Ultrabook Asus S56CM Specifications details and Price, Asus and ultrabooks - the first thing that pops to mind is the Zenbook range and the models, such as the UX31A or UX32VD.

Now, in addition to the premium market, Asus wants to join the mainstream market with the S56CM, which is also listed as K56CM, debuted at the IFA 2012 and sends a 15.6 inch and 21 mm slim ultrabook for EUR 700 into the race.

The chances are not bad at all when looking at the spec sheet and the laptops technical equipment. An energy-efficient yet strong Intel Core i5 3317U processor, a powerful Nvidia GeForce GT 635M and an exchangeable battery in a slim aluminum chassis that also sports an optical drive will likely be worth considering for the one or other potential buyer.

Notebook specifications Asus S56CM-XX079H

• Processor : Intel Core i5-3317U 1.7 GHz
• Mainboard : Intel HM76 (Panther Point)
• Memory : 4096 MB, DDR3 SDRAM
• Graphics adapter : NVIDIA GeForce GT 635M - 2048 MB, Core: 660 MHz, Memory: 900 MHz, DDR3, 9.18.13.697, Optimus
• Display : 15.6 inch 16:9, 1366x768 pixel, TN LED, glossy: yes
• Harddisk : Hitachi Travelstar Z5K500 HTS545050A7E380 + 24 GB SanDisk i100 SSD Cache Hybrid 500GB 5400rpm, 500GB 5400rpm
• Soundcard : Intel Panther Point PCH - High Definition Audio Controller
• Connections : 2 USB 2.0, 1 USB 3.0, 1 VGA, 1 HDMI, 1 Modem, 1 Kensington Lock, Card Reader: card reader ( SD ),
• Networking : Realtek RTL8168/8111 Gigabit-LAN (10/100/1000MBit), Atheros AR9485WB-EG Wireless Network Adapter (bgn), 1 Bluetooth
• Optical drive : MATHITADVD-RAM
• Size : height x width x depth (in mm): 21 x 380 x 266
• Weight : 2.3 kg
• Battery : 44 Wh Lithium-Ion
• Price : 699 Euro
• Operating System : Microsoft Windows 8 Pro 64 Bit
• Additional feature : Webcam: HD Web Camera, Keyboard: chiclet, Keyboard Light: no, Microsoft Office 2010 Starter, 24 Months Warranty

Asus Transformer Pad Infinity Download Updated To v10.4.4.18, The Jelly Bean update rollout process for the Asus Transformer Pad Infinity has begun in last month. Asus has got a great reputation reputation for its timely updates. We’ve one more news today for the owners of the Transformer Pad Infinity tablets. A new minor update is being pushed out now for the devices, the brings the software version up to JRO03C.US_epad-10.4.4.18. Android OS version still remains at v4.1.1 on the tablet.

This is a minor update and the build brings a set of bug fixes. Here’s the full changelog the new firmware update, provided by Asus:

Camera (All SKUs)

Fix the issue that switching to front camera in Facebook app would cause Facebook app to crash.
Wi-Fi (All SKUs)

Fix the issue that some 802.1x Wi-Fi APs cannot be connected after upgrading to Jelly Bean.
ASUS Software Keyboard (All SKUs)

Fix the issue that “Y” and “Z” characters are opposite in ASUS Czech (QWERTY) keyboard.
Fix the issue that Backspace key on dock does not work in Browser input field to delete words randomly.
Widgets (CN SKU only)

Fix the issue that user selects Google Search Widget in “Widgets” page would cause ‘this widget not responding.’
Browser (All SKUs except CN SKU)

Added Google Bookmark sync function to Android Default Browser.
Encryption (All SKUs)

Fix issues that, with the TF700T encrypted in ICS and Wi-Fi on, user cannot enter system after upgrading to Jelly Bean.
With TF700T encrypted in Jelly Bean and restart pad with Wi-Fi on, user cannot enter system.
Download

Those with Transformer Pad Infinity TF700Ts should be able to grab the update now by heading into Settings > System Firmware Update > Check Update. Users, who own the unlocked pad Infinities with the ASUS bootloader unlock tool, won’t be notified to install this update. They’ve to wait till Asus provided the full ROM on its website.

ASUS Pad Transformer TF300 is the latest from ASUS tablet issued to challenge the iPad 2. Pad Transformer TF300 has a quad-core processor Nvidia Tegra 3 and a better camera. ASUS has also added added a few tweaks to the OS Ice Cream Sandwich and 8GB of free online storage bundle. You can even add a keyboard, making it like a mini laptop.

A 10.1-inch screen wrapped in a glossy black bezel in front Pad Transformer TF300. ASUS logo and a 1.2 MP camera above the screen. A power button is on the atars tablet, while the headphone jack / microphone on the right sole. On the left side of the Transformer Pad terda [at volume rocker, a mini-HDMI port, and microSD slot. Port charges are among the docking port on the bottom.

Transformer Pad 300 has a weight of 653 grams with dimensions of 10.4 x 7.1 x 0.38 inches. However, when mounted docking keyboar, TF300 weight to 1.3 Kg.



It does not feel like a year has passed since we last ASUS Transformer original and innovative keyboard dock, but time does fly, and little has happened since then. The company has released a prime, for starters, followed by two other high-end models. And now, Transformer OG be the way of the dodo, as new affordable Transformer Pad 300 (aka TF300) takes place. Although this latest tablet was announced back in February, it only will only be sold in the U.S. this week, ranging from $ 379 for the 16GB version and $ 399 for one with a 32GB built-in storage.

Besides the fact that this product replaces a truly memorable, TF300 is interesting because it is a better deal for consumers: borrow some design cues from high-end prime, and also steps up to the 8-megapixel camera is similar. As Prime unskinned version also running Android 4.0 and packs quad-core chip Tegra 3 - something you do not often see at this price tablet. In short, the main difference between this and the prime is the battery (10 hours vs. 12), and the quality of the screen (10-inch screen offers 350 nits of brightness here instead of 600). They all sound like a reasonable trade-off and, frankly, they are. Thats our brief review, over and done with only two verses, but we meet through the rest if you desire a little more detail.


ASUS Pad Transformer TF300 review

Hardware


Think of it as a dilute Prime. Make no mistake: the TF300 shares some of the overall design language with the original, even now that there are some Transformers in the market still feels cohesive lineup. Even so, with prices ranging from $ 379, companies naturally prefer to hold some developing that makes Prime worth the premium. After all, ASUS needs to give some excuse to splurge on top-shelf models, right?

For starters, turning back now made of plastic, not metal, so although it looks like Prime and Zenbook line, the build quality is not quite perfect. Meanwhile, the body itself has been widened to .38 inch (9.7mm), up from 0.33 (8.4mm) on Prime. As for weight, TF300 tip the scales at 1.39 pounds, compared with 1.28 for the original. None of that has much to say, though: even with the dimensions, TF300 which manages to be slimmer than the new Galaxy Tab 2 Tab 10.1 and Acer Iconia A200, two tablets at prices that measure .41 inches thick and .49, respectively one.

As for weight, TF300 heavier than the Galaxy Tab 10.1 and 1.29 pounds of two big brothers, the Prime. For what its worth, though, it offers about the same runtime with the A200, which weighs one-fifth of a pound more. We have not tested the second-gen 10.1, so we have not been able to speak with a battery, but suffice it to say that the lighter weight will not be such a boon if the battery can not last for several of its competitors Hefner.

So what do all these statistics amount to? A very nice mid-range tablet, we say. No, its not as thin as a rock-solid, or teasing as prime, but if you are willing to spend $ 500 on a tablet, you should have, ya know? Compared to Tab $ 399 $ 350 2 10.1 and A200, the total package here is a little more sophisticated, though we also had good things to say about the finish muted at 10.1, and non-slip support on the A200. Oh, talking about sophisticated, tablets tested had a navy support, and it is the version youll see sales start this week. Finally, will also be available in red and white color is more fun, but you have to wait until June for them to hit the shelves.



Before we turn to how the tablets actually do, lets do a quick tour around the device, right? Round back, of course, you will find that the 8-megapixel auto-focus camera, paired with a 1.2-megapixel one on the front. If youre looking for the power / lock, youll find it on the edge of the landscape, leaving it easy to press even when the tablet is located on the keyboard dock. The volume rocker and micro-HDMI connector sitting on the top left side (assuming you hold it in landscape), with a microSD slot is located further down on the left edge. On the right, but required no 3.5mm headphone / mic jack. The bottom edge - one that connects to an optional keyboard dock - is home to three connectors, including a 40-pin charging slot that works with the included AC adapter.

Inside, the device is home to all the usual radio and sensors, including Bluetooth 3.0, a gyroscope, e-compass, aGPS, an ambient light sensor and G-sensor, either a 16GB or 32GB of internal storage. And no, for those of you who are wondering, we did not encounter any problems with WiFi or GPS, as some owners of Prime, although it is recognized types of real-world problems the owner may stumble in after the honeymoon period is extended.


The look and sound

As Prime that came before it (and most other 10-inch tablet on the market), this person has a number of pixels 1280 x 800. The difference, though, is that while the original Primary has 600-nit super + IPS screen, the TF300 has a brightness level of 350 nits and a "just" IPS. (We know, right?) If you work indoors, with a tablet connected to a keyboard dock, the decrease in brightness should not bother you, even if you are parked outside the room you might find a more narrow perspective than what you otherwise would get on Prime. However, the brightness is pushed to the max (a luxury you can afford, given the strong battery life), you should have little problem glance your email while traveling or framing shots in the camera app.

Even if you do not end up buying the dock, while the movie is simple to follow the tablet is resting flat on a table (or airplane tray) in front of you. (. Keep in mind, though, that the speaker is located on the back side, which means it is otherwise hard tablet, balanced audio will sound muffled if you rest it face-up) Indeed, the major drawback seems to be that these 350 - nit panel did not do as good job as a 600-nit against the glare of the sun.

Performance and graphics

A quad-core chip is not necessarily a shortcut to a perfect performance - and not the Ice Cream Sandwich.
As Prime, the TF300 package of 1GB of RAM and a quad-core processor Tegra 3, although this chip is clocked at a slightly lower speed (1.2GHz vs 1.3). If you care, this type of DDR3 memory now - an improvement over the Transformer OG. Once again, ASUS has programmed three different power modes (balanced, power saving and performance), and depending on where you choose the chip can be overclocked to 1.3GHz or throttled down to 600MHz level (see table below for a quick performance comparison). So what are feeds and speeds to translate, anyway? Superlative benchmark scores, for starters. While not quite the best big brother (and why would anyone expect it to?), Was steamrolled its similarly priced, similarly sized competitors in every benchmark we threw at it.

Note also, that the TF300 is leading the broad notch in graphics tests as NenaMark. NVIDIA is putting a lot of marketing muscle into demoing the game on Tegra 3, and has seen to it that the tab like the TF300 comes pre-loaded with a title or two is designed to showcase rendering skills. Indeed, we saw nary a hiccup when we escaped monkey in Run Temple, and the screen is also responsive as we swiped up to jump and slide down to the overgrown trees. And if we say so, that allows speakers to some crunchy sound effects (ie, until the person next to you on the train-scent into your eyes they turn off the screaming monkey).

However, quad-core chip is not necessarily a shortcut to a perfect performance - and not the Ice Cream Sandwich, in this case. Especially when we start playing with it, we see the delay as we knocked on the application, and the screen does not always seem to hear us call the radius. (For what its worth, we never had an accident app.) All of this increases quite a bit after we reboot the device for the first time, but even then we waited patiently through the lag here and there. In particular, web browsing is a bit disappointing: when you zoom in on text or images, youll almost always see some white tiles before the scale of things as they should. Even hinted that the benchmark values: although TF300 took the gold medal in SunSpider and Vellamo, was won by a much narrower margin than he did in the other categories.

Power saver

(600MHz-1GHz)

Balanced

(1.2GHz)

Performance

(1.2-1.3GHz)


Rest assured that if you are satisfied that the average performance mode you will not take a lot of performance hit, if any. Our graphics and the balance between modes of performance were similar across the board, which means there is no incentive to many to switch to the maximum setting, especially if the balanced mode holds the promise of longer battery life.

Battery

According to ASUS, 22Wh juicepack the TF300 can last through up to 10 hours of active use. In our standard rundown test, we had eight and a half hours of video playback before the tablet finally gave out. Overall, its not as impressive a show as Prime Transformer, 25Wh battery that lasts 10-plus hours on the same test - and thats despite the fact that Prime has the overhead of a brighter screen. It is, of course, our video playback test weight, not least because we fix the brightness at 50 percent. With the use of less intensive (read: more idle time) we eked out close to 12 hours, and even some video playback.

This time, the pier, also has a smaller battery than youd get with Premier (16.5Wh than 22Wh), which should amount to an extra five hours of runtime. We have not completed the test with full dock, but rest assured we are on it. We will update this review after we get the final value.

Update: And the results are in! With the help of keyboard docking station, which extends battery life TF300 to 12 hours and four minutes.
Dock

Some things have not changed. Transformer is, like any other weve last worked with the keyboard dock that serves as a battery, adding an extra five hours of runtime, in this case. This pier also houses two full-size port - USB 2.0 socket and SD slot - gives you two more ways to shuttle files between tablet and computer. The most important note, though, if youre new around these parts is that the Transformer is not exactly living out of the box with his name: the dock is sold separately for $ 150.

For better and worse, engineering here has not really changed, so if you already have a first-gen Transformer and wondering whether you should upgrade, you can probably get away with embezzling part of this. For newcomers, though, well say this: the useful, but we do not recommend buying a tablet and dock and expect them to add up to a laptop replacement. The keys have the feel of the thin, dangerous for them, and are on a weakness that has been shrunk to accommodate 10-inch screen. We also found that the speed is limited by the tablet word entries, so even though your hands may fly over the keyboard, youll still see a slight delay as the letters began to appear on the screen. In terms of typing experience, then, we would recommend it around as much as we would a netbook: its very useful to peck out the URL, web search and a short message, but we would not recommend writing a 15-page term paper (or even a 4,000-word review) on it.



This dock is useful to peck out the URL, but we would not suggest you write a paper on it.
The truth is, though, even a netbook might have a keyboard panel is stronger than this - not to mention, better ergonomics. ASUS has not done anything to improve the weight distribution of off-kilter, so that when the tablet is docked still can tilt back if youre not careful (this is especially true if you work with it on your lap). For what its worth, the tablet fits into the dock by clicking and setup combined convince feels quite durable, even if the bottom of the dock are prone to surface scratches.

Ironically, though, we enjoy a small dock, multitouch trackpad is more than our laptop touchpads on many test. Paging up and down or side to side is a no-hassle, and the buttons are tactile, if a little noisy. Pad is not wide enough enough to pinch-to-zoom, however, and the trackpad does not support it, you have to click twice to enlarge, or just reach and perform movements on the screen. Once you get over the feeling that you are "supposed" to use the trackpad for scrolling and zooming, can actually be very liberating to mix the input keyboard, mouse and touch screen, depending on what is comfortable.

For the first time buyer, there is no reason to consider other than this one pier, one of the fine-tuned to fit the dimensions of that particular TF300. But people think of their retirement OG Transformers may be curious to see if they can save that $ 150 to slip their new, state-of-the-art tablet to the pier is quite old, but still good. ASUS has a ready answer for you, and we were afraid thats not what you want to hear: TF300 is not compatible with the original dock or USB cable. It should go without saying that the new dock is not 100 percent sympathetic with OG of Prime Transformer or both, because the pier TF300 is specifically designed to cradle 300.

Software


Although manufacturers like Samsung and HTC have a field day customizing Ice Cream Sandwich, ASUS attach different strategy: load Android tablet with the stock version 4.0.3, and peppering it with some additional applications and widgets (all uninstallable, thankfully).

As for those pre-installed applications, the list includes the Amazon Kindle reader; Backup App (along with a separate App Backup & Restore); App Locker to password-protect the application, a shortcut to get Glowball; ASUS MyCloud, My Library and MyNet; Netflix ; Photoshop Express, SuperNote; Temple Run; Zinio magazine store, and a shortcut to the game TegraZone (we be dead-serious about NVIDIA marketing influence, people). Users also get free lifetime 8GB ASUS WebStorage, a twist on the way ASUS treated Transformer OG (in this case, the customer receives unlimited storage, which is only free for the first year).

Update: Turns out Photoshop Express and the Temple Run will not come pre-loaded on the TF300 when it hits the shelves after all; the application is installed on the unit recently issued for review.

Camera

In addition to industrial design, another key way in which the TF300 taking after Prime is the picture quality. Now, the tablet Transformer base has an8-megapixel camera, backlit-illuminated CMOS sensor with a lens f.2.2. That is not very different from the 8-megapixel sensor and f/2.4 prime lens, but Prime also has an LED flash for low-light shots. Even so, this makes for a welcome improvement over the 5-megapixel camera is included in the model year. And though the megapixels are not everything, it also has the potential to beat the 3-megapixel shooter Galaxy Tab 2 at 10.1, which also has no flash. And we are certainly comfortable saying this is a better deal than the $ 350 Acer Iconia Tab A200, which for the same price do not have the rear camera at all, and not even always be thinner or lighter because it is not that extra hardware.

For better and worse, the cameras do the same as the one on Prime. Here, too, you can press to focus, and the camera does the job (though not necessarily fast) awesome honing in on the details of your choice. We do take some issue with rendering color: some colors looked undersaturated (see the apples in our gallery above), while other nuances get lost in translation. Some red begonia, for instance, is actually magenta, if the resulting image we can trust. On the bright side, the camera flash-less holding its own in a dimly lit (but not necessarily darker) setting.

Transformer Generation also noted 1080p video at 30 fps. Fortunately, we experienced no dropped frames that we did when we first tested the original: here is relatively light on the quality of image blur, and audio capture smart enough to capture the subtle sound of the camera, such as talking on it. Watch the compilation below, for example: you can hear the stranger outside the camera to express amusement (or horror!) In the mannequins in store windows - kind of detail that might have been drowned by the sound of the wind that we had recorded with a lower device.



Configurations, accessories and competition


It seems clear that the quad-core chip TF300 provides a real advantage in terms of game speed, and overall longevity.
The TF300 begins at $ 379 for 16GB of storage, with taking $ 399 32GB model. (Side note: why can not all manufacturers charge only a small premium to double the internal storage) In addition, ASUS sells some accessories (no, we do not really count here namesake pier): VersaSleeve (it is what it sounds like), dongle micro-HDMI-to-VGA adapter and an external USB card reader 4-in-1 memory - you know, if you want an SD reader, but do not want to buy the pier $ 150 to get it.

Of course, were a little ahead of ourselves. We are assuming you choose a particular tablet. And if you do not know, we really would agree with your decision if you do, though for anyone who has been holding out for Android 4.0 that is not too expensive tablet, there is no reason to not see what else is on the menu. Beautiful things for the right people shopping right now is that there seems to be an uptick affordable 10-inch tablet. We would like Galaxy Tab 2 10.1, which at $ 399 is not quite over-the-shelf products first-gen is 10.1. Ditto for Acer Iconia $ 350, A200 Tab one of the first ICS affordable tablet we saw this year. Even iPad 2 has seen a price cut to $ 400, but we still maintain the best first-time buyers from paying extra iPad $ 100 for a new iPad, if only to get a crisp Retina. If the iPad is your speed, then, you probably do not seriously consider an Android tablet as well, not all buyers want to marry the Apple ecosystem.

However, for those of you who prefer Android, youve got at least three solid options at the ready. And actually, we enjoyed our time with them all, though TF300 offers faster performance and longer battery life than either of the two candidates, both of which make do with dual-core SoC Tegra 2 years ago. For what its worth, Acer Iconia Tab A510 will have a Tegra 3 when it ships, but at $ 450 for the 32GB model, it will cost you fifty dollars more than 32GB TF300, and also will have a lower camera and screen specifications. Biggest saving grace, though, maybe that battery life is rated for 12 hours, which, if accurate, would beat almost everything else in the size and price range.

Although we do not normally inclined to make recommendations based purely on the benchmark, it seems clear that the quad-core chip TF300 provides a real advantage in terms of game speed, and overall longevity. Factor in a decent camera, a slightly less smooth, clean Android experience, a good selection of applications and the dock is useful, and once again youve got yourself a lot.

Wrap-up


Although the price is low enough TF300, there is fortunately not that big of a catch. Even as more mid-range, 10-inch tablet Android starting to hit the market, both genes Transformer still feels like the best deal, with a smooth, Tegra 3-powered game, good durability and understated design that calls to mind the other ASUS Transformer Prime $ 500.

Apart from the fact that the battery life is not quite as epic as the prime, we are the most serious complaints had nothing to do with ASUS, and more with Android: even with a chip-of-the-art running the latest version of the OS, the tablet is sometimes hiccup when launching the application and the size of web pages. There is no reason for a product with the technology as a powerful mandate to stumble on earthly things. However, this tablet really useful, and ultimately fun to live with. In addition, the performance is a clear improvement over what you would get from similarly priced 10-inch tab, many of which runs on dual-core chip Tegra 2 years ago. So if you feel at home in Android, and has about $ 400 to spend, this, friends, is a tablet that we recommend.

Overview – exterior and appears

We’ll begin with the appearance. Asus slightly redesigned the N550 and additional significantly, created it agent and lighter than last year’s model. As a result, whereas this can be not as sleek as associate degree ultrabook, it still could be a fairly transportable fifteen incher.

The N550 additionally appearance smart and feels durable, reliable, principally as a result of Al is employed for the whole casing. There area unit some darker sheets of metal on the hood and on the belly, whereas the silver interior is forged from a solid piece of an equivalent material.

Asus took special care of the main points likewise. There’s a backlit brand on the lid, an equivalent beveled edges we tend to saw on the larger N750 and additionally an equivalent perforated patterns round the 2 buttons found on top of the keyboard. The one on the proper is that the Power button, whereas the one on the left launches the Asus Console, however can even be designed to launch associate degree app of your feeling, if you would like to.

See Completed Specs Asus N550JV

Sleek and exquisite

While still observing the inside, you’ll notice the big palm rest with a sleek, gold-bearing finishing, and also the screen’s new hinge, however additional regarding it a trifle later.
All in all, style and build quality wise, the N550 extremely could be a masterpiece. However, theres one issue I didn’t like: the lower joint between the sheet of metal on rock bottom of this laptop computer and also the silver inner body, that leaves out some terribly sharp edges. You’ll realize them terribly annoying once grabbing the laptop computer.
Anyway, let’s have a glance round the sides. Most of the ports area unit neatly lined on the left edge, with the PSU, the subwoofer’s connecter, the local area network adapter, large HDMI and mini DisplayPort video output, and 2 USBs and also the audio/microphone jack. The standing LEDs sit on the front edge, simply below the trackpad, whereas on the proper there’s the optical unit, flanked by a Kensington lock, a 3rd USB slot and a card-reader.

Flipping the laptop computer the wrong way up, you’ll notice just some cooling grills within the middle, because the battery in cased and also the laptop computer isnt that straightforward to upgrade. Still, with the proper Philips screwdriver youll be able to get obviate the ten approximately screws holding the whole back panel in situ and access all the parts within.
You’ll notice there’s one hard-drive on this unit with the battery next thereto, 2 memory modules and 2 giant fans and warmth pipes towards the rear. However, there’s no free eSATA that would take a caching SSD or an additional little SSD for your software package, the sole one obtainable being occupied by the Wireless module.
hdd
heat-sinks
internals
memory
wifi



Screen

Now, on thereto hinge. It stretches over most of the screen’s length and is durable, keeping that show firmly in situ, specifically however you’ll set it up. And that’s an honest issue, particularly since the N550 comes with a touchscreen that you’ll keep thrusting along with your fingers.

A very smart one by the means, that reacted snappy and correct to my touches. Of course, having a touchscreen brings on the shiny glass on high of the particular panel, with its reflections in sturdy lightweight, however since the N550 goes to measure most of its days within, that shouldn’t trouble you that abundant.
As for the particular panel, Asus bundles a 1080p IPS one on this laptop computer (hardware ID: LGD0323 ), an equivalent they provide on the Zenbook UX51. It’s a bright enough show that gives fairly smart colours and distinction, therefore undoubtedly an enormous leap from the Tennessee screens we’ve seen on Asus transmission laptops within the past. Of course, most IPS screens keep company with lightweight hemorrhage round the edges and there’s some visible on this specific unit likewise. You’ll most likely solely notice this once observance movies flanked by black bars and you’ll eventually grow to ignore it. a minimum of I did…

Full HD IPS Touchscreen on this high version of the Asus N550JV

On high of that, I ought to additionally mention the solid viewing angles and also the proven fact that the screen bends quite heap on the rear. which makes the N550 a viable laptop computer not only for desk-use, except for additional casual eventualities likewise (couch or bed use, for instance), one thing I want I might say regarding additional and additional devices within the future.

Of course, it’s price noting that there area unit higher IPS panels out there, able to show additional correct colours and provide deeper distinction. however you’ll realize those on dearer laptops. And unless you’re a artist or one thing connected, I doubt you’ll ever complain regarding this screen on the N550.
Keyboard and trackpad

Anyway, enough this, let’s bring up the keyboard. I’ve reviewed the Asus N750 last we tend toek and also the N550 bundles precisely the same one we saw thereon unit. It comes with the North American nation layout on this smaller laptop computer, however which will dissent from region to region. And no matter this, the Directional and NumPad keys area unit still narrower than the others and means too incommodious.
You’ll additionally notice that somebody at Asus set to use silver keys on a silver background, therefore there’s little distinction and as a result, this keyboard looks… uninteresting, even ugly i would say.

Decent trackpad and keyboard, however there’s area for improvement

It doesn’t provide the simplest typewriting expertise either, principally as a result of the keys feel somewhat plastiky and area unit a trifle too tall for my feeling, however it’s an honest entertainer yet.
Oh, and that i ought to mention that this can be backlit and youll be able to regulate the illumination by pressing FN and also the F3 or F4 keys.

The trackpad is alright, fairly correct most of the time, sleek and responsive. It supports all types of gestures, with up to 3 completely different fingers or once dragging from the perimeters, for those Windows eight commands. However, like all the clickpads I’ve seen on Asus machines in these last years, this one will still get jerky and high-strung from time to time. It solely happens often, however it’s enough to jade the general expertise.

The clickpad supports many gestures

Hardware and performances

Alright, with those already on the table, let’s move and Press the ability button and see what we are able to really do with this machine.
The N550 runs Windows eight and boots from cold in regarding fifteen seconds. Our unit, the Asus N550JV, is one amongst the highest configurations which will be obtainable for this laptop computer, with associate degree Intel Core i7-4700HQ processor, sixteen GB of RAM, dual-graphics with associate degree Nvidia 750M dedicated chip, and a regular 5400 rate 750 GB hard-drive. There’s no caching SSD on this specific model weve here (in reality, its just like the N550 wont provide this, since I didn’t see any spare mSata connecter inside), and that’s why the whole storage answer can bear down on the general performances of this notebook.

You can in fact simply upgrade the RAM if your unit comes with less (supports up to sixteen GB), youll be able to replace the hard-drive with associate degree SSD and that’s regarding it. you may most likely take away the optical bay if you would like to, however Asus doesn’t provide any replacements for that, sort of a further graphics chip (Lenovo will that on they similar model) or an additional battery.
device-manager

hdtune-info
win-rating
cpuz-gpuz

win-info
hdtune-bench
hwinfo

Anyway, i will be able to tell you that this laptop computer is overall a beast, even with the slow HDD. It will affect something you would possibly throw at it, from basic tasks, like browsing, piece of writing texts and footage, operating with documents and then on, all the thanks to additional advanced activities, like piece of writing video, running programming package and then on. It handles multitasking likewise and also the giant operating space helps too.

If you’re inquisitive about some benchmark results, you’ll realize them below. Note that every one the tests we’re run with the Nvidia 311.54 driver, the newest at the instant of this review, therefore once additional mature drivers are free within the future, you would possibly see some little bumps.

PC Mark Vantage: 9748;
PC Mark 07: 5031;
3D Mark 11: Entry – E4277; Performance - P2723; Extreme – X781;
3D Mark 13: silver storm – 73665; Cloud Gate – 6856 ;Fire Strike – 1450; hearth Strike Extreme – 709;
Cinebench eleven.5: CPU – 6.96 pts ; OpenGL – fifty three.04 fps.
And then, the N550 is used for fun, because it is in spite of everything a transmission laptop computer. Movies area unit about to look awing on this punchy IPS screen and also the system will handle all varieties of video files.

And it will handle games likewise. That Nvidia 750M chip (the 4GB DDR3 version) isnt a high entertainer, however i used to be able to run most recent titles on 1080p resolution with medium details simply fine. See the results below:

Metro: Last lightweight – forty four fps;
Bioshock Infinite – thirty two fps;
Crysis three – nineteen fps;
Grid a pair of – fifty six fps;
Starcraft 2: Heart of the Swarm – forty five independent agency (around forty independent agency in an exceedingly four v four game);
Need for Speed: beloved – twenty eight fps;
The Elder Scroll: Skyrim – forty one independent agency.

You might marvel why I ran of these games on medium details? Becausethe N550 isnt a fanatical recreation machine and that’s why itll not be able to affect these recent titles on gamma hydroxybutyrate settings. explore for associate degree Asus ROG laptop computer if you would like that.

Heat and Noise

Of course, once packing quick hardware within a skinny laptop computer, this typically ends up in warming. an equivalent happens with this Asus N550, however only pushing the laptop computer, once running games or alternative intensive tasks for hours. In these cases, the world on high of the keyboard, wherever there’s that Audio by Bang and Olufsen inscription, gets highly regarded, therefore hot that you just can’t really bit it for extended than a pair of seconds while not feeling pain. an equivalent half on rock bottom of the laptop computer gets hot likewise.

New cooling system

Taking a fast cross-check the hardware within the laptop computer, you’ll notice that those large heat-sinks area unit placed around there and after they do get hot, they disperse the warmth onto the metal frame. therefore Asus might have done an improved job analytic the heat-sinks from the outside, however however, high temperatures area unit invariably about to be a part of the story if you would like a robust, sleek machine.

I would extremely be discomposed by heat if it might result in hardware asphyxiation, as I do need such a laptop to perform to the simplest of its talents, if needed. Luckily, this doesn’t happen here. look into the photographs below, showing the temperatures/status achieved whereas running laptop Mark vantage and whereas taking part in Skyrim for quite one hour. If you’re {interested in|curious regarding|inquisitive about|fascinated by} the careful LOG for Skyrim (after taking part in for about three hours), let American state grasp, i will be able to add a link thereto likewise
hwinfo-pcmarkvantage
hwinfo-skyrim

Anyway, I ought to additionally add that If you’re not pushing the N550, itll run quiet and funky. The fans area unit perpetually spinning although, therefore this can be neer utterly silent.
Speaking regarding the cooling grill, Asus utterly redesigned it. Most of the air is sucked from below the laptop computer (some is sucked from the proper facet of the hinge likewise, as youll be able to see from that fast peak at the hardware), that’s why it’s vital to not cowl those grills. its then blown out through the cuts (middle and left) behind the hinge, that sends most of the new air towards the rear of the laptop computer, however there’s still a good quantity returning towards North American nation, the users. On the N750, the hinge was graven to direct the air towards the rear, it’s not an equivalent with the N550, most likely as a result of the its additional compact here.

The Asus N550 runs cool and quiet throughout everyday use

I can’t say that the new answer could be a heap higher than the previous one, however theres one issue that I like: on the older N56, the whole left facet of the keyboard and palmrest got hot once running games, areas youd invariably are available in contact with. That now not happens with the N550, that’s why I do realize the new model easier to use for intensive tasks.

Sound system

Temperatures aside, we should always bring up the electronic equipment, a trademark for the Asus N line.
Like several alternative Asus transmission laptops, the N550 comes with associate degree external subwoofer, which will lookout of all the basses once connected. However, Asus ditched the front-facing speakers hidden behind those perforated grills on the inside and replaced them with some smaller ones, placed on the front-lower fringe of the body, pushing sound towards the table.

New set of speakers

There area unit four of them currently and Asus claims this will improve the general sound quality over their previous generation laptop computer. however i urge to dissent. Even so, the speakers area unit loud and also the sound quality ok as long as you don’t push the degree too high. Once you get pass seventieth, distortions come back to play, annoying ones. Hear for yourselves.

Bottom purpose, Asus set to alter the speakers so as to accommodate the sleeker body and also the new cooling system; and whereas the N550 remains an honest entertainer, evidently among the simplest in its category, it can’t extremely keep next to the older N56 once it involves the general audio quality.
Connectivity et al

Connectivity wise, the N550 offers all the items you would possibly would like, with Bluetooth, Gigabit local area network and quick and reliable Wireless (an Intel Centrino N6235 chip, with WiDi). However, support for the 802-11AC commonplace would are nice and would have created this laptop computer additional future proof.

There’s additionally a digital camera on this laptop computer with twin microphones, good for infrequent Skype calls, however not spectacular.
Last however not least, it’s price knowing that Asus bundles the N550 with a bunch of preinstalled package and services. a number of them can be helpful, just like the free Cloud storage offered for three years or the luxurious, AudioWizard or Tutor applications, all simply accessible from the Asus Console interface.
But there area unit many others you ought to uninstall if you would like to create your laptop computer snappier. McAfee, Microsoft workplace Trial and a bunch of package from CyberLink ought to get on that list, unless you propose on piece of writing videos, during which case the bundled CyberLink PowerDirector eight is helpful, though it’s associate degree older version of this package.

In fact, a number of you would possibly need to urge obviate all of those programs, and that i can’t blame you for that.

Prices and convenience

Those being same, the Asus N550 isnt the right transmission laptop computer. except for the money, you’re actually obtaining masses.

The N550JV, with the i7 processor, a 750 GB 7200 rate HDD and eight GB of RAM, can begin at around 1000-1100 euros up here. This but comes with the non-glare, non-touch Full HD TFT screen, most likely the one we tend to saw on the G55 and also the N56 last year. For the IPS touchscreen configuration you’ll got to add around one hundred monetary unit further.
The top configurations, with an equivalent processor, additional memory and a 256 GB SSD rather than the slow HDD we tend to had on this unit, can get to 1400-1500 euros. of these are obtainable by the center of July.

Of course, the N550 are obtainable in many completely different version, and that i expect cheaper configurations to be launched later this year, with Core i5 processors and slightly slower graphics (probably a 730M chip). however that’s nevertheless to be confirmed.

Battery Life

Alright, before we tend to get to draw the conclusions, there area unit some alternative things I actually have to feature. First, the N550 is spectacular once it involves battery life. There’s a fifty nine Wh battery within this unit and substantiated with the Haswell platform and also the hybrid graphics system (with Optimus), permits the laptop computer to last 5+ hours on a charge, if used gently (text piece of writing, a browser with 3-4 tabs, screen at half-hour, Wi-Fi ON).

During everyday use although, with some browsing, movies, music, text piece of writing and then on, I got around three.30 – four hours, with the screen at five hundredth, WI-FI ON and Power4Gear Battery Saving mode elect. And that’s massive in any respect for such a machine.

Of course, once taking part in games, you’ll solely get alittle over one hour of battery life, however that was expected. Haswell isnt designed to be additional economical underneath serious load.
The N550 comes with an equivalent 120Wh battery brick we tend to saw on the N750, huge and serious, however a necessary foul required to power the beast. The battery charges utterly in regarding a pair of hours approximately.

Wrap-up

Those being same, the Asus N550 could be a smart transmission laptop computer. Not the simplest on the market, except for positive a awfully attention-grabbing selection in its value vary.
Asus created their fifteen incher sleeker associate degreed lighter than before and side an IPS touchscreen to the combination, whereas not sacrificing power of the battery life. There area unit still things that would are done otherwise, just like the redesigned audio and cooling systems, and to some extent, the keyboard and trackpad. however however, for the money, you’ll have a tough time finding something higher right away.

How will the N550 stand next to the older N56? There’s not an enormous performance gap between them, however the cover version is additional economical once used gently. It’s additionally additional compact, etc. The cooling system, whereas still makes the laptop computer hot underneath load, isnt such an enormous inconvenience any longer, because the high a part of the inside (the space that gets hot) isnt one thing you’re typically about to are available in contact with. The IPS screen is nice, however comes with those annoying reflections. youll be able to opt for the matte FTF panel, however hopefully a non-glare IPS choice are obtainable likewise within the close to future. Last however not least, the audio system could be a step backwards on the N550; still smart, however not as loud or as clear as on the N56.

Full Specs ASUS N550JV

Thus, if you own a N56, there’s very little reason to upgrade to the N550. however if you’re considering selecting one over the opposite, unless the older version could be a heap cheaper, I’d opt for the new N series member. As for a way the N550 stands next to its rivals from hollow, HP, Lenovo et al, I’ll hold any judgement till i buy to pay a minimum of it slow with those.