ASUS VivoBook S550, 15-inch Core-i5 Windows 8 touchscreen notebook for P36,995

ASUS just launched the availability of the latest addition to their VivoBook range, the S550, which sports a 15.6-inch screen on an Ultrabook frame.

The VivoBook series is ASUS’ answer to the mainstream market looking for a touchscreen Windows 8 notebook. The S550 is the biggest one they have so far and can also be a desktop replacement for casual users and gamers. It’s also one of the nicest-looking 15-inchers around with its all-glass panel covering the screen, hairline-spun textured metal surface and slim design.

This notebook is quite similar to our recently-reviewed VivoBook S400 with the same Core i5 processor, 4GB RAM, and 500GB hard drive plus 24GB SSD for faster resume from sleep and caching applications. The only difference would be the bigger 15.6-inch display, an optical drive, and the inclusion of a dedicated graphics card to give it more power and perform better on games.

Also loved the keyboard on the VivoBook and also the responsive touchpad that supports multi-finger gestures including Windows 8 commands. What’s probably missing here is a Full HD resolution on its display. It only has a 1366 x 768 HD resolution.

Since it’s a VivoBook, it uses ASUS’ SonicMaster audio technology to deliver impressive sound quality from its large speakers and resonance chambers. I was impressed with the sound coming from the S400 and it’s safe to assume that it will be the same or better with the S550. You’ll get deeper and richer bass, a wider audio range, true-to-life surround, powerful output, distinct vocals, and pristine clarity.

The ASUS VivoBook S550 is already available for just Php36,995 which is just a thousand pesos more than the S400.