- Windows 8 or other editions available
- Up to Intel Core i7 3517U Processor ?Precision touchscreen for intuitive enjoyment
- Packs touch, SSD speed, and hard drive storage capacity in a sleek design
- Brushed-hairline aluminum textures offer high durability and an elegant look
- Enjoy SonicMaster for impactful and richer sound performance
Product Description
Asus S400CA 14-inch VivoBook Touchscreen Laptop (Intel Core i3 3217U 1.8GHz, 4GB RAM, 500GB HDD, LAN, WLAN, Webcam, BT, Integrated Graphics, Windows 8) - Asus VIVO i33217U INTEL CORE 4GB 500GB Intel integrated graphics optical BTCAM NO WIN 8 14 inch touchscreen laptop Notebook S400CACA038H... See more product details
Customer Reviews: Asus S400CA 14-inch VivoBook Touchscreen Laptop (Intel Core i3 3217U 1.8GHz, 4GB RAM, 500GB HDD, LAN, WLAN, Webcam, BT, Integrated Graphics, Windows 8)
Customer review from the Amazon Vine Programme (What's this?)
My current laptop is a 2 year HP Pavilion which is a wonderful machine and hasn't let me down. Neither did the HP before that which lasted over 15 years. Apparently, according to an (in)famous national computer company salesman, once it gets over 12 months old it becomes a dinosaur. So this laptop has a lot to live up to.
The first thing that I noticed was that there was no cd/dvd drive. I know this is the age of the download but I am an old fashioned girl and I like my films and computer programs on a disc in my hand. So for me it was a let-down.
When I go into hospital I like to take my laptop with me so that I can do some work or occasionally do a little game playing when I feel up to it; however, when I'm bored (I have no interest in watching the TV soaps, antique or cookery shows) I like to watch tv boxsets or films and this is where Asus have let me down. In hospital you do not have access to wifi so how can I watch my "cloud" movies (almost all of those I have do not download a permanent copy to my computer). Without a cd/dvd drive I would be stuck with a couple of Sims games.
Fortunately, this was not as a big problem as I had initially thought as I purchased a nice Samsung reader/writer which works find, but it means another gadget to worry about during my illness.
It is:
- externally - 34 by 24 cm
- working screen - 31 by 17.5 cm
It has:
- a built in webcam with warning light to let you know it is on;
- a built in microphone;
- 3 USB ports (1 x 3.0 and 2 x 2.0);
- HDMI port
- headset jack port
- an SD memory card reader
- VGA port
- LAN port
Touch screen is a new thing to me so it took me some time to get used to it; however it is a clear screen and does not show up the finger prints like I thought it would.
The touch pad is also nice to work with and it is sufficiently large enough that I don't hit the edge while trying to negotiate the screen.
This has Windows 8 at its base. I'm not a fan of the main "Windows 8" because it assumes that you only want to do one thing at a time, whereas I use multiple programs and, therefore, multiple windows. You can, however, click on the "desktop" button (bottom left on my screen when I started) and go to the old style look. You can move these buttons around so if you want you can have it top left (where I have moved mine to now).
Once in the "desktop" setting you can search for the program you want (go to top or bottom on the right side - I found it easier using the touch pad rather than the touch screen - then select the "search" (magnifying glass) button and you will see a list of the programs available you can pin these to the bottom bar and/or have them as icons on the desktop screen.
I have found moving the windows around using the touchpad is must less annoying than using the touch screen - when I was trying to move the IE to the top left every time I moved it to the top of the screen it assumed that I wanted it as a full screen item; the same happened with the word processor, and music player.
The other thing is that ridiculous "shake and everything disappears" system which is still included with this Window. More often than not, I try to move the position of a window and everything else vanishes.
Other than those small things (missing cd/dvd player/writer and Windows 8) so far this is an excellent laptop.
Amazon Verified Purchase
Having had this laptop for a few days now I can confirm that having a laptop with a touchscreen is necessary to get the best Windows 8 experience. The best thing about this laptop for me is the stylish aluminium casing, which is similar in some ways to what Cupertino has been doing with its laptops but is arguably even better-looking due to the way the design tapers towards the front. In terms of hardware, this laptop doesn't have the muscle that non-touchscreen laptops of a similar price have, but Windows 8 is definitely feels a lot lighter and faster than previous versions of Windows and so I don't really notice the slower processor. Definitely a top recommendation!
Amazon Verified Purchase
I have only had this laptop for the past 1 week but let me tell you it has been awesome. The best thing about the Vivobook is that it is so cheap. I paid £440 for this i3 model which is a bargain and today I see that the price has gone down further to £399! I would buy another one if there was a need.
About the laptop: It runs Windows 8. Not too sure if I like this operating system to be honest. It certainly looks better than the previous ones but there is just too many functionalities, most people don't need all that. I want an operating system to just do what I want it to do and not spend time learning how to use it! Hopefully I'll get use to it soon. Otherwise its a better more stable OS, its a pleasure to use when you are relaxed and have time.
The laptop gets five stars because just about everything is perfect for me. The screen is the right size, 14'' hits the sweet spot. The sound is satisfactory, the touch screen works perfectly and the laptop speed with the i3 processor is decent enough for my liking.
I had to update the touchpad(mouse) driver from asus's own website. Before that the touchpad was horrible but now its better than my old toshiba. It was only a driver issue. So touchpad issue shouldn't deter you from buying this amazing laptop.
I didnt find Asus's bloatware to be a big issue like others have complained, apart from my computer wanting to restart itself several times initially due to asus's software receiving simultaneous updates (which annoyed me at start as i wanted to enjoy my new laptop and not update asus's useless programs)
The keyboard is lovely, typing is a pleasure (I cant stop typing emails, this is one of the reasons why I am tying this review in the first place)
The laptop is certainly not the lightest amongst the ultrabooks but then again asus never said it was an ultrabook. its lighter than the usual 15.4'' laptops.
One of my gripe is the reflective screen, yes it tends to be like a mirror in a bright sunny room. but i guess i have found a solution to it which is to use an anti-glare screen protector from asus. I need to purchase that still. Its only a problem in very bright rooms not anywhere and everywhere.
The battery is less than average for a 14'' notebook. it runs for around 3 hours, 3.5 at best with constant use (not watching videos though. Might run out sooner otherwise)
So my verdict is that Asus Vivobook S400CA is a great laptop, perfect for people like me who use it for emails, work and an occasional movie/catch up programme. And at the price like this + a touch screen to go with it, its one of the first companies to bring slim notebooks down to these low prices.
A MUST BUY!
(This review was written only after 5 days of using the laptop, so cannot comment on long term reliability)
Amazon Verified Purchase
I don't think you can go wrong with this laptop.
If you want a windows 8 laptop it seems touchscreen is the way to go...anything else seems pointless.
I don't think you could find a better option for the price.
Its light, quick enough for office work and movie watching, looks much more expensive than it is...
Other reviewer had problems with keyboard this one seems fine so far.
The screen is a little reflective but I guess that's due to it being touchscreen.
In my opinion this is arguably a true Macbook Air rival as it's half the price and has touchscreen.
The more expensive Asus Zenbooks are closer in spec and price to the Air but leave you wondering...why don't
I just get an Air.
In contrast the Vivobook sells itself on its uniqueness at this price point.
The laptop is great, very good performance, lightweight and fast operating system. Very happy with this purchase and would recommend it to everyone.
Amazon Verified Purchase
Quick delivery, correct information on its status via the amazon account.
Very nice computer. I had an Asus for the last 7(!) years and it never let me down, so i decided to buy Asus again. In 3 minutes the system is ready. Very nice metallic aspect, light, nice shape.
Only doubt is over windows 8, quite strange system and the fact that for most applications already pre-installed you have to connect through a microsoft account (you can use any email, but still have to go through this process) quite annoying.
Note that this model does not have a dvd drive!
Received this laptop last week. Very impressed so far. When buying a Windows 8 PC, I wanted to make sure it had a touchscreen, as the new UI is tedious with just a keyboard and mouse. This was one of the cheapest available with a touchscreen so I was concerned it might be compromised in other areas. This is not the case. It is very thin and light, maybe not as slim as high end Ultrabooks, but vastly less bulky than most laptops on sale up to recently. Nice metal finish, looks a bit like a MacBook Air, but half the price. The touchscreen itself works great.
Amazon Verified Purchase
Good solid laptop that looks the part. Having read reviews for Windows 8 I went for the touch screen version and boy am I glad I did.
Amazon Verified Purchase
It arrived very promptly and it is exactly what I wanted. It is very good value for money and is fun to use with the touch screen.
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