Asus Chromebook CM14: Lightweight Yet Powerful Performance for Productivity and Gaming
Asus Chromebook CM14: A Budget-Friendly Option with Some Compromises
The Asus Chromebook CM14 is a budget-friendly option that aims to deliver the basics without breaking the bank. With its sleek design and lightweight build, it’s a great choice for those on a tight budget. However, it’s essential to understand that you’re getting what you pay for, and some compromises are necessary to achieve this price point.
Design and Build
The Asus Chromebook CM14 boasts a thin and light design that’s impressive for a 14-inch Chromebook. The steely black colorway is fairly austere but looks smart. Build quality is good, although the lid is a little flimsy – still, it does recline all the way back to 180 degrees, making it flexible. The partially recycled materials feel solid, and the keyboard is laid out nicely, with plenty of space between keys.
Display and Performance
Unfortunately, the display is where the Asus Chromebook CM14 falls short. It lacks the clarity and sharpness of some of the best Chromebook devices around, and it’s too reflective when viewed at an angle, washing out or blacking out entirely. Performance-wise, it can handle light productivity, general browsing, 2K video playback, and some light gaming, but it can struggle with multitasking, resulting in stutters, slow downs, and crashes.
Keyboard and Touchpad
The typing experience is pleasant, thanks to the tactile feel of the keys and their low profile. However, the touchpad is another story. There’s too much friction, and the surface is nowhere near as smooth as that on, say, the best MacBook models. Regardless of the sensitivity settings, the touchpad either travels too much or too slowly, making it feel sluggish and imprecise.
Battery Life and Ports
One of the saving graces of the Asus Chromebook CM14 is its battery life. It lasted over nine hours during our testing, which is impressive. The device also has a good selection of ports, including two USB-C ports, a SuperSpeed (SS) USB-A port, a microSD slot, and a 3.5mm headphone port.
Price and Availability
The Asus Chromebook CM14 is an affordable option, priced at around $299. If you’re in the market for a new Chromebook, here are some alternatives to consider:
| Model | Price | CPU | Graphics | RAM | Screen | Storage | Ports | Weight | Dimensions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 3 | $299 | MediaTek Kompanio 520 | ARM Mali-G52 MC2 | 4GB LPDDR4X | 14.0-inch FHD | 64GB eMMC | 1x Type-A USB, 2x Type-C, 1x Micro SD, 1x headset jack | 3.20lbs | 12.78 x 8.93 x 0.72 inches |
| Acer Chromebook Plus 515 | $349 | Intel Pentium N6000 | Intel shared graphics | 4GB DDR4 | 11-inch IPS touchscreen | 64GB eMMC | 2x USB-C with charging, 2x USB-A 3.1 Gen1, Micro SD | 2.64lbs | 0.7 x 11.41 x 8.18 inches |
How I Tested the Asus Chromebook CM14
I tested the Asus Chromebook CM14 for about a week, using it for various tasks such as working, browsing, watching video content, and playing games. I also connected various peripherals to it via Bluetooth and USB, including a mouse and a gamepad. I played games like Clash of Clans and Asphalt Legends Unite, used Google Docs and Google Sheets, and made use of third-party apps like Steam and VLC. I also used other popular apps like YouTube for watching video content in full-HD and ultra-HD, and streamed video content via Twitch.
