As far as cheap laptops go, it’s hard to beat the Asus L510MA-DH21. It’s got good battery life and handy connectors, but it sacrifices display quality to keep the price down.
In terms of price, the Asus L510MA-DH21 is one of the market’s most economical Windows 10 laptops. The Asus L510MA, which we’re examining, is half the price of the typical sub-$500 laptop. Other than the HP 14-fq0050nr, one of the least expensive Windows 10 laptops on the market, there aren’t many other options that provide as much for the money.
For students and anyone searching for a daily laptop, the low price of the Asus L510MA-DH21 makes it a poor choice. You may use a stylish laptop to send emails, browse the web, read and edit papers, or post on social media with style.
The Asus L510MA-DS04, which we reviewed last year and praised for its long battery life and slim, lightweight design, has now received an upgrade from Asus, bringing an improved Pentium N5030 CPU 4GB of RAM, and 128GB of flash storage. If you’re on a tight budget, this ASUS laptop is a great option, but don’t anticipate the best performance.
Asus L510MA (L510MA-DH21) Key Features
| Laptop Class | Budget |
| Processor | Intel Celeron N5030 |
| Processor Speed | 1.1 GHz |
| RAM (as Tested) | 4 GB |
| Boot Drive Type | eMMC Flash Memory |
| Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) | 128 GB |
| Screen Size | 15.6 inches |
| Native Display Resolution | 1,920 by 1,080 |
| Graphics Processor | Intel UHD Graphics 600 |
| Wireless Networking | 802.11ac, Bluetooth |
| Dimensions (HWD) | 14.18 x 9.31 x 0.71 inches |
| Weight | 3.46 pounds |
| Operating System | Windows 11 S |
Pros
- They are strongly constructed for the price.
- Batteries last a long time
- Keyboard and number pad with backlighting
- Connectivity options include USB Type-C
Cons
- An adequate but not outstanding display
- sluggishness in non-basic functions
Affordability without sacrificing quality
Expectations for Pentium processors have never been high, but with today’s Pentiums matching the performance of i3 CPUs from years past, we have little choice but to be pleased. If you’re looking for a computer that can do basic office tasks plus multimedia editing and gaming, the Pentium N5030 may not be the best option.
The Intel UHD Graphics 600 chip, 4GB of RAM, and 128GB of eMMC storage are all in one fanless processor. This is sufficient for basic tasks like online browsing, office software, and the, most essential, gaming.
It runs Windows 11 Home (in S Mode). However, the HP 15-dy2024nr, with an 11th generation Intel Core i5 CPU, 8 GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD, is more powerful. Alternatively, the ASUS Chromebook Flip C433 has an Intel Core m3-8100Y, 8GB RAM, and 64GB eMMC storage, making it an excellent Chromebook option.
The Asus L510MA can run two or three programs simultaneously, as long as you don’t open hundreds of windows at once. If you’re looking for a Windows 10 laptop with more storage than the average Chromebook or rival Windows 10 laptop, the 128GB model is a good option.
A low-resolution screen and low-power fanless CPU all combine to save a significant amount of electricity. If you keep your use low, you’ll get 11 hours of battery life on our evaluation model. Wow, that’s impressive.
Asus L510MA-DH21
Main Features
- Processor Intel Celeron N5030
- Processor Speed 1.1 GHz
- RAM (as Tested) 4 GB
- Boot Drive Type eMMC Flash Memory
- Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 128 GB
- Screen Size 15.6 inches
- Native Display Resolution 1,920 by 1,080
- Graphics Processor Intel UHD Graphics 600
- Operating System Windows 11 S
Great design with more ports
An upgrade over Asus VivoBook’s VivoBook L203MA, which was made from thin plastic, is the Asus L510MA’s thicker lid, which looks and feels more durable than the VivoBook L203MA, which was made from thin plastic. It is still relatively portable at 3.59 pounds and 0.71 inches thick, even with the heavier covering. The fanless processor and eMMC storage are also included in the box to reduce weight.
Despite this, the 15.6-inch screen is bright enough for our taste. It has an FHD (1920 x 1080) resolution and a matte surface, making it ideal for outdoor use. This is a terrific option for word processing or browsing the web if you’re looking for a colorful option. It’s also great for taking photographs and movies.
The assortment of ports includes USB 2.0, USB 3.2, USB Type-C, HDMI, an audio jack combination, and a microSD card reader. Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and a camera on the upper bezel provide wireless communication. Using any one of these ports will allow you to dock all of your accessories.
Read: Review of the Acer Aspire 5 a515-46-r3ub
Conclusion on Asus L510MA-DH21 Laptop
Most comparably priced laptops can’t match the features and performance of the Asus L510MA for college students and home users. It has the best battery life in its class, is ultra-portable, has a classic design, and has excellent peripheral connections.
Our Editors’ Choice award for budget college laptops is held back by the low-resolution screen and a lacklustre keyboard. Acer’s Aspire 5 A515-56-50RS or Lenovo’s Flex 5 both cost a few dollars more but provide higher performance, complete Windows 10, and faster CPUs.
A inexpensive 15-inch laptop like the Asus L510MA-DH21 would suffice for the most of your college work if that’s all you need.