An inexpensive lightweight laptop with Intel's newest processor
Broadwell is the code name for Intel’s new fifth-generation Core processors. There are several versions from the energy-efficient (but comparatively slow) Core M range to the more powerful (and power-hungry) Core i7 models. The Transformer Book Flip is the first laptop we’ve tested that has a Broadwell Core 15, the 2.2GHz 5200U, which lies somewhere between these two extremes and should provide the perfect balance of battery life and performance.
Paired with 6GB of memory, the 5200U was roughly 10 per cent faster than the comparable fourth-generation Core i3 and i5 processors in our benchmark tests. This modest improvement is in line with what we’d expect given the minor technical improvements made since the previous generation of processors. In any case, this laptop is easily fast enough for use as your main computer.
The difference in battery life was also slight. The previous Transformer Book Flip, which is identical to this latest model aside from its fourth-generation Haswell Core i3 processor, lasted 11 and a half hours in our light-usage battery' test. This Broadwcll-equipped model lasted one hour longer.
While this sounds underwhelming, any prolonging of battery life is a welcome development. It’s also worth remembering that those Haswell processors wrere significantly more energy-efficient than their predecessors and these kind of great leaps forward are few' and far between. I his all means the Flip is great for use on the go, especially given its dainty 1.8kg weight.
What’s far more disappointing is that Asus has missed the opportunity to address some of the original Flip’s shortcomings. The keyboard’s design still leaves a lot to be desired. While the keys have sufficient travel, they feel spongy and lack feedback when pressed. What’s more, the keyboard has a flimsy feel - it flexes and bounces if you tend to hit the keys hard when typing. We got used to these flaws after a little practice, but it’s not ideal. At least the touchpad is large, smooth and accurate.
Another limitation in common with its predecessor is a lack of upgrade potential. While the laptop’s bottom panel can be removed without much fuss, the memory and the 500GB hard drive are sealed behind metal plates and therefore can’t be upgraded. This is acceptable in laptops that sacrifice upgradeability for a thinner, lighter design and larger, longer-lasting batteries - but there’s no excuse here.
The 13 in screen still has the same modest 1366x768-pixel resolution, which is par for the course at this price. More disappointing is the grainy sheen, which compromises image quality, and the highly reflective gloss finish, which can be very distracting when used under fluorescent lighting. The screen is at least very bright, and can be folded back so that it lies flat against the underside of the keyboard for use as a tablet. It’s too thick and heavy to be used comfortably as a tablet though. It’s much more likely you’ll angle the keyboard to act as a stand for the screen.
The newest Transformer Book Flip is by no means a bad laptop. It’s relatively cheap and comes with a bright screen, decent battery life and a sturdy metallic build. But the flaws of its predecessor remain, while the modest improvements to its new' processor aren’t compelling enough to set it apart. Unless you just want the best performance and battery' life for your money, you should buy one of the better-designed budget laptops available.
VERDICT: A marginal upgrade over its predecessor and a disappointing debut for Intel's latest processors.
SPECIFICATIONS
2.2CHz Intel Core 15 5200U dual-core processor • 6GB memory • 500GB hard drive • Intel HD5500 integrated graphics chip • 13.3in 1366x768-pixel touchscreen • 802.11ac/a/b/g/n • Windows 8.1 • 1.8kg weight (2.1kg with charger) • 22x326x232mm (HxWxD) • One-year warranty