Asus X32A

Asus X32A review

While back-to-school laptops designed for working and studying on often share similar features and specifications to their rivals, there are some whose features really stand out from the crowd. The Asus X32A is a great example of a laptop with innovative features that differentiate it from the competition. Yes, it includes the staple basics we've come to expect from these laptops, like a 13.3-inch display, a decent amount of DDR3 RAM (3GB) and a 320GB hard drive. That screen is excellent too, with a high contrast ratio bolstered by LED technology producing sharp images not found on cheaper screens. A good display is essential for a laptop you'll work or study on for long periods of time, so it's great to see a good one here. However, it's the extras that really impress. As well as coming with Windows 7 Home Premium installed, the Asus X32A also has a light, Linux-based operating system that can be launched with the push of a dedicated button. Unlike Windows 7, the other operating system loads in seconds and gives you access to programs like Skype, email and a web browser. Running the lighter operating systems as opposed to the full-fat Windows 7 also gives the battery life a boost.