Review: Asus EeeBook E402 Is a Laptop Sized Windows 10 Netbook
The affordable notebook is powered by Intel and supports Windows 10 OS.
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Most of you have questioned the integrity of a notebook, as it is an underpowered laptop in disguise. Yet, many have found solace in the notebook for its portable form factor. Asus, a brand that is known to dabble in the notebook category, recently launched the Asus Eeebook E402.
The E402 has a 14-inch display and is the enhanced version of the 11.6-inch netbook in the Eeebook series and is priced under 20K.
Key Specifications: Asus EeeBook E402
- Display: 14-inch HD 1366x768 pixels
- Operating System: Windows 10
- Processor: Quad-Core Intel Bay Trail
- RAM: 2GB
- Camera: Front HD
- Connectivity: 1x USB 2.0, 1x USB 3.0, HDMI, Ethernet, VGA
- Battery: 3368mAh
- Price: Rs 16,900
What’s Good?
Asus EeeBook E402 is the bigger version of the EeeBook X205 that was made available last year. The fact that Asus has managed to dish out a 14-inch notebook at this price is definitely commendable. Also, we are pleased that someone has managed to bring out a laptop-sized option for users that is high on mobility and functionality.
The 14-inch EeeBook E402 comes equipped with bigger chiclet keyboard, that offers tactile response and the cushion spacing between the keys are well laid out for normal use. Weighing a mere 1.65 kg, definitely makes the notebook ultraportable and a rare product at this price point.
The look and feel of the EeeBook E402 is also worth mentioning. The chic design and blend of matte finishing goes in tandem with the purpose of having a device that doesn’t look shabby, even at this price. There are a multitude of connectivity options; both types of USB ports, HDMI, VGA and Ethernet for LAN internet support.
Also, the power adapter that comes bundled with the Asus EeeBook E402 is worth talking about. It’s easy to carry, does not feel like a burden and that is a big plus for a product preaching mobility.
What’s Bad?
The Asus EeeBook E402 is affordable because of two reasons. First, you need to understand that even though the E402 is a 14-inch laptop, you’re still buying a notebook with netbook power and performance.
The quad-core Intel Bay Trail processor has become synonymous with notebooks and portable 2-in-1 PCs, that Intel and Microsoft have been pushing for some time now. This hardware will predominantly work for users with minimal usage requirements. This includes web browsing, watching movies on the big screen and using a word processor.
Multi-tasking will not be its forte and trying to push the EeeBook E402 beyond its limit will test out its hardware to the hilt.
Second, the notebook lacks a traditional built-in storage drive.
You’ll have to be content with 32GB built-in storage on the EeeBook E402 that is further expandable up to 64GB via microSD card. Sure, you can connect an external hard drive up to 3TB, but that’s a hassle for users who are on the move.
And finally, the EeeBook E402 claims to offer up to 8 hours of battery life but, when we tested it out, we found that it ran for 5 hours on an average. We tested the notebook by watching a few movies on medium brightness, with the Wi-Fi, while running a few functions in the background.
We loved the battery life of EeeBook X205, which is why we were disappointed when we didnt get the same results on the E402.
Why Buy It?
If you’ve always wanted a big size notebook that does not cost more than 20K, then the Asus EeeBook E402 makes sense for you. However, you need to keep in mind that the hardware may not support heavy usage.
For Rs 16,990, Asus EeeBook E402 is an affordable notebook that fares like a netbook in its true sense.
(At The Quint, we question everything. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member today.)