The X550CA's 0.9-megapixel camera provided noisy and slightly off-color images. All measurements are well below our 95-degree comfort threshold. The keyboard hit 81 degrees, while the underside topped out at 84 degrees.

After streaming an HD video on Hulu for 15 minutes, the X550CA's touchpad reached just 86 degrees Fahrenheit. MORE: 8 Worst Windows 8 Annoyances and How to Fix ThemĪSUS says its IceCool Technology helps keep the X550CA cool under pressure, and it certainly does the job. Fortunately, the X550CA has you covered its spacious 4.2 x 1.8-inch touchpad responded smoothly and accurately when executing both multitouch and Windows 8 gestures, such as swiping in from the right for the Charms menu. When you don't have a touch screen, having a large and responsive touchpad is essential for Windows 8. Both units' keyboards exhibited some flex. A second unit, however, didn't suffer from this issue.

The first review system sent to us by ASUS had issues with its keyboard, including a spacebar that was stuck. ASUS says the X550CA's seamless, chiclet keyboard helps to prevent key float while ensuring it adheres to the company's Golden Ratio of keyboard force and stroke.ĭuring the Ten Thumbs Typing Test, we managed to hit our average typing speed of 80 words per minute with a 1 percent error rate. MORE: ASUS Best and Worst Notebook Brands 2013 RatingĬlick to EnlargeThanks to its large dimensions, the ASUS X550CA-DB31 comes with a full-size keyboard and number pad. Among value-priced notebooks, the Lenovo G580 came out on top with a reading of 211 lux. The X550CA's 144 lux brightness rating puts it below the HP Pavilion g6t's 160 lux and well below the mainstream notebook category average of 210 lux. A Manual option allows you to set the color temperature, changing the hue from a slight red to blue and anything in between. The suite features three preset options, including Normal Theater, which gives the display a yellow hue and Vivid, which pumps up the whites. And while we understand why, it still feels odd to have a Windows 8 machine without touch input.ĪSUS' Splendid Technology suite allows you to adjust the display's contrast and color saturation. Viewing angles on the ASUS were quite limited images started washing out at anything greater than 60 degrees to either side.Īs expected at such a low price, the X550CA doesn't come with a touch screen. While watching a trailer for 'Elysium,' colors were fairly vibrant and fine details (such as the subtle imperfections in the side of a spaceship) were visible but slightly grainy. Click to EnlargePacking a 15.6-inch 1366 x 768 anti-glare display, the ASUS X550CA's image quality was passable.

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