Asus ASUSPRO BU201LA Subnotebook Review
For the original German review, see here.
With the ASUSPRO BU201LA, Asus offers a 12.5-inch business notebook. We have already reviewed another representative of this series with the BU201LA-DT036G, which achieved a "good" rating (85 percent). Now, we have a BU201LA model with better components under review. Our review will reveal whether it can achieve a better rating due to its Core i7 and solid-state disk.
For example, the Lenovo ThinkPad X250, the Dell Latitude E7250, the HP EliteBook 820 and the EliteBook 725 are competitors.
Since the two BU201LA model use the same design, we will not cover case, connectivity, input device, display and speakers (in detail) here. Information about these is available in our BU201LA-DT036G review.
Case & Connectivity
The BU201LA does not feature a maintenance hatch. You need to remove the lower part of the base unit in order to get to the hardware. Once you have removed all screws on the underside, you can remove the lower part with a putty knife or a thin spatula. This has to be done carefully. The lower part sits quite tight. Asus should improve this aspect in the coming generation of this computer - if there will be one.
Display
The BU201LA is equipped with the same display as its Core i5 sibling previously reviewed by us. However, the readings are slightly different, but this is usual. Two identical displays are never absolutely the same.
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Brightness Distribution: 85 %
Center on Battery: 414 cd/m²
Contrast: 845:1 (Black: 0.49 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 5.3 | 0.5-29.43 Ø4.87
ΔE Greyscale 3.72 | 0.5-98 Ø5.1
42% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
45.38% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
65.8% sRGB (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
43.88% Display P3 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
Gamma: 2.51
| Asus ASUSPRO BU201LA-DT030G IPS 1920x1080 | Asus ASUSPRO Advanced BU201LA-DT036G IPS 1920x1080 | Dell Latitude 12 E7250 IPS 1920x1080 | Lenovo ThinkPad X250-20CLS06D00 IPS 1920x1080 | HP EliteBook 820 G1 TN 1366x768 | HP EliteBook 725 G2 TN 1366x768 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Display | -1% | 1% | 1% | -10% | -8% | |
| Display P3 Coverage | 43.88 | 43.55 -1% | 44.48 1% | 44.14 1% | 39.89 -9% | 40.56 -8% |
| sRGB Coverage | 65.8 | 64.9 -1% | 66.2 1% | 65.8 0% | 59 -10% | 61 -7% |
| AdobeRGB 1998 Coverage | 45.38 | 45.05 -1% | 45.96 1% | 45.71 1% | 40.98 -10% | 41.92 -8% |
| Screen | -3% | -9% | 5% | -63% | -78% | |
| Brightness middle | 414 | 433 5% | 360 -13% | 397 -4% | 229 -45% | 188 -55% |
| Brightness | 375 | 396 6% | 330 -12% | 357 -5% | 211 -44% | 186 -50% |
| Brightness Distribution | 85 | 80 -6% | 81 -5% | 81 -5% | 86 1% | 91 7% |
| Black Level * | 0.49 | 0.47 4% | 0.53 -8% | 0.44 10% | 0.63 -29% | 0.86 -76% |
| Contrast | 845 | 921 9% | 679 -20% | 902 7% | 363 -57% | 219 -74% |
| Colorchecker dE 2000 * | 5.3 | 5.56 -5% | 5.58 -5% | 4.2 21% | 10.75 -103% | 12.31 -132% |
| Greyscale dE 2000 * | 3.72 | 4.92 -32% | 3.98 -7% | 3.1 17% | 11.72 -215% | 12.56 -238% |
| Gamma | 2.51 88% | 2.48 89% | 2.21 100% | 2.6 85% | 2.62 84% | 1.86 118% |
| CCT | 6552 99% | 6054 107% | 6192 105% | 6246 104% | 15283 43% | 12047 54% |
| Color Space (Percent of AdobeRGB 1998) | 42 | 41 -2% | 42.2 0% | 42 0% | 37 -12% | 38.6 -8% |
| Color Space (Percent of sRGB) | 65.5 | |||||
| Total Average (Program / Settings) | -2% /
-2% | -4% /
-6% | 3% /
4% | -37% /
-48% | -43% /
-59% |
* ... smaller is better
Performance
With ASUSPRO BU201LA, Asus offers a 12.5-inch business notebook with sufficient performance for everyday tasks. An LTE modem is incorporated. However, features like TPM and a docking port are missing. Our test model is priced at just under 1200 Euros (~$1289). In addition, the Core i5 model we reviewed is still available for about 800 Euros (~$859).
Processor
The BU201LA is driven by a Core i7-4650U (Haswell) dual-core CPU with a base clock of 1.7 GHz. Thanks to Turbo Boost, the clock rate can increase to 2.9 GHz (two cores) or 3.3 GHz (one core). The Turbo is only used in mains operation. During the CPU tests of the Cinebench benchmarks the CPU clocks at 2.9 to 3.3 GHz (single thread) or 2.4 GHz (multithread). Therefore, the processor cannot use its full potential in multithread applications. On battery, all tests are run with a clock rate of 800 MHz. The clock rate of one core abruptly increases to 2.9 GHz again and again.
| Geekbench 3 | |
| 32 Bit Single-Core Score (sort by value) | |
| Asus ASUSPRO BU201LA-DT030G | |
| Lenovo ThinkPad X250-20CLS06D00 | |
| 32 Bit Multi-Core Score (sort by value) | |
| Asus ASUSPRO BU201LA-DT030G | |
| Lenovo ThinkPad X250-20CLS06D00 | |
| Sunspider - 1.0 Total Score (sort by value) | |
| Asus ASUSPRO BU201LA-DT030G | |
| Dell Latitude 12 E7250 | |
| Lenovo ThinkPad X250-20CLS06D00 | |
| Mozilla Kraken 1.1 - Total (sort by value) | |
| Asus ASUSPRO BU201LA-DT030G | |
| Dell Latitude 12 E7250 | |
| Lenovo ThinkPad X250-20CLS06D00 | |
| Octane V2 - Total Score (sort by value) | |
| Asus ASUSPRO BU201LA-DT030G | |
| Dell Latitude 12 E7250 | |
| Lenovo ThinkPad X250-20CLS06D00 | |
| Peacekeeper - --- (sort by value) | |
| Asus ASUSPRO BU201LA-DT030G | |
| Lenovo ThinkPad X250-20CLS06D00 | |
* ... smaller is better
System Performance
The system runs smoothly and we did not face problems. The results of the PCMark benchmarks are good. However, the computer also remains behind its potential in these tests, since the processor cannot use the maximum Turbo clock in multithread applications.
| PCMark 8 Home Score Accelerated v2 | 2688 points | |
| PCMark 8 Creative Score Accelerated v2 | 2631 points | |
| PCMark 8 Work Score Accelerated v2 | 3797 points | |
Help | ||
Storage Devices
A solid-state disk with 2.5-inch format is used to store data. About 200 GB of its capacity of 256 GB are available to the user. The rest is occupied by the recovery partition and the Windows installation. Overall, the SSD delivers good transfer rates, but performs slightly worse than SSD top models.
Graphics Card
With the Core i7 processor, the BU201LA also features Intel's HD Graphics 5000 GPU, which supports DirectX 11 and works with clock rates up to 1100 MHz. The results are usual for this graphics core in the 3DMark benchmarks and would be lower if RAM did not work in dual-channel mode.
| 3DMark 11 Performance | 1033 points | |
| 3DMark Ice Storm Standard Score | 39769 points | |
| 3DMark Cloud Gate Standard Score | 4346 points | |
| 3DMark Fire Strike Score | 583 points | |
Help | ||
Gaming Performance
The small Asus computer was not made for computer games. It manages to run some games smoothly with low resolution and low to medium quality settings, but this is restricted to games that do not make high demands on hardware. Games like GTA 5 will never achieve playable frame rates regardless of the settings.
| low | med. | high | ultra | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tomb Raider (2013) | 55.3 | 25 | 14.9 | 7.9 |
| Wolfenstein: The New Order (2014) | 27.2 | 22.1 | 10.7 | |
| Risen 3: Titan Lords (2014) | 28.7 | 17.6 | 6.6 | 5.2 |
| Dragon Age: Inquisition (2014) | 17.4 | 12 | 4.5 | 2.1 |
| Evolve (2015) | 12.7 | 9.6 | 5.5 | 2.9 |
| Battlefield Hardline (2015) | 20.8 | 15.1 | 7 | 4.3 |
| GTA V (2015) | 19.2 | 16 | 4.4 | 2.6 |
Emissions & Energy Management
System Noise
The BU201LA does not get especially loud. While idling, the fan sometimes stands still and the computer works silently. Most of the time, the fan runs at low speed. Even under load, the system noise remains moderate. During the stress test, we measured a noise level of 35.9 dB(A), since CPU and GPU throttle heavily. If only the processor is stressed (Prime95), the noise level increases to 38.6 dB(A).
Noise Level
| Idle |
| 29.6 / 31 / 31 dB(A) |
| Load |
| 36.9 / 35.9 dB(A) |
 | ||
30 dB silent 40 dB(A) audible 50 dB(A) loud |
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min:  , med:  , max:  Voltcraft sl-320 (15 cm distance) | ||
| Asus ASUSPRO BU201LA-DT030G 5000/4650U | Asus ASUSPRO Advanced BU201LA-DT036G 4400/4210U | Dell Latitude 12 E7250 5500/5300U | Lenovo ThinkPad X250-20CLS06D00 5500/5600U | HP EliteBook 820 G1 4400/4600U | HP EliteBook 725 G2 R6 (Kaveri)/A10 Pro-7350B | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Noise | 3% | -2% | 5% | 1% | 2% | |
| Idle Minimum * | 29.6 | 30.1 -2% | 29.3 1% | 29 2% | 29.6 -0% | 29.2 1% |
| Idle Average * | 31 | 30.6 1% | 29.3 5% | 29 6% | 30.7 1% | 30.3 2% |
| Idle Maximum * | 31 | 31.7 -2% | 29.3 5% | 30.3 2% | 31.3 -1% | 31.8 -3% |
| Load Average * | 36.9 | 33 11% | 37.9 -3% | 33.4 9% | 35.7 3% | 34.3 7% |
| Load Maximum * | 35.9 | 33 8% | 42.8 -19% | 33.7 6% | 35.8 -0% | 35.6 1% |
* ... smaller is better
Temperature
The BU201LA behaves differently in the stress test (Prime95 and FurMark run for at least one hour) in mains operation and on battery. While the processor works at 800 MHz in both cases, the graphics unit clocks at 200 MHz (on battery) and 500 MHz (in mains operation), respectively. It is surprising, that the temperature exceeds 50 degrees Celsius (~122 Fahrenheit) in one spot despite very low clock rates.
(±) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 41.6 °C / 107 F, compared to the average of 35.9 °C / 97 F, ranging from 21.4 to 59 °C for the class Subnotebook.
(-) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 52.5 °C / 127 F, compared to the average of 39.3 °C / 103 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 27.2 °C / 81 F, compared to the device average of 30.8 °C / 87 F.
(+) The palmrests and touchpad are cooler than skin temperature with a maximum of 31 °C / 87.8 F and are therefore cool to the touch.
(-) The average temperature of the palmrest area of similar devices was 28.2 °C / 82.8 F (-2.8 °C / -5 F).
| Asus ASUSPRO BU201LA-DT030G 5000/4650U | Asus ASUSPRO Advanced BU201LA-DT036G 4400/4210U | Dell Latitude 12 E7250 5500/5300U | Lenovo ThinkPad X250-20CLS06D00 5500/5600U | HP EliteBook 820 G1 4400/4600U | HP EliteBook 725 G2 R6 (Kaveri)/A10 Pro-7350B | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heat | -1% | -8% | 4% | 9% | -2% | |
| Maximum Upper Side * | 41.6 | 41.8 -0% | 46.7 -12% | 43.6 -5% | 39.7 5% | 39.7 5% |
| Maximum Bottom * | 52.5 | 43.1 18% | 56 -7% | 42.3 19% | 41.9 20% | 41.7 21% |
| Idle Upper Side * | 28.8 | 32.6 -13% | 30.1 -5% | 29.1 -1% | 27.6 4% | 34.3 -19% |
| Idle Bottom * | 31.1 | 33.7 -8% | 33.2 -7% | 30 4% | 28.8 7% | 35.7 -15% |
* ... smaller is better
Power Consumption
Regardless of load, the power consumption of the Asus computer is normal for the used hardware. During the stress test we measured a maximum of 29.3 watts. However, it only remained at this level for a few seconds, since CPU and GPU throttle heavily straightaway.
| Off / Standby | 0 / 0.2 Watt |
| Idle | 4 / 8.7 / 9.8 Watt |
| Load |
28.3 / 29.3 Watt |
   
| |
Key:
min: ,
med: ,
max: Voltcraft VC 940 | |
| Asus ASUSPRO BU201LA-DT030G 5000/4650U | Asus ASUSPRO Advanced BU201LA-DT036G 4400/4210U | Dell Latitude 12 E7250 5500/5300U | Lenovo ThinkPad X250-20CLS06D00 5500/5600U | HP EliteBook 820 G1 4400/4600U | HP EliteBook 725 G2 R6 (Kaveri)/A10 Pro-7350B | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power Consumption | 3% | -9% | 4% | 14% | -14% | |
| Idle Minimum * | 4 | 3.7 7% | 4.1 -3% | 2.7 32% | 3.2 20% | 7 -75% |
| Idle Average * | 8.7 | 8.3 5% | 8.3 5% | 7 20% | 5.2 40% | 8.6 1% |
| Idle Maximum * | 9.8 | 9 8% | 9.4 4% | 8 18% | 7.5 23% | 9.9 -1% |
| Load Average * | 28.3 | 28.8 -2% | 31.6 -12% | 28.6 -1% | 34.3 -21% | 24.4 14% |
| Load Maximum * | 29.3 | 30.3 -3% | 40.4 -38% | 44.3 -51% | 26.8 9% | 32.5 -11% |
* ... smaller is better
Battery Life
Our realistic WLAN test automatically opens websites in 40-second intervals. The profile "balanced" is active and the display brightness is set to about 150 cd/m². The BU201LA achieves a battery life of 3:44 h. This is a poor result for a 12.5-inch business notebook. The computer is on par with its Core i5 sibling (3:38 h).
Pros
Cons
Verdict
The Asus ASUSPRO BU201LA belongs to the 12.5-inch business notebooks. It offers sufficient processing performance for everyday tasks and usually works quietly. In addition, it features a fast solid-state disk and very good input devices. Basically, we liked the bright IPS display with Full HD resolution, but its contrast is much too low. The integrated LTE modem makes mobile Internet use possible. All things considered, Asus offers a device that can easily keep up with the competitors from Dell, Fujitsu, HP, and Lenovo. However, the battery life is poor. A 12.5-inch business notebook is made for mobile use and should be able to run on battery for a very long time. The computer might not be competitive because of the poor battery runtimes. The battery’s low capacity (32 Wh) is the problem here. In addition, we did not like the difficult maintenance. Asus should have incorporated a maintenance hatch or ensured that it is easy to remove the lower part of the base unit.
Asus ASUSPRO BU201LA-DT030G
- 04/18/2015 v4 (old)
Sascha Mölck
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