Budget Laptop Review – $219 Walmart VivoBook Delivers Surprising Performance
Budget Laptop Review – $219 Walmart VivoBook Delivers Surprising Performance
Introduction
Finding a usable laptop for under $250 is increasingly difficult, especially when most ultra‑cheap models are limited to four‑core processors and 4 GB of RAM. During a recent Cyber Monday trip to Walmart, I picked up a $219 Asus VivoBook equipped with an Intel Core i3‑N305 processor, 8 GB of DDR4 RAM, and a 15.6‑inch Full HD display. While it is far from a high‑end gaming machine, the device offers a compelling mix of performance and features for budget‑conscious users who need a reliable daily driver for web browsing, office work, light gaming, and emulation.
Design and Build Quality
The VivoBook sports a sleek, all‑plastic chassis finished in a muted gray with subtle orange rubber feet that add a touch of visual flair. The build feels solid for its price point, and the keyboard follows the familiar chiclet layout found on most Asus laptops. Although the keys are not backlit, the typing experience is comfortable and responsive.
The trackpad is adequately sized for everyday navigation, though it lacks the precision of premium models. Overall, the design punches above its weight, offering a modern aesthetic without the premium price tag.
Ports and Connectivity
The laptop provides a well‑balanced selection of I/O options:
- Left side: 1 × USB 2.0
- Right side: 1 × USB‑C (USB 3.2 Gen 1, video output), 1 × USB‑A (USB 3.2), 1 × HDMI, 1 × 3.5 mm audio jack, power input
These ports cover most everyday needs, including external displays via HDMI or USB‑C.
Specifications
| Component | Detail |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i3‑N305, 8 cores / 8 threads, up to 3.8 GHz |
| Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics (32 compute units, up to 1.25 GHz) |
| Memory | 8 GB DDR4‑3200 (soldered, non‑upgradeable) |
| Storage | 256 GB SSD |
| Display | 15.6‑inch IPS, 1920×1080 (Full HD) |
| Battery | 42 Wh, fast‑charge capable |
| OS | Windows 11 Home (upgradable to Pro) |
| Weight | Approx. 1.7 kg |
The RAM is soldered, meaning upgrades are not possible—a common limitation in laptops at this price tier.
Performance
Everyday Use
The eight‑core i3‑N305 provides a noticeable boost over the more common quad‑core N4500 found in many $130‑$150 laptops. Routine tasks—web browsing, email, document editing, and 4K video playback—run smoothly. In my tests, the system handled a 4K 60 fps YouTube video without frame drops after the initial load, demonstrating that the integrated GPU can comfortably manage high‑resolution media.
Benchmarks
- Geekbench 6: Single‑core ≈ 1,289, Multi‑core ≈ 4,427
- 3DMark Wildlife Extreme: Score ≈ 1,430
These numbers place the VivoBook solidly in the low‑mid performance bracket—adequate for productivity but not competitive with mid‑range laptops.
Gaming and Emulation
The integrated UHD graphics are sufficient for indie titles and older games:
- After Burner and Silkong run at native 1080p, 60 fps on the laptop’s 60 Hz panel.
- Left 4 Dead 2 plays at 1080p low‑medium settings with stable frame rates.
- Skyrim is playable at 720p with reduced settings.
Emulation is a strong suit:
- GameCube (Dolphin) runs most titles at 1080p with a 3× resolution scale, delivering playable frame rates.
- PlayStation 2 (PCSX2) runs games like God of War 2 at 720p, achieving around 54 fps using DirectX 11; Vulkan may improve performance further.
Overall, the laptop handles classic PC titles and console emulators (GameCube, Wii, PS2, PSP, Dreamcast) comfortably, making it a versatile device for retro gaming enthusiasts.
Battery Life
The 42 Wh battery provides modest endurance:
- Video playback (offline): ~4 hours at 50 % brightness
- Web browsing: ~3 hours
- Mixed use (light gaming/emulation): ~2 hours
Fast charging restores roughly 60 % of capacity in under an hour, which, while not lightning‑fast, is acceptable for a budget laptop.
Verdict
At $219, the Asus VivoBook offers a surprisingly capable package for users who need a functional, portable computer without breaking the bank. Its strengths lie in:
- Eight‑core processor that outperforms many budget competitors
- Full HD IPS display suitable for media consumption
- Decent port selection including USB‑C video output
- Acceptable performance for productivity, 4K video, and retro gaming/emulation
The primary drawbacks are the non‑upgradeable RAM, modest battery capacity, and the lack of a backlit keyboard. However, these compromises are typical at this price point.
If you are looking for a cheap laptop that can comfortably handle everyday tasks, stream high‑resolution content, and dabble in classic gaming, the Walmart VivoBook is a solid choice. For users who require more power, a larger battery, or upgradeability, stepping up to the $500‑plus segment would be advisable.
All specifications and performance figures are based on testing conducted on a retail unit purchased from Walmart.