Skip to main content

The new thin-bezeled Chromebooks from Asus won’t empty your wallet

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Computer hardware company Asus has launched three new Chromebooks, featuring narrow bezels, Intel quad-core CPUs and premium design. The three models come in 11.6-inch, 14-inch, and 15.6-inch sizes but remain affordable and stylish.

Priced at $229, the cheaper 11.6-inch Asus Chromebook C223 is for people who want a compact and lightweight device. The footprint is smaller than a sheet of A4 paper and the weight comes in at just 2.2 pounds. It also offers the Intel N3350 processor, 4GB of RAM, and 32GB of storage. Connectivity onboard includes 2 USB 3.1 TypeA ports, 1 USB C port, a microSD card slot, and an audio jack.

Recommended Videos

The other two models — the Chromebook C423 and Chromebook C523 — are priced at $269 and feature an aluminum-finished lid for a premium look and feel. Both pack larger 14-inch and 15.6-inch displays, but with 1,366×768 HD resolution, and an 80 percent screen-to-body ratio. Touchscreen options are available and the connectivity includes two USB-A ports, two USB-C ports, a microSD slot, and an audio jack. The same Intel N3350 processor as the 11.6-inch model is powering these models.

Both the Chromebook C423 and Chromebook C523 come with a 180-degree lay-flat hinge for easy sharing of your screen with friends or colleagues. Asus puts each hinge through a 20,000-cycle open-and-close test to ensure long-term reliability.

Similar to competing Chromebooks, all three models should get to 10 hours of battery life on a single charge, ensuring that consumers can get work done on the move. The choice of an Intel quad-core processor should also make for speedy performance in popular Google and Android apps.

Other notable features on all three models include full-size, ergonomic keyboards with 1.4mm key travel. The Google Play store is also supported on all three models, allowing consumers to enjoy all their favorite Android apps.

Asus is not the first computer maker to go with a 15-inch Chromebook, but the slim bezels are a welcome change. Acer previously introduced a 15-inch Chromebook and we approved of its great battery life, zippy performance and awesome speaker placement. Lenovo also unveiled a 15-inch all aluminum Chromebook at IFA 2018, with an optional 4K display. Considering Google did not reveal a new Pixelbook at its last media event, these devices all hold up to look impressive.

Arif Bacchus
Arif Bacchus is a native New Yorker and a fan of all things technology. Arif works as a freelance writer at Digital Trends…
These new Asus Chromebooks start at just $230 — but don’t look half bad
asus cover image

Designed to enhance productivity on the go, the Chromebook CX1 series is the latest line of laptops from Asus. Promising a lightweight and ultraportable design with military-grade durability, these Chromebooks are meant serve as your travel companion.

Featuring the CX1100, CX1400 and CX1500 models, the CX1 series promises immersive visuals packed inside a stylish body. They are powered by quad-core Intel Celeron processors and sport 4GB of RAM and up to 64GB of eMMC storage. The processor being budget-friendly is a major factor in keeping the price of the device affordable -- just don't expect them to speed along quite as fast as an Intel Core chip.

Read more
Asus is reportedly making the world’s first 17-inch Chromebook
asus chromebook flip

When it comes to the best Chromebooks, size does matter. Though laptops powered by Google's Chrome operating system have largely dominated the smaller screen sizes, at least at the more affordable price points, Asus may buck the trend with a 17.3-inch Chromebook. At this size, the rumored Asus-made Chromebook would be the world's first Chrome OS laptop with a screen size north of 15.6 inches.

The Asus Chromebook is rumored to be called the CX1700, according to Chrome Unboxed's unnamed source. The laptop is believed to sport a 17.3-inch FHD display and would be powered by Intel's Jasper Lake Celeron N5100 processor or the Intel Pentium Silver N6000 silicon. Other specifications include 4GB or 8GB of memory alongside 64GB of storage.

Read more
Here’s why your old CPU cooler won’t work with next-gen Intel processors
CPU cooler going on top of CPU.

Leaked plans for Intel's upcoming LGA1700 socket show a radical departure from the design the company has used for the past several generations. The new V0 socket design isn't compatible with currently available CPU coolers, even with a bracket.

The V0 socket will replace the H5 socket Intel is currently using for Rocket Lake processors. Although the pin layout usually changes between generations -- LGA1151 to LGA1200, and so on -- Intel has stuck with a familiar design for the socket itself. That has allowed CPU cooler manufacturers to offer the same mounting solution for Intel processors for over a decade.

Read more