$399.99 15.6" ASUS K55N-BA8094C with QC AMD A8-4500M (7640G) APU Processor (bestbuy.com)

This AMD Trinity laptop has been at this price for the last month or so. IMO, its a great deal for the budget gamer. I keep recommending it in the WNBSIB forum but thought I'd post it here as its too good to pass up. The quad-core A8-4500M with its 7640G is a great start but if that isn't enough for you then an A10-4600M (7660G) could easily be swapped in. I do recommend at least adding an additional 4GB DDR3-1600 RAM module to enable dual-channel performance improving overall system and integrated GPU performance. It helps tremendously!

Note: Sale Expiration Date Unknown, get it while you can!

$399.99 from bestbuy.com
ASUS K55N-BA8094C
AMD Quad-Core A8-4500M 1.9GHz 7640G 1x4GB DDR3-1600 RAM 500GB 15.6" LED-backlit 1366 x 768 resolution Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit

Spoiler

Warranty Terms - Parts 1 year
Warranty Terms - Labor 1 year limited
Product Height 1.4"
Product Width 14.9"
Product Weight 5.5 lbs.
Product Depth 9.9"
Processor Brand AMD
Processor Platform AMD VISION A8 APU
Processor AMD A8-Series
Processor Speed 2.2GHz
Display Type High-definition widescreen LED-backlit (1366 x 768)
Screen Size (Measured Diagonally) 15.6"
Cache Memory 4MB on die Level 3
System Memory (RAM) 4GB
System Memory (RAM) Expandable To 8GB
Type of Memory (RAM) DDR3
Computer Hard Drive Size 500GB
Optical Drive DVD±RW/CD-RW
Optical Drive Speeds Drive speeds not specified
Direct-Disc Labeling No
Digital Media Reader or Slots Yes, digital media card reader
Graphics UMA
TV Tuner No
MPEG Yes
Built-in Webcam Yes
Modem None
Networking Built-in 10/100/1000 Mbps Fast Ethernet LAN (RJ-45 connector)
Wireless Networking Wireless-N
Bluetooth-Enabled No
S-Video Outputs None
Audio Azalia-compliant with 3D effect and full duplex
Speakers Internal
PCMCIA Slots None
USB 2.0 Ports 2 USB 3.0; 1 USB 2.0
IEEE 1394 FireWire Ports None
Parallel Ports None
Game Ports None
Laptop Weight Ultraportable (5.5 lbs. or less)
Battery Life Not available
Pointing Device Wide 16:9 touchpad
HDMI Output Yes
Blu-ray Player No
Operating System Platform Windows
Operating System Windows 7 Home Premium
System Version 64-bit
Included Software Adobe Reader; Power2Go v7; AsusVibe and more
ENERGY STAR Certified Yes
Best Buy PC App No
Drive Capacity 500GB
Graphics Card UMA
UPC 886227253173

 

So what's the difference between this and the Acer? Seems the touchpad has some negative reviews, otherwise a good machine. I am looking for a cheap web browsing / basic gaming laptop, and may end up with this. Call me cheap but just would rather not spend the extra $30 for the Acer.

 

Besides the price, there's some subtle differences.

I don't blame you for going for the less expensive model just to save as much as possible. I would personally go for the Asus too. I've had first-hand experiences with both brands and Asus was the better of the two. But, before making a final decision, I would also look up reviews, customer reviews, and go try out the laptops in person (if possible). You know, the usual stuff.

Just going by the Best Buy and OEM spec sheets:
Asus k55n:
-5.5 lb, 1.4" thin
-2x3.0 USB, 1x2.0 USB port (s)
-No mention of Bluetooth ( Asus says its Optional)
-exterior design (colors, finishes, etc.)
-According to one of the reviewers, this laptop ships with 1x4GB DDR3-1600 RAM
-6Cells 4700 mAh 50 Whrs battery

Acer V3:
-5.7 lb, 1.3" thin
-1x3.0 USB, 2x2.0 USB port (s)
-Bluetooth 4.0 HS
-exterior design (colors, finishes, etc.)
-According to one of the reviewers, this laptop ships with 1x4GB DDR3-1333 RAM
-6cell 4400 mAh 48 Whrs battery

 

Thanks. I'm so tempted to grab that Asus. $400, would prefer 14" but I guess that's not likely to happen for $400 ever.

So for me considering tax/shipping:

Asus ~ $425 A8-4500m
Acer ~ $455 A8-4500m
Lenovo ~ $511 A10-4600m

I have RAM (2x4GB DDR3 1600) and SSD (Intel X-25M 120GB) to use. I am gifting my HP DV6z with A8-3510MX to my sister since she needs something for Photoshop work and figured the Llano would be better for such tasks. And I mainly need a web surfing laptop for my exercise room but would work as a spare gaming machine for kids or Teamspeak server or Minecraft server as needed.

 

I think the least expensive standard voltage 14.0" Trinity laptop right now is the Toshiba Satellite L8x0-series with the A8-4500M at around $425-450. I think the Lenovo 535 might be too expensive even with the Barnes and Noble Gold discounted website ($470 for A4).

You're in a tough spot. Depends, do you want A8 or A10? or some other specific "thing?"

 

I want A8, A10 would be nice but will settle with 15.6" if needed.

 

This laptop is still being sold for $400.

Asus K Series 15.6" Laptop 4GB Memory 500GB Hard Drive K55N-BA8094C - Best Buy