Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)This machine was just what I was looking for... and for those of you who are like me, yes, this is the computer you want to buy. I have been in the market for a new laptop for almost a year and a half and have diligently considered all options within that timeframe... from MacBook Pro to Sony to Acer to Dell etc. You name it, I've looked at the specs vs. cost vs. reliability.
I was looking hard at the previous version of this laptop and almost bought it, but was truly sold when they updated it with the new Sandy Bridge processor. I have not added any RAM yet but I'm glad that I can add more.
My previous laptop was a 17" Dell Inpsiron 9300 bought in December 2005. I take very good care of my machines... probably did about 3 clean installs of Windows on it since purchase (including going from XP to Vista). If I wasn't worried about the hard drive going out on it, I would keep using it... serves me well, albeit slowly.
Pros
- The specs on this machine are great, great i7 processor, graphics card... this should be enough machine for many people.
- The price is very reasonable for the technology you're getting... you can find similar machines but they will downgrade you on something... be it hard drive RPM, RAM, or graphics card.
- Sturdy design
- Maybe more to come... haven't had it too long yet
Cons
- This is a big laptop, its very similar in size to my Dell but I don't travel with it much so that's fine
- All the ports are on the sides except power... again, this is only a con if you are using this primarily at a desk and don't plan on moving with it much.
- Screen resolution - this is not a huge con for me but its something to think about... I went from a 17" screen at 1920 by 1200 to this machine's screen. It's fine for me though, I've already gotten used to it.
- The ASUS drivers and software are still confusing me... I'm trying to remove some things I won't use (TrendMicro Virus Protection) and some of the game demos etc and I did run into the same problem as others (lost functionality of volume keys). I went on the support site here: [...] and installed the ATK package and things seem to be working now. I will have to read the manual to fully understand the other options like the power management, never had anything like that before. That being said, I have no problem with companies installing software on their machines. From what I understand it keeps the cost down and I just consider it part of the process in setting up a new computer to remove what you won't use.
- The keyboard does seem a little flimsy, but to me its similar to the spongy-ness of my old Dell and I don't really see it being a problem. I disabled the trackpad so I can't review that... I use an external mouse.
I may update this as time goes on...
- Update 4/10/11 - For anyone who is having problems with the speakers and sound quality of this machine, goto your start menu > Virage Logic > ASUS SonicMaster... I thought my speakers were blown or broken until I realized that the the factory default settings are for all the audio enhancements to be enabled... this caused my music to sound distorted and fuzzy. I'm guessing this machine is made to play high quality audio files and so you'll probably have to tinker with the settings if you have MP3s.
- Update 4/12/11 - [...] - that is the support site for this specific laptop. If you've lost functionality of your Fn-key because of uninstalling the pre-installed software, then download the ATK file and run it. That worked for me.
- Update 6/1/11 - After a solid two months of use, I am pleased with this purchase. Other reviewers have commented on the way the screen looks "washed out" when not at the proper angle. This would definitely be an annoyance if I were using the laptop on my lap or outside, but this is primarily a desktop replacement laptop for me... and given the size of the laptop (about as big as my Dell 9300 17") I would hesitate to recommend it for anyone who plans to use it on the go all the time. It's not a hassle to move from office to living room but anything more would be cumbersome. If you're looking for an ultra-portable, it's not this. I am still very impressed with the overall performance of the machine. I host a server of Minecraft beta on it, and then play on that server with literally no slowdown on the server or my game play. If you're having issues with gaming, etc. then right-click the game and look at the graphics card options. I was having problems initially while running the server and playing the game at the same time because I didn't realize that both were running off of the integrated graphics memory rather than the GPU. I don't know if this machine knows when to switch between the integrated graphics and the GPU automatically, but it does give you the convenient option of choosing before you run the program by right-clicking on it.
I have two issues with this machine but they are more annoyances than anything else. The first is the speaker. While it sounds fine, once it gets cranked up it sounds distorted just like any other laptop I've heard. I was expecting the sound to hold up better at max volume considering that seems to be it's big selling point. The second is the location of the USB ports. They are located on the left and right-hand side of the machine, near the front. After I've attached an external hard drive, a wireless mouse receiver, and an iPod cable... not only have I used up all the USB 2.0 ports, but I also have to watch to make sure my mouse doesn't hit the cords coming out of the side of the machine. These two issues are more annoyances than anything else but worth noting.
Click Here to see more reviews about: ASUS N53SV-XE1 15.6-Inch Versatile Entertainment Laptop (Silver Aluminum)
Feel the Power. Hear the Power. Turn up the volume on the 15.6-inch N53Sv-XE1 notebook and prepare to be impressed. Featuring ASUS SonicMaster Technology—co-developed by the audio experts at Bang and Olufsen ICEpower—and a unique top-mounted speaker design, this multimedia powerhouse combines hardware and audio for an unsurpassed, ear-pleasing experience. Powered by the 2nd generation Intel Core i7-2630QM processor with Intel Turbo Boost 2.0 Technology, the N53Sv-XE1 delivers the multitasking muscle and smart performance that senses the tasks at hand and dynamically boosts the processor for a stutter-free experience. Boasting powerful NVIDIA GeForce GT 540M graphics with NVIDIA Optimus Technology, the N53Sv-XE1 excels in video editing, DirectX 11-enabled gaming, and graphic rendering while conserving battery for less-intensive tasks. And with ASUS VideoMagic 3-in-1 software package, you get image-enhancing programs like PowerDVD 9 with True Theatre that instantly scales DVD-quality to Full 1080p HD with smoother frame rates so you can enjoy videos and movies in the quality they deserve. Specially built into the N53Sv-XE1, the ASUS Super Hybrid Engine extends battery life via the ASUS Power4Gear Hybrid utility. The N53Sv-XE1 also comes with SuperSpeed USB 3.0 that charges USB 3.0-enabled devices quickly and transfer files from USB storage devices to your notebook up to 10 times faster than USB 2.0.1 The N53Sv-XE1 features a 2.0 megapixel webcam with security lens cover, 500GB 7200RPM hard drive, ASUS Splendid Technology, multi-touch trackpad, Express Gate, and a brushed aluminum design.
Key Features
15.6-inch LED-backlit HD display with ASUS Splendid Technology for crispHD visual quality (Learn more)
ASUS SonicMaster Technology co-developed by world-renowned audio experts at Bang & Olufsen ICEpower delivers improved clarity, volume, and resonance, and more detailed sound. (Learn more)
2nd generation Intel Core i7-2630QM processor with Intel Turbo Boost 2.0 Technology for smart multitasking that automatically senses what you're doing and boosts performance (Learn more)
NVIDIA GeForce GT 540M graphics with 1GB DDR3 VRAM and NVIDIA Optimus Technology delivers fast performance for Full HD playback and gaming and switches to IntelHD graphics to save battery for less intensive tasks (Learn more)
ASUS Super Hybrid Engine and ASUS Power4Gear Hybrid optimizes the system to extend battery life for the task at hand (Learn more)
SuperSpeed USB 3.0 for quicker device charging and up to 10x faster transfers than USB 2.01 (Learn more)
ASUS VideoMagic Software for clearer images and smoother visuals (Learn more)
Express Gate mini-operating system grants instant access to internet, music, Skype, and more in seconds
Learn More
ASUS Makes Your Windows 7 Experience Better Recognized as the #1 reliable Windows-based portable PC maker by three independent sources2 and most recently in the PC Magazine 2010 Service and Reliability Report, ASUS gives you peace of mind every time you start your N53Sv-XE1 notebook. Accelerate startup speed with FastBoot Technology, a performance boost developed by a unique collaboration between ASUS and Microsoft. With Windows 7 Home Premium, it's easier than ever to create a home network and share your favorite photos, videos, and music. And thanks to the enhanced power management Windows 7 provides, you can enjoy unplugged computing longer.
Warranty
ASUS 1Year Global Warranty ASUS 360 offers a level of coverage that would add hundreds of dollars to the price of competing notebooks:3
1 year global warranty
30 flawless display guarantee
2-way free standard shipping
24/7 tech support
ASUS Accidental Damage Warranty Accidents happen. But when they happen to your ASUS notebook purchased in the US or Canada, you have extra protection. Whether your notebook is damaged by accidental spills, drops, electrical surges, or fire, ASUS will fix it or replace it during the first year after purchase.3
Target 3 business day turnaround time for repair / replacement; not including receiving and shipping time
1-way shipping (from ASUS to the user) at no additional cost
24-hour toll-free phone support
What's in the Box
N53Sv-XE1 Notebook
AC Adapter
6 cell Battery Pack
Warranty Information Card
Specifications
OperatingSystem: Windows 7 Home Premium (64-bit)
Display: 15.6-inch LED-backlit HD display (1366 x 768)
Processor: 2nd generation Intel Core i7-2630QM processor (2.0 GHz with Turbo Boost 2.0 up to 2.9 GHz)
Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GT 540M graphics with 1GB DDR3 VRAM and NVIDIA Optimus Technology
WLAN: 802.11 b/g/n (@ 2.4GHz) , Bluetooth v2.1
LAN: 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet
Memory: 4GB DDR3 SDRAM, 4 x SODIMM socket (expandable to 16GB)
Storage: 500GB 7200RPM hard drive
Optical Drive: Super Multi DVD drive
Camera: 2.0 Megapixel with security lens cover
Speakers: Built-in speakers with SonicMaster Technology
Microphone: Digital Array Microphone
Card Reader: 1x 8-in- card reader (MMC/SD/Mini-SD/XD/Memory Stick/MS Pro/MS Duo/MS-Pro-Duo)
Input/ Output:1x Headphone-out jack, 1x Microphone-in jack,1x VGA port, 1x RJ45 LAN Jack for LAN insert, 2x USB 2.0 ports, 1x USB3.0 port, 1x E-SATA, 1x HDMI port
Battery: 6 cell
Dimensions: 15.6 x 10.6 x 1.2 ~ 1.6 (W x D x H)
Weight: 6.4 lbs (with 6 cell)
Color: Silver
© 2011 ASUS Computer International. All Rights Reserved. ASUS is a registered trademark of ASUSTeK Computer. All specifications are subject to change without notice and features are only in select models. Products may not be available in all markets. Brand and product names mentioned are trademarks of their respective companies. 1All figures theoretical values compared to USB 2.0 benchmarks for reference purposes. Actual speed depends on device and system status. 2Rated number 1 Windows-based PC maker in PCMag.com's Service & Reliability Report 2009. Rate number 1 PC brand according to SquareTrade, the leading direct-to-consumer warranty company (for more information visit http://www.squaretrade.com/pages/laptop-reliability-1109/ ). Rated number 1 reliable PC maker in Spring 2009's RESCUECOM report http://www.rescuecom.com/RESCUECOM269.html 3For notebooks purchased on or after Sept. 10, 2007. The ASUS 360 Notebook Service Program and Accidental Damage Warranty covers "ASUS" brand notebooks only, and does NOT extend to: "Built on ASUS", "ASMobile", "Powered by ASUS", the Eee PC, or some other models. These retailers are currently among the companies that do NOT participate in the ASUS 360 Notebook Service Program and Accidental Damage Warranty: Best Buy, MicroCenter, and The Source by Circuit City in Canada. Limit of one claim per notebook for Accidental Damage Warranty. ASUS reserves the right to discontinue this program and to modify the terms and conditions thereof at any time. ASUS Accidental Damage Warranty Program starts from the date of your ASUS notebook purchase, when all the requirements are met. Check your retailer for specific warranty information. One incident covered per notebook.
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