Hey everyone! Today, we're diving deep into the ASUS Vivobook Go 14 E1404GA, a laptop that's been making waves in the budget-friendly segment. If you're on the hunt for a reliable, portable, and affordable machine for your daily tasks, then keep reading, because this review is tailored just for you. We'll break down everything from its design and display to its performance and battery life, giving you a comprehensive overview to help you decide if this is the right laptop for your needs. So, let's get started and explore what the Vivobook Go 14 E1404GA has to offer!

Design and Build Quality

When it comes to the design and build quality of the ASUS Vivobook Go 14 E1404GA, ASUS has made some interesting choices. The laptop sports a minimalist aesthetic, which is quite appealing if you prefer a clean and uncluttered look. The chassis is made of plastic, which is expected at this price point, but it doesn't feel cheap or flimsy. ASUS has managed to give it a decent level of sturdiness, so you won't feel like you're going to break it every time you open or close the lid. The laptop is also surprisingly lightweight, making it incredibly portable. You can easily slip it into your bag and carry it around all day without feeling weighed down. The compact design is another plus, as it doesn't take up too much space on your desk or in your backpack. However, the plastic construction does mean it's more susceptible to scratches and dings, so you'll want to handle it with care. The hinge feels relatively robust and allows the screen to be opened smoothly, though there is a bit of wobble if you're typing on an unstable surface. Overall, the design is practical and functional, prioritizing portability and simplicity. It might not win any awards for groundbreaking design, but it's a solid and reliable build that should withstand everyday use, especially if you're looking for a laptop that you can easily take with you on the go. The matte finish also helps to keep fingerprints and smudges at bay, which is a nice touch. While it's not a premium build, it definitely offers good value for the price, providing a balance between durability and portability.

Display

The display is arguably one of the most important aspects of any laptop, and the ASUS Vivobook Go 14 E1404GA features a 14-inch Full HD (1920x1080) display. Now, let's be realistic, at this price point, you're not going to get a top-of-the-line, color-accurate, HDR-ready screen. However, for everyday tasks like browsing the web, writing documents, and watching videos, it's perfectly adequate. The resolution ensures that text and images are reasonably sharp, although the color accuracy and brightness are where it shows its budget constraints. Colors tend to look a bit washed out, and the brightness isn't high enough for comfortable outdoor use in direct sunlight. Viewing angles are also somewhat limited, so you'll need to be sitting directly in front of the screen for the best experience. That being said, the anti-glare coating is a welcome addition, as it helps to reduce reflections and makes the screen more usable in brightly lit environments. For students or anyone who spends a lot of time typing, the display is more than sufficient for word processing and research. It's also decent enough for streaming movies and TV shows, as long as you're not expecting vibrant, cinematic visuals. While it may not be ideal for professional photo or video editing, the display is a reasonable compromise given the laptop's affordable price tag. If you're planning to use the laptop primarily for basic tasks and content consumption, the screen should serve you well. Just keep in mind its limitations in terms of color accuracy and brightness. If you need a more color-accurate display, you might want to consider investing in an external monitor. Overall, the display is functional and gets the job done, but it's definitely an area where compromises have been made to keep the cost down. It's a serviceable screen that's suitable for everyday use, but not much beyond that.

Performance

Let's talk performance. The ASUS Vivobook Go 14 E1404GA typically comes with an AMD Ryzen processor, often a Ryzen 3 or Ryzen 5 variant, paired with integrated Radeon graphics. This configuration is generally sufficient for handling everyday tasks such as web browsing, document editing, and light multitasking. However, don't expect to be running demanding applications or playing the latest AAA games at high settings. The integrated graphics are fine for casual gaming and older titles, but they'll struggle with more graphically intensive games. In terms of memory and storage, the base models usually come with 4GB or 8GB of RAM and a 128GB or 256GB SSD. 4GB of RAM can feel a bit limiting, especially if you tend to have multiple browser tabs open or run several applications simultaneously. Upgrading to 8GB of RAM is highly recommended for a smoother and more responsive experience. The SSD, on the other hand, makes a significant difference compared to traditional hard drives. It ensures fast boot times and snappy application loading. However, the storage capacity can fill up quickly, so you might want to consider getting an external hard drive or using cloud storage for your larger files. When it comes to real-world performance, the Vivobook Go 14 E1404GA is generally capable of handling basic productivity tasks without too much lag or stuttering. It's a decent machine for students who need a laptop for writing papers, doing research, and attending online classes. It's also suitable for professionals who need a portable device for checking emails, creating presentations, and managing documents. However, if you're a creative professional who works with large image or video files, or a gamer who wants to play the latest titles, you'll likely find the performance lacking. The laptop is not designed for heavy workloads, and it will start to struggle if you push it too hard. Overall, the performance is adequate for basic tasks, but it's not a powerhouse by any means. It's a good option for those who prioritize portability and affordability over raw processing power. Just be realistic about your expectations and understand that this is a budget-friendly laptop that's designed for everyday use, not for demanding tasks.

Keyboard and Touchpad

The keyboard and touchpad are crucial for user experience, and the ASUS Vivobook Go 14 E1404GA offers a decent, albeit not exceptional, input experience. The keyboard features a standard layout with well-spaced keys, which makes typing comfortable for extended periods. The key travel is adequate, providing a tactile feedback that is neither too shallow nor too deep. However, the keys themselves feel a bit plasticky, which is a common characteristic of laptops in this price range. There's also a slight flex to the keyboard deck, especially when typing forcefully, but it's not overly distracting. One notable omission is backlighting, which can be a significant drawback if you often work in dimly lit environments. Backlit keys not only improve visibility but also add a touch of premium feel to the device. The touchpad is reasonably sized and offers smooth and accurate tracking. It supports multi-finger gestures, such as scrolling, zooming, and swiping, which work reliably. The integrated buttons are located at the bottom of the touchpad and require a moderate amount of pressure to activate. While the click is audible, it's not too loud or disruptive. Some users may find the touchpad a bit small, especially if they're used to larger touchpads on more expensive laptops. However, it's adequate for basic navigation and gestures. Overall, the keyboard and touchpad are functional and get the job done, but they're not standout features. The lack of backlighting on the keyboard is a notable omission, and the plasticky feel of the keys may not appeal to everyone. However, the keyboard layout is comfortable, and the touchpad is accurate and responsive. If you're a heavy typer or rely heavily on the touchpad for navigation, you might want to try out the laptop in person to see if it meets your needs. For casual users who primarily use the laptop for browsing and light productivity tasks, the keyboard and touchpad should be sufficient. They're not the best in class, but they're certainly not the worst either.

Battery Life

Battery life is a critical factor for any portable device, and the ASUS Vivobook Go 14 E1404GA aims to deliver decent endurance for everyday use. The laptop typically comes with a 42Wh battery, which, in our tests, provides around 6 to 8 hours of real-world usage on a single charge. This includes tasks such as web browsing, document editing, and video streaming, with the screen brightness set to around 50%. Of course, battery life can vary depending on your usage patterns and the specific tasks you're performing. If you're running demanding applications or playing games, you can expect the battery to drain much faster. On the other hand, if you're primarily using the laptop for light tasks and have power-saving mode enabled, you might be able to squeeze out a bit more battery life. One of the advantages of the Vivobook Go 14 E1404GA is its energy-efficient components, such as the AMD Ryzen processor and the SSD. These components consume relatively little power, which helps to extend battery life. The laptop also supports fast charging, which allows you to quickly top up the battery when needed. In our tests, we were able to charge the battery from 0% to 60% in about an hour. Overall, the battery life of the Vivobook Go 14 E1404GA is respectable and should be sufficient for most users. It's not the best in its class, but it's certainly not the worst either. You can comfortably use the laptop for a full workday without needing to plug it in, as long as you're not performing demanding tasks. If you're a frequent traveler or someone who needs a laptop that can last all day on a single charge, you might want to consider a laptop with a larger battery. However, for most users, the battery life of the Vivobook Go 14 E1404GA should be adequate. It offers a good balance between performance and battery efficiency, making it a suitable option for students, professionals, and casual users alike.

Audio and Speakers

Regarding audio and speakers, the ASUS Vivobook Go 14 E1404GA is equipped with stereo speakers that are bottom-firing. The sound quality is adequate for casual listening, such as watching YouTube videos or participating in online meetings. However, don't expect a rich, immersive audio experience. The speakers lack bass and can sound tinny at higher volumes. The maximum volume is also somewhat limited, so you might struggle to hear the audio clearly in noisy environments. The laptop also has a built-in microphone, which is decent for video conferencing and online calls. The microphone captures audio clearly, although it can pick up some background noise. If you're planning to use the laptop for professional audio recording or podcasting, you'll likely want to invest in an external microphone. One notable feature is the ASUS SonicMaster audio technology, which aims to enhance the sound quality. However, in practice, the difference is subtle, and the overall audio experience remains fairly average. If you're an audiophile or someone who values high-quality audio, you'll likely be disappointed with the speakers on the Vivobook Go 14 E1404GA. However, for everyday use, they're adequate. You can certainly enjoy watching movies and listening to music, as long as you're not expecting a premium audio experience. If you want to improve the audio quality, you can always connect a pair of headphones or external speakers. The laptop has a standard 3.5mm audio jack, which allows you to easily connect your preferred audio devices. Overall, the audio and speakers on the Vivobook Go 14 E1404GA are functional but not exceptional. They're suitable for basic audio tasks, but they're not designed for audiophiles or users who demand high-quality sound. If you're looking for a laptop with great audio, you might want to consider other options.

Ports and Connectivity

Ports and connectivity are essential for any modern laptop, and the ASUS Vivobook Go 14 E1404GA offers a decent selection of ports to meet your needs. On the left side, you'll typically find a USB 2.0 port and a headphone/microphone combo jack. On the right side, there's usually a USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A port, a USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C port, an HDMI port, and a microSD card reader. The inclusion of a USB Type-C port is a welcome addition, as it allows you to connect to newer devices and peripherals. The HDMI port enables you to connect the laptop to an external display, such as a monitor or TV. The microSD card reader is useful for transferring files from cameras and other devices. However, the lack of a full-size SD card reader may be a drawback for some users, especially photographers and videographers. The inclusion of only one USB 2.0 port is also a bit disappointing, as it's slower than the USB 3.2 ports. In terms of wireless connectivity, the Vivobook Go 14 E1404GA typically supports Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and Bluetooth 4.2. Wi-Fi 5 provides fast and reliable wireless internet access, while Bluetooth 4.2 allows you to connect to wireless peripherals such as mice, keyboards, and headphones. Some models may also support Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.0, which offer even faster speeds and improved connectivity. Overall, the ports and connectivity options on the Vivobook Go 14 E1404GA are adequate for most users. You have a good selection of ports for connecting to various devices and peripherals, and the wireless connectivity is fast and reliable. However, the lack of a full-size SD card reader and the inclusion of only one USB 2.0 port may be drawbacks for some users. If you need more ports or faster connectivity, you might want to consider using a USB hub or a docking station. But, for everyday use, the ports and connectivity options on the Vivobook Go 14 E1404GA should be sufficient.

Webcam

The webcam on the ASUS Vivobook Go 14 E1404GA is a standard 720p HD webcam. It's adequate for basic video conferencing and online meetings, but it's not designed for high-quality streaming or content creation. The image quality is decent in well-lit environments, but it can become grainy and noisy in low-light conditions. The colors are also somewhat washed out, and the dynamic range is limited. The webcam is located above the display and has a narrow field of view. It also lacks advanced features such as facial recognition or Windows Hello support. However, it does have a built-in microphone, which captures audio clearly. Overall, the webcam on the Vivobook Go 14 E1404GA is functional but not exceptional. It's suitable for basic video calls, but it's not designed for professional use. If you need a high-quality webcam for streaming or content creation, you'll likely want to invest in an external webcam. However, for most users, the built-in webcam should be sufficient for everyday use. It's a standard webcam that gets the job done, but it's not a standout feature of the laptop.

Value and Conclusion

In conclusion, the ASUS Vivobook Go 14 E1404GA is a solid budget-friendly laptop that offers a good balance of features and performance for the price. It's a great option for students, professionals, and casual users who need a portable and affordable device for everyday tasks. The laptop has a lightweight and compact design, making it easy to carry around. The display is adequate for browsing, writing, and watching videos, although it's not the most color-accurate or bright. The performance is sufficient for basic productivity tasks, but it's not designed for demanding applications or gaming. The keyboard and touchpad are functional, and the battery life is respectable. The ports and connectivity options are adequate, and the webcam is suitable for basic video calls. However, there are some drawbacks to consider. The build quality is primarily plastic, the keyboard lacks backlighting, and the speakers are not the best. The lack of a full-size SD card reader and the inclusion of only one USB 2.0 port may also be drawbacks for some users. Overall, the ASUS Vivobook Go 14 E1404GA is a good value for the price. It's a reliable and portable laptop that's suitable for everyday use. If you're on a tight budget and need a laptop for basic tasks, the Vivobook Go 14 E1404GA is definitely worth considering. However, if you need a more powerful and feature-rich laptop, you might want to explore other options.