I found this ASUS Vivobook S 14 OLED laptop for $650, which seems quite cheap compared to others priced around $1000. It features a 14-inch screen, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB SSD. I am considering it for my dad who needs it mostly for web browsing and watching movies. What should I look out for that might explain the lower price despite the good specs? Is it still a good deal?
Not all OLED panels are created equally. Some may not offer the same color accuracy or durability as others.
The 14-inch screen size might be smaller than usual, but it sounds like a solid choice otherwise. Could you share more about what else your dad will use it for?
Vail said:
The 14-inch screen size might be smaller than usual, but it sounds like a solid choice otherwise. Could you share more about what else your dad will use it for?
I think 14 inches is the perfect size for a laptop.
Vail said:
The 14-inch screen size might be smaller than usual, but it sounds like a solid choice otherwise. Could you share more about what else your dad will use it for?
My dad currently uses a 15-inch laptop which he finds too large for carrying around. He uses his laptop for shopping online, checking social media, managing emails, working on documents and spreadsheets, and streaming movies. He prefers something more portable. I thought a nice OLED would make his viewing experience better, especially since we are looking in the $500-700 price range.
@Kade
This laptop seems like a great choice for those needs.
@Kade
If that’s all he needs, then it seems like you’ve found a pretty good deal.
Vail said:
The 14-inch screen size might be smaller than usual, but it sounds like a solid choice otherwise. Could you share more about what else your dad will use it for?
I prefer 13 or 14-inch laptops myself—15 inches is just too big for me. I currently use a 13-inch 16:10 ASUS laptop.
Vail said:
The 14-inch screen size might be smaller than usual, but it sounds like a solid choice otherwise. Could you share more about what else your dad will use it for?
I don’t understand why a 14-inch screen is seen as a downside.
A 14-inch display is perfect for those who value portability. ASUS often has sales at Best Buy where they rotate discounts between different models. For basic use like web browsing and movie watching, this laptop should be fine. It has a vibrant display, good battery life due to the new Intel processor, and sufficient RAM and storage. I’d suggest checking it out at a store to get a better feel for it.
It looks like a good deal. Similar HP Pavilion Plus models are priced about the same, so the price isn’t unusual for what you’re getting.
Mica said:
It looks like a good deal. Similar HP Pavilion Plus models are priced about the same, so the price isn’t unusual for what you’re getting.
True, but those aren’t OLED, which is usually pricier. That’s why I’m a bit skeptical.
There’s a Dell Inspiron on sale at Costco for $479 with similar specs but a larger touchscreen. It’s a good alternative to consider.
That specific processor model wasn’t very successful, which might be why it’s priced lower. It’s a decent basic laptop with enough RAM and a large battery.
I’m a fan of ASUS products, including the Vivobooks. They tend to offer better quality and performance than other entry-level laptops from competitors like Dell or HP.
I wouldn’t recommend a Vivobook with such a small screen. If you haven’t bought a laptop in a while, it might be good to look at newer models.
Ren said:
I wouldn’t recommend a Vivobook with such a small screen. If you haven’t bought a laptop in a while, it might be good to look at newer models.
Do you think Vivobooks generally aren’t good? My main goal is to find something reliable.
@Kade
In my experience, Vivobooks can start having issues after a year or two. They’re not built to last.
Dru said:
@Kade
In my experience, Vivobooks can start having issues after a year or two. They’re not built to last.
Exactly my point.
The model you’re looking at has a 1200p 60Hz display and a plastic body. I had a Vivobook and the hinge broke within a week. Be cautious.