The world of portable computing has come a long way since the days of netbook laptops, which were known for their compact size and affordability but often compromised on performance. Today, we have a plethora of options that offer a perfect balance of power, portability, and price. In this comparison, we'll pit two popular devices against each other: the ASUS L210 Ultra-Thin Laptop and the Microsoft Surface Go 3.
Design and Portability
Both devices are designed to be ultra-portable, making them ideal for students, professionals, and travelers who need a reliable computing companion on-the-go. The ASUS L210 measures 11.6 inches in length, 7.9 inches in width, and 0.67 inches in thickness, weighing just 2.2 pounds. In contrast, the Microsoft Surface Go 3 has a slightly larger footprint, measuring 9.65 inches in length, 6.9 inches in width, and 0.33 inches in thickness, with a weight of 1.2 pounds.
While both devices are compact and lightweight, the Surface Go 3 has a more premium feel to it, thanks to its magnesium alloy construction and sleek design. The ASUS L210, on the other hand, has a more plasticky build, which may not be as durable but helps keep the cost down.
Display and Performance
The ASUS L210 features an 11.6-inch HD display with a resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels, while the Microsoft Surface Go 3 boasts a 10.5-inch PixelSense touchscreen display with a higher resolution of 1920 x 1280 pixels. The Surface Go 3's display is not only sharper but also more vibrant and responsive to touch inputs.
In terms of performance, both devices are powered by Intel processors, but the Surface Go 3 has a more powerful Intel Core i3-10100Y processor, paired with up to 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. The ASUS L210, on the other hand, comes with an Intel Celeron N4020 processor, up to 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of storage. As expected, the Surface Go 3 outperforms the ASUS L210 in most tasks, including web browsing, office work, and streaming media.
Battery Life and Connectivity
The Microsoft Surface Go 3 has a claimed battery life of up to 10 hours, while the ASUS L210 promises up to 12 hours of battery life. In real-world testing, both devices deliver respectable battery life, but the Surface Go 3's more power-efficient processor helps it edge out the ASUS L210.
In terms of connectivity, both devices have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities, but the Surface Go 3 also features a USB-C port, a microSD card slot, and a Surface Connect port for charging and docking. The ASUS L210 has two USB-A ports, an HDMI port, and a microSD card slot, making it more suitable for connecting external peripherals.
Price and Value
The ASUS L210 is generally priced lower than the Microsoft Surface Go 3, with a starting price of around $200. The Surface Go 3, on the other hand, starts at around $400 for the base model and can go up to over $600 for the top-of-the-line variant.
While the Surface Go 3 is certainly more expensive, it offers a more premium experience, better performance, and a more durable design. The ASUS L210, however, is an excellent value proposition for those on a tight budget who need a basic laptop for everyday tasks like browsing, emailing, and word processing.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both the ASUS L210 Ultra-Thin Laptop and the Microsoft Surface Go 3 are excellent options for those seeking portable computing solutions. While they may not be as powerful as traditional laptops, they offer a great balance of performance, portability, and price. The Surface Go 3 is a more premium device with better performance, a stunning display, and a durable design, making it ideal for professionals and students who need a reliable computing companion.
The ASUS L210, on the other hand, is a budget-friendly option that's perfect for those who need a basic laptop for everyday tasks. It may not be as powerful or feature-rich as the Surface Go 3, but it's an excellent value proposition for those on a tight budget. As we've moved beyond the era of netbook laptops, devices like these two offer a new level of portability and performance that's hard to beat.
