Notebookcheck's Top 10 Multimedia Notebooks

Dell's XPS 15-9550 (i7, UHD; see review) was one of the most anticipated notebooks of 2015. Our review took a long time and many Dell fans complained to us. Several bugs spoiled the really positive atmosphere around the 15-inch device with an Infinity Edge Display. Apparently, Dell was not expecting that much attention from tech-savvy customers and reviewers and hastily launched its XPS before Christmas with a BIOS revision, which on the one hand fixed the low-power states from the SSD and on the other hand throttled the processor quite heavily. These problems were fixed in another BIOS update in early January 2016, but they left a small technical PR disaster and annoyed editors who had to check the performance several times due to interim BIOS versions.

In terms of technology, the XPS 15 plays in the top league. The Core i7-6700HQ makes Apple's MacBook Pro Retina 15 with Haswell 4870HQ obsolete. The NVMe SSD from Samsung performs very well, too. The GeForce GTX 960M belongs to the upper mid-range. Thus, all games should run at least in Full HD. Such high CPU and gaming performance have been packed in a chassis with a height of only 17 mm (~0.7 in). The dual fan cooling system works very well without getting extraordinarily loud or annoying. The display, an IGZO from Sharp, is one of the best UHD panels. Brightness - even on battery - gamut (98% of sRGB) and contrast are stunning, not to speak of the crisp-looking image in a resolution of 3840x2160 pixels.

Excellent build quality combined with good maintainability and very compact dimensions. The cooling solution acts reasonably and performance fans will not be disappointed after the BIOS update. The good sound from the speakers and the future-proof Thunderbolt 3 complete the package.

The entry-level XPS 15 model (i5, FHD; see review) comes with a Core i5-6300HQ, a hybrid hard drive, and Full HD. Moreover, the battery is smaller than the top model's (56 Wh vs. 84 Wh). The first makes for a battery life of 5:30 hours, which is acceptable, if you consider that an Apple MB Pro Retina 15 2015 has to carry 99.5 Wh for 7 hours. The entry-level XPS 15 looks the same as the XPS 15 i7/UHD in second place on the list of variants. Thus, it also brings the same advantages, including Infinity Edge Display, and an elegant, stable carbon fiber chassis. Dell has fixed the heavy CPU throttling with the BIOS 1.1.15 also in the Core i5 model. Thus the laptop had relatively few weaknesses at the end of the test period.

The 17-inch device from Asus achieved a place far up in our Top 10 right away and even ranked in ahead of its 15-inch sibling Asus N552VX. The N752VX-GC131T (see review) is a variant with an SSD. While Acer confuses customers of the Nitro series with Black Edition/Non-Black Edition, Thunderbolt yes/no, 15 -watt or 45- SoC, Asus follows a consistent approach. Regardless of whether 15 or 17 inches, the 45-watt Skylake processor and the GTX 950M are standard in this series. Unfortunately, all models use GDDR3 VRAM, which reduces the potential of the Nvidia chip significantly. Presumably, Asus aims to keep a significant difference compared to the GL752VW, a 17-inch device with a GeForce GTX 960M and GDDR5. In terms of gaming, Acer's Black Edition VN7-792G with GTX 960M performs significantly better.

Asus has done many things right with its multimedia bundle. It scores with a high-performance CPU, a great sound system and an outstanding screen, all placed in a very elegantly designed casing.

The tester was pleased with the desktop replacement characteristics of the N752VX such as the quiet cooling system, good input devices, matte IPS display and a good sound. The combination from SSD+HDD provides a lot of storage space. The premium build quality is delightful. However, this should be standard for a price of about 1300 Euros (~$1467). Unfortunately, the manufacturer has restricted the maintainability. The user cannot even reach the fan without dismantling the entire chassis. The small maintenance hatch covers only the RAM slot and the 2.5-inch SATA bay. Those who want a slimmer laptop, but spare the price of an XPS 15 could like the ZenBook Pro UX501VW. The 22 mm barebone comes with a GTX 960M from 1300 Euros.

The Black Edition VN7-792G-74Q4 (see review) is the expensive upscale configuration of the Aspire V 17 Nitro series. Essentially, a GeForce GTX 960M distinguishes the 17-inch device from the 15-inch low-voltage configuration VN7-572G, which is currently occupying the 5th place. The latter does not require a dual-fan due to its 15-watt processor and the "smaller" GTX 950M.

Unfortunately, choosing the right components is not easy. The buyer will have to work their way through many configurations until they (hopefully) find their ideal configuration. [..] Acer's Aspire Nitro VN7-792G is a powerful all-rounder with many strengths and few weaknesses.

There are many options. For example, QHD+ or FHD resolution for the display. The reviewer calls the 45-watt system a relentless performance package especially for gaming enthusiasts. Here, we want to mention the keyboard in particular, an important aspect for gamers, which has been improved. However, we think that the lack of maintenance hatches is a disadvantage. Although many components can still be replaced, it requires more care and effort. A suitable competitor in this Top 10 list is the Asus GL752VW, although there is no 4K edition. The biggest disadvantage of the GL752 is the TN panel, which is by no means a better choice for gaming despite better response times than IPS.

In the meanwhile, Acer has announced the successor: Acer uses Intel Kaby Lake quad core processors and Nvidia graphic cards up to the Geforce GTX 1060. See V15 and V17 Black Edition (2017): Initial Benchmarks

We have already reviewed the following variants.

The Asus N552VX-FY103T includes everything that is required, but it delivers a short battery life of only 4:30 hours. It is the successor of the popular N551JK with the same look. The main attraction of the predecessor was the strong GTX 960M graphics, which is also used in the high-end model of the Aspire Nitro Black Edition. The predecessor came with a 45-watt Haswell CPU. Although this processor is not slow, it is no longer modern. Nevertheless, the sale of the Haswell model will go well, since the "new" GeForce 950M with only 2048 MB of DDR3 VRAM is by far not as attractive as the GeForce GTX 960M (4 GB GDDR5 of VRAM) in the N551JW. Thus, buyers have to do with medium presets and HD resolution (1366x768), whereas Full HD was possible in the predecessor (1920x1080). Those who only want a GeForce GTX 950M, will already get it for 699 Euros in the Acer Aspire F15, which is currently in the 10th place.

This is a clear step backwards, with which Asus probably aimed to strengthen the position of their gaming models. Or maybe not? The Asus GL552JX in 7th place features the same "weak" 950M + DDR3 solution. Gaming fireballs come with GDDR5 / 960M or better. Moreover, the reviewer observed throttling on battery, which has an impact on games and applications. Asus has made maintenance difficult. You cannot reach the free M.2 slot via the maintenance hatch. The same is true for the fan (cleaning).

With the Asus N552VX-FY103T, you will get a really well-made platform if you can do without Blu-ray, 4K display and frequent high-preset gaming sessions and usually use the notebook with a power adapter. The build quality is flawless and so are the display, the sound, the input devices, the performance (in mains operation), temperature, and emissions.

However, the N552VX also has many advantages. It did not get 4th without reason. You cannot complain about the performance in mains operation. The Core i7-6700HQ uses its maximum Turbo. An SSD could take the load from the HDD and improve the system performance. Prolific writers will be happy with the excellent input devices. Emissions and temperatures do not have to be mentioned, since they hardly exist. The display from LG Philips significantly exceeds the class level: better DeltaE deviation (out-of-the-box), high contrast, and very good brightness, which does not drop even on battery mode.

The price of 999 Euros (~$1110) is lower than the predecessor's, but this is alright in view of the lower GPU performance. Variants with SSD are available for a higher price, FHD is always standard.

With the GL752VW-T4168T, Asus aims to attract gamers. The powerful GTX 960M and Intel Core i7-6700HQ combination of upscale gaming performance costs 1400 Euros (~$1579). The display is a surprise: Instead of an IPS panel, Asus uses a relatively good TN model, which can impress with high contrast, acceptable viewing angles, and great color coverage. Unfortunately, the response times of the TN display are not shorter than those of most IPS panels'. In the opinion of the tester, the use of TN technology is questionable. Both, the "smaller" N752VX and the Acer Aspire V Nitro Black Edition VN7-792G competitor use IPS displays with a better TFT rating (88% and 89%, respectively vs. 82%).

The advantages are the premium build quality, ports such as USB Type-C, DisplayPort, very good use of the Turbo, and the abundance of variants (1000 to 1400 Euros/~$1128 to ~$1579). The manufacturer does not list a 4K panel option.

The reasonably priced Asus GL752VW does not reveal any serious issues that would prevent us from a purchase. Case, input devices and almost all technical aspects are impressive.

Nevertheless, there are points of criticism: The speakers are not as good as they could be in a 17-inch device. The interface layout is unfriendly and the battery cannot be reached from outside (albeit it is replaceable). Currently, the Asus ROG Strix GL702VM-GC102D with GeForce GTX 1060 (6 GB GDDR5) and otherwise similar configuration is available for a similar price. We are currently reviewing this model, which belongs to the gaming range thanks to its more powerful GPU.

Elvis lives! MSI has given its new upscale 15 and 17-inch multimedia class the showy name "Prestige" (MSI PE 60, MSI PE70). With the PE60 (see review), MSI has created a 15-inch device that delivers several features for professionals plus the full performance for work and gaming. With its GTX 960M graphics card (GDDR5!) and a 45-watt Skylake processor, the MSI PE60 can keep up with the meteorites in this chart. The CPU can use its Turbo potential excellently. The dual fan cooling system does a good job.

The current test model, the MSI PE60 6QE Prestige (Skylake, TN, FHD, matte) and the older PE60 2QE Prestige edition (Haswell, IPS, True Color 100% sRGB, FHD, matte) are on the market now. The 2QE model features the better display, at least when compared to the US test model 6QE with a TN panel. Prospective buyers should pay close attention, since the IPS model is a premium display, which also meets the professional requirements. The 2QE uses a Qualcomm Killer e2200 Ethernet card, while the 6QE does not.

The keys feature a backlight for improved legibility if working in dim environments. The keyboard features several auxiliary keys and the F1 to F12 keys are configured with primary functions by default to better cater to professional users. Typing on the keys is very comfortable. However, the touchpad is disappointing because of its cheap-looking mechanical buttons (no ClickPad).

The chassis, which lacks perfect stability and did not appear altogether elegant, is in contrast to the professional claim. The PE is by no means ugly. However, when you hold it in your hands and look closely, you will notice a simple plastic base, a wobbly hinge cover and rickety mouse buttons. The finish of the keyboard side and lid is brushed aluminum, which appears sophisticated to the touch. The ZenBook Pro UX501VW and certainly the XPS 15 are significantly slimmer and more high-end. Both feature good IPS panels.

The Asus Zenbook UX510UW-CN044T (see review) is a small 15-inch device with aluminum look, which combines high-end build quality with high processor and graphic performance. While the GeForce GTX 960M is not new, it is impressive to find it in a case with a height of only 20 mm. In addition, it is still sufficient for maximum details in most of current games. However, the manufacturer only uses a 15 W processor instead of a 45 W processor in this model. Hence, power users might want to consider the UX501VW predecessor, which is in sale now. See the following table.

With the Zenbook UX510UW, Asus has a successful all-rounder with gaming qualities that even allows mobile use thanks to a good battery life in its lineup.

The reviewer praised the great IPS display, the combination from SSD and HDD for performance and storage space, the low waste heat and the Type-C port. Unfortunately, the keyboard is not state-of-the-art. It could be crispier. In addition, the base unit could have been slightly more stable.

The concept remains unchanged: Put up-to-date hardware into a cheap chassis and neglect everything else. This is exactly what Acer's Aspire F15 F5-573G-53V1 does for a price of 699 Euros. Its core feature is an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 950M. However, Acer is not the only one with such an offer: For example, Medion offers the Erazer P6661 (i5-6200U, 8 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD) and HP sells the Pavilion 15-bc006ng (Core i5-6300HQ), which even features a 45 Watt SoC. Both also cost about 700 Euros. The Medion and HP come with IPS panels with wide viewing angles, while the Acer F15's panel only uses TN technology, which means lower contrast and modest brightness. Nonetheless, its 100 % sRGB coverage is surprising. Unfortunately, it is combined with a poor DeltaE, so calibration is required.

Our editor liked the good input devices, the decent battery runtimes, the manageable system noise and the stable case. The 24-month warranty is welcomed as well. Note that a Windows license is not included with the cheap price.

With the Aspire F15, Acer has produced a notebook with a very interesting price-performance ratio. However, high temperatures under load could put off many prospective buyers.

Currently, the Lenovo IdeaPad 510-15IKB (here in review) costs 650 to 750 Euro. Equipped with a matte IPS screen, a lot of performance – including GeForce 940MX GPU and SSD+HDD – the 15-inch system is a real investment into the future. The Core i7-7500U is based on the latest Kaby Lake generation. The price is attractive, all the more as Lenovo has significantly reduced the price from initially just below 1000 Euros (~$1059). Therewith, the 15-inch laptop is cheaper than the Aspire F15, but it also comes with a slightly weaker GPU.

The drawbacks start with the limited runtimes of 4:35 hours. Sounds like petty criticism, but some of the rivals can manage 7:30 hours (Aspire E5-575G). The IdeaPad unfortunately neither has a second RAM slot for upgrading, nor USB Type-C. Then there is also the rather annoying fan murmur while idling.