Models of laptops from the budget series are stably in high demand, forcing manufacturers to regularly release all new developments in this segment. Although low-cost devices initially did not imply impressive operational parameters, sometimes quite decent devices that can compete with premium devices come out. These include the ASUS K52F model , which can be put on a par with strong budget employees. However, the laptop is good not only as a basic tool for undemanding games and work, but also has decent ergonomics.
Model Overview
The history of the model can begin in 2009, when ASUS set out to produce a new family of laptops. In this case, two conditions were set - the device should be inexpensive and stylish. The first attempts to achieve this result were justified only in cost, but otherwise the experience was unsuccessful. A few years later, the “K” family was launched, and today one of its brightest representatives is the ASUS K52F laptop with an impressive design and good performance. By the way, one of the features that is rarely seen among models of the budget segment is the presence of a disk with the Windows 7 distribution kit complete with a laptop. Otherwise, the main package is rather poor, and additional accessories have to be purchased separately. But, again, you can’t expect more from a modest class, especially since the most important thing is laid inside.
Specifications
Before you start the review of the stuffing of the laptop, it is worth noting that the manufacturer did not skimp on the development of the ASUS K52F. The characteristics of the model, although not impressive for the sophisticated gamer, however, against the background of competitors in the class, they look presentable:
- Dimensions - 381 x 40 x 258 mm.
- The mass of the device is 2.26 kg (without battery) and 2.58 kg (with battery).
- Processor - Pentium P6200 2 GHz.
- The bus frequency is 2.5 GHz.
- The number of cores is 2.
- RAM - DDR3 3072 MB, expandable up to 8 GB.
- L3 cache - 3 Mb.
- The volume of the HDD model is 320 GB.
- The display matrix is 1366 x 768.
- Backlight - LED screen technology.
- Connectors - HDMI, VGA, USB, RJ-45, audio input-output.
- Power - 4400 mAh Li-Ion battery.
Case and design
The laptop is endowed with a rather attractive appearance, although it is obvious that minimal means were used in its production. So, in the creation of the rounded case, plastic was used, while the company logo is still reflected on the varnish cover. In general, the dark brown frame of the device turned out to be thinner and sleeker, which cannot but add to the attractiveness of the ASUS K52F model, which looks no less worthy in the open.
Inside, the design is no longer glossy, but matte. It uses embossed plastic, the texture of which reflects the same pattern as on the cover. Actually, all surfaces of the laptop look far from budgetary and even with a hint of premium. But there is one drawback - it is the lacquered surface on the lid that is most susceptible to fingerprints, while the matte inner panel is resistant to such aesthetic flaws.
In the upper part of the frame of the matrix, a device for video shooting through the ASUS K52F is provided. The camera has a small resolution of 0.3 megapixels, but this is enough to work on Skype and other similar services.
Performance
The basis of the laptop is a processor with two cores Core i3-330M. The fact that the cores called Arrandale were developed in accordance with the standards of the 32-nm process technology significantly enhances the advantages of the model. In addition, the creators built the model on a new microarchitecture with a simplified, but more efficient dual-chip platform.
For RAM, the ASUS K52F is responsible for one bracket DDR3-1066. In the basic configuration, the system provides 2 GB of memory, which is enough for optimal operation in solving simple everyday tasks. If you need a big return, then there will be no problems with expanding this potential - a free slot in the SO-DIMM compartment makes it easy to integrate new devices for RAM expansion. The maximum amount that a laptop’s memory controller can provide is 8 GB.
Graphics Data
The engine for the GMA X4500HD became the basis for ensuring the operation of the video subsystem. True, the developers have made several improvements. In particular, the Intel graphics chip supports the modern HD Graphics system, which affected the performance of the device. Since the graphics chip is located together with the memory controller on one chip, the laptop provides a more efficient data exchange, the speed of which is about 17.1 Gb / s. Also, this solution allowed to minimize delays in the process of working with memory ASUS K52F. Reviews at the same time note that there should not be any surprises regarding IGP - in any case, the system will not master the games on modern 3D graphics. And here the relatively old GMA X4500HD engine is already making itself felt. Nevertheless, the graphic core fully reproduces films in high resolution.
Keyboard and touchpad
The main output devices are represented by a classic combination that includes a keyboard and touchpad. In the first case, the version of chicklet is used, which, incidentally, is also used by Sony and Apple developers on their laptops. But this fact is not particularly worth rejoicing, since the analogy is drawn only on the case. Apple, for example, uses such systems because of their reliability. In turn, the ASUS K52F keyboard sins with some problems in the center fixation. The fact is that not only the shell was used, but also the basis of the chicklet system, and in a redesigned form, which led to problems in fixing the keyboard unit. In addition, the developers used new rivets.
Below the keyboard unit is a fairly large touchpad with dimensions of 8.9 x 5.3 cm. But this is not all simple, since the working surface is allocated only an area of 7.5 x 4.5 cm. The material for the touchpad has a matte relief coating plastic that is pleasant to use. Positioning accuracy will not disappoint the user either - on a sensitive field the cursor moves sharply and without jerking. By the way, the main panel of the laptop’s working area is made with a relief coating in the form of rhombuses, which positively affects the ergonomics of the device, as well as decorates its appearance.
Notebook Reviews
Before proceeding to the opinions of the owners, it is worth recalling that we are talking about a budget model, so it’s not worthwhile to make special demands on it. One way or another, users have a positive opinion about the many features of the ASUS K52F. The reviews emphasize the merits of the design, ergonomic work elements, wide possibilities for communications, as well as virtually silent operation. But the main highlight of this laptop is its performance. This is the case when developers did not begin to integrate an expensive processor, but thanks to their skillful layout and well-thought-out architecture, they took the maximum of capabilities from mid-level components.
Among the shortcomings there is also something to note, but they are more related to minor points. For example, many speak negatively about the short run time of the ASUS K52F. The battery by today's standards really has an average capacity of 4400 mAh, but for a budget employee and this is a lot. Also among the shortcomings are a weak webcam and a flexing keyboard.
Conclusion
From the user's point of view, the practical capabilities of this model undoubtedly have a number of limitations. On such a device it is difficult to work with 3D graphics and enjoy the latest games demanding on technical stuffing. Nevertheless, considering the price, the modification of the ASUS K52F is more than a profitable acquisition. Especially if you compare the model with similar offers from competitors in this class. Not many manufacturers offer such high performance in combination with a thoughtful design and good build. Of course, there are also offensive flaws such as deflections in the keyboard panel, but this is compensated by the many advantages of the laptop.