These include a virus scanner though only a trial version of McAfee Internet Security and the very handy "Asus Tutor" tool that explains the main modifications of the new operating system in simple steps to Windows 8 newcomers. However, it is better that the manufacturer cuts back on accessories than on the laptop's equipment and quality.Īsus also only installs the essentials in terms of software. The laptop alongside the battery, a compact 65 watt power supply and a few mandatory leaflets – there aren't really many accessories. At least the integrated microphone makes good recordings and could thus replace an additional headset. Low details and high noise ruin the fun of video chats. Users who value an appealing picture quality should avoid using the 720p webcam. Unfortunately, Bluetooth is generally not available. Windows certified excellent wireless signal strength at a distance of approximately 5 meters, which means that the aluminum casing does not significantly restrict the Wi-Fi transmission. Nevertheless, the range and speed will usually be sufficient for home use. The maximum gross data speed via single-stream transmission is 150 Mbit/s (net much less) and could slow down very fast internet connections. However, it is limited to the 2.4 GHz frequency band (no 5 GHz networks). The AR9485 PCIe adapter from Qualcomm/Atheros at least supports the most important Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n versions. In terms of wireless communication, the A56CB only provides the common minimum standards. Compared with the Aspire V5-571G and Sleekbook 15, Asus' A56CB keeps the upper hand and just scrapes a very good. We did not find any sharp material transitions, annoying gaps or other flaws in our test model. It is held by two tight, yet slightly wobbly hinges and requires both hands for opening the laptop.Īpart from a few insignificant details, the build quality is overall compelling. The screen is also stiffer than the class average despite its slim build. The casing easily defies selective pressure and barely exhibits visible deformations even at typical problem zones such as over the DVD drive. A thickness of just 21 millimeters and a weight of 2.3 kilograms are remarkable for a high performance 15-inch device, especially seeing that its stiffness has not suffered under this crash diet. The other parts of the casing are made of a subtly textured, matte-black plastic.Īlthough the Asus laptop is not officially sold as an ultrabook - the manufacturer only speaks of "ultra-thin" unlike its S56CM - its dimensions and weight easily correspond to the standards of this device category. The elegant light metal is used on both the base unit's top and the display's lid. Unlike many other contenders where the label "plastic bomber" would seem appropriate, our device relies on a high-end aluminum chassis. Both aim at the same corner on the market and, depending on the configuration, are sold for roughly the same price of 500 to 600 Euros (~$641 to $770).Ī pleasant surprise to begin with: The A56CB makes an impressive high-quality impression for a laptop of this price range. We used Acer's Aspire V5-571G and HP's Pavilion Sleekbook 15 as contenders for Asus' A56CB in the following review. Alternately, various other configurations are available (excerpt): Although our approximately 580 Euros (~$745) entry-level model only sports a Core i3-3217U and has a small storage capacity of 4 GB RAM (500 GB HDD), it promises to be an exciting overall bundle. As a special treat, Asus installs the brand new Nvidia GeForce GT 740M that we want to examine in a first performance test in this review. At the same time, the laptop is also to let gaming hearts beat faster. Equipped with energy-efficient ULV CPUs from Intel's Ivy Bridge series, the slim 15-incher is to excel with high portability and low emissions. What began with the first ultrabooks one or two years ago has now infested office and multimedia laptops.Īsus' new A56CB falls right into this category. Slim, light, portable is the trend that can be currently observed across the entire laptop market. For the original German review, see here.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |