When considering budget-friendly laptops, the Asus EeeBook X205TA stands out as an option that combines affordability with functionality. Released in a competitive market, this ultraportable laptop was designed for users who need basic computing tasks without breaking the bank. This comprehensive review will explore its design, specifications, performance benchmarks, and real-world usability, ensuring you have all the information necessary to decide if the EeeBook X205TA meets your needs.
Design and Build Quality
Sleek and Lightweight
The Asus EeeBook X205TA features a sleek design, making it an appealing choice for on-the-go users. Weighing just 2.2 pounds, it’s one of the lightest laptops available. The chassis is made of sturdy plastic, but you wouldn’t guess its budget roots when you first lay eyes on it. With dimensions of 11.6 inches by 7.4 inches, the device is compact, fitting easily into most bags. The smooth matte finish is not only stylish but also helps to resist fingerprints and smudges, maintaining a clean look even after prolonged use.
Keyboard and Touchpad
The keyboard layout is comfortable, featuring chiclet keys with a decent amount of travel. This design contributes to a pleasant typing experience, especially for those who need to work for extended periods. The touchpad, while compact, is responsive and supports Windows gestures, making navigation smooth and efficient. However, some users might find the touchpad’s size somewhat limiting, especially during complex tasks.
Display Quality
Bright and Colorful
The EeeBook X205TA comes equipped with an 11.6-inch HD display with a resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels. While it’s not a full HD screen, the picture quality is reasonably sharp for everyday tasks like browsing the web or streaming videos. The brightness levels are impressive, reaching up to 200 nits, which allows for usability in various lighting conditions. However, the display has some downsides, notably its limited viewing angles. Color distortion can occur when viewed from wider angles, making it less suitable for collaborative work where multiple people are viewing the screen simultaneously.
Performance Specifications
Hardware Under the Hood
At the core of the Asus EeeBook X205TA is an Intel Atom Z3735F processor, a quad-core CPU designed primarily for low-power devices. While it may not win any performance awards, this chip is optimized for basic tasks, such as web browsing, word processing, and video streaming. With 2GB of RAM, multitasking is somewhat limited, but the laptop performs adequately for light usage.
Additionally, the device includes 32GB of eMMC storage, which is fairly minimal by today’s standards. However, users can expand their storage options with a microSD card slot, supporting cards up to 128GB. This feature provides a helpful workaround for users who require more space for files and applications.
Operating System
The EeeBook X205TA runs on Windows 10, but it’s essential to note that it is a full version of Windows rather than the stripped-down Windows 10 S. This flexibility allows users to install third-party applications easily and customize their experience based on their needs.
Benchmarks and Real-World Performance
Synthetic Benchmark Tests
While synthetic benchmarks may not always reflect real-world performance, they provide a useful metric to gauge the EeeBook X205TA's capabilities. In tests such as Geekbench 4, the laptop scored around 1,042 points in single-core performance and approximately 2,674 points in multi-core performance. These figures indicate that while it won’t compete with higher-end models, it can handle everyday tasks without significant lag.
Real-World Usage
In practical terms, the EeeBook X205TA holds up reasonably well for common tasks. Boot times are fairly quick, taking around 15-20 seconds from powered off to usable desktop. Applications like Microsoft Office for web and lightweight browsers run without much delay, though expect a noticeable slowdown when opening multiple applications or tabs.
Streaming video in HD is generally smooth, although users may want to limit other active applications to optimize performance. The laptop handles simple games well, but more demanding titles may not run effectively due to hardware limitations.
Battery Life
One of the standout features of the EeeBook X205TA is its battery life. With a 38Wh battery, users can expect up to 12 hours on a single charge under normal usage conditions. This exceptional longevity is ideal for students and professionals who need reliable performance throughout the day without constantly searching for power outlets.
Connectivity Options
The EeeBook X205TA is equipped with a decent range of ports, including:
- 1 x USB 3.0 port
- 1 x USB 2.0 port
- 1 x HDMI port
- 1 x headphone/microphone combo jack
- MicroSD card slot
Additionally, it features 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0, ensuring that users can connect to networks and peripherals without hassle. The inclusion of an HDMI port allows for easy connection to external displays, adding versatility for presentations or media consumption.
Usability and Experience
Ideal Use Cases
The Asus EeeBook X205TA excels in specific scenarios, primarily targeting users who require a reliable machine for web browsing, email, and document creation. Students and professionals looking for a secondary device will find it particularly appealing due to its portability, long battery life, and solid performance for light tasks.
Not Recommended For
However, this laptop is not recommended for gaming or heavy multitasking. Users who work with demanding software, such as graphic design tools or programming environments, will quickly find the limitations of the Atom processor and minimal RAM frustrating.
Conclusion
In summary, the Asus EeeBook X205TA is a lightweight, affordable laptop that serves well for basic computing tasks. It shines in terms of design, battery life, and portability, making it an excellent choice for students and light users. Although it has limitations in performance and storage, the trade-offs are understandable given its price point.
If you are in the market for a budget ultraportable laptop that can handle daily tasks efficiently, the EeeBook X205TA is worth considering. However, if your needs extend beyond basic computing, you might want to look into more powerful options.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I upgrade the RAM on the Asus EeeBook X205TA? No, the RAM is soldered onto the motherboard and cannot be upgraded.
2. Is the battery life of the EeeBook X205TA good? Yes, it can provide up to 12 hours of use on a single charge under normal conditions.
3. Can I install software outside the Windows Store on this laptop? Yes, the Asus EeeBook X205TA runs a full version of Windows 10, allowing you to install software from any source.
4. Does the EeeBook X205TA support external monitors? Yes, it includes an HDMI port, enabling connection to external displays.
5. Is the storage expandable? Yes, you can expand the storage with a microSD card of up to 128GB.
With these insights, we hope you feel more informed about the Asus EeeBook X205TA. It may not be perfect, but for many users, it might be just what you need to tackle everyday tasks efficiently.