| secreter | | Administrateur | | 19 messages postés |
|  Posté le 10-12-2012 à 07:20:29   
| Review Asus B43E Notebook
The AsusPro series is a new business series. In January 2012, the 15.6-inch sister, P53E-SO102X, was introduced to the business world. The laptop offered great input devices and low emissions. However, the chunky synthetic material case made of aluminum imitate material and the consumer style interfaces were no match for the ThinkPad Edge, ProBook or Latitude competition. [b]ASUS G73JW-3DE charger[/b]
Asus shows us how much they have learnt. The 14-inch B43E-VO158X only looks similar to the P53E. The aluminim surfaces, ports (docking port) and full-size docking station are all new features for low-priced business notebooks.
The price is especially interesting: 600 Euros (~$762) for the B43E (our test model with an i3-2350M) and 150 Euros (~$190) for the docking station, Asus Powerstation II (for the B series). This docking station was available in our test. So the buyer can get a fully-equipped working station for 750 Euros (~$952)? There are very few other models which can match this offering. The direct competitors include: Lenovo ThinkPad L430 (i3), Fujitsu Lifebook S751 (i3) and HP ProBook 6465b (AMD A4). These models also offer a docking port for a low price. [b]ASUS G73JW-91037V charger[/b]
The B43E wants to be a true work laptop. Due to this reason, the laptop unashamedly uses a plastic border with an aluminum cover and an extremely heavy base. Only the mid-range ThinkPad L430 is as thick as our test model: 35 mm. Whether or not this heavy build is a flaw, is a subjective question. In any case, the sturdiness is good: the B43E does not bend when pressure is applied on the base or on the display cover. [b]ASUS G73JW-91093V charger[/b]
Weaknesses are in the details: the area under the DVD drive can be pushed in with a click. The right side of the keyboard can also be pushed in, above the optical drive. The brushed aluminum of the display cover and base has a conservative elegance. Unfortunately, after a short while of use, the elegance evaporates as the surface is covered by a plethora of fingerprints. The hand-rest regions are made of the same material, but are not brushed, which keeps them cleaner. [b]ASUS G73JW-91094V charger[/b]
The 14-inch laptop is quite heavy: 2,464 grams plus 346 grams (power adapter). Office laptops of this size usually weigh between 2.1 - 2.3 kilograms (ThinkPad L430 - 2.25 kg, Lifebook S751 - 2.3 kg, HP ProBook 6465b - 2.35 kg). The hinges hold the display stiffly and do not let it wobble. The maximum opening angle of 130 degrees is sufficient for using the notebook on the lap. Due to the heavy chassis, the user can open the laptop with one hand.
The hand-rest regions and the touchpad are hard and cool. Asus has placed the heat-emitting components near the middle and this allows the air to move around the case. The large flap on the bottom of the case hides a 2.5-inch hard drive and a 4 GB DDR3 RAM module (one slot occupied, the other is free). [b]ASUS G73JW-91116V charger[/b]
Performance
The Core i3-2350M (2.3 GHz, no Turbo Boost) is a lower middle-class processor. It is a dual-core CPU, and like the alternative, the i5-2430M (2.4 GHz), it is outdated. Both CPUs belong to Intel's 2010 Sandy Bridge generation. However, interested parties should not lose their interest due to this, as the 2011 Ivy Bridge generation offers little performance increase. In the following section, we will find out if the buyer should pick the i5 CPU or not. [b]ASUS G73JW-91121V charger[/b] [b]ASUS G73JW-91137V charger[/b]
The integrated Intel HD Graphics 3000 is responsible for the graphics. The 4 GB RAM is installed in a single slot, leaving the second slot free. The laptop can support up to 8 GB RAM. The notebook uses a 500 GB Western Digital HDD which runs at 5400 rpm. The core i5 configuration oddly only includes a 320 GB.
Processor
The core i5 configuration costs just 60 Euros (~$76) more. Should the buyer invest a little more money for the i5 configuration or stick with the Core i3-2350M? If it is worth paying the money for a 20% performance increase, then your answer will be yes. The following image shows the Fujitsu Lifebook E781 with its alternative processor, the Core i5-2430M. The Cinebench R11.5 benchmark (Multi CPU) measures 2.68 points. That is around 22% more than our B43E. The business competition are stronger as they use i5 (L430) and i7 (S751) CPUs. Interesting: the AMD-based HP ProBook 6465b (LY433EA) can not only keep up with the AsusPro B43E (-9%), but also offers 58% higher graphics performance. [b]ASUS G73JW-A1 charger[/b]
The full CPU performance is available while running on battery: Cinebench R11.5 Multi and OpenGL test delivered identical results.
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System Performance
PCMark Vantage calculates a total score of 5,125 points. This is clearly below the i5-2430M system of the Lifebook E781 (+27%). The E751 and ProBook 6465b do not offer a fair comparison as they are equipped with fast SSDs. The ProBook costs 900 Euros (~$1143) with the SSD and falls out of the comparison. The L430 is about 40% better due to the Ivy Bridge IGP, the HD 4000. PCMark 7 kept stopping everytime it was run, and as such we cannot offer any results. [b]ASUS G73JW-WS1B charger[/b]
Storage Solution
The PCMark Vantage total score indicates a meager performance. What could be the reason? The overall score is affected by the poor HDD score (sub score of PCMV). As the Lifebook E781 shows a 7200 rpm HDD can achieve 24% faster transfers in this test. The low read and write speeds of the installed Seagate HDD (5400 rpm) are the reason for the low test score. [b]ASUS G73JW-X3C charger[/b] [b]ASUS G73JW-XA1 charger[/b] [b]ASUS G73JW-XB1 charger[/b] [b]ASUS G73JW-XN1 charger[/b]
63 MB/s in Crystal Disk Mark Read represents the lower end of the scale. The E781 is about 57% faster. Forget about the ProBook 6465b and the Lifebook S751: their SSDs are 245 and 312% faster (respectively). We can not find out if the 320 GB (5400rpm) HDD of the i5 configuration performs better. The reader can find out more information in our HDD/SSD benchmark table in our FAQ section. [b]ASUS G73JW-XR1 charger[/b] [b]ASUS G73JW-XT1 charger[/b] [b]ASUS G73JX charger[/b] [b]ASUS G73JX-TZ037V charger[/b]
Graphics Card
The HD 3000 IGP was replaced by the Ivy Bridge HD 4000 in the middle of 2012. Sadly, this IGP is now outdated, as shown by the 3D benchmarks and the following games. In 3DMark 06, the gaming performance measures 3,184 points. In contrast, current GPUs, like the Nvidia GeForce GT 650M (at least 12,500 points, +394%) or GT 630M (8,000 points, +250%) are much stronger. The performance increases slightly with the Sandy Bridge i5 alternative (+13%, Lifebook E781). However, the HD 4000 is still up to 80% faster, depending on the benchmark, in current core i5 dual-core CPUs. [b]ASUS G73S charger[/b] [b]ASUS G73SV charger[/b] [b]ASUS G73SW charger[/b] [b]ASUS G73SW-3DE charger[/b]
Gaming Performance
The IGP is not suited for gaming. It squeezes out fluid gameplay at minimal details and low resolutions. The HD 4000 performs better as it can run games at low details completely fluidly. However this does not apply to the IGP in the Low Voltage processors (V5-171). The gaming performance is incomplete as the business models we are using for comparison were not tested with the latest 2012 games. The reader can find out what gaming performance the HD Graphics 3000 offers in our in-depth review.
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The AsusPro B43E is conservative. The fan runs almost constantly at a minimum of 32 dB(A). In office use (low load or idle), the notebook does not reach above 33 dB(A). Even when the fan turns off entirely (Quiet Office mode), the noise emission stays at 32 dB(A), as that is the contribution of the HDD.
During 3DMark 2006 (medium load), we measured around 38 dB(A). This test shows us the noise emission the laptop is likely to reach now and then during everyday use (games, copying files, starting programs). At high, constant load (stress test), the 14-inch model gets louder. The noise emission rises to 44 dB(A) and the fan runs at a constant speed. We would describe the fan behavior as quiet, as it changes its speed slowly. [b]ASUS G73SW-A1 charger[/b] [b]ASUS G73SW-A2 charger[/b] [b]ASUS G73SW-BST6 charger[/b] [b]ASUS G73SW-BST8 charger[/b]
The AsusPro B43E is conservative. The fan runs almost constantly at a minimum of 32 dB(A). In office use (low load or idle), the notebook does not reach above 33 dB(A). Even when the fan turns off entirely (Quiet Office mode), the noise emission stays at 32 dB(A), as that is the contribution of the HDD.
During 3DMark 2006 (medium load), we measured around 38 dB(A). This test shows us the noise emission the laptop is likely to reach now and then during everyday use (games, copying files, starting programs). At high, constant load (stress test), the 14-inch model gets louder. The noise emission rises to 44 dB(A) and the fan runs at a constant speed. We would describe the fan behavior as quiet, as it changes its speed slowly. [b]ASUS G73SW-L1 charger[/b]
Speakers
The speakers are placed at the front, under the hand-rest regions. The sound stresses the middles too much which can hurt the ears at high volumes. The speakers are not capable of providing proper bass or different trebles. However, we are happy to note that the output does not distort at high volumes. The volume is sufficient for a 14-inch model, but we recommend headphones for music fans. In contrast to the general trend of using a combi interface for the headphone and microphone, Asus has installed two separate audio jacks in the B43E. The audio output supports S/PDIF, which is rare to find in notebooks.
Battery Life
Power Consumption
The AsusPro B43E is not a demanding companion. This is probably due to the meager needs of the Core i3. If all power-saving options are turned on while idle (Quiet Office Mode, brightness set to minimum and wireless modules off), the laptop will consume around 10 W. Realistically, the user can expect around 15.5 W power consumption while idle ("High Performance" profile, maximum brightness, wireless modules on)|.
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The maximum power consumption is measured during the stress test using Prime95 and Furmark; the multimeter records 53 W. At normal load (simulated using 3DMark 06), the laptop requires 43 W. This means that the small 65 W power adapter (346 grams with the cable) can support the power needs of our test model. When the B43E is connected to the docking station, the 90 W power adapter of the station takes over. [b]ASUS G73SW-XA1 charger[/b]
The run time of three hours seems decent, in comparison to the competition, especially as the battery capacity is relatively low (48 Wh). The WLAN test (surfing on the web using an automated script) exhausts the battery reserves after 3:19 hours, and watching a DVD film will do the same in 2:51 hours. The brightness of the TFT in the WLAN test was 150 cd/m² (two levels below max). The idle run time is 1:30 hours more than the WLAN test. Depending on the activity and settings, the power-saving user should be able to get some more life out of a single battery charge. However, this should not add more than 30 minutes in practical use. [b]ASUS G73SW-XT1 charger[/b]
The competition delivers similar or better results in the WLAN test: Lenovo ThinkPad L430 (57 Wh, 210 Min.), Fujitsu Lifebook S751 (67 Wh, 190 Min.) and HP ProBook 6465b (55 Wh, 335 Min.). The ProBook truly benefits from its conservative AMD A6 APU in this test (Idle 8-14 W, entire system). The longest run time achieved by a 14-inch business laptop was set recently by the Panasonic Toughbook CF (69 Wh, 387 Min.) It offers 6:27 hours in a semi-rugged laptop which costs 2500 Euros (~$3177). [b]ASUS G73SX charger[/b]
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Verdict
Asus has twisted the right screws and provided the entry-level business model, P53E (15.6-inch), with a high-quality sibling in the form of the 14-inch B43E. The chunky and heavy body made of synthetic material and brushed aluminum offers properties found in middle- and upper-class business laptops.
The incredible variety of ports is not reason enough to rejoice, but the laptop does offer five USB 3.0 ports, a docking interface, DisplayPort, SmartCard, eSATA and ExpressCard34. Users who require older, outdated interfaces, will find the cheap Powerstation II (for B series) to be a good purchase, especially as it adds DVI, Serial, PS/2 and Parallel Port interfaces to the list. The security administrator will be happy with the TPM module and fingerprint reader. Even the HP EliteBook or Dell Latitude cannot offer more.
We checked the performance of the minimal configuration with a Core i3. This configuration is not suited for power users (CPU graph). However, the emissions are low and the run times are good. The workmanship is not as good as that of the HP ProBooks or Dell Latitudes, but those laptops cost more than 700 Euros (~$889, excluding sale of older models). We are not complaining due to the unreliable sturdiness, but instead due to the aluminum surfaces which attract fingerprints.
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We compared the input devices of our test model to those of ThinkPads and ProBooks to see how our test model performed versus established competitors in this industry. We really like the flexible, hard-rubber keys of the touchpad. A dual pointing solution, which can be found in some competitors, is not provided in the Asus B43E. The keyboard is quite spongy and, as the keys are quite close together, the gliding fingers always hit other keys. We find the ThinkPad Edge or the HP ProBooks to have better designs in this case. The contrast, viewing angles and brightness of the HD panel are appropriate for its price class and are sufficient for the laptop's purpose. Quite a few interested buyers will sorely wish for a HD+ resolution. [b]Asus C22-UX31 Battery[/b]
For a price point-of-view, the competition (14-inch models) seems outdated. HP's ProBook 6470b (i3, starting at 800 Euros, ~$1016) and Lenovo's ThinkPad Edge S430 (i5, starting at 740 Euros, ~$940) offer no docking port and drop out off the comparison due to their price alone. The other 14-inch models with an i3 configuration are 50 to 145 Euros (~$63 to $184) more expensive: Lenovo ThinkPad L430 (starting at 670 Euros, ~$851, has dock), HP ProBook 6475b (AMD, roughly 700 Euros, ~$889, has dock), HP ProBook 6465b (AMD, has dock, starting at 745 Euros, ~$946), Dell Vostro 3460 (starting at 650 Euros, ~$826), Fujitsu Lifebook S752 (i3, starting at 680 Euros, ~$864). [b]Asus A31-1015 Battery[/b] [b]Asus AL31-1015 Battery[/b]
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The Acer TravelMate P243-M is quite cheap (no docking port, i3, starting at 550 Euros, ~$698, no review yet). Buyers who want to shell out as little money as possible will be interested in the discontinued Fujitsu Lifebook S751 (i3, docking port, starting at 580 Euros, ~$737).
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