Onto ASUS. I started doing a bit of research and you will find, no joke, that ASUS and Apple consistently top the list for the most reliable computers. A paltry number of ASUS laptops actually get sent back for repairs. I got this laptop for my girlfriend as a replacement for the junk Acer and we couldn't be more pleased. The laptop stays cool, loads quickly, the keyboard has the right degree of sensitivity, the battery life is decent (about 4 hours). It returns from hibernation almost instantly, like a tablet. She likes playing The Sims 3 and the old Acer would freeze up and overheat every time she played it (keep in mind the Acer supposedly exceeded all the minimum requirements), the ASUS handles it very well. The graphics are decent and everything is very responsive. For light gaming, or older games, this laptop should have no problem. I don't recommend playing COD on here, but if you've got some games that are a couple years old, it shouldn't be an issue. HDMI output works as expected, I frequently plug it into my TV and watch shows and movies without any challenges. Finally, the unit stays VERY COOL, which has always been a problem with past laptops. A welcome change.
Yes, Windows 8 is every bit as annoying as everyone says it is. There are tutorials on the computer as well as a user guide on using Windows 8. I can already tell that Win 8 is going to be another Vista fiasco where they will replace it with a Windows 9 that is actually intuitive. HOWEVER, if you spend a few days with this, you eventually figure it out. Girlfriend is not very tech-savvy, but she is managing fine now. Windows 7 was much better, but that's not the laptop's fault. So far, the laptop has lived up to its claims. It is fast, lightweight, thin (for a 15.6-inch!), the colors are crisp and sharp, and the comprehensive warranty is the best in the industry. Even if you ACCIDENTALLY spill something on your laptop, they will take it in and repair it for you. At least, hypothetically. Not planning on testing that out. Case in point, this was a great budget laptop and I'm thinking of getting one for myself at this rate. The girlfriend loves it and has been gushing about it every day since receiving it. Great for students and light users. You will not find a better deal in this price range. Couldn't recommend it more. If this laptop lasts more than a year, ASUS will have a customer for life.
P.S. I recommend shopping around. Amazon is selling this for $550, but you can find it cheaper elsewhere online (I bought mine from Adorama Camera for $475!).
EDIT: 4/19/2013 Had some difficulties registering the accidental damage warranty through ASUS' website, but I emailed ASUS and they responded within two business days and handled the registration perfectly. Very prompt and professional. Also, another shopper commented about Adorama's bad reputation. I was unaware at the time I ordered my laptop and it's something to consider, but I have to say my laptop arrived brand new, sealed, with free 3-day shipping and no issues. Certainly think twice from ordering from them if you want, but the original intent of my message stays the same price compare. Amazon has great prices, but it doesn't hurt to look around.
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My son who is very computer savvy turned me on to the ASUS brand. He purchased one about 6 months ago, essentially the same, but he paid considerably more for his. The i5 Intel processor combined with the memory makes this laptop lighting fast. I was actually quite impressed with the overall quality, fit and finish being exceptional. Can you call a laptop beautiful? Well compared to my HP G71, the statement fits. It's a good looking machine.One of the first things I did before configuring my preferences on the operating system was to play a DVD to analyze the resolution. Is this bluray HD? The resolution was absolutely beautifully clear, bright and detailed. Now I am not a computer "geek", just an average "Joe" so I cannot lay out for you the technical specs as some will do, but I am extremely impressed by this brand.
Battery life is also again quite surprising compared to the G71. I didn't realize you could have a laptop exceed 3 to 4 hours of operating between recharges. Fantastic battery life.
Mine came with an ASUS 1 year warranty to protect me from myself. It covers the coffee spill that shorts out your computer. Something about liquid and electronics don't mix. It protects me against accidentally dropping it on concrete as I try to put it into my bag. Never heard of a warranty like that before, but I was happily surprised to find it in the paperwork. You need only register it with ASUS to begin the warranty.
As for the speakers, with my G71, I purchased an HP separate speaker because even at 100%, what came out was a whisper. The ASUS was a major improvement.
To sum it up, you will find a lightweight nicely textured cover (low maintenance) that is very attractive in Mocha, brushed aluminum keyboard face and a very high-resolution screen that will impress you. A keyboard that offers soft, but a positive feel. ASUS has exceeded my expectations and am thankful my son turned me on to the brand.
For the price and please take the time to look at the specs, in my humble opinion, the best deal you will find today while you compare apples to apples (no pun intended).
You will not be disappointed.
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Follow up ~ Several days of play and it is still fantastic. On an unrelated subject, I found a company called Clam that has a software download that gives you the old fashioned "Start Botton". Give you the choice of XP, Vista or Windows 7. So if you feel a bit terrified about the new OS, you can have your comfy chair back.
I'm actually getting used to "8" and I'm liking it. For a little over $525, you will not find anything(same quality brand)even close to it for the money.
P.S. ~ And as for other merchants having it for less, read intently their "Return policy". When I had a small problem, Amazon was instantly there and I didn't have to jump through a single hoop. How much is peace of mind worth? The reason Amazon is my first place to buy, there Customer Service.
Best Deals for ASUS K55A-DS51 15.6-Inch Laptop (Mocha)
I'm writing this review because I saw this laptop has so few. I bought this for myself as my 5-year-old HP laptop that had fan & battery problems from the get-go was finally starting to give out.This laptop has a large, clear screen with great speakers so it's fine for watching a movie or show while cooking in the kitchen and the HDMI links up very easily with my TV when I plug it in in my room. There are a lot of complaints about Windows 8 out there but you can switch to the Windows 7 view easily if you find it too hard to figure out. My advice is that the world changes whether you like it or not so you might as well get accustomed to doing things in new ways all the time. I found Windows 8 to be much better when it comes to the startup/shutdown speed, hooking up to digital outlets and uninstalling programs like bloatware. The only thing I think is entirely counter-intuitive is how they show you your files. Having a "my computer" button on the Start page would fix this.
This computer is cool to the touch, I can barely hear the fan and the charge is lasting pretty long. It lasts over 3 hours on a full battery. Setting it up for the first time just took 5 minutes and you DO NOT need to have a Microsoft account (hotmail, msn.com) to finish it so don't bother if you don't have one.
If you are looking for a larger laptop with great sound and speed, buy this laptop.
Honest reviews on ASUS K55A-DS51 15.6-Inch Laptop (Mocha)
After weeks of research landed on purchasing Asus K55a. Current / previous laptops are 4+ yr old 17" mac book pro and 4 year old Lenovo think pad running Vista. Asus is almost a bridge between Mac and Windows laptops. Consumer reports as of 5/2013 listed Asus 4th in overall tech help and products, Apple being 1st and Lenovo 3rd. Apple run great products at astronomical prices, and Lenovo are cheap IBM's now made entirely of left over parts in China. So hopefully Asus will be a bridge between these two.The quality and designs of Asus are very similar to Apple with brushed aluminum and key pad feel. Key pad feel is very important for me as I do a lot of typing, and hated typing on my old Lenovo with punch card like feel. Also Asus seems to offer the lowest cost for 3rd gen Intel processors, and hard drive above 4gb, ideal being 8 gb. With this model memory can be expanded to 12 gb for bout $25-$50 for the DIY'er. As for gaming am not a gamer and I can't comment on the visual cards or speakers. However hooked up to HDTV via hdmi cables the picture transfer is as good if not better than my macbook.
And as for Windows 8 it is designed more for the new touch screen pc / ultra books coming out. In a few years everything will be convertible pc's with removable tablet screens. So yes Windows 8 is very annoying if one does not have a touch screen but in the tutorial you can switch back to Windows 7 in the main menu. Products and people claiming you need to buy a product to switch to Wind 7 are a scam! As for price Amazon is great seller usually on top of other main street sellers prices, just keep an eye out for sales. This unit can be had for under five hundred.
Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for ASUS K55A-DS51 15.6-Inch Laptop (Mocha)
exactly what i wanted with performance, no need buying a mac or hp for the brand name, this computer has a better CPU chip and motherboard and you can definitely tell. the only difference is that the price is cheaper cause you arent paying for the brand name
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