The notebook makes a very solid impression. The finish is reminiscent of Carbon. This was both the outside when used inside. The display shines very strong. But that does not bother at first. The keyboard makes, especially good with the existing keypad Eindruck.Das display is in direct comparison with a 15.4 "display noticeably bigger. The touchpad is with the" nubs "some getting used to and the touchpad buttons are rather hard push. Otherwise makes the notebook for almost 400 a very high-quality impression!
Start:
When you first start the usual ASUS logo appears. After that, Linux, which included start. However, I want to install Windows Vista. For this purpose it is important as soon as the laptop turns on the F2 key to press to enter the BIOS. There initially the boot order needs to be changed so that the laptop boots from DVD! Ansosnten starts repeatedly Linux.
Installation:
Once I figured out the trick to get to the Bios, the Windows Vista installation starts. There first hard drive in NTFS format must be formatted. I also have the same delete the recovery disk, because I can not do anything with Linux. After completion of the Vista installation still need to install some drivers. These are available on the ASUS website. Both for Vista, as well as XP. The drivers for Vista are also on the supplied driver CD from ASUS.
Impressions in operation:
What immediately strikes the operation: The laptop is very quiet and the palm rest area is very cool. Compared to my HP 6730s, where the support surface is only moderately warm, this is the ASUS almost cold, which is very pleasant. The touchpad keys are quite hard to press, what stands out unpleasantly. I would recommend a USB mouse. The numeric keypad is not reduced the keyboard, but uses the space that is given by the larger display.
Battery life:
The battery life is very amazing! A notebook for under 400 with a battery life of 5 hours. In power saving mode, and approx. 2 hours at peak performance are very considerable. (The HP creates about 3.5 hrs. In the power saving mode and was much more expensive).
Image / movie:
The display is very bright. The LED lighting is very good and the display is illuminated evenly. It is compared to the said HP clearly brighter. Overall, the display makes a very high-quality impression. Films are razor sharp and, thanks to the 16: 9 display reproduced without borders. Thanks to the glossy surface already generated nearly a cinema feeling
Sound:
The sound is relatively weak. Absolutely suitable for normal use, but for listening to loud music is not very suitable. There are just only 2 stereo speakers, of which we must not expect miracles.
Interfaces:
The ASUS has 4 USB ports, a VGA output, network port, card reader and a headphone / microphone jack. The USB ports are very convenient as two directly adjacent to each other on either side of what (needs 2 USB ports) to connect a small external hard drive makes it easier. All in all, one can not expect more for this price as well.
Webcam:
For Internet telephony absolutely suitable.
Weight:
By 15,6 'inch display, the notebook with 3.2 kg is a little hard and not necessarily suitable for daily transport on their backs. Who but from time to time, for example needs at the university, has in my opinion a good companion.
Conclusion:
In conclusion I can say a very very good for office applications and multimedia notebook with an unbeatable price / performance ratio! From me is why 5-star!