To be fair, the ViewBook felt quite smooth and responsive when running Windows 7 and handling routine tasks such as web browsing and Microsoft Office apps. It’s fine for a spot of casual gaming too. It handled the 3D graphics in the online Quake Live with no difficulty, although the more demanding Far Cry 2 reduced it to a sluggish 7f/s, so serious gamers will need to look elsewhere.
The keyboard is fine, but the touchpad is too small
Video performance was disappointing. I was able to connect the ViewBook to an HD TV using its HDMI port, and was pleased to see that it could output video at full 1920 x 1080 resolution. Playback of standard-definition video was no problem, but while it played some short 1080p video clips perfectly well it did struggle a little with full-length HD programmes that we downloaded from the BBC iPlayer.
Viewsonic claims that the ViewBook provides “the perfect combination of mobile computing and digital entertainment”, but it needs a bit more raw horsepower to really deliver the goods on the entertainment side of things.
The other disappointment was the ViewBook’s battery life. I'm getting used to seeing laptops that can run for several hours on battery power, but when looping PCMark Vantage continuously, the ViewBook couldn’t even get to the two-hour mark - 113 minutes, to be precise. Admittedly, you’ll get longer life for less demanding tasks such as word processing and web browsing, but there plenty of other laptops that provide significantly better battery life.
Verdict
But I don’t want to sound too harsh. The ViewBook is actually quite a nice little laptop: it’s light and easy to carry, and perfectly adequate for day-to-day tasks. Its main weakness is that it simply seems a bit over-priced when compared to other laptops that provide similar features and performance. Of course, you could say the same thing about the MacBook Air, but the MacBook can rely on Apple’s drop-dead gorgeous design and full metal jacket to overwhelm your better instincts. The ViewBook has no such killer feature to recommend it. ®
More Slimline Notebook Reviews |
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Viewsonic ViewBook 130 ultra-slim laptop
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.
