When we think about portable computing, the conversation often gravitates toward powerful machines that can handle demanding tasks while still being light enough to carry around. Enter the Asus Q524UQ, a laptop that aims to strike that elusive balance between performance and portability. In this comprehensive review, we'll explore every aspect of the Asus Q524UQ, from its design and performance metrics to its benchmarks and overall usability. By the end of this article, you'll have a well-rounded understanding of whether this laptop fits your needs.
Design and Build Quality
The first aspect to consider in any laptop review is its design. The Asus Q524UQ makes a compelling first impression with its sleek, modern look. The chassis is primarily made of aluminum, which not only enhances durability but also gives the device a premium feel. Weighing in at about 4.6 pounds and measuring 0.8 inches in thickness, it's relatively portable compared to other models in its category, making it suitable for students and professionals alike.
Display
The Q524UQ boasts a 15.6-inch Full HD touchscreen display with a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels. This means you get sharp visuals and vibrant colors that enhance your multimedia experience, whether you're streaming videos, working on photo edits, or browsing the web. The touchscreen feature is a standout addition, allowing for a more interactive experience, especially when using Windows 10. The display is also equipped with Asus's Eye Care technology, which reduces blue light emissions—a handy feature for those long hours spent in front of the screen.
Keyboard and Touchpad
When it comes to input devices, the Q524UQ offers a comfortable typing experience with its full-size backlit keyboard. The keys provide adequate travel and feedback, which can be crucial for productivity. The touchpad is equally impressive, featuring smooth gestures and precise tracking. We found that the laptop's overall ergonomics make it suitable for both casual use and intensive typing sessions.
Specifications
Let’s dive into the core specifications of the Asus Q524UQ. This laptop is powered by an Intel Core i7-7500U processor, which offers a base clock speed of 2.7 GHz and can turbo boost up to 3.5 GHz. This makes it capable of handling multi-threaded applications without breaking a sweat.
Memory and Storage
The laptop comes with 8 GB of RAM and a 1 TB HDD combined with a 256 GB SSD. The SSD is beneficial for quicker boot times and faster loading of applications, while the HDD provides ample storage for documents, photos, and videos. Upgrading memory and storage is also an option, which can extend the lifespan of the device as your computing needs evolve.
Graphics Performance
Equipped with an NVIDIA GeForce 940MX GPU, the Asus Q524UQ is designed for light gaming and multimedia editing tasks. While this is not a gaming powerhouse, it can run less demanding games and handle graphic design applications reasonably well. The combination of the Core i7 and the GeForce 940MX makes for a balanced setup for casual gaming and creative tasks.
Performance Benchmarks
To truly understand the capabilities of the Asus Q524UQ, we must look at its performance benchmarks.
CPU Benchmarks
In CPU-intensive tasks, such as video encoding and data analysis, the Core i7-7500U performs admirably. According to PassMark benchmarks, it scores around 7,500, placing it well among its peers. This level of performance allows the Q524UQ to handle demanding applications like Adobe Premiere Pro and other professional software without considerable lag.
GPU Benchmarks
Moving on to the graphics performance, the NVIDIA GeForce 940MX performs decently in benchmarking tests. In 3D Mark, it scores around 3,800 points, which allows it to run older titles smoothly at medium settings. Games like "Dota 2" and "Counter-Strike: Global Offensive" can achieve reasonable frame rates, although newer titles might require lowering the settings to maintain a playable frame rate.
Real-world Usage
In real-world usage, the Q524UQ holds up well. We ran several applications simultaneously—streaming a video, editing a photo, and working on a document—and experienced no noticeable slowdowns. This versatility is one of the laptop's key selling points, particularly for users who juggle multiple tasks.
Battery Life
No laptop review is complete without addressing battery life. The Asus Q524UQ is equipped with a 3-cell Li-ion battery. In typical usage scenarios—streaming videos, browsing the web, and using productivity applications—you can expect around 6 to 8 hours of battery life. While this isn't industry-leading, it's reasonable for a laptop in this category. With power-saving settings enabled, you may squeeze out a little extra juice, but for most users, keeping a charger handy is advisable.
Connectivity Options
One of the advantages of the Q524UQ is its extensive array of connectivity options. It features:
- USB Ports: 1 x USB 3.0, 2 x USB 2.0
- HDMI Output: For connecting to larger displays
- SD Card Reader: Useful for photographers
- Ethernet Port: For a stable internet connection
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: For wireless connectivity options
These options make it versatile for different scenarios, whether it's connecting to an external display or transferring files from a camera.
Audio Quality
The Q524UQ comes with built-in speakers optimized with Asus's SonicMaster technology. While they won't replace a dedicated sound system, they deliver decent audio quality for casual listening and video watching. The sound is relatively clear, although bass levels can be lacking. For serious audio work or enhanced media experiences, investing in external speakers or headphones might be worth considering.
Software and Operating System
The Asus Q524UQ comes pre-installed with Windows 10, which is designed to take full advantage of the laptop's hardware. The operating system is user-friendly, and its integration with the touchscreen enhances the overall experience. You’ll find built-in features like Cortana and a variety of apps that provide convenience and customization to meet individual needs.
One of the minor downsides is the bloatware that often comes with pre-installed software, but this can usually be managed or uninstalled as needed.
Pros and Cons
Before wrapping up our detailed exploration, let's summarize the advantages and disadvantages of the Asus Q524UQ.
Pros
- Sleek and modern design: Aesthetically pleasing and portable.
- Solid performance: Handles multitasking and moderate gaming with ease.
- Decent battery life: Sufficient for a day of casual use.
- Good connectivity options: Versatile for different use cases.
- Responsive touchscreen: Adds to the user experience.
Cons
- Average graphics performance: Not meant for hardcore gaming.
- Limited upgradability: Memory options are somewhat restricted.
- Bloatware: Comes pre-installed with several unnecessary applications.
- Speaker quality: Could use some enhancement for audiophiles.
Conclusion
The Asus Q524UQ offers a well-rounded package for individuals seeking a balance between performance and portability. Whether you are a student looking for a reliable machine for your studies or a professional needing something to handle day-to-day tasks, the Q524UQ stands as a strong contender. Its combination of a stylish design, adequate performance, and decent battery life makes it a suitable choice for many.
However, if you're a gamer or a user requiring extensive graphics capabilities, you might want to consider more specialized options. For casual users and those focusing on productivity tasks, the Asus Q524UQ certainly makes a compelling case.
FAQs
1. Is the Asus Q524UQ suitable for gaming?
While it can handle light gaming, the GeForce 940MX is not designed for demanding titles. It performs well with older games but struggles with newer releases on higher settings.
2. Can I upgrade the RAM in the Asus Q524UQ?
Yes, the RAM is upgradeable, allowing users to increase it to enhance performance depending on individual needs.
3. How does the battery life of the Asus Q524UQ compare to other laptops?
Its battery life of about 6 to 8 hours is average for its category, making it suitable for a day of typical use but less impressive compared to some competitors.
4. Does the Q524UQ come with a warranty?
Yes, Asus typically provides a standard one-year warranty on their laptops, covering hardware defects.
5. What is the weight of the Asus Q524UQ?
The Asus Q524UQ weighs approximately 4.6 pounds, making it relatively portable for a 15.6-inch laptop.
With a host of features and reliable performance, the Asus Q524UQ makes a solid investment for those in search of a dependable laptop for everyday use.