Windows 8 was designed with a touch screen user interface in mind, and that technology has finally gotten to the point where it is affordable on laptops.
There are several Windows 8 touch screen laptops that are available on the market, but few can match the combination of features and affordability that you will get with the ASUS ViVoBook S500CA-DS51T 15.6-Inch Laptop ( Black ).
ASUS ViVoBook S500CA-DS51T |
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|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i5-3317U 1.7GHz |
| RAM | 6GB DDR3 |
| Hard Drive | 500GB HDD+24GB SSD |
| Screen | 15.6″ touch screen (1366×768) |
| Graphics | Intel HD Graphics 4000 |
| Total Number of USB Ports | 3 |
| Number of USB 3.0 Ports | 1 |
| HDMI | Yes |
| Operating System | 64-bit Windows 8 |
| Keyboard | Chiclet keyboard with 10-key |
Pros of the ASUS ViVoBook S500CA-DS51T 15.6-Inch Laptop ( Black )
- Intel i5 processor
- Touch screen
- 6 GB of RAM
- Hybrid hard drive
- Manually upgradeable RAM and hard drive
Cons of the ASUS ViVoBook S500CA-DS51T 15.6-Inch Laptop ( Black )
- Screen resolution is a little low
- Integrated graphics, so not ideal for gaming or video editing
- No CD or DVD drive
Performance
The Intel i5 processor is an excellent component that is more than enough power for regular use. When you combine it with the 6 GB of RAM that is included by default on this computer, most programs will run smoothly and quickly. And you can do some light gaming with this computer, however, more resource-intensive games will struggle to run at high settings. But for users that mainly want to run programs like Microsoft Office, Web browsers, or Adobe Photoshop, this computer will handle them well.
The hybrid hard drive is also very handy for speeding up the Windows 8 boot time and decreasing the amount of time it takes for your installed applications to start.
Portability
This computer weighs in at 4.6 pounds, which is light when compared to most other 15-inch laptop options. You will also get up to 5 hours of battery life, which makes it a good choice for frequent travelers, or students that need something that they can carry from class to class, where they may not have access to power outlets.
Connectivity
This computer has a lot of ports and connections, most notably, though, is a wired and wireless network connection. While many people have made the move to wireless networks, there are still many situations where you may need to connect to a wired network. Some Ultrabooks do not offer this feature, so it is an important thing to look out for when you are considering a new laptop and a wired network connection is necessary for some of your usage:
- 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi
- 10/100 wired ethernet port
- 2 USB 2.0 ports
- 1 USB 3.0 port
- HDMI out
- SD card reader
- .3 megapixel webcam
- headphone jack
- VGA port
Conclusion
This laptop has almost everything that you could ask for from an affordable 15-inch Windows 8 touch screen laptop. I am particularly fond of the hybrid hard drive, the 6 GB of RAM and the i5 processor, which will combine for an enjoyable user experience. This is an excellent machine from Asus that is well-built and offers an appealing entry point for Windows 8.
Compare prices and check other reviews at Amazon.
Other laptops to consider
Another quality 15” Windows 8 touch screen laptop – the Acer Aspire V5-571P-6642
A good 13” Windows 8 touch screen laptop – the Sony VAIO T Series SVT13134CXS
A less expensive, non-touch screen 15” Windows 8 laptop – the Dell Inspiron i15N-3910BK
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