The Asus Zenbook 14 OLED is the latest addition to the market of affordable laptops that offer artificial intelligence-focused tuning. It is part of a long-running line of ultralight laptops that has been around for over a decade. Priced at under $1,000, it competes directly with the Acer Swift Go 14. However, the Zenbook stands out for its use of AMD’s latest Ryzen CPU.
When comparing the Acer and Asus laptops, it is clear that they share many similarities. Both feature 14-inch touchscreens with a resolution of 1,920 x 1,200 pixels, 16 GB of RAM, and integrated graphics. The main difference lies in the CPU, with the Zenbook using an AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS, while the Acer employs an Intel Core Ultra 7. Additionally, the Zenbook has a smaller 512-GB solid-state drive compared to the Acer’s 1-terabyte model.
In terms of port selection, the Zenbook falls short. It offers two USB-C ports (one USB 4 and one USB 3.2), a single USB-A port, and a full-size HDMI output. This is a clear step down from what Acer provides. The ports are all side-mounted, as the design of the screen covers the backside of the chassis when opened.
Despite this, the Zenbook’s aluminum frame feels sturdy and of higher quality for its price range. However, the overall design may not appeal to everyone, with an all-black color scheme and a lid etched with random lines that create a somewhat dated geometric pattern.
The keyboard on the Zenbook is compact but well-designed, with acceptable key travel, a Copilot key, and half-height arrow keys. The keyboard backlighting is subtle. The touchpad is larger than average but not overly so. Some users may find that their palms brush against the corners while typing, but this does not significantly affect the user experience. The Harman Kardon speakers are loud and provide a wide range of sound for entertainment purposes.
When it comes to performance, the Zenbook and the Acer Swift Go deliver similar results. In some tests, the Zenbook scores slightly higher, while in others, the Acer takes the lead. Many benchmarks yield virtually identical results, including renowned ones like PCMark 10, which measures mainstream application performance.
In conclusion, the Asus Zenbook 14 OLED offers a compelling option for those in search of a lower-cost laptop with AI-focused tuning. While it may not match the Acer Swift Go in terms of port selection, it competes well in terms of performance and delivers a sturdy build quality at an affordable price. Its use of AMD’s latest Ryzen CPU sets it apart from the competition. However, individuals with strong design preferences may not be enthralled by its dated aesthetic. Overall, it presents a viable choice for budget-conscious consumers in need of a reliable and capable laptop.
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