ASUS Vivo Book Flip Core i5-10210U 4GB DDR4 512GB PCIe Windows 10 14″ FHD Touch Screen Star Grey Laptop

ASUS VivoBook Flip 14 (TM420) – Core i5-10210U, 4GB RAM, 512GB SSD

1. Key Specifications at a Glance

• Model Series: ASUS VivoBook Flip 14 (Typical model: TM420QA)

• Form Factor: 2-in-1 Convertible with 360° hinge

• Processor (CPU): Intel Core i5-10210U (10th Generation Comet Lake)

  • Cores/Threads: 4 Cores / 8 Threads

  • Base Clock: 1.6 GHz | Max Turbo Frequency: 4.2 GHz

  • Important Note: This is an older, low-power CPU from 2019-2020. It has been superseded by several generations (11th, 12th, 13th).

• Memory (RAM): 4GB DDR4

  • Critical Note: This is a very low amount of RAM for a modern Windows system. In many of these models, the RAM is soldered to the motherboard and not upgradeable. This is the primary and most severe bottleneck of this configuration.

• Storage: 512GB NVMe PCIe SSD

  • This is a standard and fast SSD for its time, ensuring quick boot and load times.

  • Upgradability: The M.2 slot is typically accessible, allowing you to replace the SSD with a larger one.

• Display: 14-inch, Full HD (1920 x 1080)

  • Type: Touchscreen IPS-level panel, essential for use in tablet mode.

  • Features: Supports stylus input (ASUS Pen active or passive, depending on model – often sold separately).

• Operating System: Windows 10 Home (Eligible for a free upgrade to Windows 11, though performance with 4GB RAM may be poor).

2. Design, Build & Portability

• Chassis Material: Primarily plastic with a metallic finish.

• Hinge: 360° ergonomic hinge that allows for laptop, tent, stand, and tablet modes.

• Weight: Approximately ~1.5 kg (~3.3 lbs)

• Dimensions: Slim and portable, designed for mobility.

3. Display, Input & Audio

• Keyboard: Backlit chiclet keyboard.

• Touchpad: A standard precision touchpad.

• Input Methods: Touchscreen display for use in tablet mode. Compatible with a stylus (check if included or sold separately).

• Audio: Typically features ASUS SonicMaster audio for enhanced sound.

4. Connectivity & Ports

A standard selection for an ultrabook of its era:

• USB-C: 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C (for data and charging; not Thunderbolt 3).

• USB-A: 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, 1 x USB 2.0 Type-A.

• Video Out: 1 x HDMI

• Audio: 1 x 3.5mm headphone/mic combo jack.

• Card Reader: 1 x MicroSD card reader.

5. Performance Analysis & Use Cases

This configuration is severely limited by its 4GB of RAM, making it a legacy device with very specific use cases.

• The RAM Bottleneck: 4GB of RAM is below the minimum recommended for a smooth Windows 10 or 11 experience. The operating system and essential background processes will consume most of this, leaving very little for applications. This will result in constant slowdowns, freezing, and heavy use of the SSD for “virtual memory” (swapping), which feels very slow.

• CPU Performance: The Core i5-10210U is a capable 4-core processor for basic tasks. However, its potential is completely hamstrung by the lack of RAM. It will struggle with any form of multitasking.

• Graphics: Integrated Intel UHD Graphics. Suitable only for video playback and the most basic visual tasks.

Strictly Limited Use Cases:

• Single-Task Web Browsing: With one or two lightweight browser tabs open.

• Microsoft Office: Writing documents in Word or creating simple PowerPoint presentations, with no other apps running.

• Media Consumption: Watching videos in tablet mode.

Not Suited For:

• Modern Multitasking: Running a browser, email client, and Office app simultaneously.

• Video Conferencing: May struggle with Zoom/Teams calls while having other apps open.

• Gaming (except for the most basic titles).

• Any form of content creation (photo editing, video editing).

6. Upgrade Potential

• RAM: Likely NOT upgradeable. In most VivoBook Flip models of this generation, the 4GB RAM is soldered to the motherboard. This is a critical and unfixable limitation.

• Storage: Upgradeable. The M.2 NVMe SSD can be replaced with a larger one (1TB or 2TB).

7. Key Features & Verdict

Key Features:

• 360° Convertible Design: The main selling point, offering flexibility in how you use it.

• Touchscreen Display: Essential for the 2-in-1 experience.

• Stylus Support: Useful for note-taking or drawing (confirm pen model).

• Lightweight and Portable.

Verdict:

The ASUS VivoBook Flip 14 with i5-10210U and 4GB RAM is a fundamentally constrained device in its current state.

• Its primary and fatal flaw is the non-upgradeable 4GB RAM, which makes it unsuitable for any modern computing task beyond the most basic, single-application use.

• While the convertible form factor, touchscreen, and SSD are positive features, they cannot overcome the performance bottleneck imposed by the insufficient memory.