Asus Chromebook Flip CX3
New premium Chromebook from Asus
Asus once again expands its Chromebook portfolio in the upper mid-range: The Flip CX3 convertible offers eleventh-generation Core i7 power.
At first glance, the new Chromebook Flip CX3 (CX3400) could be mistaken for its slightly larger sibling, the Flip CX5 — if it weren’t for its bluish-silver surface. While Asus primarily targets the professional market with the latter model, it wants to appeal to ambitious private users with its newcomer — but the boundaries are of course fluid. And both machines are stylish and powerful, no doubt.
Core-i processors of the eleventh generation
The eleventh generation of Intel’s Core-i SoCs serves as the processor family. The Flip CX3 is optionally available with a dual-core Core i3 or the quad-core Core i5 or Core i7 processors. The economical chip is cooled passively so that the notebook operates silently.
The memory starts at 4 gigabytes of RAM in the basic configuration and can be up to 16 GB in the top model. The integrated PCI-E-3-SSD can hold up to 512 GB.
Full HD — but only at 250 nits
Asus installs a Full HD display (1920 x 1080 pixels) in the CX3. The display brightness is 250 candela per square meter (nits) — which initially seems a bit low in view of competing Chromebook models in a similar price range with 400-nits screens. The 14-inch touchscreen has a 16:9 format. Asus specifies a viewing angle of just under 180 degrees.
Pen input seems to become more and more attractive for Chromebook users: The CX3 also comes with a stylus according to USI guidelines. It can be parked in the chassis and thus is always available and charged.
Two cameras on board
Also striking: Similar to Lenovo’s Thinkpad C13 Yoga Chromebook, the Asus Flip CX3 houses two cameras: The standard 720p webcam including privacy shutter in the upper monitor frame is joined by a 5 MP camera underneath the keyboard — this is particularly practical for video calls and conferences in tablet mode, i.e. when the Flip CX3 is set up like a tent.
The chrome-colored keyboard, which is ergonomically raised by the hinge, is backlit — we will have to see how good the contrast of the lettering is in the upcoming review. Asus had to put up with criticism here in the past.
The Chromebook Flip CX3 has two USB-C and two USB-A ports. There is also a micro-SD slot and a combined headphone and microphone jack. Unlike the CX5 and CX9, however, the CX3 does without Thunderbolt interfaces. The device offers support for Wi-Fi standard 6.
In Europe, the Asus Chromebook Flip CX3 (CX3400FEA) starts at just under 600 Euros (~$700) — I will provide US prices soon. As there is no VAT in the US, unlike in Europe, prices could be similar or, based on experience, even slightly lower.
Images courtesy of Asus
