Specifications
Processor: Dual-core 1.9GHz Intel Core i3-4030U, RAM: 4GB,Size: 382x256x26mm, Weight: 2.3kg, Screen size: 15.6in,Screen resolution: 1,366x768,Graphics adaptor: Intel HD Graphics 4400, Total storage: 1TB hard disk
Sub-£400 laptops don't typically excel at specific tasks but are perfectly capable of basic web browsing, document editing and multimedia playback. The Asus X555LA is one such machine, with a reasonable set of specifications that should suit most everyday needs very nicely – exactly what you want from a laptop at this price.
Build quality is a mixed bag, which should come as no surprise to anyone that's used a budget Asus laptop in the last few years. The concentric circles surrounding the Asus badge on the lid is a nice touch, as is the lightly dotted texture on the silver keyboard tray, but it all feels distinctly cheap, with a lot of flex in the lid.
Input devices
There's a fair amount of flex from the keyboard tray too but, it's nowhere near as bad as some of the finger trampolines that could be found on some of Asus' older laptops. We actually found ourselves building up quite a bit of speed on the black Chiclet keys. We had no problems with missed keystrokes and were also pleasantly surprised by how quiet the keyboard is. The touchpad is reasonably responsive too, although Windows 8 gestures such as pinch-to-zoom are a bit clunky and don't feel particularly precise. This isn't exactly out of the ordinary for a budget laptop though. The touchpad makes a loud and hollow-sounding noise when you click it, which could be irritating if you're working in a quiet place such as a library.
