Fujitsu LifeBook A514 Notebook Review

Fujitsu LifeBook A514 Notebook Review

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Fujitsu’s LifeBook A514 is a model revision on a very high level. The successor of the A512, which we reviewed two-and-a-half years ago, got a current Core i3 from the Haswell generation as well as a new chassis including new display and three USB 3.0 ports. Our review configuration also uses a 128 GB SSD from Samsung instead of a conventional hard drive.

The other features are pretty much what you would expect from a current and inexpensive 15.6-inch office notebook. This segment is filled with rivals from almost every well-known manufacturer – like HP with the 350 G1, Acer with the Extensa 2510-34Z4 or Asus with the X555LD-XX283H, so there are more than enough comparison devices.

It is easy to identify the A514 as an office notebook with its completely matte black and slightly roughened plastic surfaces. Slightly angled edges result in a pretty angular design, which is a visual contrast to the more rounded mainstream design.

Despite the changed appearance, the chassis quality of the A514 is actually similar to the predecessor A512, which includes the same pros and cons. The build quality is very good in general and the base unit convinces with a high torsion resistance. It is the opposite for the display: You don’t need a lot of force to twist the cover and even slight pressure on the back will create picture distortions. The hinges can keep the display in position, but they are still very smooth and it is no problem to open the lid with one hand, even though the base unit only weighs around 2 kilograms.

The A514 manages 350 minutes in our Wi-Fi test with its very compact 48-Wh battery. This test uses a script that changes the website every 40 seconds, while the energy-profile "Balanced" is active and the display brightness is adjusted to around 150 cd/m². Based on the assumption that no one just clicks through websites, the determined runtime should be sufficient for a whole business day. Other low-cost office laptops like the HP 350 G1 are not as enduring, despite the weaker CPU. The result of the LifeBook is therefore very good compared to the rivals.

Working with the LifeBook A514 is a smooth experience: No question, the combination of a current Haswell i3 and Samsung SSD can actually convince, and the power consumption as well as the noise development are great. But there are also some details where the Fujitsu is not that convincing, which affect the overall impression a bit.

The (decently built) case with the ports that meet the current standard is neither good nor bad. The input devices are generally decent as well, but won’t be sufficient for frequent writers. Left-handers will also have a problem with the position of the touchpad on the left side of the palm rest.

All in all, the Fujitsu LifeBook A514 is a solid office notebook, but it still wants to retail slightly above value, despite its strengths. The fast hardware cannot completely compensate for the drawbacks in the individual ratings.