ASUS K52F Notebook Review: description, specifications and reviews

Models of notebooks from budget series are consistently in high demand, forcing manufacturers to regularly release all new developments in this segment. Although low-cost devices initially do not assume impressive performance parameters, sometimes quite worthy devices are able to compete with premium devices. These include the model ASUS K52F, which can be put on a par with the strong state employees. However, the laptop is good not only as a basic tool for undemanding games and work, but also has decent ergonomics.

General information about the model

The history of the model can be started from 2009, when ASUS company set out to produce a new family of notebooks. At the same time, two conditions were set: the device should be inexpensive and stylish. The first attempts to achieve this result were justified only in value, but otherwise the experiment was unsuccessful. A few years later, the "K" family was launched, and to date one of its brightest representatives is the ASUS K52F laptop with impressive design and good performance. By the way, one of the features that can rarely be found among the budget segment models is the presence of a disk with the distribution of Windows 7 complete with a laptop. Otherwise, the main package is rather poor, and additional accessories have to be purchased separately. But, again, more from a modest class can not wait, especially since the most important thing is embedded inside.

Specifications

Before you begin to review the filling of the laptop, it is worth noting that the manufacturer did not skimp on the means when developing the ASUS K52F. The characteristics of the model, though not impress the sophisticated gamer, but against the background of competitors in the class look presentable:

• Dimensions - 381 x 40 x 258 mm.
• The weight of the device is 2.26 kg (without battery) and 2.58 kg (with battery).
• The processor is Pentium P6200 2 GHz.
• The bus frequency is 2.5 GHz.
• The number of cores is 2.
• RAM - DDR3 3072 MB with expandable to 8 GB.
• The L3 cache is 3 MB.
• The volume of the HDD model is 320 GB.
• Parameters of the display matrix are 1366 x 768.
• Backlight - LED LED technology.
• Connectors - HDMI, VGA, USB, RJ-45, audio input-output.
• Power - battery Li-Ion at 4400 mAh.

Housing and design

The laptop is pretty attractive appearance, although it is obvious that in its production the minimum funds were used. So, the creation of a rounded case uses plastic, while the lacquer cover still reflects the company logo. In general, the dark brown frame of the device has turned out thinner and more elegant, which can not but add to the attractiveness of the ASUS K52F model, which is no less dignified in appearance.

From inside, the design is no longer glossy, but dull. It uses a relief plastic, the texture of which reflects the same pattern as on the cover. Actually, all the surfaces of the laptop look far from budget and even with a hint of premium. But there is one minus - it is the varnish surface on the lid that is most prone to retaining fingerprints, while the matt inner panel is resistant to similar aesthetic flaws.

At the top of the frame of the matrix is provided a device for video shooting through the ASUS K52F. The camera has a small resolution of 0.3 Mp, but this is enough to work in Skype and other similar services.

Performance

The core of the notebook is a processor with two Core i3-330M cores. The fact that the kernels called Arrandale were designed in accordance with the standards of the 32-nm process technology, significantly increases the merits of the model. In addition, the creators built the model on a new microarchitecture with a simplified but more efficient dual-chip platform.

For RAM ASUS K52F is responsible for a single DDR3-1066. In the basic configuration, the system provides 2 GB of memory, which is enough for optimal performance in solving simple everyday tasks. If you need a big return, there will be no problems with the expansion of this potential - a free slot in the SO-DIMM bay allows you to easily integrate new devices to increase RAM. The maximum amount that can be provided by the laptop's memory controller is 8 GB.

Data about the graphics system

The base for the operation of the video subsystem was the engine from GMA X4500HD. True, the developers have made several improvements. In particular, Intel's graphics chip supports a modern HD Graphics system, which affected the performance of the device. Since the graphics chip is located with the memory controller on a single chip, the laptop provides a more rational data exchange, the speed of which is about 17.1 Gb / s. Also this solution allowed to minimize delays while working with ASUS K52F memory. Reviews at the same time note that IGP should not wait for surprises - in any case, the system will not master the games on modern 3D graphics. And here is already a relatively old GMA X4500HD engine. Nevertheless, the graphics core fully reproduces movies in high resolution.

Keyboard and Touchpad

The main output devices are represented by a classic combination, including a keyboard and a touchpad. In the first case, the version of the chicklet is used, which, incidentally, is also used by Sony and Apple developers in their laptops. But to rejoice in this fact is not particularly worth it, since analogy is carried out only on the body. Apple, for example, uses such systems because of their reliability. In turn, the keyboard ASUS K52F sins with some problems in fixing on the center. The fact is that not only the shell was used, but also the basis of the chicklet system, and in a reworked form, which led to problems in fastening the keyboard unit. In addition, the developers used new rivets.

Below the keyboard, there is a fairly large touchpad with dimensions of 8.9 x 5.3 cm. But here it is not all that simple, since the work surface is taken only by an area of 7.5 x 4.5 cm. The material for the touchpad is covered with a relief matte Plastic, which is pleasant in operation. Do not disappoint the user and the accuracy of positioning - on the sensitive field the cursor moves sharply and without jerks. By the way, the main panel of the working area of the notebook is made with a relief coating in the form of rhombuses, which positively affects the ergonomics of the device, and also decorates its appearance.

Reviews about the laptop

Before proceeding to the opinions of the owners, it is worth recalling that this is a budget model, so there are no special requirements for it. Anyway, users are positive about many of the features of the ASUS K52F. The reviews emphasize design merits, ergonomic working elements, wide possibilities for communications, and also almost noiseless work. But the main highlight of this notebook is the performance. This is the case when the developers did not integrate the expensive processor, but thanks to the skilful layout and thoughtful architecture, they extracted the most opportunities from the middle-level components.

Among the shortcomings also have something to note, but they are more of a minor point. For example, many people negatively comment on the short working time of the ASUS K52F. The battery by today's standards does have an average capacity of 4,400 mAh, but for the budgetary and this is quite a lot. Also among the shortcomings are a weak webcam and a sagging keyboard.

Conclusion

From the user's point of view, the practical possibilities of this model undoubtedly have a number of limitations. On such an apparatus it is difficult to work with 3D graphics and enjoy the latest demanding games for technical stuffing. And nevertheless, taking into account the price, the modification of the ASUS K52F is more than an advantageous acquisition. Especially if you compare the model with similar proposals from competitors in this class. Not many of the manufacturers offer such high performance in combination with a well thought out design and good assembly. Of course, there are also insulting flaws like the deflections in the keyboard panel, but this is compensated by the many advantages of the laptop.