Laptops

ASUS VivoBook S15 Review: Mixing style and function

Also a lesson about love and relationships

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Finding the right laptop is tricky if you want it to tailor to your preference and personality. If you want a laptop you can show-off that can also perform, the ASUS VivoBook S15 S531FL might be the one you’re looking for.

A bit of history: the new VivoBook S15 was launched earlier at Computex 2019. ASUS paraded a colorful lineup that would certainly grab anyone’s attention: Moss Green, Punk Pink, Cobalt Blue, Transparent Silver, and Gun Metal. Luckily, I was able to try this new laptop in Cobalt Blue. Not a lot of people would be enthralled with such bold and striking colors, but I beg to differ.

Made for the bold type

Growing up, I love being at the center of attention. Whether it was because of a new toy or the latest gadget, I love it when people gather around with amazement in their eyes, just because I brought something to the table. Their awe was enough of a reward for me; as if I did something extraordinary. The high from being validated was enough to keep the people around me excited and mesmerized.

That same feeling was what I felt when I used the VivoBook S15. While I was fixated on my screen, I felt everyone’s gaze as my laptop grabbed their attention. It’s a definite head-turner.

I mean, who wouldn’t be captivated by its looks? It stands out with its sleek, metal frame in vivid Cobalt Blue. It’s also adorned by Neon Red accents (which looks orange to me) giving it a sophisticated vibe even at a glance. Moreover, a blue and red combination — in its most striking hue — is alluring to people fascinated with futuristic style.

Touch that lingers

The VivoBook S15 doesn’t just look good, but it feels upscale, too. Both the lid and body are made of fine aluminum, with the former having a textured finish. The embossed name also gives a subtle touch of class.

The body, on the other hand, was painted with a transparent silver color which glosses when there’s a substantial light shining over.

Back then, I kept on caressing the laptop as if my fingertips were running through a Burberry trench coat (or even Marc Jacobs underwear). I felt awestruck, especially with its trackpad which is fairly on point on its touch sensitivity. It’s decent compared to the previous laptop I used.

The keyboard was comfortable to type on. Most of its keys are large and evenly spaced, except for the arrow keys which are a lot smaller. Additionally, it’s light, soft and has a backlit design to let you work even in the dark.

Unfortunately, its bottom was made of plastic. To compensate, the laptop exhibits similar cuts on the base and perforations to look and feel better, especially when you hold it in your hands. The mix of aluminum and plastic offer the right amount of weight, making this combination common in most laptops nowadays. Honestly, it’s the perfect choice for frail people looking for a portable yet sturdy laptop.

Not just for show

In case you’re wondering, this laptop isn’t just for show. Even though it’s flamboyant and stylish, function is still at the core of its design language. Evident is ASUS’ ErgoLift hinge, which tilts the laptop to have an inclined position. This makes working on this laptop more comfortable on the wrists.

Productivity is one of its focus, considering all the ports available on each side. On the right, you can find the power input, a standard HDMI port, two USB 3.1 ports; one Type-A and one Type-C, an audio jack, and a microSD card reader.

On the left side, you can find two USB 2.0 ports which most people might find to be outdated since it’s already 2019. Most laptops nowadays come with USB-C ports instead. Nonetheless, I hate the dongle life and laptops carrying multiple ports are still better until every other device supports USB-C. This would pass, but I do hope that the next version would come with USB 4 ports, or at least USB 3.1.

The problem with just “looking good”

With its enormous size, it’s hard not to be drawn to the VivoBook S15. Its screen boasts a 15.6″ FHD panel bordered by thin bezels on every side, thanks to its NanoEdge design giving an almost-frameless look. Found on top is an IR HD camera, which isn’t as visible unless you put it under proper light.

I hate to rain on ASUS’ parade, but I honestly believe the display could’ve been better. The company is a braggart when it comes to their display, but let’s be real here: we don’t need something beautiful if it doesn’t provide what we need.

Consumers are looking for the very essence of a product’s feature, hence, the display should not be lackluster. It’s not bright and vibrant enough, and it has poor color reproduction. Moreover, it has a limited viewing angle and I experienced a lot of glare contrary to its claims.

It’s just like when you buy a fleece coat and a cashmere scarf, only to be duped when you find out it was mostly acrylic or polyester and it failed to provide the primary reason for buying it: to protect you from the cold during winter. The VivoBook S15 failed to give us the bright side of its display, but it’s one thing you can compromise if you already fell in love with its look.

Don’t have high hopes

While this laptop failed me in the display department, I wouldn’t let a single moment pass by to watch my favorite sitcom Brooklyn Nine-Nine. Despite all the disappointments I encountered, I still had high hopes for its audio performance since it was tuned by Harman Kardon.

However, don’t be fooled by its branding. Even though it has the Harman Kardon signature, the VivoBook S15 provides below average audio quality befitting a non-flagship laptop like this. The speakers are also stuck in the bottom, along with the fan perforations which can result in subdued sound quality especially when it’s placed on a flat surface.

I know, both the display and audio department have failed miserably yet I still found the whole experience with the laptop enjoyable. After all, comedies have taken a bulk on my watch list which guarantees I’ll be happy whatever I watch, wherever it may be. Yet as a person who sees a glass half-full, I honestly believe the VivoBook S15 is more than enough to most users.

My nitpicking is based on my impeccable — and irrationally — high standards, born out of using premium and flagship laptops first-hand. If I didn’t have any point of comparison, I would have opted for this one already.

But since I know we all deserve better, I still encourage you to look for the best you can find; unless this is the one that fits your preference, personality, and of course, budget. If that’s the case, then by all means, go ahead and continue reading.

Sometimes, it’s more than enough

The whole affair with the VivoBook S15 is like a dating adventure. I was hooked at first glance, and I admired its look and style, and I dived right in to feel it. One by one, I see red flags, and I still hold on to the tiny things that I might discover, hoping to make the affair with this “perfect” match going on.

In an attempt to hold on longer, I clung to one of the reasons why I chose this laptop. I looked back and remembered why I enjoyed every moment I was using it. The truth is this laptop provides more than what I need.

The VivoBook S15 is powered by an 8th-Gen Intel i7-8565U processor, running an NVIDIA GeForce MX250 graphics card. It also has an 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD, and 1TB HDD storage.

Yes, I’m a designer and I occasionally delve into multimedia work. If we’re going to talk about how I’m going to use this laptop in my everyday life, I’d say it’s more than enough. A confidante once affirmed that with the right person, you are enough.

Truly, the VivoBook S15 packs power more than what we need. It can let us browse the internet, open multiple tabs and multitask, and run Spotify, Netflix, Google Chrome, and Adobe Photoshop all at once in the background. Do note that these apps are some of the most power-consuming apps but the VivoBook S15 can handle everything without hiccups.

I also didn’t have qualms working on my post-processing sessions on Adobe Photoshop. On some occasions, I was able to handle illustrations through Adobe Illustrator and edit photos batch-by-batch in Adobe Lightroom. For those who do video editing, this laptop can handle a bit of editing, but I would look elsewhere.

Then again, I wouldn’t push a laptop beyond its limits, especially with a task it’s not meant to handle. Such examples are heavy multimedia works, or worse, playing graphics-intensive games. Sure it can do it albeit only to a certain extent.

Is this your GadgetMatch?

I may have said a mix of praise and brutally honest complaints about this laptop, and it might have confused some of you. Frankly, the ASUS VivoBook S15 has a lot of shortcomings, especially for a laptop in 2019. Yet despite its imperfection, it still proved to be more than capable, especially for everyday users.

This laptop will surely do you wonders, increase your productivity, and let your creativity thrive. For PhP 60,995 (US$ 1206), the ASUS VivoBook S15 S531FL can be rivaled by other laptops out there, but they probably look tacky. None of them can compete with how ASUS packaged this beaut into something stylish yet functional to complement one’s lifestyle. This laptop is something worth bringing and showing-off while you do your work.

Even though I noticed a lot of flaws, I still chose to see the good in it. I have learned that if you want to make a thing last, you have to choose it. Just like in love, you have to choose it every single day. Sure, there’ll be drawbacks and a lot of disappointments along the way, but some can be glossed over, understood and accepted. We’ll always have unreasonable demands, but we only need to take a step back and see the reason why we choose this thing (or someone) in the first place. Sometimes, they are enough.

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Laptops

Apple unveils new 14-inch MacBook Pro M5 

Up to 3.5x more AI performance, faster storage, up to 24 hours battery

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October 15, 2025

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Apple has introduced the new 14-inch MacBook Pro M5. It brings faster performance, greater efficiency, and a major leap in AI capability to the Mac lineup.

The next big leap in AI for the Mac

The M5’s 10-core GPU design brings up to 3.5x faster AI performance than M4, and 6x faster than M1. This makes it ideal for everything from text-to-image generation in Draw Things. It’s also great for faster large language model (LLM) processing in LM Studio.

The enhanced 16-core Neural Engine further speeds up AI-driven workflows such as data modeling, video enhancement, and deep learning . Meanwhile, the 2x faster SSD supports up to 4TB of storage for loading large AI models and handling heavy creative projects.

Next-level performance with M5

M5’s world-fastest CPU core drives up to 20% faster multithreaded performance for code compiling, multitasking, and creative apps like Premiere Pro and Blender. Its GPU enables up to 1.6x faster graphics and 1.6x higher frame rates in games like Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition compared to the previous generation.

For developers and professionals, over 150GB/s of unified memory bandwidth makes it easier to run large AI models or manipulate complex 3D scenes. AI video tools such as Topaz Video now process enhancements up to 7.7x faster than M1, while compiling code in Xcode is up to 2.1x faster.

Big gains for M1 and Intel upgraders

Upgraders from Intel-based Macs will see up to 86x faster AI performance, 30x faster GPU performance, and 5.5x faster CPU speeds. M1 users get up to 6x faster AI, 6.8x faster GPU with ray tracing, and 2x faster CPU performance.

Battery life rises dramatically — up to 14 more hours than Intel models, and four more hours compared to M1. Fast charge powers the MacBook Pro to 50% in 30 minutes using a 96W USB-C adapter.

The 14-inch Liquid Retina XDR display hits 1600 nits peak HDR brightness, while the 12MP Center Stage camera, studio-quality mics, and six-speaker Spatial Audio system deliver superior audio-visual experiences.

macOS Tahoe and Apple Intelligence

Running macOS Tahoe, the new 14-inch MacBook Pro brings major updates to Spotlight, Continuity, and Live Activities, alongside a redesigned interface with Liquid Glass effects and new customization options.

With Apple Intelligence, users can summarize messages, translate calls in real time, and automate tasks using smarter Shortcuts and app-integrated models — all while keeping data private and on-device.

Built for sustainability

The new MacBook Pro supports Apple 2030, the company’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality across its products and supply chain by the end of the decade. It’s made from 45% recycled materials, including 100% recycled aluminum, rare earth elements, and cobalt. The device is built using 55% renewable electricity and ships in 100% fiber-based packaging.

Pricing and availability

Customers can pre-order the new 14-inch MacBook Pro with M5 starting October 17 at apple.com/sg/store and in the Apple Store app. It will be available in stores and begin shipping to customers starting Wednesday, October 22.

The 14-inch MacBook Pro with M5 starts at SGD 2,199, or SGD 2,049 with education pricing, and comes in space black and silver. Configure-to-order options and accessories are available at apple.com/sg/mac.

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Laptops

The Lenovo Yoga 7i Aura Edition gets it right after ten generations

All ten generations lead up to this.

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October 3, 2025

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To me, the original foldable is the Lenovo Yoga. Sure, a laptop technically folds, but a true foldable can shift between different form factors. That’s what the Yoga series can do. Now, ten generations later, the Yoga 7i Aura Edition is back, guns blazing and ready to take on the world again.

How many ways can you use the Yoga?

As always, the biggest draw of the Yoga 7i is its flexibility. This isn’t just any normal laptop. With its flexible hinge, you can fold it into a tent or into a tablet. All three modes are usable in their own way, of course.

Ten years ago, I never found a genuine way to use the other modes. I always asked myself, “Why would I ever use the other modes if the laptop mode is good enough?” Now, using all three modes just feels natural. It might be that I’m at an age that appreciates clearer division of tasks, but it could also be Lenovo’s better designs. And I’m leaning towards the latter.

Each mode feels like there’s a reason why it should exist. Instead of just a quirky design choice, both tent and tablet modes have worthy uses.

More power underneath

Despite how light the Yoga 7i is, it’s packing much more power underneath its chassis. It has an Intel Core Ultra 5 processor, paired with 16GB of RAM and 1TB of internal storage.

This looks like overkill. If you’re using this notebook purely for work, this is definitely too much. But for the package that it’s coming with, it feels like a bonus. Yes, it can handle all your daily work needs but also so much more.

Midway through testing, I was invited to showcase more of what the processor can do. At the time, my approach to the Yoga 7i was as an all-arounder, rather than as a premium or a gaming notebook. It felt pointless to force the notebook into a gaming-sized cubbyhole. Boy, was I wrong.

This thing can handle games. Obviously, it won’t be enough to play modern titles that need beefy graphics. The integrated graphics chip is impressive, though. Silksong was a no-brainer; the hardware worked even only on battery power. Overwatch 2 also worked, but I had to tone down some settings to get a smoother frame rate. Finally, if I forced it with lower settings, the notebook could even play a bit of Forza Horizon 5.

This performance was more than I expected from this lithe notebook. Going back to our quandary in the previous section, this is where the Yoga 7i’s tent mode shines: as an entertainment hub after a long day’s work.

OLED is finally here

Speaking of being an entertainment hub, the Yoga 7i just sparkles with its 14-inch WUXGA OLED screen. Once again, the notebook’s unassuming looks doesn’t betray the beasts lurking underneath.

Recently, I’ve gotten so enamored with displays that support True Black 500. The Yoga 7i is brilliant at showcasing deep blacks and vibrant colors. Playing the dark levels of Silksong, the contrast melds almost seamlessly with the black bezels. It’s easy to forget that you’re staring at a screen. Besides gaming, the notebook feels perfect for watching movies.

Similarly, the touchscreen was smooth and responsive. However, if you’re particular about smudges, fiddling around with the touchscreen display can leave fingerprints. The package does come with a stylus, though. The Lenovo Pen works well enough for using the device without fingers.

It’s a confusing layout

Anyone who’s used a laptop and a tablet before will know that the both of them have different layouts. The former, of course, has a keyboard and a power button right above it. Meanwhile, the latter has its power button on the side.

The Yoga 7i has a unique layout. Rather than the traditional placement for a notebook, Lenovo’s latest convertible laptop has its power button on the side, much like a tablet. This throws me off so much. Normally, when you carry a laptop while it’s in use, you grasp it by its sides. If that’s also where the power button is, there will be times when you’ll accidentally press the button by mistake. This was a big point of frustration because it felt like I had to relearn the simple act of picking up a laptop.

Additionally, it’s still unnatural for me to have a full keyboard behind a tablet. The Yoga 7i features novel ways to use a convertible notebook. But the price is coping with tiny irregularities foreign to how you normally use a notebook or a tablet.

A powerful enough battery

The Yoga 7i has a 70Whr battery. This seems pretty standard for a notebook. However, because it’s not a beefy machine, you can squeeze out more hours than with a normal laptop.

In my experience, it can handle a full 8-hour workday with ease. If I had to force it, the battery can last even longer. It wasn’t until the 12-hour mark before I felt too anxious to keep going on pure battery power.

It’s easy to charge, though. The notebook uses a USB-C port for power delivery. The charging brick is also conveniently small. If you’re familiar with it, it’s the same brick you’ll find with the Legion Go. It’s as small as a smartphone brick. Coupled with how light the notebook already is, it’s a breeze to carry the entire package for working outside.

Is the Lenovo Yoga 7i Aura Edition your GadgetMatch?

Ten generations in, I’m still constantly impressed with the Yoga series. At first, I thought that it was a quirky addition to the laptop market. Now, because of all the improvements that can pack powerful hardware in a small package, I’m even more impressed.

The Lenovo Yoga 7i Aura Edition is a distillation of the past ten generations of the series. On its own, it is already a capable notebook for everyday tasks. Coupled with its flexibility, the 2-in-1 convertible is a head turner and a unique piece for your digital ecosystem.

Plus, it’s affordable! It costs only PhP 81,995.

With all of that said, the Yoga 7i Aura Edition gets a Super Swipe. Though my tastes lean more toward premium and gaming devices, the notebook impresses with great hardware and an affordable price.

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Laptops

ASUS unveils latest ExpertBook B5, P5 laptops, more

Improved durability, security, performance, versatility, and AI processing

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October 2, 2025

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ASUS has unveiled its latest ExpertBook B and P series laptops in the Philippines, which include powerful series headliners in the ExpertBook B5 and ExpertBook P5.

These latest laptops all come with improved durability, security, performance, versatility, and AI processing tailored for the current generation of professionals.

Headlining the new P series models is the ASUS ExpertBook P5, which the company dubs as a “serious productivity weapon” for professionals.

It is powered the latest Intel Core Ultra processors (Series 2) for up to three times AI performance boost and up to 47 NPU TOPs.

In front is a 14-inch 2.5K 155Hz display for stunning clarity and ultra-smooth visuals. Inside is an all-day battery that can provide up to 28 hours of screen time.

All these features are housed in a sleek, aluminum chassis that is durable and lightweight at just 1.27 kilograms.

ASUS ExpertBook P series

Meanwhile, the ASUS ExpertBook PM3 is powered by up to AMD Ryzen AI 7 PRO processors and up to 64GB of DDR5 dual-channel memory and up to 3TB of dual SSD storage.

Users can choose from either a 14-inch or 16-inch 2.5K 144Hz anti-glare display. The PM3 models come with ASUS ExpertCool thermal design, and can run up to 18 hours on a single charge.

Furthermore, the ASUS ExpertBook P3 features a 16:10 anti-glare display, ExpertCool for better airflow, and up to 13 hours of battery life.

It comes with an assortment of ports: two full-function USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type Cs, two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type As, HDMI 2.1, TDMS, audio combo jack, RJ45 LAN, and Kensington Nano Security Slot.

This variant is powered by up to 13th Gen Intel Core i7 processors.

Lastly, the ASUS ExpertBook P1 offers users a great entry-level laptop for work and other tasks. It comes with an FHD display, up to an Intel Core i7 processor, and ample RAM and internal storage with room for expansion.

Pricing

  • ASUS ExpertBook P5 (P5405CSA): Starts at PhP 82,995
  • ASUS ExpertBook PM3 (PM3406/PM3606): Starts at PhP 78,495
  • ASUS ExpertBook P3 (P3405CVA/P3605CVA): Starts at PhP 61,495
  • ASUS ExpertBook P1 (P1403CVA/P1503CVA): Starts at PhP 42,995

ASUS ExpertBook B5

On the other hand, bannering the new ExpertBook B series releases is the ASUS ExpertBook B5. Pricing starts at PhP 82,995.

This notebook combines the latest Intel Core Ultra 7 processors with Intel vPro and NVIDIA graphics for up to 99 total-platform TOPS.

That way, it is built to power even the most intensive multitasking sessions for business professionals, accelerating productivity.

In front is a 2.5K 144Hz display, while on the sides are two Thunderbolt 4 Type-C ports and HDMI 2.1, along with a card reader and nano SIM slot for 4G connectivity. The laptop also supports Wi-Fi 7 for ultra-fast speeds.

In spite all of these, the ExpertBook B5’s lightest configuration weighs just about 1.29 kilograms, making it portable for those always on the go.

AI ExpertMeet: AI for work

The new ExpertBook B and P models also introduce the AI ExpertMeet software, which is ASUS’ suite of AI-powered tools to enhance productivity and efficiency.

Among its key highlights are AI Meeting Minutes which can capture and transcribe meetings, turning audio into clear text for easy review.

There’s also AI Translated Subtitles for instant subtitles for live calls and recordings on the fly, as well as translations.

For video conferencing, there’s AI Noise Cancellation, AI Camera, and Webcam Watermark. AI Audio, meanwhile, can block off noise when a user records sound.

Multi-presenter mode also acknowledges multiple unique voices from different locations and distances so they are all conveyed at a similar volume.

ASUS ExpertGuardian, Military-Grade Standard compliance

All new ASUS ExpertBook models, including the entry-level options, also come with commercial-grade and NIST SP 800-155-compliant BIOS.

Coupled with Windows 11 Secured-core PC technologies, the laptops create a fortified defense against software vulnerabilities.

On top of these, ASUS offers a comprehensive five-year support for BIOS and driver updates.

Lastly, all new ASUS laptops have Military-Grade Standard compliance (MIL-STD-810), with the company subjecting models to more than 20 tests.

This is to ensure the laptops’ enhanced durability and longevity, complementing what it can provide on the performance and processing power side of things.

Tests include:

  • 50,000 open and close cycle tests for the hinge
  • Drop test as high as 1.2 meters
  • Rump pressure test
  • Water spill-resistance test for keyboard
  • Metal plate-reinforced I/O ports tested to endure up to 9 kilograms
  • Screen durability
  • Various temperature tests (freeze/thaw test, solar radiation test, humidity test)
  • Altitude test of up to 15,000 feet
  • 5,000 USB Type-A connections
  • Twist test to simulate normal handling and carrying

Laptops also come with 3-year on-site service, plus Accidental Damage Protection and 1-year plus international coverage in over 80+ countries under ASUS’ Comprehensive Warranty.

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