If you’re looking for an entry level Windows 8 companion, the ASUS VivoBook S200E, may just be what you’re looking for. We were given the opportunity to test it out, so here’s our review!
Out of the box, the Vivobook S200E-CTH163H looks to be a solid companion with a stylish metallic design and comes equipped with a good amount of connectivity options. The 11.6″ touch screen complements the Windows 8 operating system, however you may choose a different operating system on purchase, if you wish.
The S200E is equipped with Intel Core i3 3217U processor, up to 4GB DDR3 1333 MHz SDRAM, 500GB 5400RPM hard drive, integrated 802.11 b/g/n or 802.11 a/b/g/n (optional), built-in Bluetooth v4.0 and 10/100 Base T network capability.
It also comes with an array of ports which most laptops at its size may lack, including a COMBO audio jack, VGA port/Mini D-sub 15-pin for external monitor, one USB 3.0 port, two USB 2.0 port, an RJ45 LAN Jack for LAN connectivity and a HDMI port.
[raw_html_snippet id=”google ad 300-250″]
How would this benefit me?
Now, as an entry level Windows 8 laptop, the S200E has a decent processor and a touch screen to boot. The combination of the hardware and Windows 8 is sufficient to provide a seamless experience when dealing with your daily surfing and documentation. The touch screen complements the operating system and adds a little more direct control over your surfing. Once you get used to its touch screen capabilities, you may find yourself touching the screen of other laptops and later asking yourself why aren’t those models equipped with one. While I’m no big fan of touch screen laptops, that was the case when I shifted back to my own laptop.
The Vivobook isn’t an ultrabook, despite its looks and having the array of ports that it has is fairly important, especially for something so small. The i3 processor may sound under powered, but unless you’re doing video editing of heavy duty photo work, you shouldn’t run into any issues with lag. At the price range of RM1,300 – RM1,500 (depending on the model), the Vivobook S200E is an affordable entry level Windows 8 laptop.
The Cons
The Vivobook is 1.4kg in weight with a 2 cell battery. For an 11.6″ inch laptop, that’s pretty heavy. While you could blame its stylish aluminium casing, the touch screen and the 2-cell battery for that, it also bothers me that as a laptop, it doesn’t have DVD/CD capabilities.
While many may argue that “no one uses CD’s anymore”, it’s still an important component to have, particularly when you need to install new drivers. If you’re opting not the have Windows 8, that will be an even bigger problem. Well, you could easily fix that issue by having an external CD-drive, but that would just add to the already heavy luggage you’re carrying and add another device to worry about.
If you’re adamant on playing games, you’d have to stick to what they gave you, or solitaire. Anything other than that, and you’ll find your laptop dying within 2 – 3 hours.
The Summary
If you’re looking for an entry level Windows 8 laptop, you may want to get a feel of this one first. It’s affordable, but for an extra few hundred you may get a better price to power ratio. If productivity isn’t a huge concern, you may want to opt for a tablet instead, although you’ll definitely lose out on the processing power and ports. All in all, the Vivobook is a solid entry level Windows 8 laptop for the price range of RM1,300 – 1500, but you the weight and the missing CD drive may concern you, depending on your needs.
Specs at a glance
- ProcessorIntel Core i3 3217U Processor
Intel ULV Pentium 987 Processor
Intel ULV Celeron 847 Processor - Operating SystemWindows 8
- ChipsetIntel® HM76/HM70 Express Chipset
- MemoryDDR3 1333 MHz SDRAM, OnBoard Memory 2GB / 4GB
- Display11.6″ 16:9 HD (1366×768) LED Backlight
- GraphicIntegrated Intel® HD Graphics
- Storage2.5″ SATA
500GB 5400RPM
320GB 5400RPM - Card Reader2 -in-1 card reader ( SD/ SDHC/ SDXC/ MMC)
- CameraHD Web Camera
- NetworkingIntegrated 802.11 b/g/n or 802.11 a/b/g/n (Optional)
Built-in Bluetooth V4.0
10/100 Base T - Interface1 x COMBO audio jack
1 x VGA port/Mini D-sub 15-pin for external monitor
1 x USB 3.0 port(s)
2 x USB 2.0 port(s)
1 x RJ45 LAN Jack for LAN insert
1 x HDMI - AudioBuilt-in Speakers And Microphone
- Battery2Cells 5136 mAh 38 Whrs Polymer Battery
- Power AdapterOutput : 19 V DC, 1.75 A, 33 W
Input : 100 -240 V AC, 50/60 Hz universal - Dimensions30.3 x 20.0 x 2.17 cm (WxDxH)
- Weight1.40 kg (with 2 cell battery)
- Manufacturer Warranty2-year limited International hardware warranty. *different by country
1-year battery pack warranty
On-line problem resolution through web interface (BIOS, Driver update)
OS (Windows® 8 ) install/uninstall consultation
Bundled software install/uninstall consultation
ASUS software supporting - NoteMobile Intel HM76 Express Chipsets (i3-3217U); Mobile Intel HM70 Express Chipsets (Pentium 987/Celeron 847)
[raw_html_snippet id=”google ad 300-250″]
