- Aug 19, 2013
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For those that want a peek at everything before I get into my review: https://www.asus.com/us/Laptops/ASUS-TUF-Gaming-FX505DD-DT-DU/specifications/
My configuration: Ryzen 5 3550H, 8 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD, and the GTX 1050.
My use case: Purchased for school to do my coding classes. I have not played any demanding games on it. I might try and download one just to put it through the grinder, in which cases, I will update my post. As for right now, I am going to review it for those who may be looking for a PC to code with.
Classes taken so far: HTML/CSS, Intro to Java/Program Logic, C#/.Net.
The good:
1. The screen is large enough to watch instructional videos easily. It is also more than large enough for one screen and just barely large enough for a split-screen comfortably. I use a program called Brackets for HTML/CSS. This program allows a live preview for changes made to designing a web page. In this instance, it does feel a little cramped, but not so much that it is unusable.
2. The RAM even at 8 GB is more than enough for what I need, thus far. According to the specs, the RAM is expandable to 2 modules. Something I may consider doing during my winter break.
3. The SSD is fast. The PC boots in about 30 seconds. Programs launch quickly.
4. 3 USB A ports, 2 USB 3.1
5. Price: This PC is about $750. While some may be in shock over that price, this is a pretty good balance, between power, size, and cost. I got mine as an open box at Best Buy, but if I knew then what I know now, I would consider a new in box purchase.
6. CPU: It easily handles .Net projects.
The bad:
1. Battery life. While it isn't terrible, it isn't stellar either. Now, true, this is a 15-inch screen and running .Net might be a bigger toll on the battery than I realize. I am probably averaging 5-6 hours on a charge, depending on what I am doing.
2. USB port placement. All connections are on one side. If they would have had one on the other side it would have been nice.
3. Bulk. This PC weighs over 2 pounds. It doesn't seem like much, but to carry it in a backpack for several minutes, it gets noticed. This point, I was not sure where to put it, either good, bad or ugly. I understand that a larger screen needs a larger battery, otherwise, the battery life would be in the gutter. But the weight is something to consider if you are looking at this machine.
The ugly:
1. The SSD: The size may become an issue. I might swap it out for a 512 GB or 1 TB in the coming weeks.
2. Keyboard layout. This is a full keyboard in the width of the body of the PC. While I use and like the 10 key, I think I would have liked to try a version with the 10 key removed. Once I put my PIN in, I hardly use the 10 key. The reason I would like the 10 key removed is it would allow a little more spacing between the keys. They do feel a little cramped to me.
To be fair:
1. Keyboard: I made some comments about the keyboard layout. This is my first experience with a keyboard like this on a laptop. I have been running Chromebooks for a while, and they usually do not have a 10 key. I have a full keyboard on my desktop, but my keyboard is also wider than my laptop, with plenty of cushion between keys.
2. Battery: As mentioned above, I am used to Chromebooks. They have longer battery life on a smaller batter due to a more slim OS. This should be taken into account in my review. It has been quite some time since I used a full Windows laptop and the last one I had was pretty bad out of the box.
Overall, if you are looking for a good laptop for schoolwork, that is built for above-average use, this would be something to consider. I am quite happy with my purchase, good and bad points considered.
I think that's about it. I will answer any questions you may have. Please quote or mention me, as it will get my attention faster.
My configuration: Ryzen 5 3550H, 8 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD, and the GTX 1050.
My use case: Purchased for school to do my coding classes. I have not played any demanding games on it. I might try and download one just to put it through the grinder, in which cases, I will update my post. As for right now, I am going to review it for those who may be looking for a PC to code with.
Classes taken so far: HTML/CSS, Intro to Java/Program Logic, C#/.Net.
The good:
1. The screen is large enough to watch instructional videos easily. It is also more than large enough for one screen and just barely large enough for a split-screen comfortably. I use a program called Brackets for HTML/CSS. This program allows a live preview for changes made to designing a web page. In this instance, it does feel a little cramped, but not so much that it is unusable.
2. The RAM even at 8 GB is more than enough for what I need, thus far. According to the specs, the RAM is expandable to 2 modules. Something I may consider doing during my winter break.
3. The SSD is fast. The PC boots in about 30 seconds. Programs launch quickly.
4. 3 USB A ports, 2 USB 3.1
5. Price: This PC is about $750. While some may be in shock over that price, this is a pretty good balance, between power, size, and cost. I got mine as an open box at Best Buy, but if I knew then what I know now, I would consider a new in box purchase.
6. CPU: It easily handles .Net projects.
The bad:
1. Battery life. While it isn't terrible, it isn't stellar either. Now, true, this is a 15-inch screen and running .Net might be a bigger toll on the battery than I realize. I am probably averaging 5-6 hours on a charge, depending on what I am doing.
2. USB port placement. All connections are on one side. If they would have had one on the other side it would have been nice.
3. Bulk. This PC weighs over 2 pounds. It doesn't seem like much, but to carry it in a backpack for several minutes, it gets noticed. This point, I was not sure where to put it, either good, bad or ugly. I understand that a larger screen needs a larger battery, otherwise, the battery life would be in the gutter. But the weight is something to consider if you are looking at this machine.
The ugly:
1. The SSD: The size may become an issue. I might swap it out for a 512 GB or 1 TB in the coming weeks.
2. Keyboard layout. This is a full keyboard in the width of the body of the PC. While I use and like the 10 key, I think I would have liked to try a version with the 10 key removed. Once I put my PIN in, I hardly use the 10 key. The reason I would like the 10 key removed is it would allow a little more spacing between the keys. They do feel a little cramped to me.
To be fair:
1. Keyboard: I made some comments about the keyboard layout. This is my first experience with a keyboard like this on a laptop. I have been running Chromebooks for a while, and they usually do not have a 10 key. I have a full keyboard on my desktop, but my keyboard is also wider than my laptop, with plenty of cushion between keys.
2. Battery: As mentioned above, I am used to Chromebooks. They have longer battery life on a smaller batter due to a more slim OS. This should be taken into account in my review. It has been quite some time since I used a full Windows laptop and the last one I had was pretty bad out of the box.
Overall, if you are looking for a good laptop for schoolwork, that is built for above-average use, this would be something to consider. I am quite happy with my purchase, good and bad points considered.
I think that's about it. I will answer any questions you may have. Please quote or mention me, as it will get my attention faster.
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