ASUS E210MA 11.6-inch Notebook: Celeron N4020, 4GB and Windows 10 S mode

The ASUS E210MA-DB02 is a small, light 11.6-inch notebook for basic computing: web browsing, email, documents, video and schoolwork. It uses an Intel Celeron N4020 processor, 4GB of memory and 64GB of flash storage, and it comes with Windows 10 in S mode. This page explains what those specs mean and who they suit.

The processor and memory

The Intel Celeron N4020 is a low-power dual-core chip running at 1.1 GHz, with a boost of up to 2.8 GHz. Chips in this class are designed for thin, quiet and energy-efficient laptops. They handle browsing, streaming and office tasks, but they typically slow down with many browser tabs, large spreadsheets, photo editing or modern games.

Memory is 4GB of LPDDR4. That is enough for light use. Because memory is usually soldered in thin laptops, it's worth assuming it can't be upgraded later.

Storage

The notebook has 64GB of eMMC flash storage. eMMC is soldered to the board and is slower than a typical SSD, and 64GB is limited once Windows and updates are installed. Most people with a machine like this keep files in cloud storage or on an external drive or memory card.

Windows 10 in S mode and Office

The notebook ships with Windows 10 in S mode, a locked-down version that only installs apps from Microsoft's own app catalogue. ASUS says it works with a wide range of software and peripherals. S mode is designed to be simpler and more secure, and, according to Microsoft, you can typically switch out of it for free if you need to install other programs, though this is a one-way change. The package also includes one year of Office 365 Personal. ASUS notes that devices may be eligible for a Windows 11 upgrade, and points readers to its Windows 11 page for details.

Display and design

The screen is 11.6 inches with HD (1366 x 768) resolution. That resolution is common on compact, simple laptops and is less sharp than Full HD, but it is usable for text and video on a screen this size. The body is 0.7 inch thin and weighs 2.31 lb with the battery, which makes it easy to carry in a school bag. ASUS describes the battery life as long-lasting, but real hours depend on brightness and workload.

Who it suits

It suits students, children doing schoolwork, travellers who want a spare light laptop, and anyone who mostly lives in a web browser. It is less suited to people who want to run demanding software, edit video, or keep a big local library of files.

What to check before you buy

• Software: check that the programs you need run in Windows S mode, or whether you're willing to switch out of it.
• Storage: decide whether 64GB plus cloud or external storage is enough.
• Ports: confirm the available ports and whether you need adapters for your devices.
• Model number: the listing's model field differs slightly from the title (E210MA versus L210MA), so check the exact name on the box.
• Office subscription: check how the one-year subscription is activated and what happens after it.

The short version

• A slim 11.6-inch notebook at 0.7 inch thick and 2.31 lb.
• Intel Celeron N4020, 4GB LPDDR4 and 64GB eMMC storage.
• HD (1366 x 768) display.
• Windows 10 in S mode with one year of Office 365 Personal.
• Best suited to light everyday tasks and web-based work.

Bloiq is reader-supported. Some links may earn us a commission; it never affects what we write. How we make money.