Review: Asus N53JF-XE1 Laptop
If I needed to pick a runner-up towards the Dell XPS 15 ($1,115 immediate, four.5 stars), the Editors’ Option for that desktop replacement laptop computer class, the Asus N53JF-XE1 ($1,015 street) could be it. It crushed our efficiency exams with elements like an Intel Core i5-460M processor and Nvidia’s latest graphics chip, and crams in sought-after features like a Blu-ray drive and 1080p resolution screen. Greatest of all, you can buy the N53JF-XE1 for about $100 less than what you would spend for that Dell XPS 15. This laptop’s one shortcoming is battery life: it lasted just 3 hrs.
Design
Asus is never one to skimp on design, which can be why the N53JF-XE1 is covered in aluminum like the XPS 15 and HP Pavilion dv7-4183cl ($999.99 checklist, 4 stars). The leading is somewhat brushed, with a tint that falls someplace between silver and gunmetal gray. This material also includes a slimming effect, because the N53JF-XE1 appears thinner than its plastic counterparts-the Samsung R580-JBB2 ($729.99 checklist, four stars) and Dell Inspiron 17R-2950MRB ($949.99 checklist, 4 stars).
Even so, it’s not the very best desktop substitute to get around the street, although, as its six.three pound body is as heavy as the XPS 15 (six.3 lbs). Desktop replacements like the Samsung R580 (5.four lbs) and Acer Aspire TimelineX AS5820T-5951 ($723 road, 4 stars) (five.2 lbs) really are a pound lighter and more appropriate for travel.
The 15-inch widescreen is more reminiscent with the XPS 15 than any other laptop in this group, because of its resolution, instead of its bodily size. While 15-inch laptops like the Samsung R580-JBB2 and Acer AS5820T settle for the standard one,366 by 768 resolution, the N53JF-XE1 goes as much as 1,920 by one,080 (full 1080p). Even laptops with 17-inch widescreens, such as the HP dv7-4183cl (one,600 by 900) and 17R-2950MRB (one,600 by 900) cannot scale this high. Photos and high-definition videos, as you are able to imagine, looked absolutely spectacular.
Asus kept the bar low using the user experience. The N53JF-XE1 avoided the chiclet-style keyboard that every other Asus laptop appears to become using these days, and rather, went having a conventional one. It is a good keyboard for all typing types, and it even comes with an adjacent numeric keypad, albeit with half-size keys. It lacks a backlit keyboard, like the one on the Dell XPS 15, which can be helpful those who work in low-lit areas. Its mouse buttons are too noisy for my taste and aren’t as soft as those of the Dell XPS 15.
Features
The feature set is much more than any average user could ask for. A Blu-ray drive-which you also find in the Samsung R580-JBB2, HP dv7-4183cl, and XPS 15-keeps you present with all the newest film releases in full HD. There are 4 USB ports, two of which home additional technology: The one in blue is USB 3.0, which can transfer content material ten times quicker than USB two.0 when used with a compatible tough drives such as the HP Transportable External Hard Drive (1TB). The 2nd one is definitely an eSATA combo port, which can be comparable to USB three.0 in that you can expand storage with out sacrificing transfer speeds.
The N53JF-XE1 has an HDMI port, which can be fairly important in a laptop computer of this class. Its Webcam is standard fare, compared with the Skype-certified Webcam of the XPS 15, which also lets you shoot video in 720p high definition. Asus produced speakers with Bang & Olufsen ICEpower that spans the length with the keyboard, and the sound they produce will please just about any audiophile. However, the XPS 15′s JBL speakers delivered better sound and much more bass, thanks to its twin speakers and powerful subwoofer.
Performance
Asus N53JF-XE1 The N53JF-XE1 houses the same 2.53GHz Intel Core i5-460M processor as the HP dv7-4183cl, Dell 17R-2950MRB, and Dell XPS 15, yet it came out on top in Handbrake (two:37) and Cinebench R11.5 (2.43)-benchmark exams that stress the processor. Factors affecting this deviation might be the software load (fewer third-party applications eat up much less resources) or the processor itself was tweaked to run at maximum speeds at all times (usually at the expense of battery life). Adobe Photoshop CS5 (4:56) scripts-a memory intensive test-also performed at a high level, despite bundling the same amount of memory (4GB DDR3).
If you’re a hardcore gamer, the GeForce 425M is part of Nvidia’s latest 400 series graphics chips that support DirectX 11. You’ll be able to see the kind of detail in games like Lost Planet two that you couldn’t have with past Nvidia mobile chips. It is a notch faster (faster fill rates and Core clock speed) than the GeForce 420M graphics chip found within the XPS 15 (Dell offers an option for that 425M as well).
According to its 3DMark06 scores (8,174 and four,322), the N53JF-XE1 is a better gaming machine than the Dell XPS 15 (7,404 and four,631) and HP dv7-4183cl (four,722 and two,831). You’ll get smooth game-play in 3D intensive exams like Crysis (48.five frames per second) and Lost Planet 2 (32.1 fps), both of which turned in the greatest scores in this group.
When the Nvidia chip is not in use, either by a game or for video transcoding, the system automatically reverts to using the Intel integrated chipset-a technology Nvidia calls Optimus. This technology prolongs battery existence, but that’s only half the battle-the laptop computer still needs a big enough battery.
Using the amount of power built-in, even a switchable graphics technology couldn’t help the 48WH (6-cell) battery. In our battery tests, the N53Jf-XE1 lasted a measly 3 hrs 15 minutes, which wouldn’t be so bad if Asus sold an extended battery option. By comparison, the XPS 15 (three:48) bundles a bigger 6-cell battery (56WH) and offers a 9-cell option, while the HP dv7-4183cl (six hrs) arrives standard having a 93WH battery (9-cell). Granted, the N53J-XE will probably remain plugged to a wall most of the time.
If you compare the Dell XPS 15 configuration I reviewed using the Asus N53JF-XE1, the latter would emerge as the victor in almost each and every performance-related task. The N53JF-XE1 also offers the top-of-the-line parts, like a Blu-ray drive and 1080p resolution, yet it costs less than the Dell XPS 15. For my money, the lack of an extended battery choice and some high-end features (backlit keyboard and 720p Webcam) make the XPS 15 the better purchase, but the N53JF-XE1 makes a great alternative.
Specifications
- Type Gaming, General Purpose, Media, Desktop Replacement
- Processor Name Intel Core i5-460M
- Operating System Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium
- Processor Speed 2.53 GHz
- RAM 4 GB
- Weight 6.3 lb
- Screen Size 15.6 inches
- Screen Size Type widescreen
- Graphics Card Intel GMA HD
- 2nd Graphics Card nVidia GeForce GT 425M
- Storage Capacity (as Tested) 500 GB
- Networking Options 802.11n
- Primary Optical Drive Blu-Ray Disc
Pros
1080p screen resolution. Top-of-the-line Nvidia graphics chip. Sleek aluminum top. Includes USB 3.0 and eSATA ports. Great performance scores. Optimus-enabled. Great speaker system.
Cons
No extended battery option. Keyboard isn’t backlit. Underwhelming battery scores.
Bottom Line
The Asus N53JF-XE1 bundles almost everything you could want in a desktop replacement laptop, but it needs a bigger battery.
If I needed to pick a runner-up towards the Dell XPS 15 ($1,115 immediate, four.5 stars), the Editors’ Option for that desktop replacement laptop computer class, the Asus N53JF-XE1 ($1,015 street) could be it. It crushed our efficiency exams with elements like an Intel Core i5-460M processor and Nvidia’s latest graphics chip, and crams in sought-after features like a Blu-ray drive and 1080p resolution screen. Greatest of all, you can buy the N53JF-XE1 for about $100 less than what you would spend for that Dell XPS 15. This laptop’s one shortcoming is battery life: it lasted just 3 hrs.
Design
Asus is never one to skimp on design, which can be why the N53JF-XE1 is covered in aluminum like the XPS 15 and HP Pavilion dv7-4183cl ($999.99 checklist, 4 stars). The leading is somewhat brushed, with a tint that falls someplace between silver and gunmetal gray. This material also includes a slimming effect, because the N53JF-XE1 appears thinner than its plastic counterparts-the Samsung R580-JBB2 ($729.99 checklist, four stars) and Dell Inspiron 17R-2950MRB ($949.99 checklist, 4 stars).
Even so, it’s not the very best desktop substitute to get around the street, although, as its six.three pound body is as heavy as the XPS 15 (six.3 lbs). Desktop replacements like the Samsung R580 (5.four lbs) and Acer Aspire TimelineX AS5820T-5951 ($723 road, 4 stars) (five.2 lbs) really are a pound lighter and more appropriate for travel.
The 15-inch widescreen is more reminiscent with the XPS 15 than any other laptop in this group, because of its resolution, instead of its bodily size. While 15-inch laptops like the Samsung R580-JBB2 and Acer AS5820T settle for the standard one,366 by 768 resolution, the N53JF-XE1 goes as much as 1,920 by one,080 (full 1080p). Even laptops with 17-inch widescreens, such as the HP dv7-4183cl (one,600 by 900) and 17R-2950MRB (one,600 by 900) cannot scale this high. Photos and high-definition videos, as you are able to imagine, looked absolutely spectacular.
Asus kept the bar low using the user experience. The N53JF-XE1 avoided the chiclet-style keyboard that every other Asus laptop appears to become using these days, and rather, went having a conventional one. It is a good keyboard for all typing types, and it even comes with an adjacent numeric keypad, albeit with half-size keys. It lacks a backlit keyboard, like the one on the Dell XPS 15, which can be helpful those who work in low-lit areas. Its mouse buttons are too noisy for my taste and aren’t as soft as those of the Dell XPS 15.
Features
The feature set is much more than any average user could ask for. A Blu-ray drive-which you also find in the Samsung R580-JBB2, HP dv7-4183cl, and XPS 15-keeps you present with all the newest film releases in full HD. There are 4 USB ports, two of which home additional technology: The one in blue is USB 3.0, which can transfer content material ten times quicker than USB two.0 when used with a compatible tough drives such as the HP Transportable External Hard Drive (1TB). The 2nd one is definitely an eSATA combo port, which can be comparable to USB three.0 in that you can expand storage with out sacrificing transfer speeds.
The N53JF-XE1 has an HDMI port, which can be fairly important in a laptop computer of this class. Its Webcam is standard fare, compared with the Skype-certified Webcam of the XPS 15, which also lets you shoot video in 720p high definition. Asus produced speakers with Bang & Olufsen ICEpower that spans the length with the keyboard, and the sound they produce will please just about any audiophile. However, the XPS 15′s JBL speakers delivered better sound and much more bass, thanks to its twin speakers and powerful subwoofer.
Performance
Asus N53JF-XE1 The N53JF-XE1 houses the same 2.53GHz Intel Core i5-460M processor as the HP dv7-4183cl, Dell 17R-2950MRB, and Dell XPS 15, yet it came out on top in Handbrake (two:37) and Cinebench R11.5 (2.43)-benchmark exams that stress the processor. Factors affecting this deviation might be the software load (fewer third-party applications eat up much less resources) or the processor itself was tweaked to run at maximum speeds at all times (usually at the expense of battery life). Adobe Photoshop CS5 (4:56) scripts-a memory intensive test-also performed at a high level, despite bundling the same amount of memory (4GB DDR3).
If you’re a hardcore gamer, the GeForce 425M is part of Nvidia’s latest 400 series graphics chips that support DirectX 11. You’ll be able to see the kind of detail in games like Lost Planet two that you couldn’t have with past Nvidia mobile chips. It is a notch faster (faster fill rates and Core clock speed) than the GeForce 420M graphics chip found within the XPS 15 (Dell offers an option for that 425M as well).
According to its 3DMark06 scores (8,174 and four,322), the N53JF-XE1 is a better gaming machine than the Dell XPS 15 (7,404 and four,631) and HP dv7-4183cl (four,722 and two,831). You’ll get smooth game-play in 3D intensive exams like Crysis (48.five frames per second) and Lost Planet 2 (32.1 fps), both of which turned in the greatest scores in this group.
When the Nvidia chip is not in use, either by a game or for video transcoding, the system automatically reverts to using the Intel integrated chipset-a technology Nvidia calls Optimus. This technology prolongs battery existence, but that’s only half the battle-the laptop computer still needs a big enough battery.
Using the amount of power built-in, even a switchable graphics technology couldn’t help the 48WH (6-cell) battery. In our battery tests, the N53Jf-XE1 lasted a measly 3 hrs 15 minutes, which wouldn’t be so bad if Asus sold an extended battery option. By comparison, the XPS 15 (three:48) bundles a bigger 6-cell battery (56WH) and offers a 9-cell option, while the HP dv7-4183cl (six hrs) arrives standard having a 93WH battery (9-cell). Granted, the N53J-XE will probably remain plugged to a wall most of the time.
If you compare the Dell XPS 15 configuration I reviewed using the Asus N53JF-XE1, the latter would emerge as the victor in almost each and every performance-related task. The N53JF-XE1 also offers the top-of-the-line parts, like a Blu-ray drive and 1080p resolution, yet it costs less than the Dell XPS 15. For my money, the lack of an extended battery choice and some high-end features (backlit keyboard and 720p Webcam) make the XPS 15 the better purchase, but the N53JF-XE1 makes a great alternative.
Specifications
- Type Gaming, General Purpose, Media, Desktop Replacement
- Processor Name Intel Core i5-460M
- Operating System Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium
- Processor Speed 2.53 GHz
- RAM 4 GB
- Weight 6.3 lb
- Screen Size 15.6 inches
- Screen Size Type widescreen
- Graphics Card Intel GMA HD
- 2nd Graphics Card nVidia GeForce GT 425M
- Storage Capacity (as Tested) 500 GB
- Networking Options 802.11n
- Primary Optical Drive Blu-Ray Disc
Pros
1080p screen resolution. Top-of-the-line Nvidia graphics chip. Sleek aluminum top. Includes USB 3.0 and eSATA ports. Great performance scores. Optimus-enabled. Great speaker system.
Cons
No extended battery option. Keyboard isn’t backlit. Underwhelming battery scores.
Bottom Line
The Asus N53JF-XE1 bundles almost everything you could want in a desktop replacement laptop, but it needs a bigger battery.
