The New ASUS N552 Wants To Replace Your Desktop PC

ASUS has just announced a new N Series N552 15.6-inch laptop, which it calls “the latest and most powerful in this entertainment-focused range”. The laptop features a 6th generation quad-core Intel Core i7 processor and gaming-grade NVIDIA GeForce GTX graphics.

This is what ASUS is hailing as “the perfect portable replacement for a high-end desktop PC” with a price tag of $1599 — so let’s take a look at what it’s made of.

A high performance 6th generation quad-core Intel Core i7 processor, up to NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960M graphics and the latest Windows 10 make up the performance factor. You’ll also get up to 1TB storage and 8GB of the latest DDR4 RAM.

The reversible USB Type-C port aims to make connecting devices easy, while 10Gbit/s SuperSpeed USB (USB 3.1 Gen 2) provides transfer speeds that are up to 20 times faster than USB 2.0 and twice as fast as USB 3.0.

The range features up to 4K/UHD (3840 x 2160) IPS displays that have four times more pixels than standard Full HD displays. The N552 has a pixel density of 282ppi. IPS technology aims to prevent colour washout and contrast reduction when the display is viewed at wide angles — up to 178 degrees.

The colour gamut is up to 72 per cent NTSC, 100 per cent sRGB and 74 percent Adobe RGB. ASUS says that its “Splendid technology further ensures that any visual content is always displayed with the optimum settings”.

Eye Care mode is another feature for the display — it reduces the levels of blue light by up to 33 per cent, which can help with making long periods of time in front of the screen more comfortable.

When it comes to sound, ASUS has used its SonicMaster audio incorporating ICEpower technology, which it says “gives N Series laptops rich, clear, cinematic-quality surround sound” from the front-facing speakers. “With powerful hardware and fine-tuned software, N Series delivers deep, rich bass and crystal-clear vocals, even at high volume levels,” ASUS promises.

The AudioWizard app lets you switch between six preset modes as an equalising option.

Aesthetics-wise, the design has an aluminum-clad lid and keyboard area, with a ripple effect design around the speaker grilles, and diamond cut highlights. The lid has the ASUS spun-metal design with its concentric circles “that reflect the spirit of Zen”, with an illuminated logo.

The keyboard is backlit and sturdy, constyructed in a single piece. You’ve got minimal key-float and a focus on ergonomics, with 1.8mm key travel.

The ASUS N552 is available now starting from $1599 from the ASUS eShop, JB HiFi and “select channel partners”.

Is this enough to replace your desktop PC? Let us know in the comments!