ASUS K40IN
ASUS' K-series notebooks promise a blend of value and performance. The K40IN is a 14-inch notebook with Nvidia graphics and an $800 price tag. How did it hold up in our testing?
Our ASUS K40IN-B1 review unit has the following specifications:
* 14-inch 720p (1366x768) display with LED backlighting
* Windows Vista Home Premium 32-bit
* Intel Core 2 Duo T6500 (2.1GHz/2MB L2/800MHz FSB)
* Nvidia GeForce G102M integrated graphics card w/ 512MB DDR2 memory
* 4GB DDR2-667 RAM
* 320GB 5400RPM hard drive (Seagate Momentus 5400.6/ST9320325AS)
* 802.11n wireless (Atheros AR9285)
* DVD Super Multi drive
* Two-year warranty w/ one year accidental coverage
* 6-cell Li-ion battery (11.1v, 4400mAh, 46Wh)
* Weight: 5.3 lbs
* Dimensions: 13.4” x 9.5” x 1.4-1.5”
* MSRP: $799.99
Build and Design
The K40IN has a traditional notebook design and shape; it looks like an ordinary notebook and is visually uninspiring. Corners are rounded off to give the notebook a soft look. Nearly all surfaces of the K40IN save for the keyboard are glossy plastic, which is a dual-edged blade. On one hand the glossiness makes the notebook look more attractive, but on the other hand it reduces durability and makes it a real chore to keep clean.
The physical build quality of the K40IN is satisfactory. The quality is consistent; no particular area seems to be stronger or weaker than another. The base of the notebook resists twisting well and the palm rests barely flex under pressure. This lid is one of the better-reinforced lids I have seen on a value-oriented notebook; it is resistant to flexing and pushing in on the back of the lid does not yield any ripples on the screen. The hinges anchoring it to the base of the notebook are strong and display wobble is minimal.
Overall the build quality meets expectations; it is not outstanding and matches up to the competition at the very least. The design is rather plain though not unattractive. However, the glossy plastic will be a turn-off for some.
Screen and Speakers
The K40IN has a 14-inch diagonal display with LED backlighting and a 16:9 aspect ratio. The overall quality of the display is 'very good'. Brightness is excellent and contrast is reasonable. Pictures and movies are a pleasure to view on this display. The viewing angles are above average; side-to-side are nearly flawless, and while the colors wash out and darken from above and below respectively, the picture is fine for about thirty degrees vertically off center. The backlighting is not even with a significant amount of bleed at the bottom; fortunately it is not noticeable during normal use.
