Nox A14 - first review :)

Just got a hold of this review of the machine:


"Zepto in Denmark has released a new and interesting new notebook, the Nox A14 laptop. It’s intended for general use and it’s also meant for serious gaming. I was able to get my hands on a pre production sample for a few days, and I had a really good time with it!



First impressions

I did not get a fancy box with the computer so it wasn’t possible to do a nice unboxing video. However, one of the first things I noted was that the laptop is a prototype of the coming machine. It was missing some Zepto stickers and also text and logos on the machine’s bottom and top cover.

Well what to say, this computer has a nice black finish that feels like some kind of rubber, and I really enjoyed working with it!

The computer is basically a smaller version of the A15. It has all the ports and tech specs as the A15, only being an inch smaller.



Specification

The version I had at my disposal:


14.1” WXGA+ (1400x900)
NVIDIA® Geforce 9600M GT 512MB
Intel® Core™ 2 Duo-processor P7350
2048 MB DDR2 677MHz PC5300
80 GB SATA HDD
Zepto Zpro2 Wireless 300Mbit
DVD-RW / CD-RW SATA

Dimensions: 340x250x35mm
Weight: 2,5 kg

Production machines will have faster RAM, 800MHz PC6400, according to Zepto’s web site.




Ports and connections:


The Nox A14 has all the ports needed for a modern computer and gaming.

3 x USB
1 x HDMI
1 x Digital output (combined 3.5mm stereo / Toslink)
1 x Mic / Line in
1 x 10/100/1000Mbit/s Ethernet port



Installation

The A14 came pre installed with Vista Home.



Performance

I installed the usual benchmarking software.


- 3DMark06:






5513 3DMarks for this computer is a good value.



Far Cry 2:







Fallout 3







Screen quality

The screen is glossy, making all colors looking vibrant and real.



Build quality and robustness

One of the first things I noticed was is that the machine feels very robust, just as if it was made in one solid piece. This is something I personally appreciate. There are a lot of laptops out there that are really flimsy and I simply do not have confidence in a machine that isn’t built well. After all, a laptop is meant to be carried around and potentially take a lot of abuse.



Ergonomics

The Nox has a very comfortable keyboard. It has a good feeling typing on the keyboard and it was easy to type really quickly. The machine also stays at the same place on the table while typing, something not all other laptops do.


The area where your wrists are resting is big enough and it provides suitable support while typing.



Battery time

Same as the Nox A15 with similar specs



Price

According to Zepto.dk the price on the A14 and the A15 (Value) is the same, 7,999 DKK, which equals some where around 1350 USD.



Mobility

Being a 14 inch, only having the weight of 2.5 kilos the mobility is from my point of view excellent. Being smaller than a 15 inch but still having a full keyboard unlike some 12-13 inches, you still have this as your advantage when typing and of course playing.


Pro’s & Con´s

Pro's:

+ Price
+ Great GFX-card
+ HDMI 1.3
+ Rubber finish


Con's:

- Attracts finger prints easily
- Audio output is a little thin, external speakers or head phones are recommended if plan to do gaming.
- Fan is constantly running when games are played (This is most certainly because this was a pre production machine. I asked Zepto and they told me that this will be fixed in a BIOS update for production machines.)


Conclusion

The new Nox from Zepto Computer will fit nicely in the market for people that want a powerful laptop in a high quality case. The graphics card is a no compromize and will satisfy the laptop gaming folks.



Pictures




Front side of the Nox A14





Dvd, Wireless switch, Lan port, tv card antenna and charger connection.





Fan exhaust, Hdmi, 2x usb, audio & mic connection, volume control, card ready and Express card 34 slot."










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Nice! I've never heard of Zepto.

 

Nice... more pics! I'd like to see how thick it is with the lid closed

 

Nice little review! Thanks for that!

Is it your own A14 or just a review-model? Thanks!!

 

Well its a preview machine. No Zepto markings on it, so basically a sample First one to leave the factory.

EDIT: Just added an extra image at the end of the initial post that i forgot to include.

 

Yes I just want to edit my post, because I saw it in one of your last sentences...

Thanks anyway!

 

Well I can try and get some pictures posted of the Nexus i have standing around which i need to set up for a friend of mine who have just bought the Nexus A15, but knows nothing about computers

 

Whoow that's cool...
Than we can see the difference between the sizes!

 

Yes!! If it's not too much trouble, post soon
I'm thinking about picking one of these up.

 

Thanks for this preview.

What are the temperatures on idle / full load? How is the fan noise?

Also the audio quantity / quality.

An eSATA / USB combo port would be a useful addition.

John

 

Well the Nox A14 is exactly the same temp, feature, audio-wise as the Nox A15 as it's the same hardware as the Nox A15, just in a 14.1" chassis. The cooling solution is also exactly the same as on the Nox A15, no design differences at all apparently. So everything you've read about the Nox A15 applies to the Nox A14, except it being in a 14.1" chassis instead of a 15.4".

 

Ajaa that should be cool!

Because the 6224W has much higher temperatures than the 6625WD!
Offcourse they aren't the same qua chassis and so on, but this temps are nice!

Just check: http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=309733