Asus Vivobook S14 Overview: In Which fashion Meets Substance
Let's be actual—laptop makers might not say it out loud, but when it comes to thin and mild laptops, there is one name that unavoidably "enters the chat": the MacBook Air.
Customers understand it. Sellers are aware of it. Even that one guy, nevertheless clinging to his chunky vintage laptop, is aware of it.
Apple has turned the artwork of balancing portability and performance into something of a flex, leaving competitors each inspired and barely green with envy.
It's difficult not to get swayed by the enchantment of skinny laptops. There have been laptops with the aid of the dime a dozen that prioritize portability at the fee of overall performance. As a reviewer, I have visible, effective machines that weigh you down—physically, financially, and metaphorically. The asus Vivobook S 14 is a piece unique in that sense. It appears to strike a high-quality balance among the 2.
At first look, the Vivobook S 14 OLED doesn't scream "top rate" the way a few higher-end asus Zenbooks or dell XPS models do, but once I picked it up and began the usage of it, I realized this gadget is more ideal for real-world usability rather than simply looking accurate on a spec sheet. It's mild enough to carry around all day without a 2D idea, but it packs Intel's modern-day center, an extremely powerful processor, and a Wi-Fi OLED display. However, how does that translate to real international overall performance? Let's dive in.
Layout and build wi-fi wireless
The moment you unbox this device, the premium feel changes into obvious. The aluminum alloy chassis offers it a solid but lightweight production, and the brand-new asus Vivobook emblem on the lid has a pleasing, subtle engraving. It is easy, minimalistic, and looks splendid inside the Mist blue color variation—our overview unit.
Asus PC
The wireless factor approximately its computer is its portability; it weighs a handy 1.3 kg, which is sort of just like the MacBook air M1. I carried it to the Wi-Fi each day in my backpack and in no way felt weighed down; that is something that commonly occurs with maximum laptops. They have a tendency to stress your shoulders, but happily, my experience with the Vivobook S14 was secure.
The laptop additionally comes with a 180-degree hinge. I did not think the hinge might depend on tons, but it definitely came in handy. Whether I used to be casually surfing or adjusting my screen for higher viewing angles, it made a distinction. The MIL-STD-810H certification is reassuring too—I have never dropped it (yet), but it feels like it is able to handle ordinary bumps without a problem.
Display
OLED screens have become more common in laptops; however, this one still surprised me. The 14-inch WUXGA (1920x1200) OLED panel is simply beautiful. The colors are vivid, the blacks are deep, and at 600 nits of brightness, it's Wi-Fi even in brilliant settings. Looking at some Netflix series did not put any fatigue on the eyes, and reality being instructed, it felt greater and more immersive than any normal IPS show.
Asus computer
One thing I appreciated about Wi-Fi was the way it maintains shade accuracy even at decreased brightness levels. I usually paint in dim lights within the evenings, and not like LCDs that tend to clean out; this one keeps colors punchy without straining my eyes. asus additionally claims it emits less blue light, which might give an explanation for why I did not get the usual eye fatigue after an extended painting session.
Overall performance and battery
Below the hood, the Intel Center's extremely 7 256V processor, paired with 16GB of LPDDR5X ram and a 512GB PCIe 4.0 SSD, makes normal responsibilities effortless. Having used it as my everyday motive force, it turned on for 8 to 9 hours regularly with more than one tab open, strolling Slack continuously—it never stuttered. There has been a bit of light image editing, streaming of Wi-Fi films on YouTube, and no lags here, both. Wi-Fi, now not even once did it warm up.
One of the worries with thin laptops is warmth control, but asus appears to have a wireless process here. The dual-fan IceCool thermal gadget kept matters cool even if I pushed the computer with some heavier workloads. It does get barely hot, however, never to an uncomfortable degree.
Asus
I also tried a bit of light video editing as well, and at the same time as it handled fundamental duties nicely, it is now not constructed for heavy-responsibility content material advent. The included Intel Arc graphics are wireless for informal gaming; however, if you're seeking to play AAA titles, this isn't always the computer for that.
One of the more interesting additions is the onboard NPU (Neural Processing Unit). Even as its effect isn't substantial in regular obligations, functions like AI—more desirable noise cancellation throughout calls and history blur in video meetings—were pretty beneficial. The AI tools aren't groundbreaking, but they're honestly a signal of where matters are headed.
Battery lifestyles are good enough. asus claims as much as 27 hours, but in actual international use—browsing wirelessly, writing, video calls, and streaming—I got around 8-9 hours, which continues to be pretty strong for a Windows PC. I preferred how things are converting right here. The exceptional component? It costs through USB-C; this means that I could Wi-Fi, difficulty, and wireless use my power financial institution to top it up while visiting.
AI functions
Asus has included quite a few AI capabilities, and at the same time as they are Wi-Fi wireless to have, they did not Wi-Fi exchange my workflow. Windows Copilot continues to be evolving, but AI-powered noise cancellation for calls and the AI webcam consequences (eye touch correction, auto-framing) had been clearly been wireless at some stage in video conferences.
Keyboard and touchpad
Typing at the keyboard felt like a wireless-suitable key tour and secure spacing. The unmarked-zone RGB backlight is a fun addition, although it was in most cases stored going for walks on a neutral white setting. There's additionally a devoted Copilot key, but I found myself accomplishing the same old shortcuts as opposed to using it.
Asus PC
The touchpad is large and easy, making navigation easy and handy. The physical click feels enjoyable too; that is something I appreciate due to the fact I tend to use the touchpad plenty whilst I am not docked to an outside mouse.
Connectivity and ports
Asus has included all the necessities right here. You get a 2x USB 3.2 Type-A, 2x Thunderbolt 4 (ideal for instant information transfer and outside shows), 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x 3.5mm blend audio jack, and 1x microSD card reader.
The tool comes with support, which guarantees destiny-evidence wi-wiwireless connectivity, and there were zero problems with stability. Wi-Fi record transfers over Thunderbolt four had been lightning-rapid, which became amazing while transferring large video Wi-Fi files wirelessly.
Verdict
After the use of the asus Vivobook S 14 OLED (S5406S) for a while, I would say it's a terrific wireless alternative for students, experts, and everybody who wants a well-constructed, lightweight computer with a terrific show. The performance is stable for ordinary duties, and even as the AI capabilities are pleasant, they're not need-to-haves just yet.
It's not for game enthusiasts or heavy video editors; however, in case you want a stylish, portable computer for paintings, enjoyment, and informal multitasking, this one is simple to suggest. The OLED display screen alone makes a sturdy case for it.
Can it paint as most of the people's daily driving force? without a doubt, mainly wireless for paintings and media consumption. Just do not count on AI to be a sport-changer yet.
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