Asus Zenbook UX21E Ultrabook Review

Overall performance. The power release of the Zenbook, with a Major i7, is as useful as a computer but more swiftly than most multiple press versions. How is this possible with a build dimension 17 millimeters? The lightning-fast ADATA SSD locations the typical increased than ever.

In the last few a few months, a lot has been released and discussed about UltraBooks. Many seemed skeptically at the price tendentiously over 1000€. Others discussed about the revenue and estimated amounts. The apple company preferred a 40% enterprise in 2012 and was mocked for that.

ASUS G53SX-A1 Notebook Review

ASUS G53SX-A1 offers fantastic performance, a large screen, sharp design, and even has a decent battery life, the most notable is the Nvidia GTX 560M graphics card with an enormous 2GB of GDDR5 high-speed video. Note also the Intel quad-core processor and 12GB of RAM. The only strange thing about specifications is the physical size and weight of the laptop, it's more like a 17.3 inch laptop rather than a 15.6 inch.

Asus N75SF Notebook Review

Soundstage. Average around laptops often suffer from poor image and sound quality. Asus out of masterly drawings routine and has a median rather expensive, but widely known compelling multi N75SF. Find out where the strengths and weaknesses of the unit is 17 inches in our review.

When only the price taken into account, perhaps N75SF not seem particularly attractive. More than € 1,000 for a multimedia notebook than the average?

Asus P43SJ-VO006X Notebook Review

Worthy successor? Asus now offers P43SJ P42JC successor. Apart from a new processor and a new graphics card has not changed much at first glance. But what seems a practical use?

We had the predecessor to P43SJ Asus laptop, the Asus P42JC, review some time ago. Even then, the laptop was able to make a good impression.

Asus U36SD-RX114V (SSD) Subnotebook Review

Slim and sexy. Although it is not a book of ultra manufacturer, it impresses with its elegant silhouette, its smooth but sturdy aluminum, the life of the battery and, above all, speed through SSD.

In early 2011, went Asus U36JC-RX081V (money) with our tests and ended with a 'good' at 86%. Now its successor is in our editorial, that US36SD RX114V-black. The 13.3-inch device does not remove all shortcomings of its predecessor, but it shows once again the forces earlier and because of the Intel SSD 320 series (160 GB), production has increased significantly.

Asus K53TA-SX026V (Fusion) Notebook Review

Economical. Low energy, the heat does not bother to get, and good battery life. In addition to these advantages, the dual-GPU system and quad-core processing power of appeal for fans of the game. This is a budget media rounder, the masses?

After AMD APU Llano shows success in our review of the Samsung Series 3-305V5A S01DE, we look excited for this 15.6-inch Asus K53TA-SX026V with almost identical hardware. Have GPU Crossfire system provides a good gaming performance, as is the case in the model of Samsung? Discover all you need to know about the laptop AMD Fusion 500 euros in this review.

ASUS U36S Notebook Review

U36S ASUS is a 13.3-inch ultraportable with magnesium and aluminum frame that weighs only 3.1 pounds. At just 0.75 "thick, with more than 8 hours of battery life, this notebook can be one of the best buys this year Here's a tip: Read on if you plan to buy a MacBook Pro for Christmas.

Asus X53E-SX082V Review

Asus X53E commands in the race and was equipped with an Intel Core i5 and Intel Graphics HD 3000 graphics unit. The laptop is one of the few participants in the test group that can stand with aluminum surfaces.

Specifications Asus X53E-SX082V :

• Processor : Intel Core i5 2410M 2.3 GHz
• Mainboard : Intel HM65
• Memory : 4096 MB, Samsung, DDR3-10600, 1333 MHz, max. 8 GByte, 2 Bänke
• Graphics adapter : Intel HD Graphics 3000, 8.15.10.2253
• Display : 15.6 inch 16:9, 1366x768 pixel, LG Display LGD02DC, LED backlight, glossy: yes
• Harddisk : WDC WD5000BPVT-80HXZT1, 500GB 5.400rpm
• Connections : 3 USB 2.0, 1 VGA, 1 HDMI, 1 Kensington Lock, Audio Connections: 2 audios (headphone & microphone), Card Reader: 4in1 cardreader,
• Networking : Atheros AR8151 PCI-E Gigabit Ethernet Controller (10/100/1000MBit), Atheros AR9285 Wireless Network Adapter (bgn)
• Optical drive : MATSHITA DVD-RAM UJ8A0AS
• Size : height x width x depth (in mm): 28.3 – 34.9 x 378 x 253
• Weight : 2.6 kg Power Supply: 0.19 kg
• Battery : 56 Wh Lithium-Ion, 6 cell battery, 10.8 volts
• Price : 579 Euro
• Operating System : Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64 Bit
• Additional features : Webcam: 0.3 Megapixel, Microsoft Office 2010 Starter, 24 Months Warranty, 2 year pick-up & return service, Altec Lansing loudspeakers, SRS Premium Sound, 0.3 megapixel webcam

Case
Asus X53E case is a very good first impression. The cover display is structured surface is attractive and even reduces fingerprints. But it can not completely avoid them, though. Unfortunately, the cover is the torsional stiffness is not very high. In addition, twisting the cap causing a squeak.

No image distortion appearing. The two hinges holding the display screen on the base unit is quite small and did not initially look as if they could keep the lid tightly. Nevertheless display balances are kept within limits, even with an open hand is easily possible.

Portable aluminum surfaces were found when the laptop is open. Higher base unit everything is made of aluminum, which naturally contributes to stability. For example, the palm rest and the area above the keyboard are very resistant to pressure and pressure support even more selective. The keyboard is quite stable. It is starting to give way below average, the selective pressure


Performance
Intel Core i5-2410M installed Asus X53E is currently a popular processor used. Many new laptops have mid-range processor from Intel, because it promises a good performance / money ratio. The dual core processor has a good amount of performance with a base clock of 2.3 GHz.

Four son can be processed simultaneously, with Hyper-Threading in the two nuclei. The processor overclock them independently with the help of Turbo Boost 2.0 should base clock is not enough at one time or another. The clock can be increased to 2.6 GHz (two charged nuclei), respectively, 2.9 GHz (1 core), depending on how many cores are necessary for the application. CPU cooling required shall be secured so.

When the processor is compared with the previous generation processor, the Core i5-2410M is roughly equal to the i5-560M from 2.7 to 3.2. The new processor can be partly overcome the elderly, and in fact faster model.

Intel HD 3000 graphics card is used the solution has been incorporated into the graphics card. Built-in graphics cards is usually not a particularly high level of performance. However, a big step to be taken once a new generation of integrated graphics chips.

Thus, HD 3000 Graphics is now at about the same level as the Nvidia GeForce 310M. One of Intel's graphics, great benefits otherwise dedicated to graphics cards are power consumption. Although dedicated to video drivers also drive up energy consumption of the system has integrated graphics processor.

Thus, the financial and economic systems can be set up without much effort. However, Intel HD 3000 graphics card is not entirely unsuitable for new games. Although they are generally set at the lower level detail, can be played without problems so far.

ASUS U31SD-A1

The U31SD's specifications are rank-and-file; given the product's intended use is casual computing, they are more than up to the task, however. The second-generation Intel Core i3 processor is fast in its own right. Paired with the dedicated Nvidia graphics card, this machine is even capable of some light gaming. Of special note is the two-year limited warranty, which includes a year of accidental damage coverage. This is not something competitors have matched - and ASUS has been offering such warranty coverage for several years now. The MSRP of $799 is slightly on the high side though the warranty makes up for some of the difference.

Our ASUS U31SD-A1 review unit is configured as follows:

• 13.3-inch glossy 720p display (1366x768 resolution)
• Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
• Intel Core i3-2310M dual-core processor (2.1GHz, 3MB cache, 35W TDP)
• Intel HM65 chipset
• Nvidia GeForce GT 520 w/ 1GB DDR3 dedicated video memory
• 4GB DDR3-1333 RAM (1x 4GB; supports up to 8GB - 2x 2GB)
• 640GB 5400RPM Western Digital hard drive (WD6400BPVT)
• Intel Centrino Wireless-N 100 wireless network adapter
• No internal Bluetooth
• Integrated webcam
• No internal optical drive
• 2-year global limited warranty w/ 1 year accidental damage coverage
• 8-cell Li-ion battery (14.4V, 5800mAh, 83Wh)
• Weight: 4 lbs.
• Dimensions: 12.9 x 9.2 x 1 inches
• MSRP: $799

Build and Design
ASUS continues to use a now-familiar two-tone silver and black exterior. The U31SD is made of plastic with the exception of the lid backing, which is aluminum. The plastics are of average quality, not thin enough to qualify as cheap but not the opposite either. The chassis lacks internal strength; it twists easily when flexed by the corners. This flexing puts the circuit boards at risk for stress cracks over time, which in the U31SD's case is magnified since the notebook will likely be carried around extensively.

The aluminum display back provides decent protection from pressure; pushing in on the back of the display lid does not yield any significant ripples on the screen. The aluminum is a nice touch; it would have been nice of the palm rest were covered as well; alas, it is only a plastic imitation. Overall the build quality could use revision in the next iteration of this notebook. As it stands, the quality is passable but only barely.

Do-it-yourselfers wanting to upgrade the U31SD will find it relatively simple to do; there is a single large access panel on the bottom of the notebook held on by a single screw. Under the cover are two RAM slots, the hard drive, and the wireless card. Only one of the RAM slots is occupied.
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ASUS N82JV-X1

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:

• 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

This is a solid set of specifications for a 14-inch notebook. The graphics card is the same as in the Alienware M11x. Another notable feature is the USB 3.0 port, which has considerably higher transfer rates than current-gen USB 2.0 ports – it is very useful for connecting to external USB 3.0 hard drives.

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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Asus G74SX 3D Gaming Notebook

The empire strikes back. Asus' G-series attracted many mobile gamers in recent years. Now, we are reviewing the newest release of the " Republic of Gamers", the G74S with Nvidia Geforce GTX 560M graphics and Intel i7-2630QM CPU. Our first results would like to give you a taste of the detailed review coming soon.

Notebook specifications Asus G74SX-3DE :

• Processor : Intel Core i7 2630QM 2 GHz
• Mainboard : Intel HM65
• Memory : 12288 MB
• Graphics adapter : NVIDIA GeForce GTX 560M - 3072 MB, GDDR5
• Display : 17.3 inch 16:9, 1920x1080 pixel, 3D-display 120Hz, glossy: no
• Harddisk : Seagate ST9750420AS, 750GB 7200rpm 2x HDDs
• Soundcard : Intel Cougar Point PCH - High Definition Audio Controller
• Connections : 3 USB 2.0, 1 USB 3.0, 1 VGA, 1 HDMI, 1 Kensington Lock, Audio Connections: Headphones, Microphone, Card Reader: MMC, SC, MS/PRO,
• Networking : Realtek PCIe GBE Family Controller (10/100/1000MBit), Atheros AR9002WB-1NG Wireless Network Adapter (bgn)
• Optical drive : Matshita BD-MLT UJ240AS
• Size : height x width x depth (in mm): 64 x 420 x 325
• Weight : 4.61 kg Power Supply: 0.89 kg
• Battery : 74 Wh Lithium-Ion, 8-cells
• Price : 2000 Euro
• Operating System : Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64 Bit
• Additional features : 3D Vision glasses, 24 Months Warranty.

ASUS UL50Vf

The new ASUS UL50Vf is an update to the popular 15-inch UL50Vt and offers the all-new Nvidia Optimus switchable graphics. Why are we reviewing this modest update? Because Optimus is honestly the first switchable graphics solution that works like it should.

Our ASUS UL50Vf has the following specifications:

* 15-inch 720p (1366x768) display with LED backlighting
* Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
* Intel Core 2 Duo SU7300 Ultra Low Voltage processor (1.3GHz/3MB L2/800MHz FSB) overclocked to 1.73GHz/1066MHz FSB
* Switchable graphics: Nvidia GeForce G210M w/ 512MB GDDR3 dedicated and Intel GMA 4500MHD integrated with Nvidia Optimus
* 4GB DDR3-1066 RAM
* 320GB 5400RPM hard drive
* 802.11n wireless
* DVD Super Multi drive
* Two-year warranty w/ one year accidental damage coverage
* 8-cell Li-ion battery 84Wh (5800mAh)
* Weight: 5.3 lbs
* Dimensions: 15.4” x 10.4” x 1.1”
* MSRP: $849.99

Build and Design
The ASUS UL50Vf features a design that is identical UL50Vt and similar to the 14-inch UL80Vt. This is a classic clamshell design with smooth lines and rounded edges. The drop point hinges give the notebook an almost aerodynamic look and the plastic construction keeps this 15-inch notebook reasonably light weight. A height of only 1.1 inches it is certainly a thin machine, and the inward chiseled sides make it look even thinner. The UL50Vf, like the rest of the UL series, has an all-plastic construction with the exception of the aluminum-backed lid. All visible plastic surfaces are glossy which means dust and fingerprints show up easily. If you like to keep your notebook looking new you'll need to keep a microfiber cloth handy for constant cleaning.

The brushed aluminum lid is the most classy design element on this notebook and gives this otherwise all-plastic notebook a touch of durability. Once open, the island-style (Chiclet-style) keyboard helps to make this visually boring notebook a little more appealing. The palmrests are large enough to give you a comfortable resting place while typing and the flush-mount touchpad is likewise nice and large.

Unfortunately, those glossy plastics that give the UL50Vf a modern look and keep weight low also make the notebook chassis too weak and flexible. We were able to visibly twist the notebook (both open and closed) with modest pressure, meaning this notebook might be vulnerable to damage inside a backpack with heavy books. This high amount of flex indicates that the notebook's internal frame is not strong enough to overcome the weakness in the external plastics.

In addition, the plastic screen bezel below the screen is flimsy enough that we can pull it away from the screen with little effort. In short, while the plastics themselves offer reasonable build quality, the lack of a strong internal frame and poor fit of some plastics make the UL50Vf feel less durable than most 15-inch notebooks.

The bottom of the UL50Vf offers users the ability to quickly access the RAM and hard drive bay for easy upgrades at home. We like the fact that ASUS uses a single access panel so owners don't have to remove multiple covers from the bottom of the notebook if they want to upgrade the RAM and hard drive at the same time. However, the use of four screws seems like overkill and makes upgrades a little more time consuming than needed.
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ASUS K42J

The ASUS K42J is the latest in the K series of affordable laptops. This 14-inch notebook features a high-performance Intel Core i5 processor, discrete graphics with Nvidia Optimus technology, and a starting price below $900. Is this the ideal back-to-school laptop? Read on to find out.

Our review unit of the ASUS K42J (K42JC-A1) features the following specifications:

* 14-inch 720p (1366x768) display with LED backlighting
* Windows 7 Home Premium (64-bit)
* Intel Core i5 430M (2.27GHz)
* Nvidia GeForce 310M graphics card w/ 1GB dedicated memory (Optimus switchable graphics)
* 4GB DDR3 1066MHz RAM
* 500GB 7200RPM hard drive
* 802.11n wireless
* DVD Super Multi drive
* Two-year warranty w/ one year accidental coverage
* 6-cell Li-ion battery (10.8v, 4400mAh, 47Wh)
* Weight: 5.01 lbs
* Dimensions: 13.7 x 9.4 x 1.5 inches
* MSRP: $899.99 ($880 street price)

Build and Design
The K42J has a traditional notebook design and shape similar to the previous generation ASUS K40IN. In other words, it looks like a fairly boring coffee brown notebook without much flare. The notebook features a mixture of matte black, semi-gloss brown and black and glossy brown and black plastics. All of the corners and edges are rounded to give the laptop a smoother look, and the textured touchpad and palm rests give the K42J a nice feel. The glossy screen lid features a subtle imprinted design that replicates the pattern used on the palm rests, but overall we're talking about a very clean, simple laptop design.

The build quality of the K42JC-A1 is typical of most of the ASUS consumer-grade notebooks we've reviewed. The overall chassis strength is good with no specific areas of plastic flex or creaking sounds. The internal chassis frame resists pressure quite well and the screen hinges provide a good balance of resistance (not too firm and not too loose). The back of the screen lid does flex under heavy pressure, but even when significant pressure is applied to the back of the screen there are no obvious ripples or distortions on the screen.

The bottom of the notebook includes two access plates for the RAM and the hard drive. ASUS engineers obviously understand that most consumers buying a mainstream notebook like this won't upgrade much (if anything) beyond the RAM and hard drive. Yes, we usually like to have more access to the notebook's internals, but the majority of the people who buy this laptop probably won't care.
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ASUS U33JC Bamboo

ASUS is no stranger when it comes to innovative laptop design, and the new 13-inch ASUS U33JC-A1 is the latest addition to the company's attractive "Bamboo series." Yes, when we say "Bamboo" we mean this notebook is covered in wood protected by a durable finish. If you're in the market for a classy-looking laptop with an Intel Core i3 processor, Nvidia discrete graphics, and impressive battery life, the ASUS U33JC deserves a much closer look.

Our review unit of the ASUS U33JC (U33JC-A1) comes with the following features:

* 13.3-inch 720p (1366x768) display with LED backlighting
* Windows 7 Home Premium (64-bit)
* Intel Core i3 370M (2.40GHz)
* Nvidia GeForce 310M graphics card w/ 1GB GDDR3 dedicated memory (Optimus switchable graphics)
* 4GB DDR3 RAM 1066MHz
* 500GB 5400RPM hard drive
* 802.11b/g/n wireless and Bluetooth
* 8-cell Li-ion battery (5600mAh)
* Weight: 4.54 lbs
* Dimensions: 12.9 x 9.3 x 1 inches
* Price as configured: $999.00

Build and Design
ASUS has long been known for designing laptops that break the traditional mold of notebooks. Heck, this is the company that developed the world's first "scented" notebooks a few years ago. The ASUS Bamboo series is another one of those interesting ASUS designs that deserves some attention.

In a world full of boring plastic and metal alloy notebooks, ASUS realized the potential appeal of wood with a high-quality finish. The company's newest addition to its Bamboo series is the 13-inch U33JC. This luxury-focused laptop pcaks a new Core i3 processor and NVIDIA dedicated graphics with Optimus automatic switching between power-saving integrated graphics and high-performance discrete graphics. As if that weren't enough, ASUS includes USB 3.0 and Intel's wireless display technology all for just $1,000.

The build quality of the U33JC is very good with a solid main chassis that doesn't squeak, creak, or flex even under significant pressure. The screen hinges are nice and tight, making it a little difficult to open the laptop with one hand but also helping to keep the screen where you want it. While we're on the topic of the screen, the screen lid features bamboo cladding with a dark brown finish that provides plenty of protection. We spilt coffee on the lid and dropped the AC adapter on it but all we had to do was wipe the lid down with a damp cloth and it looked as good as new.

While we're on the topic of the screen lid, I want to draw your attention to a small design feature that deserves much greater praise: the webcam privacy filter. The two-megapixel webcam included on the U33JC might not seem like anything special at first glance, but if you look closer you'll notice a simple plastic slider switch with the words "ON" and "OFF" printed on either side. Slide the switch to the "ON" position and the webcam is available for use at any time. Slide the switch to the "OFF" position and a simple plastic tab slides over the camera lens preventing anyone from seeing you.

Yes, you could open up Windows Device Manager and deactivate the webcam completely if you are concerned about privacy, but this simple on/off switch makes it much easier to use the use the webcam for video chats and disable the webcam when you're not using it. Whether it's perverted hackers or overzealous school districts, we've seen many news reports of people using webcams to spy on people without their knowledge. The privacy filter is a simple way to resolve that security issue and put control back into the hands of the PC user.

The bottom of the notebook includes a single access plate for the RAM, wireless card and the hard drive. Granted, most people who purchase a luxury bamboo-covered notebook probably won't perform upgrades. Still, if you want to add more RAM (the U33JC can be upgraded to 8GB) or a new hard drive or SSD, all you have to do is remove two screws to make it happen. ASUS was also kind enough to place a plastic protective sticker over the serial number sticker and the Windows 7 key so these important numbers won't rub off over time.

Screen and Speakers
The 13.3-inch diagonal display on the U33JC-A1 features LED backlighting and a 16:9 aspect ratio. Once again, we give this screen a "very good" rating within the narrow vertical viewing angle sweet spot. The backlight is even and bright, contrast is sharp and colors are good at default settings. The only obvious issue with the screen is the narrow vertical viewing angles. While the horizontal viewing angles (side view) are nearly flawless, the colors become over exposed when viewed from above and significantly inverted and distorted when viewed from below. If you are using this laptop for color-accurate editing you will need to be certain you're viewing the screen from straight ahead.

The display's 1366x768 resolution is a standard resolution for mainstream notebooks. The horizontal resolution is adequate, however only 768 pixels of vertical space means a good deal of scrolling while surfing the Internet and only enough space to view about one-half of a page in a Microsoft Word.

The ASUS U33JC features stereo speakers located just below the palm rests on the bottom front edge of the notebook. The speakers sound absolutely fabulous when the laptop is resting on a hard surface like a desk as the sound bounces up off the desk and toward the user. Unfortunately, the sound isn't as good if you're using this notebook as a "laptop." In the NotebookReview.com test lab we usually call downward-facing speaker "crotch speakers" because they direct sound at your lap rather than your ears. If you're using the U33JC on your lap you can expect the audio to sound muffled and distorted against your legs. On a happier note, the headphone jack provides a great, static-free connection for external speakers or earphones.

Keyboard and Touchpad
The Chiclet-style keyboard on the U33JC isn't one of the better keyboards I've seen on an ASUS notebook. Each key suffers from weak (mushy) feedback and the center of the keyboard shows some flex under heavy typing pressure. There are no dedicated multimedia keys, but the arrow keys do serve double duty as media controls when used with the function (fn) key. On the bright side, each key is flat with a nice matte texture and a little extra spacing to prevent typos. Again, since the keys are mushy you don't have to worry about much "click-clack" noise while typing. Still, the typing noise is there and is pretty loud if you happen to wiggle the keys slightly while typing.

The Synaptics touchpad is a fairly nice with the same bamboo covering as the palm rests. The touchpad drivers provide excellent accuracy and minimal lag with a range of options. The touchpad buttons are hidden under a single "rocker bar" and have a shallow press with audible "click" when pressed. The biggest problem I had with this touchpad was the thin touchpad button bar combined with the extremely sensitive touchpad. The cursor often jumped across the screen while I was using the touchpad because I would click the touchpad button with my thumb and the edge of my thumb touched the touchpad ... making the cursor unintentionally move to the lower edge of the screen.
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ASUS UL20FT

The ASUS UL20FT is an all-new update to the popular UL20A. Featuring a high-performance Intel Core i3 processor and impressive battery life, this thin and light laptop has a great deal to offer. The team at Notebook Review has an exclusive first look at this new 12-inch notebook, and we're excited to show you how this lightweight laptop performs. Read on to find out if the UL20FT deserves a place on your notebook shopping list.

Our review unit of the ASUS UL20FT (UL20FT-A1) comes with the following features:

* 12.1-inch 720p (1366x768) display with LED backlighting
* Windows 7 Home Premium (64-bit)
* Intel Core i3-330UM (1.20GHz)
* Intel Graphics Media Accelerator HD integrated graphics
* 2GB DDR3 RAM 1066MHz
* 320GB 5400RPM hard drive
* 802.11b/g/n wireless and Bluetooth
* 6-cell Li-ion battery (4400mAh, 47Whr)
* Weight: 3.3 lbs
* Dimensions: 11.8 x 8.4 x 1 inches
* MSRP: $649.99

Build and Design
The ASUS UL series were some of the first laptops on the market to use Intel Consumer Ultra Low Voltage (CULV) processors. These CPUs consumed only a fraction of the power that other processors required, meaning any laptop running a CULV processor could last longer on a single battery charge and the laptop itself could be made thinner and lighter because these processors didn't require the massive cooling systems that other laptops needed.

The ASUS UL20A was the first 12-inch laptop in the UL series and quickly became popular with students and working adults who needed a lightweight laptop. The unfortunate down side to the UL20A was that it used a relatively low-performance version of the CULV processors. Now ASUS has revived the UL20 as the UL20FT, featuring a new Core i3 low voltage processor and a larger hard drive. The notebook chassis itself remains unchanged other than a slight modification to accommodate a new 16:9 ratio widescreen display.

The build quality of the UL20FT is very good with a solid main chassis that doesn't squeak, creak, or flex even under significant pressure. The screen hinges are nice and tight, making it a little difficult to open the laptop with one hand but also helping to keep the screen where you want it. The metal-covered screen lid feels extremely nice and offers a fair amount of structural rigidity, but the middle of the screen still flexes under heavy pressure. The screen itself also shows obvious signs of distortion when you press on the back of the screen lid, so the attractive metal lid might not offer much protection.

The bottom of the notebook includes a single access plate for the RAM and the hard drive. The two RAM slots are located side-by-side rather than being stacked. This internal layout helps keep the chassis design as thin as possible. The 2GB memory module only takes up a single slot so it's easy to upgrade to 4GB simply by purchasing an extra 2GB stick of memory. Unfortunately, it's significantly more difficult to access the wireless card because of the thin design, so don't expect to swap out the Wi-Fi card for another model without completely disassembling the laptop. That said, the target audience for this notebook probably isn't likely to make any changes beyond memory upgrades an a possible hard drive swap.

Screen and Speakers
The 12.1-inch diagonal display on the UL20FT-A1 features LED backlighting and a 16:9 aspect ratio with 1366 x 768 resolution. We'd give this screen a "good" rating within the narrow vertical viewing angle sweet spot. The backlight in our review unit is even and bright but the top left corner of the screen suffers from a little backlight bleed. Contrast is sharp and colors are good at default settings. Vertical viewing angles are just as narrow as we typically see with most laptops while the horizontal viewing angles (side view) are nearly flawless. If you are using this laptop for color-accurate editing you will need to be certain you're viewing the screen from straight ahead.

The ASUS UL20FT features Altec-Lansing stereo speakers located just below the palm rests on the bottom front edge of the notebook. The speakers sound terrific when the laptop is resting on a hard surface like a desk as the sound bounces up off the desk and toward the user. Unfortunately, the sound isn't as good if you're using this notebook as a "laptop." In the NotebookReview.com test lab we usually call downward-facing speaker "crotch speakers" because they direct sound at your lap rather than your ears. If you're using the UL20FT on your lap you can expect the audio to sound muffled and distorted against your legs. On the other hand, the headphone jack provides a great, static-free connection for external speakers or earphones.

Keyboard and Touchpad
The Chiclet-style keyboard on the UL20FT is an adequate design with a good support frame underneath. Individual keys are a little mushy, but still provide acceptable feedback when pressed. There are no dedicated multimedia keys, but the arrow keys do serve double duty as media controls when used with the function (fn) key. Each key is flat with a nice matte texture and a little extra spacing to prevent typos. The keyboard frame (the silver surrounding the black keys) on our review sample suffers from a bit of bounce or flex when you press down firmly with your fingers, but this isn't a problem when typing.

The Synaptics touchpad is a quality touchpad interface with a lightly textured surface and excellent responsiveness. The touchpad itself is a little small, but that is to be expected on a 12-inch laptop. The touchpad drivers provide excellent accuracy and minimal lag with a range of options. The touchpad buttons are hidden under a single "rocker bar" and have a shallow press with audible "click" when pressed. I really hate single touchpad buttons ... particularly when there is no clear division between the left and right sides. I frequently pressed down too close to the middle of the single button and either failed to activate the touchpad button or accidentally pressed the wrong side of the touchpad. ASUS designers need to either completely separate the touchpad buttons or at least make a small indented area in the middle so you can fell where the left touchpad button ends and the right button begins.
by : notebookreview.com

ASUS Eee PC 1215N

The ASUS Eee PC 1215N is the latest netbook to offer a 12-inch HD display and a dual-core Intel Atom processor to deliver multimedia entertainment and multitasking productivity for just $500. While this isn't the cheapest netbook on the market, the 1215N promises to be the most powerful. Keep reading to find out more.

ASUS Eee PC 1215N Specifications:

* Windows 7 Home Premium (32-bit)
* Intel Atom D525 Dual Core Processor 1.8GHz (1MB L2 cache)
* 2GB DDR3 RAM (800MHz)
* 250GB 5400 rpm SATA HDD plus 500GB Online Storage
* 12.1-inch diagonal WXGA (1366x768)
* NVIDIA ION with Optimus
* 0.3 megapixel webcam
* Realtek 802.11 B/G/N Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
* 4-in-1 media card slot
* 11.65 x 8.19 x 1.31
* 3lbs 3.5oz (not including weight of AC adapter)
* 6-cell Lithium-Ion battery (5200mAh, 56Wh)
* One-year standard warranty
* MSRP: $499.99

Build and Design
The ASUS Eee PC 1215N is the latest addition to the "Seashell" line of Eee PC netbooks and features an attractive wedge design with a very thin profile at the front that gradually thickens towards screen hinge. This shape feels nice in your hands and looks even nicer when the computer is resting on a desk. The combination of glossy black plastics and silver metalic finish help accent the various details in the design of this netbook. ASUS was the company that invented the netbook category with it's original Eee PC, and whether you love them or hate them, netbook sales are still strong enough to suggest that this category of budget ultraportable laptops is going to stick around for a while.

Build quality is very good with the 1215N feeling solid and showing almost no signs of flex. The screen stays firmly shut with a good amount of tension from the screen hinges when closed. Protection from the screen cover is very good; as no distortions appeared on the display when we applied pressure to the back of the cover. Opening up the screen you can tell the hinges should hold up for a long time with strong tension that prevents the screen from flopping around once opened. The body of the netbook seems to be well designed with minimal chassis flex and no obvious creaks from the plastics.

As we've seen on other recent ASUS notebooks, the new Eee PC 1215N features a convenient webcam privacy cover that slides into place over the lens of the built-in webcam when you flip the switch between the "on" and "off" positions. Yes, technically proficient users can disable the webcam using the Windows Device Manager, but many average netbook owners appreciate having a simple way to protect their privacy so unscrupulous outsiders don't use their laptop webcams for spying or stalking. Considering how much value a few cents worth of plastic offers, I'm amazed every built-in webcam doesn't have a switch like this.

One area of the design that didn't impress us was the bottom of the netbook. The expansion bay consists of nothing more than the two RAM sockets. The cover panel is held in place by a single screw, which makes it easy to upgrade the RAM, but ASUS engineers don't give you convenient access to the wireless card or the hard drive. Users interested in making upgrades (a common thing for netbook owners) will have to completely disassemble the Eee PC 1215N if they want to do anything other than upgrade the RAM.

Screen and Speakers
The 12.1" screen on the Eee PC 1215N appears to be the same model used in the older 1201N and is great for browsing the web, editing photos, or even watching HD movies. Color and contrast are excellent thanks to the glossy surface and LED-backlighting. Color saturation is better than average although only in a narrow viewing range. Once you start to tilt the screen forward or back the colors start to look dim or very washed out. Horizontal viewing angles were better; staying visible until roughly 60 degrees where the reflections on the screen start to overpower what is being displayed. Peak backlight brightness was fine for viewing in bright office conditions, but only when the brightness was set to 100 percent. Outdoor viewing was close to impossible unless you were in some serious shade from a tree or other structure.

The onboard speakers were lap-firing and sounded very tinny. The speakers had no low frequency response and just a small hint of midrange. This is fine for listening to streaming music or watching a YouTube clip, but not for sharing a movie in a small room. The speaker orientation causes problems if you have the laptop laying on a bed or pressed against thick clothing on your lap. I was able to easily obstruct the speakers with my legs; making them sound muffled. In short, audiophiles would be better off using a nice pair of headphones or connecting the Eee PC to a stereo through its HDMI-out port.

Keyboard and Touchpad
The nearly full-size keyboard on the 1215N is very comfortable to type although it still has a learning curve compared to regular sized notebooks. Most condensed Chiclet-style (also called island-style) keyboards provide enough space between each key to prevent excessive typos. The keyboard looks quite nice but the keyboard on our review sample suffered from a great deal of flex or "bounce" under heavy typing pressure. Not only does this make typing feel mushy but it can lead to typos when the keys "bounce" under your fingertips. The keys are designed with a rough matte finish on top which helps increase fingertip traction. Individual key action was smooth, giving off a quiet high-pitched click when pressed.

The touchpad on the 1215N is a Synaptics model with great sensitivity and speed. We didn't notice any problems with the touchpad calibration straight out of the box and the lightly textured surface provides just the right amount of traction for cursor movement. The flush touchpad surface is separated from the palmrests by a pair of polished metal strips but I often found my finger moving outside the touchpad area when using the touchpad. Once again, ASUS engineers decided to use a single touchpad button bar rather than two separate buttons. This makes it easy to accidentally hit the wrong mouse button since there is just one button and no dividing line between the two sides. Hopefully one of these days someone at ASUS will read these reviews and stop using touchpad buttons like these.
by : notebookreview.com

ASUS N53JF

The market for 15-inch laptops might be pretty packed, but the ASUS N53JF-XE1 with its powerful Intel Core i5 processor and Nvidia GeForce GT 425M graphics packs more punch than the competition. Did we mention it also has a 1080p screen? Read our review to find out more.

The specifications of our review unit of the ASUS N53JF (N53JF-XE1) are as follows:

* 15.6-inch 720p (1920x1080) glossy panel with LED backlighting
* Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
* Intel Core i5-460M dual-core processor (2.53GHz/2.8GHz Turbo Mode)
* Intel HM55 chipset
* Switchable graphics via Nvidia Optimus technology:
o Nvidia GeForce GT 425M w/ 1GB DDR3 video memory
o Integrated Intel HD graphics
* 4GB DDR3-1066 dual-channel RAM (2x 2GB)
* 500GB 7200RPM Seagate hard drive (ST9500420AS)
* Atheros AR9285 802.11b/g/n Wireless LAN
* Blu-ray reader/DVD burner combo drive
* 1-year global limited warranty w/ 1 year accidental damage coverage
* 6-cell Li-ion battery (48Wh)
* Weight: 6.5 lbs.
* Dimensions: 15.6” (L) x 10.6” (D) x 1.65” (H)
* MSRP: $1,049

Overall, the ASUS N53JF-XE1 is a pretty well-equipped notebook that competes well against systems like the Dell XPS 15, HP ENVY 14 and Lenovo IdeaPad Y560D. It isn't too often that you'll find a 15-inch laptop with a 1080p display, powerful processor and graphics, and even a USB 3.0 port for a street price of just over $1,000.

Build and Design
The N53JF has a fairly typical notebook clamshell design with a mixture of black, charcoal and silver plastics and aluminum. The only notable design feature that really catches our eyes is the massive speaker grill located below the screen after you open the lid. Not only is this a great location for speakers compared to many of the newest laptops with speakers located on the bottom of the notebook, but it's clear that ASUS designers want people to pay attention to these speakers (more on that later in this review).

The build quality of the N53JF is nothing short of excellent. From the simple yet stylish aluminum screen lid to the surprisingly ridgid chassis, this is one of the most solid notebooks in the 15-inch multimedia laptop category. Many cheaper notebooks in this class suffer from questionable structural support (you can literally "bend" those low-cost notebook by twisting them between your hands) but ASUS clearly engineered the the N53JF to handle daily use and abuse. The lid resists flexing as well thanks to its aluminum backing; no ripples appear on the screen when pushed in from behind either. Fit and finish is also quite good; there are minimal gaps between parts and no unfinished edges. The Blu-ray drive in our review sample looked ever so slightly misaligned with the chassis, but I doubt most owners would ever notice a cosmetic minor detail like that.

Speaking of subtle cosmetic details, I want to draw your attention to a simple security feature that ASUS was smart enough to include on the N53JF: a security lens cover. It seems like every year since new laptops started shipping with a built-in webcams we read news reports here in the US about someone illegally using a notebook webcam to spy on people without their knowledge. ASUS was paying attention to those news stories as well and developed a simple plastic cover that you can slide over the webcam lens to prevent people from watching you. This is such a easy thing to do that we're amazed every notebook manufacturer isn't doing this. Yes, you can open up Windows Device Manager and disable your webcam, but the overwhelming majority of consumers aren't tech savvy enough to do that. The ASUS security lens cover makes it much easier to protect your privacy.

Weighing in at roughly six and a half pounds (not including the power adapter) the N53JF is hardly the lightest notebook in its class. The 15-inch Dell Inspiron 15R tips the scales at well under six pounds and the Lenovo IdeaPad Y560D weoighs just 5.95 pounds by comparison. It is also thicker than usual at 1.65 inches (roughly a quarter of an inch thicker than the competition).

Keyboard and Touchpad
The N53JF has an traditional-style keyboard with some non-traditional elements. For starters, the keys are essentially flat similar to the island/Chiclet-style keyboards which are becoming far more popular these days. ASUS was kind enough to include a dedicated number pad to the right of the keyboard for those data-entry junkies out there, but since the number pad needs to fit in the smaller footprint of a 15-inch notebook the number pad is a little too close to the main keyboard keys and also gets in the way of the arrow keys. The keyboard keys themselves also have "mushy" feedback when pressed and the entire keyboard flexs or bends under heavy typing pressure.

I'm a little sad to see that ASUS didn't include a backlit keyboard on this notebook. Most multimedia systems in this price range now have keyboards with LED backlighting to make it easier to see the keys in dim environments. Since we're starting to see a few $700 notebooks with backlit keyboards it seems a bit odd that the N53JF doesn't have one.

The Elan touchpad has a matte surface similar to the texture the aluminum lid but with a darker color to match the palmrests. The surface makes it easy to slide your fingertips across the touchpad even with moist or dry fingers. Responsiveness seemed normal with minimal lag during cursor movement. The buttons provide excellent feedback however make a distinct click when pressed but there is no separation between the left and right touchpad buttons on the rocker bar. This means that it's fairly easy to press the wrong side of the touchpad bar if you aren't paying attention and make a right click when you want to make a left click.
by : notebookreview.com

ASUS U41JF-A1

The ASUS U41JF is a thin-and-light 14-inch notebook with powerful Nvidia graphics and excellent battery life. Combine that with a good Intel Core i3 processor and a price tag of less than $900. What’s not to like? Keep reading to find out.

Our ASUS U41JF-A1 review unit has the following specifications:

* 14-inch 720p (1366x768) glossy panel with LED backlighting
* Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
* Intel Core i3-380M dual-core processor (2.53GHz, 3MB L3, 4.8GT/s QPI, 35W TDP)
* Intel HM55 chipset
* Switchable graphics via Nvidia Optimus technology:
* Nvidia GeForce GT 425M w/ 1GB DDR3 memory
* Integrated Intel HD graphics
* 4GB DDR3-1066 dual-channel RAM (2x 2GB)
* 500GB 5400RPM Western Digital hard drive (WD5000BEVT)
* Atheros AR9285 802.11n wireless LAN
* DVD burner (MATSHITA DVD-RAM UJ892AS)
* 2-year global limited warranty with 1 year accidental damage coverage
* 8-cell battery (14.4V, 5800mAh, 85Wh)
* Weight: 4.8 lbs.
* Dimensions: 13.5 x 10 x 1.1 inches
* MSRP: $849

The U41JF-A1 has respectable specifications for the money, especially considering all this is packed into a 14-inch laptop that measures just 1.1 inches thin. The Nvidia GT 425M graphics card is more than powerful enough to run the latest games. The two-year warranty coverage is notable and it includes one year of accidental damage protection; similar coverage is extra on competing notebooks.

Build and Design
The ASUS U41JF's silver and black chassis is unlikely to turn heads though it still looks good in its own right. The silver brushed aluminum lid is especially attractive and feels cool to the touch. As mentioned earlier, the chassis is just 1.1” thin; the lid is one of the thinnest I have seen on a notebook in any size range. The U41JF feels a bit heavier than expected due to its large 8-cell battery; it came in at 4.8 lbs. on my digital scale.

Something I like about the U41JF's appearance is the relative lack of LED status lights; there is just the power button on the top right and four small lights below the touchpad buttons. However, the power button is too bright in a dark room (as is the light on the power adapter). On a related note, the U41JF lacks physical buttons; volume up and down buttons would have been appreciated.

Aside from the aluminum-backed lid, the rest of the U41JC is constructed of plastic. ASUS made the unfortunate decision to use black glossy plastic for the screen surround and keyboard area. Dust and fingerprints show up no matter what; keeping this notebook clean is a challenge. Durability is not one of the U41JF's fortes either; despite my careful use of a microfiber cloth, fine scratches appeared in the glossy plastic surface.

The U41JF has below average build quality for a notebook in this price range; it is apparent some compromises were made in order to make it this thin. The chassis suffers from an abnormal amount of flex; for example, pressing down on the surfaces around the keyboard with even slightly more than normal pressure makes the entire chassis bend inward. The chassis is also easy to twist by grabbing the front two corners, which is not good; the chassis should be a lot stiffer to prevent any motion transferring to the circuit boards inside. Circuit boards that are allowed to bend have a higher risk of failure in the long term.

Fit and finish is inconsistent. The silver plastics used in the palm rest seem to be of better quality than the black glossy plastic. Tapping on the surface of the notebook with my fingernail produced cheap sounds and some rattling noises depending on where I tapped.

The lid also has some quality issues. Pressing in on the back of the lid creates ripples on the screen, meaning that protection isn't as good as it could be. The lid is also fairly easy to flex back and forth. Something else I noticed about the lid is that the hinge is not stiff enough, so picking up the notebook quickly when the lid is open can cause it to open further.

Those looking to upgrade the RAM or hard drive are in luck though; gain access to both by removing the two screws from the access panel on the bottom of the notebook.

The U41JF has disappointing build quality on the whole; the chassis feels cheap and echoes some of the same build quality issues I see in other ASUS notebooks.
by : notebookreview.com

ASUS U31JG-A1

The ASUS U31JG packs an Intel Core i3 processor, Nvidia graphics with Optimus technology and almost eight hours of battery life into a thin and light 13.3-inch chassis weighing less than four pounds. What's not to like? Read our review.

Our ASUS U31JG-A1 review unit has the following specifications:

* 13.3-inch 720p (1366x768) glossy display with LED backlighting
* Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
* Intel Core i3-380M dual-core processor (2.53GHz, 3MB L2, 4.8GT/s QPI, 35W TDP)
* Intel HM55 chipset
* Switchable graphics via Nvidia Optimus technology:
* Nvidia GeForce GT 415M 1GB
* Integrated Intel HD graphics
* 4GB DDR3-1066 dual-channel RAM (2x 2GB)
* 500GB 5400RPM Seagate hard drive (ST9500325AS)
* Realtek RTL8191SE 802.11n wireless LAN
* No internal optical drive
* 2-year global limited warranty w/ 1 year accidental damage coverage
* 8-cell battery (14.4V, 5800mAh, 83Wh)
* Weight: 3.74 lbs.
* Dimensions: 13.1 x 9.3 x 1.14 inches
* MSRP: $849

Unlike its 14-inch brother, the U41JF, the U31JG lacks an internal optical drive. Otherwise the specifications are decent for its size and weight. The Intel Core i3 processor/4GB RAM/500GB hard drive are more than ample for everyday tasks, though it won't win any performance contests. The MSRP is on the high side; as configured it would present a better value priced $100-150 less.

Build and Design
The U31JG has a moderately attractive two-tone exterior. The silver trim wrapping around the chassis is a nice touch. ASUS made the unfortunate decision to use glossy plastic for the keyboard and screen surrounds; it looks good only in pictures. In real life, it smudges up too fast and is a chore to keep clean.

The U31JG's chassis is made of plastic. Overall build quality is about average for a consumer notebook; the chassis exhibits moderate flex when twisted by the corners. The palm rest and keyboard surround area tend to cave inwards when pressed down upon, though not alarmingly so. The palm rest is not actually made of aluminum; alas it is only lookalike plastic.

The brushed aluminum lid has a quality look and feel. It is relatively easy to twist by its corners but has better than average protection thanks to the metal. Some minor ripples still showed up in the screen though depending on where I pressed. Design-wise, I liked the small lip in the center of the display which aids opening. The display hinges are too stiff to allow the lid to be opened without holding down the chassis.

One positive aspect of the U31JG's design is the relative lack of LED lights; using this machine in the dark is not distracting. Although that's a nice feature, I wish ASUS had included dedicated volume control buttons.

Upgrading the U31JG’s parts is a simple process. The large access panel on the bottom of the chassis is held on by just one screw; inside are two RAM slots (both occupied), the hard drive, and the wireless card. On the whole the U31JG has satisfactory build quality but doesn't earn more than a passing grade in any particular area.
by : notebookreview.com

ASUS K53E-B1

These are relatively good specifications for the money, especially considering the large 640GB hard drive and ample 6GB of RAM. The second-generation Intel Core i5 processor should be able to tackle nearly any task without breaking a sweat, whether that be general Internet surfing or video encoding.

Our ASUS K53E-B1 review unit has the following specifications:

* 15.6-inch 720p (1366x768) glossy panel with LED backlighting
* Intel "Sandy Bridge" Core i5-2410M dual-core processor (2.3GHz~2.9GHz Turbo Boost, 3MB L3, 35W TDP)
* Intel HM65 chipset
* Integrated Intel HD graphics
* 6GB DDR3-1333 dual-channel RAM (1x 4GB, 1x 2GB)
* 640GB 5400RPM Seagate hard drive (ST9640423AS)
* Atheros AR9285 Wireless network adapter
* DVD burner (MATSHITA DVD-RAM UJ8A0ASW)
* 6-cell li-ion battery (10.8V, 52Wh, 5600mAh)
* Weight: 5.72 lbs.
* Dimensions: 15.2 x 1.4 x 10.2 inches
* Two-year warranty
* MSRP: $799

Build and Design
The K53E looks slim chassis at about 1.4" at the highest point. It's also very light for a notebook this size at 5.27 lbs. The palm rest area and lid of the notebook are aluminum, which has a dark copper-colored finish. It looks great and the hue changes depending on the light. The lid is more of a dark gray-colored aluminum.

The use of glossy plastic for the screen surround was not the best idea, as it is far too easy to smudge up. Combined with the glossy display surface, it is difficult to keep clean. The K53E's actual build quality is quite good; the chassis is stiff and does not bend or twist. The lid is not as rigid as I had hoped though the aluminum back helps it somewhat.

I like how the bottom of the notebook has a smooth textured finish. Overall the extra attention ASUS put into the K53E's design paid off. The access panel located on the bottom front edge of the notebook gives you access to the RAM, wireless card and hard drive in case you have any desire to upgrade those components at a later time.
by : www.notebookreview.com