A few years ago touchscreen laptops were available, but they were expensive and weren’t as fully integrated into the operating system as they would need to be for ideal usage. But fast-forward to today and we have technology and hardware that has finally enabled touchscreen laptops to be both affordable and easy to use.
The ASUS V500CA-BB31T 15.6-Inch Touchscreen Laptop (Black) is a perfect example of what an affordable consumer touchscreen laptop should be, and the fact that it is using one of the most touchscreen-friendly operating systems ever, Windows 8, means that this laptop is a pleasure to use.
Navigate this article
| Grid of specs and features | Pros of the computer | Cons of the computer |
| Performance | Portability | Connectivity |
| Conclusion | Similar Laptops |
Specs and Features
ASUS V500CA-BB31T |
|
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i3-2365M 1.4 GHz |
| Hard Drive | 500 GB 5400 rpm Hard Drive |
| RAM | 4 GB SO-DIMM |
| Battery Life | Up to 5 hours |
| Screen | 15.6″ LED backlit HD (1366×768) |
| Keyboard | Standard with 10-key |
| Total Number of USB Ports | 3 |
| Number of USB 3.0 Ports | 1 |
| HDMI | Yes |
| Graphics | Intel GMA HD |
Pros of the ASUS V500CA-BB31T 15.6-Inch Touchscreen Laptop (Black)
- Solid, durable build
- Windows 8 and a touchscreen is a great combination
- Excellent price for the features
- A lot of ports and connections
- Quick wake times
- Lightweight
Cons of the ASUS V500CA-BB31T 15.6-Inch Touchscreen Laptop (Black)
- Only 4 GB of RAM
- A 5400 RPM is slower than solid-state or hybrid drives found in other ultrabooks/slimbooks
- No CD or DVD drive
- No backlit keyboard
Performance
When you are shopping for a new laptop and you are looking at a lot of different models, it is very easy to start thinking that you need a lot more performance than you actually do. This is an easy way to exceed your budget and spend more money on hardware that is more powerful than your needs dictate.
This laptop features an Intel i3 processor, 4 GB of RAM, a 5400 RPM 500 GB hard drive and integrated graphics. This combination is meant for individuals with basic computing needs, such as Web browsing (Facebook, banking, news, etc.), Microsoft Office usage, video streaming (Netflix, Hulu Plus, Amazon Prime) and maybe some light gaming.
Windows 8 runs very quickly, the computer starts up fast, and the wireless reception is strong. If this sounds like a set of features that you would need on your computer, then you will be saving a lot of money by purchasing this machine instead of one that has a faster processor, more RAM or a dedicated graphics card, all of which translate into computers that are several hundred dollars more expensive.
Portability
There are an interesting combination of features on this laptop, some of which would technically classify this as an “ultrabook” or a “slimbook.” It weighs in at just 4.4 lbs, which is about 1 lb less than normal, full-sized 15.6″ laptops. The majority of this weight loss is due to the ASUS V500CA-BB31T not having a CD or DVD drive. This may seem like a big shock to people that have not entered the world of laptop computers without optical drives, but it is very easy to get used to. Most programs, games and drivers are offered as downloads now anyway, and file transfers are much more efficient with a USB flash drive than with discs.
This laptop also includes a battery that will give you approximately 5 hours of use under normal circumstances, which is about average for entry-level laptops such as this. That is more than enough for most situations, and will provide ample usage time in situations where you are without power outlet access for an extended period of time, such as on an airplane or in a classroom.
Connectivity
The ASUS V500CA-BB31T has a lot of different ways for you to connect your devices and to access both wired and wireless networks. The full range of ports and connections include:
- 802.11 b/g/n WiFi
- Wired RJ45 ethernet port
- Bluetooth 4.0
- (1) USB 3.0 port
- (2) USB 2.0 ports
- HDMI port
- Audio jack combo
- VGA
- SD card reader
- HD webcam
Conclusion
This computer is good for people that want a touchscreen laptop that is lightweight and will allow them to accomplish everyday computing tasks like Web browsing, video streaming and document editing. If your needs extend into areas such as gaming, image editing or video editing, however, then this may not have the power that you need.
But if you need something for around the house, for work, or for going back to school, then the ASUS V500CA-BB31T has a lot of bells and whistles for the price.
Read more about the ASUS V500CA-BB31T
Read additional ASUS V500CA-BB31T 15.6-Inch Touchscreen Laptop (Black) reviews
Similar Laptops
While the ASUS V500CA-BB31T is a solid option for many people, it’s always a good idea to look at some other similar laptops to see if they have something that this one does not. Below are a few other similar options with slightly different configuration of features.
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