Hands-On with the New Asus N Series Notebooks

In this video, we take a look at two of ASUS’ newest laptops: the N56VZ and N76VZ. The former boasts a 15.6-inch screen, the latter a 17.3-inch one. The N56VZ has a 750GB hard drive for storage, while the larger N76VZ is equipped with a 1TB drive. Both are easily portable at 6 and 7.94 pounds, respectively.

Apart from the above differences, the two notebook PC’s are virtually identical. Both run Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium (64-bit) and are outfitted with 8GB DDR3 RAM for efficient multi-tasking. Both are powered by a 2.3GHz Ivy Bridge Intel Core i7-3610QM quad-core CPU, which can be accelerated up to 3.3GHz via Turbo Boost 2.0. This processor delivers power comparable to that of a desktop, in a much smaller form factor. Enjoy smooth, seamless operation—even while multiple programs are running simultaneously—thanks to Hyper Threading Technology.   

Graphics are accelerated by nVIDIA GeForce GT 650M cards boasting 2GB dedicated memory—great for HD movie-watching and dynamic, realistic game play, especially with DirectX11 and Shader Model 5.0. Helping to bring out these great visuals on each PC is the widescreen 16:9 glossy display with full HD 1920x1080 resolution. SonicMaster Technology, well-engineered speakers, and an included subwoofer work together to produce beautiful, clear sound.

Connect to the Internet via 802.11n WiFi and enjoy Bluetooth 4.0, as well as Gigabit Ethernet. VGA and HDMI outputs are available, as are four USB 3.0 ports offering blazing-fast data transfer rates.  There’s also an S/PDIF digital speaker output and a headphone jack and microphone input. You’ll find a 3-in-1 memory card slot for additional storage. Want a little more? Each PC has an integrated 2MP webcam and a Blu-ray optical drive with DVD burner.

In terms of usability, the oversized touchpad and full number keypad are highly convenient, even for those with larger fingers. Plus, take advantage of the Instant Key to launch your most frequently used program at the touch of a button.

	ASUS N56VZ-DS71 15.6" Notebook Computer	ASUS N76VZ-DS71 17.3" Notebook Computer
Processor	2.3 GHz Ivy Bridge Intel Core i7 3610QM	2.3 GHz Ivy Bridge Intel Core i7 3610QM
Operating System	Windows 7 Ultimate, Professional, Home Premium, Home Basic	Windows 7 Ultimate, Professional, Home Premium, Home Basic
Chipset	Intel HM76	Intel HM76
Memory	DDR3 1600 MHz SDRAM, 2 x SO-DIMM socket for expansion up to 8.0 GB	DDR3 1600 MHz SDRAM, 2 x SO-DIMM socket for expansion up to 8.0 GB
Display	15.6" (39.6 cm) HD (1366x768) / Full HD (1920x1080) / 16:9 aspect ratio /  Wide Viewing Angle: 150 deg. / LED-backlit	17.3" (43.9 cm) HD (1600x900) / Full HD (1920x1080) / 16:9 aspect ratio /  Wide Viewing Angle: 150 deg. / LED-backlit
Graphics	nVIDIA GeForce GT 650M card with 2.0 GB DDR3 VRAM	nVIDIA GeForce GT 650M card with 2.0 GB DDR3 VRAM
Storage	2.5" (6.4 cm) SATA HDD 750 GB capacity 5400 rpm speed	2.5" (6.4 cm) SATA HDD 1.0 TB capacity 5400 rpm speed
Optical Drive	Blu-Ray DVD Combo: Super-Multi DVD burner Blu-ray reader	Blu-Ray DVD Combo: Super-Multi DVD burner Blu-ray reader
Card Reader	3 -in-1 card reader:  SD, MS/ MS Pro, MMC	3 -in-1 card reader:  SD, MS/ MS Pro, MMC
Camera	HD Web Camera: 2.0 MP	HD Web Camera: 2.0 MP
Networking	Integrated 802.11 b/g/n Built-in Bluetooth V4.0 (optional) 10/100/1000 Base T Gigabit Ethernet	Integrated 802.11 b/g/n Built-in Bluetooth V4.0 (optional) 10/100/1000 Base T Gigabit Ethernet
Interface	1 x Microphone-in jack 1 x Headphone-out jack 1 x VGA port / Mini D-sub 15-pin for external monitor 4 x USB 3.0 port 1 x RJ45 LAN Jack for LAN insert 1 x HDMI 1 x SPIDIF speaker out	1 x Microphone-in jack 1 x Headphone-out jack 1 x VGA port / Mini D-sub 15-pin for external monitor 4 x USB 3.0 port 1 x RJ45 LAN Jack for LAN insert 1 x HDMI 1 x SPIDIF speaker out 1x Antenna input (selective)
Audio	Built-in speakers / microphone Bang & Olufsen ICEpower Built-in Azalia compliant audio chip Creative Audigy HD Asus N series external sub-woofer support	Built-in speakers / microphone Bang & Olufsen ICEpower MaxxAudio support
Battery	6-Cell, 5200 mAh, 56 Wh	6-Cell, 5200 mAh, 56 Wh
Power Adapter	Output: 19 VDC, 4.74 A, 120 W	Output: 19 VDC, 4.74 A, 120 W
Security	Kensington lock slot LoJack BIOS Booting User Password Protection HDD User Password Protection and Security Pre-OS Authentication by programmable key code	Kensington lock slot BIOS Booting User Password Protection HDD User Password Protection and Security Pre-OS Authentication by programmable key code
Dimensions (WxDxH)	15 x 10 x 1.07 ~ 1.34" (38.0 x 25.5 x 2.73 ~3.40 cm)	16.3 x 11 x 1.37" (41.5 x 28 x 3.49 cm)
Weight	6.0 lb (2.7 kg) with battery	7.94 lb (3.6 kg) with battery