Under that elegant brushed aluminium lid is an absolute powerhouse of hardware. This is the latest version of the N53, which originally launched last year, packed with data crunching behemoths like the Second Generation Core i7-2820QM quad core CPU, 16GB of DDR3 memory and an Nvidia GeForce GT 540M GPU. Intel Core i7-2630QM and GeForce GT 550M options are available too.
The N53SV
The Intel processor graphics and Nvidia mobile GPU automatically switch thanks to Nvidia’s Optimus technology, so there’s no need to worry about choosing which to use. This dynamic switching also allows the best of both worlds: lower power Intel graphics and QuickSync technology, or gaming graphics and CUDA with Nvidia.
N53SV side-on profile
As with all N-series SonicMaster laptops, the N53SV features an upgraded set of speakers from Bang & Olufsen ICEpower. Combined with the LED backlit, Full HD 1,920 x 1,080 display (and a HDMI 1.4 connector) and Blu-ray drive, it’s hard to counter the claim that this is the ultimate entertainment notebook.
N53SV speakers and keyboard
OK it’s not quite as bling-bling shiny as the NX90 (but it’s also considerably cheaper!) and those looking for something everywhere portable will probably prefer to look at the N3 or U series instead. This is squarely an office, student and home laptop, which is still an incredibly popular option for those looking at desktop replacements with portability.
N53SV camera
Looking inside and the curved metal speaker grill sits proudly above the full keyboard which even includes a numberpad on the right. The wrist rest is also brushed aluminium to match the lid as well.
N53SV Keyboard
Rounding up the hardware front, there is a Gigabit Ethernet port, SD card slot, three USB ports, one USB 3 port and 3.5mm headphone and microphone jacks. Internally there’s also Intel Centrino 802.11b/g/n WiFi and Bluetooth 2.1.
At the back of the n53sv is the d-sub output
Our model here uses a 4400mAh, 48Wh 6 cell battery that seems to be the most common at retailers. To get the most out of the high performance hardware, ASUS has included its popular Super Hybrid Engine technology that optimizes the whole system to extend battery life, by either using the button above the keyboard or via the Power4Gear software interface.
If you’re thinking of an N53SV and want to know more, or have an N53 already, let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
Matt Black
Raised by wolves in the wilderness, he one day met a bear who taught him there was more to life than just the jungle. From here, he fought his way to the city, foraging for tech on his travels. Today, still searching for the ultimate technology, he survives as a soldier of fortune. If you have spare kit, if no one else can help, and if you know his number, maybe you can hire... Matt Black.