If you believe the company "Asus", then after the acquisition of the model N53 you will get exceptional opportunities for work and entertainment. The laptop’s characteristics confirm the brand’s statement: Intel’s quad-core processor represented by Core i7, Nvidia’s optimized GT 540M graphics card from Nvidia with DirectX 11 support, and ICEpower speakers with Bang & Olufsen system.
The subject of today's review is the Asus N53S laptop - a representative of a new middle-class laptop. Let's try to figure out what are the real possibilities of this attractive device both in price and in technical characteristics, and also consider the advantages of the new Intel processors - Sandy Bridge.
In general terms, the Asus N53S is an elegant and compact 15-inch laptop with a 4-core processor and an integrated HD Graphics 3000 video card that works in conjunction with the new and powerful Nvidia GT 540 card.
Housing
The appearance of the case is very similar to the previous N53J line, with the same chassis with the original transition to the cover through the hinges. The design of the device is similar to the N73 models - with wave-like transitions of the side faces to the cover, coupled with stylish speaker grids. The model looks very, very interesting, especially since the company has not pleased its consumer with a really beautiful design for a long time.
Another feature of the Asus N53S case is the material from which it is made. In the screen frame and in the palmrest, the engineers decided to use aluminum inserts. The slightly textured and slightly sanded surface is pleasant to look and feel. All plastic components of the case are made with obvious love and quality, due to which the strength of the structure has increased significantly.
The matte finish of the model virtually eliminates the appearance of fingerprints, dust and other dirt, allowing you to maintain excellent appearance for a long time. Even with a thorough inspection, it is not possible to detect any flaws or gaps on the case.
The Asus N53S cover does not allow the case to open more than 130 degrees, but this does not interfere with comfortable operation even on the go. Users respond extremely positively to the strong hinges of the model, which allow you to clearly hold the display, regardless of what degree it is folded.
It is good that Asus made it a rule not to create problems where they should not be. Therefore, to get to the internal components of the device, it is enough to unscrew only two screws - and you will have access to a hard disk with RAM strips.
Interfaces Asus N53S
The characteristics of the model allowed the laptop to acquire an optimal set of ports and communications, and the only thing that causes some discomfort when working with the device is its not the best location. The bulk of the ports for connecting peripherals is located in front of the side faces of the case. There is only space left on the rear panel for the VGA output and power cable.
If you use the device as a stationary device by connecting a mouse, printer, external hard drive, network cable, etc. to it, then the entire workspace, both left and right, will be cluttered with a bunch of wires and cables. And if lefties have to put up with HDMI and an Internet port on the right side, then for righties, working with the device is more or less convenient due to the location of USB interfaces.
Connoisseurs of multimedia will surely appreciate the universal SPDIF output for external devices, which the Asus N53S laptop is equipped with . The characteristics of the model allow you to work with USB-devices as the old type 2.0, and the new 3.0. Some users in their reviews note the lack of an interface for ExpressCard as a drawback, but then one would have to remove one USB port, so this is a “double-edged sword”.
Networks and Wireless Communications
To connect to Wi-Fi networks, the Asus N53S uses the Atheros AR9002WB-1N module, and for wired communications an adapter from Realtek RTL8168 / 8111 PCI-E series is provided. The modules allow you to transfer all data at the highest possible speed, subject to the relevant specifications.
As an alternative to wireless communication, you can use the fourth series Bluetooth module. Asus has no plans to embed UMTS in its models, so you can use a standard USB modem to work with such networks.
Input Devices
An additional keyboard unit is built into the Asus N53S, which are installed on wider 17-inch laptops. The difference between input devices and the latter is only in the layout of the main keyboard - the distance between the keys is slightly less than that of 17-inches.
Strange as it may seem for Asus, the keyboard is not very convenient for continuous typing - the buttons are too soft and fuzzy. Pressing the key is almost not felt, and the buttons are too close located for quick typing. But many users, judging by the reviews, are ready to close their eyes to these shortcomings. The main thing is that an additional digital unit has appeared in the 15-inch laptop, and this is already very pleasing.
Touchpad
The touchpad is similar to the older lines of the N73 type, which supports all standard multi-touch protocols and gestures. Working with the manipulator does not cause serious complaints, and you can easily distinguish the work surface from the rest of the case - the touchpad is slightly immersed in it.
Responsiveness and sliding characteristics of the fingers can be described as an average level. The navigation bar below does not interfere with the work and is quite convenient to use.
Display Asus N53S
Screen specifications are presented by the Samsung SEC5441 module, familiar from previous lines, with a standard resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels.
The maximum brightness of the screen ranges from 220-240 Cd / m2, the black value is 1.31 Cd / m2 with a contrast of 172: 1. During games or watching movies, it is noticeable that the black color lacks saturation and clarity.
The trouble that many good laptops are not without is a glossy screen, and the Asus N53S is no exception. User reviews are full of complaints that it is impossible to work with a laptop on the street or even in well-lit rooms. Therefore, it makes sense to protect your workplace from direct sunlight and neon rays.
Viewing angles have a more or less tolerable characteristic. The neighbor on the left and on the right will be able to watch a movie or a photo with the owner, however, in a vertical position, the picture immediately loses its saturation, turning into a mishmash of colors and highlights.
Performance
In 15-inch laptops, such powerful 4-core processors as Sandy Bridge are very rare, so the model pleases with its performance and a smart operating system.
Here you can add a rather big amount of RAM - 8 GB, and together with a video card from the Nvidia GT 540M we get a completely playable laptop with an acceptable FPS in modern games (40-60 fps).
Summarizing
I must admit that Asus managed to make a solid and nimble multimedia laptop. The modern processor from Intel provides the laptop with a very efficient performance boost, which automatically pushes many of its competitors in this price segment.
Using the module and Nvidia Optimus software will allow you to find a balance between saving battery and device performance.
The only thing that upsets the line is a very mediocre display. If the screen had a greater contrasting ability and a wider angle of coverage, the image of an exceptionally attractive laptop could be attached to the N53S.
Generally speaking, the laptop fully justifies its price - 35 000 rubles, and it can be recommended to absolutely everyone who wants to buy a portable reliable “friend”.