Search

Sunday, October 16, 2011

ASUS A73E-XA1 17.3-Inch Versatile Entertainment Laptop - Dark Grey $599.99

ASUS A73E-XA1 17.3-Inch Versatile Entertainment Laptop - Dark Grey $599.99
Reliable Multitasking Performance


Powered by the 2nd generation Intel Core i5-2410M processor with Intel Turbo Boost 2.0 Technology,
the A73E-XA1 easily handles multitasking and entertainment on its brilliant 17.3" LED-backlit HD+ display. HDMI ready, supersize your high-definition media to an HDTV for 1080p visuals and 8 channel surround sound support. The A73E-XA1 is also engineered with ASUS IceCool technology with hairline brushed aluminum to maintain a low temperature on the keyboard and palm rest area for comfortable computing even after the longest sessions.

Reliable Multitasking Performance     

Powered by the 2nd generation Intel Core i5-2410M processor with Intel Turbo Boost 2.0 Technology, the A73E-XA1 handles an assortment of daily tasks with ease. ASUS Power4Gear is an assortment of power profiles selectable via the Power4Gear hotkey above the keyboard that optimizes the system for your task at hand—giving the most performance or maximizing battery life.



Comfort and Control Included

The A73E-XA1 has an array of built-in features that are specialized for ease of use. It features a chiclet keyboard with numeric keypad and multi-touch trackpad to effortlessly type documents or navigate through your mobile world. The A73E-XA1 also has a spacious palm rest with ASUS Palm-Proof Technology where the trackpad intelligently distinguishes between your palm and finger to prevent errors for a worry-free typing experience.

With its sunken-hinge screen design, you will be able to enjoy wider and more ergonomic viewing angles, enabling greater clarity and comfort. Plus, the ASUS Power4Gear utility controls the fans noise level so you can relax with a virtually silent computing experience anywhere you go.
This notebook is also backed by the industry's most comprehensive warranty.

1 Year ASUS Global Warranty2

Offers a level of coverage that would add hundreds of dollars to the price of competing laptops:
  • 1 year global warranty
  • 30 day Flawless Display Guarantee
  • 2-way free standard shipping
  • 24/7 tech support

1 Year Accidental Damage Protection (ADP)2

Whether your notebook is damaged by accidental spills, drops, electrical surges, or fire, ASUS will fix it or replace it for you during the first year after purchase.
  • Covers accidental drops, spills, power surges, and fire damage
  • Target 3 business day turnaround time for repair / replacement; not including receiving and shipping time
  • 1-way shipping (from ASUS to the user) at no additional cost
  • 24/7 toll-free phone support

What's in the Box

  • A73E-XA1
  • AC Adapter
  • 6 cell Battery Pack
  • Warranty Information Card

Specifications

  • Operating System: Windows 7 Home Premium (64-bit)
  • Display: 17.3-inch HD+ display (1600 x 900)
  • Processor: 2nd generation Intel Core i5-2410QM processor (2.3 GHz)
  • Graphics: Intel GMA HD
  • Wireless: 802.11 b/g/n (@ 2.4GHz)
  • LAN: 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet
  • Memory: 4GB DDR3 SDRAM, 2 x SODIMM Sockets (up to 8GB)
  • Storage: 750GB 5400RPM hard drive
  • Optical Drive: Blu-ray Combo drive
  • Camera: 0.3 megapixel
  • Speakers: Altec Lansing speakers
  • Microphone: Microphone
  • Card Reader: 3-in-1 card reader (SD, MMC & MS)
  • Input / Output: 1 x Mic-in, 1 x Headphone-out, 1 x VGA port/Mini D-Sub 15-pin for external monitor, 1 x RJ-45 LAN, 4 x USB 2.0 ports
  • Battery: 6 cell
  • Dimensions: 15.2 x 10.2 x 1.4 –inches (W x D x H)
  • Weight: 6.9lbs (with 6 cell battery)
  • Color: Black

This review is from: ASUS A73E-XA1 17.3-Inch Versatile Entertainment Laptop - 
Dark Grey (Personal Computers)
For the price the performance of the ASUS A73E-XA1 can't be beat. Out of the box it was up and running in only a few minutes. So far I've been able to use every program I've installed without a glitch. I use it mainly for music and photo editing but I have a few games installed as well. Photo editing uses a lot of memory but this computer handles Photoshop CS5 and Lightroom with no issues. Overall I am very happy with the performance and looks of this laptop.


3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars This laptop does not get hot when running, September 29, 2011
By 
Maryanne "mpeaslee" (DEXTER, OR, United States)
(REAL NAME)   
   
Amazon Verified Purchase
This review is from: ASUS A73E-XA1 17.3-Inch Versatile Entertainment Laptop - Dark Grey (Personal Computers)
I am very impressed with two things about this laptop, the battery life and the 'ice cool' technology. I had the laptop running on a flat desk surface for more than 6 hours and when I picked it up it wasn't even close to being warm on the bottom and it doesn't have a noisy fan that keeps it cool. The second thing I really like is the battery life I had forgotten to plug it in and was online playing a game for more than an hour and a half before I got a pop up about the battery being about 2/3's drained. Nothing slowed down. I have had a laptop of one manufacture or another since 1998 and this one is very good and exceptionally good for the price.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------


3.0 out of 5 stars Locks up, crashes, dead., August 20, 2011
By 
< Amazon Verified Purchase< This review is from: ASUS A73E-XA1 17.3-Inch Versatile Entertainment Laptop - Dark Grey (Personal Computers)
UPDATE 25 AUGUST 2011


Replacement arrived. The Windows Update feature does not give any accurate download percentage or install information. It shows the same stalled information for hours. This happened with the last returned defective computer. I left it to download each time. Finally clicked the Windows Shut Down button... then and only then does it recognize the files have fully downloaded. Then begins to install. It literally took 14 hours to do 8 updates/reboots. I would try to shut down randomly, but often it would say the download was not finished. It would shut down, then I would have to begin the download process all over again. The final update set included "Update for Windows 7 for x64-based Systems" along with two "Microsoft .NET Framework 4" updates, all three simultaneously. Those took over 6 hours. Yes, my connections were tested with two different DSL speed tests at 2800+ kbps consistently. Created a 4 DVD restore set after it was finished. No Windows 7 OS dvd and No backup multimedia dvd for the preinstalled PowerDVD and games. Only a drivers/bios dvd. I was forced to remove the anti-virus program. Forgot the name, but I've never seen it before. Slowed down the computer. Installed AVG. Works fine.


The CyberLink PowerDVD software does NOT work for many blu ray movies. Tried the new Lord of the Rings blu ray but it doesn't recognize them. Only a few movies and concert video blu rays worked... but only in Windows Media Player. PowerDVD wouldn't even open. Even then, remember that this is not a 1080p screen.


The skin of the laptop is attractive. Smooth and shiny. Wavy checkered grey lines on black background. Very modern and sleek looking.


Sound volume is very quiet. Has that high pitched monotonous sound like an 1800's phonograph. Waste of space and money. Highly recommend getting a Logitech USB Laptop Speaker Z305 or something more powerful if you prefer.


Keyboard is very comfortable and simple to type. Had some difficulty finding keys due to the unique layout of the arrow keys and number pad.


Asus calls this a Multimedia laptop (keyword for bloatware). They installed a ton of games. Uninstalled all.


I purchased this for my niece. I didn't have much time to evaluate all the features outputs/inputs. Had to ship it the next day.


It's a 2-1/2 to 3 star. I recommend checking out out all the other computers in the 17" range before you choose this. I've seen great reviews of ACER and Samsung in this price range. Check out reviews at NewEgg, Best Buy and Tiger Direct. I regret being the guinea pig on this model.


*****************************************


ASUS A73E-XA1


Arrives in a generic looking cardboard box "Eco Box". The technical specs are correctly listed on this Amazon page. ASUS is known for their their initial incorrect specs of laptops and accessories when they tag it to Amazon. I hate when people go back looking in Amazon for a computer they saw, order the wrong unit, then incorrectly review the wrong unit.


I bought this unit because it has the faster cpu than its A1 and XE1 counterparts of the A73E model for about the same price. I cannot figure out how they part number and price these things. It's all random.


I looked everywhere online and on ASUS website for this specific XA1 model, but could not locate any information. Bizarre. Little stickers on the box and on the laptop say "New Revision / Certified Design". Whatever that means.


Powered up the unit. Registered the computer name. Immediately started to run the 10,000 Windows 7 Updates. On the fourth update and automatic reboot, Windows 7 Update reached 17% of it's update then ceased to move any further after 2 full hours. (Hint; try removing the ac power cord from the laptop when you run into initial start-up software problems, unfortunately that didn't work in this instance) I clicked cancel numerous times without any acknowledgement. It froze. Would not allow me to exit Update under all attempts including CTL ALT DLT. ASUS tech support is a fraud, a joke and incompetent. No help. Finally forced to hard boot through power off/on. Upon restart, WIN7 found a hardware disk error. It took 2 hours to run a program that claimed would fix the errors. Rebooted again with same disk errors and Win7 repair for two hours. No luck. It could not determine the problem. Windows boots up with a blank black screen. Now Microsoft has a black screen of death? I am assuming ASUS bios flaws led to a forced mechanical failure of the hard drive. I am returning it back for a replacement. I bought this as a back-to-school gift for my niece who starts high school in two days. Sad :( Her surprise won't happen this weekend.


Initially, the computer takes a couple minutes to boot up. Way too long. The screen shows lots of consistent grayish white bleeding through the blacks on the entire screen. Extremely Overloaded with bloatware, games, etc. I'm good at finding unnecessary programs, but this had so many, I was at a loss for words trying to figure out what was necessary for operation. I didn't want to spend another $100 on wiping it clean with a fresh install of Windows 7 Home Premium x64. Hoped I could just remove those programs, but never got the chance. I like the little pop-up software program that allows for ASUS bios/driver updates. Just click and it updates/installs/runs everything for you. I like the skin design. The display is obviously cheap junk considering the low price for a 17". Excellent for basic school and business work.


I'll update when the replacement arrives.

Not Just another Pretty Face































No comments:

Post a Comment

Google Website Translator Gadget