The K42F that Intel provided for review is not identical to what will be available for consumers. The most significant difference is the processor. The system we tested featured a 2.53-GHz Core i5-540M CPU, while the retail model features the 2.4-GHz 520M. Intel claims that the performance delta is within 3 and 5 percent. Other noteworthy differences include the hard drive (500GB for our config vs. 320GB for retail model), operating system (Windows 7 Ultimate vs. Home Premium), and the 802.11n wireless card model (Intel vs. Atheros). None of these differences should significantly impact performance. We reserve the right to change this notebook’s rating once we test the retail version.
It blows away most other notebooks in every category when it comes to performance, and yet it weighs only five pounds. That’s the power of Intel’s Core i5 processor, the new chip inside the ASUS K42F (starting at $999). This CPU literally provides a turbo boost for mainstream laptops, along with technology that makes this dual-core machine ideal for serious multitasking. And with Intel’s new Graphics Media Accelerator HD inside, this 14-inch machine can easily handle Blu-ray playback and many mainstream games. The K42F picks up fingerprint smudges too easily, and we’re not fans of the narrow touchpad button, but overall it offers incredible power for the price without sacrificing battery life.
Detail Specifications
Platform Notebook PC
Processor Type Intel Core i3 Processor
Processor Onboard Intel® Core™ i3-350M Processor (2.26 GHz, Cache 3 MB)
Chipset Intel HM55
Standard Memory 1GB DDR3 SODIMM PC-8500
Max. Memory 8 GB (2 DIMMs)
Video Type Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator HD 256MB (shared)
Display Size 14" WXGA LED
Display Max. Resolution 1366 x 768
Display Technology LED backlight
Audio Type Integrated
Speakers Type Integrated
* Altec Lansing® speakers
Floppy Drive Optional
Hard Drive Type 320 GB Serial ATA 5400 RPM
Optical Drive Type DVD±RW
Modem Optional
Networking Gigabit NIC
Network Speed 10 / 100 / 1000 Mbps
Wireless Network Type Integrated
Wireless Network Protocol IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11n
Wireless Bluetooth Optional
Keyboard Type Full size
Input Device Type Touch Pad
Slot Provided Optional
Card Reader Provided SD, MMC
Interface Provided 3x USB 2.0, VGA, LAN, Audio
* Webcamera
O/S Provided Pre-sales Request Available
Battery Type Rechargeable Lithium-ion Battery
Power Supply External AC Adapter
Dimension (WHD) 349 x 36.5 x 238 mm
Weight 2.2 kg
Standard Warranty 2-year Limited Warranty by Authorized Distributor
* Except battery and adaptor 1 year warranty
Bundled Peripherals Optional
Package Contents Contents may vary
