ASUS Vivobook Laptop Review: A Versatile Companion for Everyday Use
In today’s fast-paced digital world, the need for a reliable, portable laptop is more critical than ever. The ASUS Vivobook Laptop, featuring a 14″ FHD display, an Intel i3-1215U processor, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD, positions itself as a compelling choice for students, professionals, and light gamers alike. This review delves deeply into the various aspects of this laptop, analyzing its performance, design, and overall value.
Design and Build Quality
The ASUS Vivobook is remarkably lightweight, weighing in at just 3.09 pounds, making it an excellent choice for users on the go. The sleek blue finish gives it a modern aesthetic while enhancing its portability. With dimensions of 12.79 x 8.42 x 0.7 inches, it fits comfortably in most backpacks, and the compact size is particularly advantageous for travel, especially in cramped airline seating.
The 14-inch display features a Full HD resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, providing vibrant colors and sharp details. The anti-glare coating ensures that users can work or enjoy multimedia content without struggling against reflections, creating a comfortable viewing experience.
Performance
Powered by an Intel i3-1215U processor with a base frequency of 0.9 GHz and a maximum turbo frequency of 4.4 GHz, the ASUS Vivobook exhibits decent performance for everyday tasks. With six cores and eight threads, it handles multiple applications smoothly, making it suitable for web browsing, document editing, and streaming services.
The inclusion of 16GB DDR4 RAM significantly enhances multitasking capabilities. Users report that they can run several browser tabs, office applications, and even moderate gaming without experiencing noticeable slowdowns. The 512GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD not only provides ample storage for files and applications but also ensures quick boot-up times and fast data transfers, promoting a seamless user experience.
Connectivity and Features
The ASUS Vivobook is equipped with Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), which facilitates faster and more reliable internet connections, a crucial feature in today’s increasingly connected world. The laptop includes a diverse range of ports: one USB 2.0 Type-A port, three USB 3.0 Type-A ports, one USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C port, an HDMI 1.4 output, and a 3.5mm combo audio jack. However, some users express disappointment over the absence of an SD card slot, which could have enhanced its versatility for media professionals.
The built-in webcam and microphone offer decent video quality for virtual meetings, a necessity in the current age of remote work and online classes. The touchpad is responsive, and the unique integration of a number pad into the touchpad itself is a clever feature that many users appreciate, especially those handling numerical data regularly.
Operating System
Shipped with Windows 11 Home, the ASUS Vivobook delivers a fresh user interface with improved performance features over its predecessor. While some users initially express apprehension about adapting to Windows 11, the learning curve is generally considered manageable. The operating system also supports Android apps, which could be a significant draw for many users.
However, it is essential to note that versions of this laptop may come with Windows 11 S, which restricts software installations to only those available in the Microsoft Store. Users seeking a broader range of applications may find this limitation frustrating and may need to opt for a full version of Windows 11.
User Experience and Feedback
User experiences with the ASUS Vivobook have been predominantly positive, particularly for those seeking a portable laptop for travel or light tasks. The clarity and brightness of the display, combined with robust performance for everyday use, has led many to recommend it for students and casual users. The 16GB RAM is often highlighted as a standout feature, allowing for efficient multitasking.
Nevertheless, some users have encountered issues such as overheating, with the fan becoming noticeably loud during light usage. There have also been reports of applications struggling to open at times, leading to frustration for some users. Such issues may stem from either hardware limitations or Windows 11 quirks.
Conclusion
The ASUS Vivobook Laptop is a commendable option for users seeking an affordable, lightweight laptop that provides solid performance for a variety of tasks. While it may not be ideal for heavy gaming or resource-intensive applications, it shines in everyday use, making it suitable for students, professionals, and casual users alike.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4 out of 5)
Overall, the ASUS Vivobook Laptop stands out as a reliable, budget-friendly option with a great balance of performance, portability, and features for everyday computing needs.
FinalKG –
Overall, this laptop is an excellent value at $310 after tax. If you decide to upgrade the memory, be sure to choose RAM that is compatible with Intel laptops; the Gskills stick I attempted to use caused the laptop to fail to post. The i3-1215U is surprisingly powerful for its size. Minecraft 1.21.4 runs smoothly at over 180 fps, and it handles older AAA titles from 2007 to 2013 without any issues.
akamaibuyer –
This 14″ laptop is perfect for travel, especially on airplanes where space is limited. I used to have a 17″ laptop, but the screen would often get “crushed” when the person in front reclined their seat. While the 14″ size may feel a bit small for everyday use, I wear reading glasses, so I can see smaller text without any issues.
Initially, I was hesitant to switch to Windows 11, but I adapted quickly and faced no problems from the start. You can customize Windows 11 to resemble Windows 10 while still enjoying its enhanced features.
The display is bright and clear, the touchpad is user-friendly, and I trust Asus for quality and functionality, having owned Asus products in the past. The 512GB SSD is incredibly fast and offers plenty of storage even with Windows 11 installed. Despite being powered by an Intel Core i3, the 16GB RAM ensures smooth performance for everyday tasks and even moderately demanding games. The WiFi and Bluetooth connections are reliable and fast.
Overall, this laptop is a fantastic choice for me as a secondary computer primarily for travel.
PXXRM4CH1N384 –
The processor and RAM are quite good. The screen and keyboard, which includes a number pad integrated into the touchpad, take some time to get used to. The storage capacity is excellent. However, the downside is Windows 11 S, which restricts you to apps available in the Microsoft Store. This could be a beneficial feature for small children or elderly users who may not be tech-savvy. If you want to receive regular Microsoft updates and use third-party applications, I suggest removing Windows 11 S. Keep in mind that restoring it would require resetting your laptop to factory settings. Overall, I really enjoy using this laptop.
mini –
I’ve encountered multiple issues with this laptop, and I’m not sure if it’s due to me, Windows 11, the laptop itself, or a combination of all three. I’ve hesitated to upgrade to Windows 11 until now, so I’m still adjusting. My problems may very well be linked to Windows 11.
Here are the main issues I’ve faced:
The fan often activates even when memory usage is only at 30%, causing the laptop to heat up significantly. The fan runs loudly and consistently, and web pages load slowly—even with just six open. I haven’t been gaming and have only installed a few apps.
Opening apps like PDF viewers, Zoom, and Line can sometimes be a struggle. It doesn’t happen every time, but it occurs frequently enough to be frustrating.
Web pages can become unresponsive. For instance, when trying to change a color on a Yahoo Finance chart, the cursor and color options appeared, but clicking them resulted in no action—just an unresponsive screen.
While the Asus screen is clear, I found my Acer IPS screen much more enjoyable. Additionally, the Asus night light color saturation is noticeably inferior to that of the Acer.
When I attempted to return this laptop due to the issues mentioned, I discovered that Amazon only offers two drop-off locations, both about a 30-minute drive from my home. If I have to drive to another city to return it, I don’t consider that a free return. For a $30 item, Amazon provides free shipping return labels or allows returns to local Kohl’s stores, but not for a much pricier laptop.
Virginia Yank –
This laptop is fast, lightweight, and budget-friendly, boasting a vibrant display. The smart integration of a touchscreen with a number pad is a nice touch. At last, a laptop that offers a generous 1TB SSD instead of the usual 250 or 500 GB, allowing me to maximize my OneDrive storage. It’s the ideal machine for my photography and related projects. With 16GB of RAM, it effortlessly handles multiple tasks. My only minor complaint is the lack of an SD slot, but that’s easily fixed with an adapter. I’m very happy with this purchase.
JJ –
The ASUS Vivobook Laptop boots up and shuts down quickly, and it opens applications and files with impressive speed. The screen clarity and audio quality are just average. I found this laptop to be the best value, featuring 24 GB of RAM and 1 TB of SSD storage. It’s the first laptop I’ve seen with a calculator printed on the touchpad, which I think will come in handy at times. I do wish it had an SD card slot and an Ethernet port, but I was aware of this limitation before buying.