Inexpensive laptop Asus K55A-BBL4 with 3rd-generation Intel processor

The Asus K55A-BBL4 is Best Buy’s exclusive configuration of the K55A inexpensive 15.6″ notebook series.

The K55A-BBL4 model is in line with affordability of the whole series and is priced at $480. There are other and even cheaper full-size notebooks on the market, but the model we are describing today isn’t their typical representative. That’s because it features the powerful the 3rd Generation i5-2410M processor running at default 2.5GHz. The clock speed can be dynamically increased via TurboBoost technology up to 3.1GHz and this contributes to speedy benchmark results. The i5-3210M’s PassMark score is 4,027. That’s way ahead the score of the, for example, comparable 2nd Gen i5-2410M which had been used in laptops sold at the similar price until recently and achieves 3,360 points. Overall, the K55A-BBL4 will easily handle the tasks an average user might throw at it, but for gaming the non-dedicated Intel HD 4000 isn’t the best solution. However, it’s still way better than the previous-gen HD 3000 series.

RAM and HDD storage are 4GB and 500GB large, respectively, which is the bare minimum you would expect these days.

Another thing that helps the K55A-BBL4 stand out from the crowd in its cheap standard laptop category is a brushed aluminum palm rest, giving the 1.3″ thick system a classy look. The attractive design is supplemented by a chiclet keyboard. The lid is, however, made of textured plastics. The Matte Light Covellite Hairline color is actually a grayish one.

Connectivity is average for the class. Besides, wireless-N and Gigabit LAN, the model sports two speedy USB 3.0 ports, one USB 2.0, HDMI, VGA, and a media card reader.

Overall, the K55A-BBL4 appears to be a solid laptop that does the job and gives an extra computing performance boost over its competitors, as well as a stylish look.

Asus K55A-BBL4 Specifications

Display: 15.6-inch 1366 x 768, LED backlight, glossy

Processor: 3rd Generation Intel Core i5-3210M dual core, 2.5-3.1GHz clock speed, 3MB L3 cache

Graphics: Intel HD 4000 integrated

Memory: 4GB DDR3 1,600MHz, expandable to 8GB thanks to 2 slots

Storage: 500GB 5,400rpm HDD

Optical Drive: DVD burner

Webcam: 0.3MP, with microphone

Audio: Stereo speakers by Altec Lansing

Network: Wireless N, Gigabit LAN, no Bluetooth

Input: Chiclet keyboard with numeric pad, multi-touch one-piece trackpad

Ports and Slots: 2 x USB 3.0, 1 x USB 2.0, HDMI, VGA, multi-in-one media card reader

Battery: 6-cell 4700mAh 50Whr

Dimensions: 1.3″ (1.00-1.25″ more precisely) x 14.9″ x 9.9″

Weight: 5.6 pounds

OS: Windows 7 Home Premium

Warranty: 1-year

Source: Laptoping.com