Viewsonic ViewBook 130 ultra-slim laptop
Wanted: killer feature
Review The slimline design and silvery-grey finish of Viewsonic’s ViewBook will prompt inevitable comparisons with Apple’s MacBook Air - reviewed here. The ViewBook is only about half the price, though, so Viewsonic is obviously hoping to attract people that can’t manage the MacBook Air’s hefty price-tag.
Viewsonic's Viewbook 130: something in the Air tonight
There’s certainly a superficial resemblance, as the use of similar 13.3in LED-backlit displays means that that the two machines are almost identical in terms of width and depth. However, the ViewBook can’t match the super-slim profile of the Air. Even so, it’s still light enough to pick up easily with one hand and slip into a bag when you’re on the move.
The ViewBook is crammed with a much wider range of connectivity options than the Air: VGA and HDMI interfaces for connecting to external displays; two USB 2.0 ports on the sides; Gigabit Ethernet; a multi-format memory card slot and an ExpressCard bay; and audio connectors for headphones and an external microphone.
You’ll find a third USB port tucked, somewhat inconveniently, around the back of the unit, and there’s a 1.3Mp webcam located just above the screen. It’s got a built-in microphone for the webcam, and stereo speakers too – although Viewsonic’s claim that the speakers provide “1.5W of awesome power” is just daft.
Nice and slim
Build quality is adequate, but not exactly something to write home about. The ViewBook is reasonably robust, but the lightweight plastic casing has a cheap and cheerful feel to it. While the alphanumeric keys on the keyboard had a nice, solid feel to them, the space bar tended to rattle rather annoyingly when we started to type more quickly. The trackpad’s a bit small too.
COMMENTS
I don't get it.
So this one is half the macbook air's price (reviewed as 80%), you say it resolves some of that laptop's niggling issues --- so we must be in 90+% scores territory, right? No, it's 60%.
I don't get it.
Acer 3810TZ
The spec isn't as good, it's no doubt worse build quality, and it doesn't look as good. I am writing this from my Acer 3810TZ and I have to admit, for £450, this is the best laptop I could find. 8 hours of battery (I've had 11 hours with on / off browsing).
£150 less, twice the ram, same size HDD, same CPU, better build, and better looks. I don't regret buying this laptop at all.
@ I don't get it.
I am just as confused by this review. This is an ultralight laptop that competes with the Mac Air!
No one in their right mind would be buying this for gaming so why the graphics tests and comment "serious gamers will need to look elsewhere."
Sounds to me like this would be perfect for users that need a larger display than a 10" Netbook but require high portability and connectivity. This ticks all the boxes.
"The ViewBook is actually quite a nice little laptop: it’s light and easy to carry, and perfectly adequate for day-to-day tasks.."
You said it! how about rerating this at least at 70% given the price / functions and quality?
Too bad it's ViewSonic
Not going anywhere near ViewSonic ever again, after they refused to honour a warranty claim because I didn't have the original box to ship it back to them. (no joke)
Many attempts, each time cancelled on their end, and their refusal to even discuss other options.
Maybe it's different outside Australia, but in Aust... avoid.
style over function
If it fits in your pocket slim is good.
If you have to carry it around in a case slim is pointless. Especially if you have to carry a book to raise it up when in use to avoid RSI when typing.
I would imagine slim also means fragile.
