Zepto Nox A14
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
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 ful 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.
