Asus S550C

amazon Asus S550C reviews

Biareview-tested version is the Asus Vivobook S550CA-CJ013H with a 15.6-inch touch screen with a resolution of 1,366 x 768 pixels. The configuration is pretty good with the 1.8GHz Intel Core i3-3217U processor, 4GB RAM, hybrid hard drive with 24GB SSD and 500GB HDD, Intel HD Graphics 4000 And optical drive read / write DVD.

The price is quite cheap compared to the features offered, but the Asus Vivobook S550C is still equipped with a sturdy alloy shell that usually only appears in models priced at over $1000. The design is solid but weighs quite a bit, even though it still meets the ultrabook standard for a 15.6-inch 2.6-kg display with a battery.

The size of the machine is quite large, even the horizontal surface is slightly larger than the normal computer model with the screen size is 15.6 inches. With the “measurements” of 38 x 26.6 x 2.2 cm, the S550C is not really suitable for frequent travel users. Targeted to desktop replacement users, it still needs sleekness and sometimes needs to be moving.

The front of the Asus S550C is still dark brown, which is characteristic of Asus, which is accompanied by a scratch layer. However, this surface is still sticky fingerprints and quite easily recognizable when there is light reflected. On the inside of the machine is a contrasting color tones to the bright silver color of the metal to create the product. The closest part to the hinge is the battery that comes with it.

On the sides, Asus cleverly uses a combination of light and dark metal connectors to give the viewer a very thin feel. The device is swept backwards and in the near-front position is the loudspeaker.

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ASUS S550 15-Inch Laptop [OLD VERSION]: Buy it now

With its large size and spaciousness on both sides, the S550C offers users almost the most popular connectivity. On the left is HDMI, VGA, LAN, USB 3.0, power and heat sockets, while the right side is the presence of optical drives read DVD recorders, components that make the difference with the machine model other ultrabook in the market. In addition, there are two USB 2.0 ports and an additional SD memory card reader on the front.

In this position, the operation of SD memory card is quite difficult and sometimes have to turn the machine up to be used. Meanwhile, the connections on both sides proved quite reasonable because the HDMI and VGA ports are placed very close together because not used simultaneously.

Due to its large screen, the Asus S550C has sufficient space for a dedicated digital keypad. However, the layout of these keys is not uniform. The smaller size also includes navigation buttons that make users’ web or text feel a little discomfort. In return, Asus S550C has a pretty good sensitivity and sensation in the standard lettering on the left despite its slightly shorter stroke, which is often seen in ultrabook models.

Another big advantage of the S550C is the large size touch pad and seamlessly mimic both mouse buttons. The surface is a little bit rough and feels very handsome and does not slip even when slightly sticky sweat hand. Precise gestures and multi-touch support. Similar to MacBooks, users simply touch two fingers at a time to invoke the right-click menu, leaving the user less likely to use the mouse.

Performance

The performance of the Asus S550C is driven by its Intel Core i5-3317U processor, which is part of the Ivy Bridge family. The dual-core processor has a base clock speed of 1.7 GHz, with Turbo Boost technology allowing it to reach up to 2.6 GHz. The processor is paired with 6GB of DDR3 RAM, which is sufficient for most multitasking scenarios. The combination of the i5 processor and ample RAM ensures smooth performance for everyday computing tasks, including web browsing, office applications, and light photo editing.

For storage, the S550C comes with a 750GB hard drive, providing ample space for documents, media files, and software installations. However, the use of a traditional HDD instead of an SSD means that the read and write speeds are slower, affecting overall system responsiveness. Boot times and application load times are noticeably longer compared to laptops equipped with solid-state drives.

In terms of graphics, the S550C relies on integrated Intel HD Graphics 4000. While this is adequate for basic graphical tasks and casual gaming, it is not suitable for intensive gaming or professional-grade video editing. The integrated graphics can handle HD video playback and simple games but will struggle with modern, graphically demanding titles.

Battery Life

Battery life is a crucial aspect of any laptop, especially for users who need to work on the go. The Asus S550C is equipped with a 4-cell lithium-polymer battery, which provides decent battery life for its class. Under normal usage conditions, including web browsing, document editing, and multimedia playback, the laptop can last approximately 4 to 5 hours on a single charge.

This battery life is adequate for short trips and typical work sessions but falls short for users who require all-day battery performance. The inclusion of power-saving features in Windows 8, such as adaptive brightness and power management settings, helps to extend battery life to some extent. However, users who need extended battery life for long workdays or travel may need to carry the charger or consider an external battery pack.

Connectivity

The Asus S550C offers a variety of connectivity options, catering to the needs of modern users. On the left side of the laptop, you’ll find the power input, a full-sized HDMI port, a USB 3.0 port, and an Ethernet port. The HDMI port allows for easy connection to external displays and projectors, making it convenient for presentations and multimedia playback.

The right side of the laptop houses two USB 2.0 ports, a VGA port, an SD card reader, and a 3.5mm audio jack. The inclusion of both USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 ports provides flexibility for connecting peripherals such as external hard drives, printers, and mice. The SD card reader is a useful addition for photographers and users who frequently transfer data from memory cards.

Wireless connectivity options include Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n and Bluetooth 4.0. The Wi-Fi performance is reliable, offering stable and fast connections for web browsing, streaming, and online communication. Bluetooth 4.0 allows for easy pairing with wireless accessories such as headphones, speakers, and smartphones.

The laptop also features a built-in 720p HD webcam and an integrated microphone, making it suitable for video calls and online meetings. The webcam quality is adequate for casual use, although it may not deliver the sharpest image quality in low-light conditions.

Software and Operating System

The Asus S550C comes pre-installed with Windows 8, which was the latest version of Microsoft’s operating system at the time of the laptop’s release. Windows 8 introduces a touch-friendly interface with live tiles, making it well-suited for devices with touchscreen capabilities. The operating system offers a range of built-in apps and services, including the Microsoft Office suite, Skype, and OneDrive for cloud storage.

While Windows 8 received mixed reviews due to its radical departure from the traditional desktop interface, it offers several features that enhance productivity and user experience. The Start screen provides quick access to frequently used apps and settings, while the Charms bar allows for easy navigation and multitasking.

Asus also includes several proprietary software and utilities to complement the Windows experience. These include Asus WebStorage for cloud backup, Asus Splendid Technology for display optimization, and Asus Smart Gesture for enhancing touchpad functionality. While some users may find these utilities useful, others may prefer to disable or uninstall them to streamline the system.

Audio and Multimedia

The audio performance of the Asus S550C is decent, but it does not stand out as a key selling point. The laptop is equipped with stereo speakers located on the underside of the chassis. The speaker placement can sometimes result in muffled sound, especially when the laptop is placed on a soft surface such as a bed or couch.

The audio quality is adequate for casual listening, with clear mids and highs, but the bass response is lacking. For an improved audio experience, users may want to use external speakers or headphones, which can be connected via the 3.5mm audio jack or Bluetooth.

The 15.6-inch display provides a good platform for multimedia consumption, including watching movies, streaming videos, and viewing photos. The HD resolution is sufficient for most content, although users who prefer higher resolution displays may find it limiting. The touchscreen functionality adds to the multimedia experience, allowing for intuitive control of playback and navigation.

Upgradability and Maintenance

One of the advantages of the Asus S550C is its upgradability. The laptop provides easy access to the internal components, allowing users to perform upgrades and maintenance tasks. The bottom panel can be removed to access the RAM, hard drive, and other components.

Upgrading the RAM is a straightforward process, as the S550C supports up to 8GB of DDR3 RAM. This can be particularly beneficial for users who need to run more demanding applications or multitask extensively. Replacing the hard drive with a solid-state drive (SSD) is another common upgrade that can significantly improve system performance and responsiveness.

Regular maintenance, such as cleaning the cooling fan and vents, can help to ensure the laptop operates smoothly and remains free of dust and debris. Asus provides detailed guides and support resources to assist users with these tasks.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Asus S550C is a well-rounded mid-range laptop that offers a solid blend of performance, design, and functionality. Its strengths include a sleek and durable build, a responsive touchscreen, and adequate performance for everyday tasks. However, it also has some limitations, such as its HD display resolution, average audio quality, and shorter battery life compared to some competitors.

For users who prioritize a stylish design, touchscreen capabilities, and upgradability, the Asus S550C is a commendable choice. However, those seeking higher resolution displays, better audio performance, or longer battery life might consider alternatives such as the HP Pavilion 15, Dell Inspiron 15, or Lenovo IdeaPad 500.

Pros:

• Sleek and durable design with brushed aluminum finish
• Responsive touchscreen display
• Comfortable chiclet-style keyboard with numeric keypad
• Good performance for everyday tasks with Intel Core i5 processor and 6GB RAM
• Ample storage with a 750GB hard drive
• Decent connectivity options, including HDMI, USB 3.0, and SD card reader
• Upgradable components for improved performance

Cons:

• HD display resolution is lower than some competitors’ Full HD options
• Average audio quality with limited bass response
• Shorter battery life compared to some competing models
• Integrated graphics not suitable for intensive gaming or professional video editing

Overall, the Asus S550C is a reliable and versatile laptop that caters to a wide range of users, from students to professionals. While it may not excel in every aspect, it offers a balanced computing experience that meets the needs of many users in the mid-range market segment.