ASUS ZenBook 14
$799
The ASUS ZenBook 14 is a sleek and compact laptop with an impressive battery life. Its minimalist design is complemented by powerful performance, making it a great choice for everyday use.
Our take
A compact powerhouse with long-lasting battery life.
Alright, so the ASUS ZenBook 14 is one of those laptops that tries to hit the sweet spot between performance and portability. It's pretty light, weighs just under three pounds, which makes it super easy to carry around. If you’re always on the go, this is a big plus. The design is sleek — it’s got that fancy aluminum body and a neat, spun-metal finish. Looks alone won't get you far, though. It’s what’s under the hood that counts, right?
Now, under that slick exterior, you'll find some decent horsepower. The version I messed around with had an Intel Core i7 processor, and it ran smoothly for most tasks. Multitasking was a breeze, and it handled my daily workload without breaking a sweat. But, if you're a gamer or need to run heavy-duty software, you might find it a bit underwhelming. The integrated Intel graphics are okay for light gaming or video editing, but don’t expect miracles.
The display is a 14-inch Full HD, and honestly, it’s pretty nice. Colors are vivid and the brightness is decent enough for indoor use. However, if you’re planning on working outside regularly, the brightness might fall a little short. The bezels are thin, which is a bonus, giving it a modern look. The screen is not touch-sensitive, though, which might be a bummer if you’re used to that feature.
Battery life is a standout feature here. I was getting around 10 hours with mixed use, which is perfect for a full day of work or classes. No need to lug around a charger if you’re just out for the day. But keep in mind, if you’re doing more intensive tasks, that number drops. It’s still respectable, though. The charging is quick enough, so at least you won’t be tied to an outlet for long periods.
One thing I did notice is the keyboard and trackpad. The keyboard is backlit, which is cool, and it’s comfortable enough for typing. But the trackpad can be a bit finicky. Sometimes it just doesn’t register taps quite right, which can get annoying. It’s not a deal-breaker, but something to be aware of. Overall, the ASUS ZenBook 14 is a solid laptop for everyday use, especially if you value portability and battery life. Just know what you’re getting into if your needs are more demanding.
