Since I don't have a budget yet and needed a laptop asap, I chose to buy Asus x453m while I accumulate enough money to buy a powerful one. Did my research about it and on entry-level (processor, sound quality, USB 3.0, smart touch pad, etc.) , it is one of the best.
Battery:
However, I was disappointed when I've discovered that its battery is built-in not to mention (found after newer reviews were released) a meager 2-cell lithium battery to which when run at power saver-battery mode, only lasts 3 freaking hours! And since its built-in, if a problem occurs regarding the battery, you have no choice but to bring it to ASUS or your local repair store or buy a replacement batt which is challenging btw. Going mobile -road warrior style is also out of the question.
Tip: Do not fully charge and consequently discharge the battery as it is lithium-based. Li-ion batteries hates that. Maintain a discharge threshold of 20% and a maximum charging threshold of 80-90%. That's how you prolong a battery's life especially on built-in ones like your laptop.
CPU Temp:
I basically write which means I rarely stress out my laptop's quad-core processors. Sadly, even under really light tasks (browsing, word processing, and playing music/video simultaneously), core temps averages at Idle-50*C levels, light load 60*C levels, and when pressured a bit, quickly escalates at 70*C levels. This is really annoying for me.
Anyway, in general it performs well and I can't whine because this is what should be expected on an entry-level laptop.