ASUS N82Jq-A1

Looking for a powerhouse notebook computer that won’t break the bank and is easily portable? Then look no further than the ASUS N82Jq-A1, a 14” notebook with a 1.6GHz Intel Core i7 quad-core processor.

Built for speed, the N82Jq-A1 features a quad-core 1.6GHz Intel Core i7-720QM processor and 4GB of memory, upgradable to 8GB. The Intel Turbo Boost system allows the processor to be over-clocked to 2.8GHz when an extra jolt of power is needed. A fast 7200rpm, 500GB hard drive provides tons of storage space and a SuperMulti DVD burner is there to install software, archive data and play DVDs. Like most new notebook computers, this one features a built-in 2MP webcam and microphone.

The N82Jq-A1 features a 14-inch LED-backlit widescreen display with a 16:9 aspect ratio and 1366 x 768 native resolution. The display is driven by an nVIDIA GeForce GT 335M GPU with 1GB of DDR3 VRAM, which enhances gaming and multimedia applications.

Some people might feel that a 14-inch screen is too small. But really, the display is plenty big and has enough resolution to view websites, spreadsheets and the occasional movie on DVD. And having a 14-inch screen is what keeps the size and weight of the notebook down to manageable proportions. Compact and lightweight, the N82Jq-A1 measures 13.8 inches wide by 9.7 inches deep by 1.4 inches high, and it weighs just a tick over five pounds.

Asus has blessed the N82Jq-A1 with its Video Magic resolution enhancement technology, which upscales DVDs to full 1080p resolution and eliminates blur with 72 fps frame rates. Full HD resolution does little in the way of enhancement when shackled to a display with 1366 x 768 native resolution, but because the notebook has an HDMI port, you can tether it to a big-screen HDTV. The DVD upscaling, therefore, makes a lot of sense. Altec Lansing speakers with SRS Premium Sound add to the aura of enhancement.

Other features of the N82Jq-A1 include gigabit Ethernet, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, 802.11n Wi-Fi and a memory card reader. Ports include one USB 3.0, one USB 2.0, one eSATA shared with the USB 2.0 port and one 4-pin FireWire-400.

The Asus N82Jq-A1 notebook includes a 6-Cell Lithium-Ion battery, an optical mouse, a carrying bag and a software bundle that includes Windows 7 Home Premium (64-bit), Norton Internet Security 2009, Adobe Acrobat Reader 9.0, Trend Micro Internet Security 2009/2010 and more. The notebook is backed by a 2-year limited warranty. Priced at $1,016.95, this really is a terrific value.

If you want even more value, you can get a nice rebate on an HP printer when you buy this notebook or any PC, for that matter. You get a $40 mail-in rebate with the combined purchase on the same day of any PC, desktop or notebook, and an HP printer or HP All-In-One priced from $69 to $119, or a $60 mail-in rebate with the combined purchase on the same day of any PC and HP printer or HP All-In-One costing more than $119. This mail-in rebate offer expires on 9/25/10.