The ASUS K501LX-EB71 Multimedia laptop was launched a month ago and it already received stellar reviews because the guys on ASUS really emphasized the performances while keeping the price tag under 1000 Dollars.
October 2019 Update:
This laptop has been discontinued.
Similar alternatives include the gaming-oriented Vivobook K570ZD-ES55 and the all-rounder Vivobook S15 S532FL-EB71. Click the links to read a full review of each.
Featuring a 5th generation dual core Intel i7-5500U, 8 GB of standard equipped memory and a 256 GB Solid State Drive, this laptop will boot up Windows in no time and run all the programs you can think of blazing fast. This combination of high speed CPU & SSD is ideal for those who want a more complete experience from their machine. You can multitask, play videos without lag, edit photos and even video with ease and also play the newest games thanks to the dedicated graphics card, a 2 GB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 950M.
The build quality is as premium as you can get from a laptop that’s not quite an ultrabook. Its metallic casing and textured top lid finish give it a unique, classy look amongst all the plastic built contenders. Also, it comes with a dual fan cooling system which helps dissipate heat more efficiently through vents placed at the back of the laptop, even if the CPU and GPU share the same heat sink.
The ASUS also has an empty SATA bay, which can be really helpful considering 256 GB of storage space may be insufficient for many users. So, should you need to upgrade, you can also buy a hard drive just for storage and install it in right away.
Technical Specifications
| CPU | Intel Core i7-5500U 2 cores, 2.4 GHz, 4MB cache |
| RAM | 8GB DDR3-1600, max 12GB |
| Storage | 256GB SSD |
| Display | 15.6″ FHD anti-glare |
| GPU | NVIDIA GeForce GTX950M |
| Interface | 2 x USB 3.0 2 x USB 2.0 1 x HDMI 1 x Audio Combo Jack |
| Connectivity | 802.11ac WLAN Bluetooth 4.0 |
| OS | Windows 8.1 |
| Battery | 3-cell Li-Ion battery, 48 Whr 5 hours |
| Weight | 4.4 lbs. |
Conclusion
Pros:
- Very good all-rounder
- Great CPU, RAM and GPU
- SSD with enough storage
- Extra SATA bay for increased storage
- Dual fan cooling system
- Good material quality and finish
Cons:
- Users have reported poor viewing angles
- Sub par front facing camera
- Battery could have performed better
- The trackpad is reportedly not that precise
The laptop does have its flaws, but considering everything we’ve covered so far, I’d say it’s a good option to consider if you want something to handle just about any mundane task you can think of with style and ease. It’s a good laptop and a good furniture piece in any workspace or living room. I wouldn’t travel with it, but I’d have it on my desk anytime.