly impossible to twist by its corners, indicating it has a strong internal supporting frame. It takes abnormal pressure to produce any flex in the palm rest area. The lid resists flexing well thanks to its aluminum backing; no ripples appear on the screen when pushed in from behind either. Fit and finish is excellent; gaps between parts are even for the most part and there are no unfinished edges.
The N82JV feels hefty as a result of the high-quality build materials, coming in at a shade over five pounds. It is also thicker than usual at 1.4 inches, however this is a result of having to accommodate high-performance components like the Nvidia graphics card. Overall, the build quality is fantastic; my only complaint is the use of glossy plastic for the screen surround.
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