Windows 10 S new wave: Asus' $279 VivoBook W202 joins the fray
The $279 Asus VivoBook W202 is among the first wave of lower cost Windows 10 S alternatives to Microsoft's own $999 Surface Laptop.
Asus' Windows 10 S VivoBook W202 is now officially available in the US for $279.
The machine is Asus' first laptop that ships with Windows 10 S installed. The OS can only download pre-vetted programs from the Microsoft Store, helping ensure users avoid downloading malware from the web.
Microsoft announced the VivoBook W202 two weeks ago along with several Windows 10 S lower cost alternatives to its own $999 Surface Laptop. The VivoBook W202 is available for the US market.
Asus lists a number of configurations for the model, but according to The Verge, this W202 will come with the 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage setup common to several upcoming Windows 10 S laptops from Samsung, Acer, and Dell.
The specs meet what could be expected of a budget laptop for school. The VivoBook W202 has a 1.1GHz dual-core Intel Celeron N3350 processor, while the 11.6-inch HD display is at a 1,336 x 768 resolution.
The notebook features standard ports, including HDMI, two USB 3.0 ports, and an SD card reader. It also has built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, and a 0.3-megapixel webcam. An array of microphones should enable access to Cortana from up to 13ft (4m) away.
According to Asus, the notebook has been subjected to a drop test from a height of 3.9ft (1.2m) and should survive the twists, pressure, knocks and shocks that a notebook for school could be exposed to. Its hinges can fold up to 180-degrees and the keyboard is resistant to small spills.
Asus claims the two-cell 38 Whrs polymer battery will last up to 11 hours. The laptop's weight of 2.6lb (0.91kg) and dimensions of 11.6 x 7.89 x 11.6 inches (29.4 x 20 x 2.25cm) should be fairly easy to carry in a backpack.
The VivoBook W202 is the seventh Windows 10 S laptop available. The company plans on launching a VivoBook Flip model in the future too.
Previous coverage
Windows 10 S: First sub-$300 notebooks out now, says Microsoft
Microsoft's first low-cost Windows 10 S devices are available now in the form of Lenovo's N23 and N24, with others following soon.
Read more on Windows 10S
- Microsoft to partners: Here's how to sell Windows 10 Pro and 10 S
- Microsoft launches Windows 10 S, its Store-centric version of Windows 10
- Windows 10 S is ready for testing (but just barely)
- Want ransomware-proof Windows? It won't work against Windows 10 S, claims Microsoft
- Microsoft's Windows 10 S attempts to retake the classroom (CNET)
- Why Windows 10 S won't run Linux distributions (TechRepublic)