ASUS Chromebook X1400
ASUS Chromebook X1400
ASUS Chromebook X1400: By now, there is not much I can say about Chromebooks that hasn’t been said already – they’re sleek, light, and perfect for school kids. ASUS’ latest Chromebook series, the CX1400 and CX1500 are no different. They are bare-bones, stripped-down notebooks that get the job done for schoolwork, or even for casual users.
There’s a twist this time, however. ASUS has introduced a “flip” variant — essentially a — 2-in-1 — that not only makes this functional, but fun.
ASUS sent me the CX1400 — the 14-inch screen variant — for review, and I’ve never quite experienced a laptop like this before. I’m so used to testing powerful machines, gaming laptops mostly, that I tend to forget there is a whole segment of the market that caters to the casual user. And Chromebooks are but a subset of that segment.
First things first, let’s get the specs out of the way — the CX1400 is powered by a fast yet power-efficient Intel i3 processor paired with up to 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. Thanks to the lean Chrome OS and the processor, the notebook offers hours of battery life, which is perfect for students.
The best part? It can rotate 360 degrees and turn into a tablet. This is not as cumbersome as it might sound as it is an incredibly light machine, so using it in tablet mode is not as taxing on your wrists as one might think.
The screen is nice and bright, and anyone familiar with Android OS — which is most people — will feel right at home.
The ASUS Chromebook CX1400 and CX1500 start from Rs 21,990 and are available on Flipkart.
Design and build
The ASUS Chromebook CX1400 Flip boasts a sleek, modern design with its thin profile and minimalist aesthetic. Its aluminium chassis looks stylish and provides durability, which is essential for a device meant to be carried around. The 360-degree hinge allows for seamless transitions between laptop, tent, and tablet modes, which I found incredibly useful for different tasks and environments.
The 14-inch Full HD touchscreen display is sharp and vivid, offering crisp visuals and vibrant colours. The touchscreen is responsive and works well with Android apps from the Google Play Store, making it feel more like a tablet at times. The narrow bezels contribute to an immersive viewing experience, and the anti-glare coating helps reduce reflections in bright environments.
Performance
Powered by an Intel Core i3 processor, the ASUS Chromebook CX1400 Flip offers snappy performance for everyday tasks. Multitasking, web browsing, and media consumption feel smooth and efficient. The device handles productivity applications with ease, and even light gaming or streaming is enjoyable. However, it can only handle light tasks and is aimed at casual users.
Battery Life
One of the standout features of this Chromebook is its impressive battery life. ASUS claims up to 10 hours on a single charge, and in my experience, it lived up to that promise. It’s an ideal companion for a day of work or study, providing the freedom to leave the charger at home and focus on tasks without worrying about battery life.
Keyboard and Trackpad
The keyboard on the ASUS Chromebook CX1400 Flip is comfortable to type on, with decent key travel and a quiet typing experience. The trackpad is responsive and provides precise cursor control. The inclusion of a backlit keyboard is a bonus, making it easier to work in low-light conditions.
Audio
The Harman Kardon-certified speakers deliver surprisingly good audio quality for a Chromebook. The sound is clear and remarkably full-bodied, which enhances the multimedia experience.
Connectivity
The ASUS Chromebook CX1400 Flip offers a variety of ports, including USB-C, USB-A, and a microSD card slot for expandable storage, ensuring compatibility with a range of peripherals. The inclusion of USB-C means you can easily connect to external displays or charge the device with a compatible power bank.
In Conclusion
The ASUS Chromebook CX1400 Flip is a versatile and reliable 2-in-1 Chromebook that delivers a solid balance of performance, portability, and battery life. Its stylish design, responsive touchscreen, and impressive audio quality make it a compelling choice for productivity, entertainment, and everyday tasks on the go. If you’re in the market for a dependable, affordable Chromebook with the added bonus of a 2-in-1 design, the ASUS Chromebook CX1400 Flip is definitely worth considering.
