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ASUS K52F-A1 Review

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ASUS K52F-A1
969 $ at amazon.com
  • intel Core i5 430M (2.26 GHz)

  • Intel HD Graphics

  • 4 GB RAM Size

  • 320 GB HDD Capacity

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Our summary of all reviews

  • Performance

    11 /100

    This low level of performance allows some multitasking. Word processing and similar applications work at an acceptable speed, as well as online games like “FarmVille”. At this level, gaming or HD videos are impossible, office work is suitable though.

    • 3DMark 06 1024 x 768

      1859 #

    • 3DMark Vantage

      1161 #

    • PCMark 05

      6589 #

    • Cinebench xCPU 64Bit

      6986 #

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  • Design

    3.0/5

    The reviewers’ opinions tended predominantly towards moderate satisfaction concerning the laptop design. The notebook’s appearance was decently received and should prove to be at the taste of many users.

  • Build Quality

    2.7/5

    The build quality is below average. The chassis protects the internal parts, however, daily usage will leave its mark on the laptop. This laptop is best suited for stable and safe environments such as office work. Cracks and squeaking sounds will result from any significant stress.

    • Base Unit Flex

       : 

      3.0/5

      The laptop chassis is quite resistant, however few imperfections with gaps and cracking sounds might annoy the user. The surface will suffer from some scratches if the computer is not protected during transportation.

    • Hinge Stability

       : 

      3.0/5

      The hinge, connecting the monitor and the laptop body, is tight and flexible, though it leaves room for improvement. The screen might move a little after opening the laptop or when moving around, which can be annoying but not disruptive.

    • Display Panel

       : 

      2.0/5

      When opening or closing the screen lid, some minor color distortions will occur on the display. This also happens when applying pressure on the back of the display panel. There might be some gaps between the different parts of the frame.

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  • Display

    2.5/5

    Generally the reviewers evaluated this laptop to be below average. At this level, office work could be manageable. For more demanding tasks like multimedia use, high definition gaming and professional editing you will need a higher quality display. To get a more comprehensive review of this display, users should check the ratings of the different attributes of this screen.

    • Display Resolution

      1366 x 768

      This resolution is also called HD-ready. Viewing more than one website on the monitor is almost impossible, as one window takes up almost the whole space. Graphic designers might not be completely satisfied with this resolution, as this latter might be too small. High resolution picture and video editing is plainly impossible. This resolution is a good option for gamers as many graphic cards will be powerful enough to support the native resolution of this display. Watching most movies will be possible without any black bars at the top and bottom of the display.

    • Color Reproduction

       : 

      2.0/5

      Though it would be manageable to watch movies with this color reproduction, the experience might not be enjoyable for visually acute users. The coverage of color spectrum is below average, making colors look far from authentic and incomparable to real life experience. High resolution gaming and HD movies viewing will not be pleasant.

    • Contrast

       : 

      2.5/5

      The contrast between the darkest color -black- and the brightest color -white- is below average in this computer. This results in having the darkest areas being washed out resembling a dark shade of gray, while the brightest areas appear to be of a light grayish color. Movies can be enjoyed provided that the room is completely darkened. Most office workers will find the readability to be sufficient, while some might be annoyed by the close shades of gray characterizing both the dark text and the bright background. The needs of professional designers will surely not be met with this notebook.

    • Contrast Value

      274 :1

    • Brightness

       : 

      3.5/5

      The maximum brightness of this computer is adequate for viewing the screen comfortably, even under bright ambient light. However, the users must be cautious to only push the brightness to its maximum in bright conditions, eg. outdoors. Setting the brightness to a high level will drastically decrease the battery life. In addition, using the notebook at maximum brightness in a dark room will be tiring for the eyes.

    • Average Brightness

      245 cd/m²

    • Reflections

       : 

      2.0/5

      In situations of medium indoor ambient light, the display can sufficiently fulfill its function. This laptop is thus acceptable for office work, and can serve as well as a family/home computer. Outdoor use is however not recommended, as it will be close to impossible to decipher the displayed information.

    • Viewing Angle

       : 

      2.0/5

      Looking at the screen from the side causes color distortions. Two people watching a movie have to sit close together for both of them to get a good picture. Even when you move in your chair color deviations will be noticeable. On the plus side, this display provides for some privacy in public spaces.

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  • Sound

    3.0/5

    The sound quality of this laptop is average compared to other notebooks. Although these internal speakers are adequate for easy listening, you should not count on them for a fun movie night with friends. Gaming could still be fairly enjoyed, but the user should always account for external speakers or headphones for a better sound experience.

    • Sound Clarity

       : 

      2.0/5

      This sound clarity is below average. Movies and games might not be as enjoyable because the sound will be muffed or suffer from interferences. Your expectations will be betrayed when watching an HD movie.

    • Lows

       : 

      1.0/5

      With the internal speakers of this laptop, there is practically no bass, making music or movies feel flat. The sound is thus either scratchy, too low or flat.

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  • Keyboard

    3.0/5

    This keyboard will be valued by most users as convenient for frequent use. Be it for writing long emails, or surfing the net, most users will be satisfied with the comfort and the speed this keyboard provides for. If your professional life requires long typing hours, along with the highest levels of comfort, then you might want to consider a keyboard with higher rates.

    • Layout

       : 

      2.7/5

      Many users will have a hard time readjusting to the layout of this keyboard. Some of the keys might be placed, shaped or sized differently compared to a conventional keyboard layout, leading to frequent typing mistakes and a decrease in typing speed. Overall users will not be satisfied with this layout, although with persistence it can still be manageable.

    • Keyboard Size

       : 

      3.0/5

      Although the size of this keyboard is still decent, typos might be a bit more frequent as the keys might not be large enough, depending on the size of your hands. The palm resting area could be too small for some users, although it is generally suitable and comfortable. All in all, the keyboard is proportionate enough and should still fulfill the needs of most users, especially after some getting used to.

    • Key Responsiveness

       : 

      3.0/5

      The responsiveness of this keyboard allows for most users to be satisfied with individual key feedback. The keys do require some pressure for efficient typing, without being either too soft or too stiff for manipulation. Most users will find this keyboard supportive for long typing hours as the keys can be pressed down without any difficulty and they respond back quite fast. Although this keyboard might not be responsive enough for some, the general feel of the keyboard should be within the ranges of satisfaction for most of us.

    • Keyboard Flex

       : 

      1.0/5

      This keyboard flex might be for many users at the edge of what a bearable typing experience is. The plastic below the keyboard is often subject to considerable flex resulting in the individual keys moving uncontrollably. Typing is thus far from comfortable, and is too slow and often too frustrating, that you might just give up on using the keyboard altogether.

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  • Touchpad

    3.0/5

    Most reviewers agreed that this touchpad should be to the liking of many users. The levels of accuracy, the size and the smoothness vs. resistance rates make this trackpad fairly above average. It is well suited for office work, browsing online and most other usage, although demanding users, designers and alike, might require a higher level of accuracy and would thus prefer an external mouse. The trackpad button quality was generally described as good and fitting the needs of most users.

    • Touchpad Size

       : 

      4.0/5

      The size of this touchpad allows for navigating large displays with no problem. The users will not need to worry at all about inconveniences such as with excessive scrolling or getting an extra mouse, as this touchpad answers all these needs quite convincingly. You will most probably not need to turn the sensitivity settings up, as you will not need to make your mouse move any faster. Keeping your sensitivity settings low will ensure that you will enjoy higher touchpad accuracy.

    • Buttons

       : 

      2.0/5

      The reviewers considered the quality of this trackpad button to be less than average. Although this button quality might be sufficient for some, it will be less than desired for most. Problems with the unclear feedback, excessive softness or stiffness of the button will be obstacles for efficient use. The clicking sound produced by this button might as well be a little too obtrusive for pleasant use.

    • Buttons Noise

       : 

      2.0/5

      The buttons clatter a little bit when pressed.

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  • Battery Surfing

    2:26 h

    The battery provides for up to 3 hours working away from a power source, if the energy saving mode is enabled, and the brightness is set to the minimum. Needless to say that you should avoid running any other programs while you are on battery alone. If you require more independent time from a power source, you should seriously consider a second battery to carry around with you.

    • Battery DVD/Video

      1:52 h

      The battery of this computer will barely enable you to through your preparations for one client presentation. If you think of watching a movie, you might find yourself unable to find out if they actually lived happily forever after. For mobile use an external battery will be a must, otherwise you will not be able to leave the house without your charger.

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  • Weight

    5.73 lbs

    Some users will be exhausted carrying the computer with them, even for a few minutes. Although the weight is within the range of acceptability, it might yet be challenging to find a fitting bag for comfortable mobility. If you take into account the extra weight of the charger, this notebook will be tiring to walk around with even for a short period of time. It might as well occupy too much space for convenient use in cafes or airplanes.

  • Noise

    3.5/5

    Most users will find the laptop to be on the quiet side. There is some noise emitted from the fan, the CD drive and other laptop parts, yet most will not experience any inconveniences due to it. Noise sensitive people might opt for an even quieter computer.

    • Noise Idle

       : 

      4.0/5

      Normally you do not notice the noise of the laptop ventilation while idle.

    • Noise Normal Use

       : 

      3.0/5

      Noise emitted from this laptop will not cause any major inconveniences when doing office work or browsing the Internet. Although it might be be noticeable in a quite room, it should not be obstructing your concentration.

    • Noise Full Load

       : 

      3.0/5

      When you are watching a movie, editing a video, or playing games, the noise emitted by this laptop will not be of much disturbance according to most reviewers. The degree to which you will be annoyed depends on your sensitivity and on how quiet your surroundings are.

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  • Temperature

    4.0/5

    The laptop stays cool most of the time. Most reviewers found, the heat from the notebook usually will not be uncomfortable for your fingers or legs. You can watch movies even on hot summer days without burning your legs.

    • Heat Top: Full Use

       : 

      5.0/5

      The laptop keeps quite cool at normal use. That’s very convenient.

    • Heat Top: Normal Use

       : 

      5.0/5

      The temperature on top of the notebook is excellent. It never gets too warm.

    • Heat Bottom: Normal Use

       : 

      5.0/5

      The temperature at the bottom is excellent. It never gets too warm.

    • Heat Bottom: Full Load

       : 

      5.0/5

      There is no spot on the laptop that is overheated at anytime.

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Where to buy

You can get the ASUS K52F-A1 for 969$
A

All external reviews  ASUS  K52F-A1

Language Source URL Review Date Author

Deutsch

translate.google.com 5/19/10 HUB Uitgevers BV

日本語

pc.watch.impress.co.jp 3/2/10 西川和久

Deutsch

www.notebookcheck.com 2/15/10 Sebastian Jentsch
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Total number of reviews: 3