The ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34 represents a significant leap forward in the Chromebook market, offering a compelling blend of performance, durability, and value. As part of Google's new Chromebook Plus series, this device brings high-end specifications and exclusive AI features to a price point that's accessible to many users. In this comprehensive review, we'll delve deep into the CX34's capabilities, examining its strengths and weaknesses to help you determine if it's the right choice for your computing needs.
Design and Build Quality: Durability Meets Aesthetics
ASUS has crafted the Chromebook Plus CX34 with a focus on both style and substance. Available in Rocky Grey and Premium White color variants, the laptop strikes a balance between professional aesthetics and modern design sensibilities. The build quality is particularly noteworthy, with the device meeting the US MIL-STD 810H military-grade standard certification. This certification ensures that the CX34 can withstand various environmental stresses, including temperature extremes, humidity, and vibrations, making it a reliable choice for users who need a durable device.
The laptop's construction feels solid, with a weight of approximately 1.4 kg. While this heft contributes to its sturdy feel, it may be a consideration for users who prioritize ultra-portability. The top of the device features a smooth plastic finish, which, while aesthetically pleasing, can be somewhat slippery and prone to fingerprints. This is a minor trade-off for the overall premium feel of the device.
One of the standout design features is the 180-degree hinge, which allows for flexible viewing angles. This versatility is particularly useful in collaborative settings or when using the device in unconventional positions. Additionally, the CX34 incorporates an ergonomic lift design that slightly elevates the keyboard when the lid is opened, potentially improving typing comfort and airflow.
Display: Functionality Over Frills
The ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34 is equipped with a 14-inch Full HD IPS display, offering a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. This resolution provides sharp visuals that are more than adequate for most productivity tasks and media consumption. The IPS (In-Plane Switching) technology ensures good viewing angles, maintaining color consistency even when viewed from off-center positions.
A matte coating on the display helps to reduce glare, which is a thoughtful addition for users who may work in environments with challenging lighting conditions. However, the maximum brightness of 250 nits is a potential limitation. While this brightness level is sufficient for indoor use, it may struggle in outdoor or brightly lit settings. Users who frequently work in such environments should take this into consideration.
Color reproduction is another area where the CX34's display shows some limitations. With a color gamut coverage of 45% NTSC, the display produces colors that may appear somewhat washed out, especially when compared to higher-end laptops or dedicated multimedia devices. For basic web browsing, document editing, and casual media consumption, the display quality is adequate. However, professionals who require color accuracy for tasks such as photo editing or graphic design may find the CX34's display lacking.
Performance: Punching Above Its Weight Class
Under the hood, the ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34 impresses with its performance capabilities. The device is available with a range of Intel processors, including Core i3, i5, and i7 options. This variety allows users to choose a configuration that best suits their performance needs and budget constraints. Complementing the processors are options for 8GB or 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking and responsiveness.
Storage options are equally impressive, with choices between 128GB and 512GB UFS SSDs. The use of UFS (Universal Flash Storage) technology contributes to faster data access and improved overall system responsiveness compared to traditional eMMC storage often found in budget Chromebooks.
In real-world testing, the CX34 demonstrates remarkable performance for its class. The device handles over 50 Chrome tabs without noticeable slowdown, a feat that would challenge many laptops in this price range. Google apps and supported Android applications run smoothly, leveraging the optimizations inherent in Chrome OS.
The CX34's capabilities extend beyond basic productivity tasks. It's capable of light gaming, particularly with Android games available through the Google Play Store. Moreover, its performance is sufficient to handle cloud gaming services, opening up possibilities for more demanding gaming experiences without the need for high-end local hardware.
Battery Life and Charging: All-Day Productivity
Battery life is a crucial factor for many users, and the ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34 delivers solid performance in this area. The device is equipped with a 50Wh 3-cell Li-Polymer battery, which ASUS claims can provide up to 10 hours of use. In practical usage, the CX34 achieves an average battery life of 8-9 hours with mixed usage, including web browsing, document editing, and media streaming. While this falls slightly short of ASUS's claim, it's still impressive and should comfortably last through a full workday for most users.
It's worth noting that some users have reported idle battery drain of about 10-15% overnight. While not a dealbreaker, this is something to be aware of, especially for those who may not charge their device daily.
The CX34 comes with a 45W USB-C charger, which can fully charge the device in 2-3 hours. The inclusion of USB-C charging ports on both sides of the laptop is a thoughtful design choice, offering flexibility in how and where you charge your device. This feature can be particularly useful when working in spaces with limited or awkwardly placed power outlets.
Keyboard and Touchpad: Comfort for Long Work Sessions
The input devices on the ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34 contribute significantly to its usability. The backlit keyboard features keys with 1.4mm of travel, striking a balance between tactile feedback and quiet operation. Some users may need a brief adjustment period due to the slightly smaller keycaps compared to full-sized keyboards, but most find the typing experience comfortable even during extended use.
The touchpad is generously sized and responsive, supporting multi-touch gestures that enhance navigation in Chrome OS. Its smooth surface allows for precise cursor control and easy execution of gestures like two-finger scrolling and three-finger swiping between tabs.
One of the advantages of Chrome OS is its flexibility in keyboard customization. Users can easily remap keys or create custom shortcuts, allowing for a personalized input experience tailored to individual workflows.
Audio: A Notable Weakness
If there's one area where the ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34 falls short of expectations, it's in the audio department. The device is equipped with dual bottom-firing speakers, a common configuration in laptops of this class. However, the implementation here leaves much to be desired.
The maximum volume output is notably low, struggling to fill even a quiet room with sound. This limitation can be particularly frustrating when watching videos or participating in video calls without headphones. The sound quality itself is flat and uninspiring, lacking the depth and clarity found in some competing models.
For users who prioritize audio quality, the inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack provides an easy solution. Connecting external speakers or headphones significantly improves the audio experience, making this a viable workaround for the CX34's built-in audio limitations.
Ports and Connectivity: Modern and Versatile
The ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34 offers a commendable selection of ports, catering to a wide range of connectivity needs. The device features:
- Two USB Type-C ports, supporting power delivery and display output
- Two USB Type-A (USB 3.2) ports for legacy devices
- One HDMI 1.4 port for external displays
- A 3.5mm audio jack for headphones or speakers
This port selection strikes a good balance between modern and traditional connectivity options. The inclusion of two USB-C ports is particularly welcome, allowing users to charge the device while simultaneously connecting to an external display or other USB-C peripherals.
In terms of wireless connectivity, the CX34 is equipped with Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.3. These modern standards ensure fast and stable wireless connections, whether you're streaming high-definition video or transferring large files.
The only notable omission in the port selection is an SD card reader. While not a dealbreaker for many users, this could be inconvenient for those who frequently work with digital cameras or other devices that use SD cards for storage.
Camera and Microphone: Ready for the Video Call Era
In an age where video conferencing has become increasingly important, the ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34 is well-equipped to meet these needs. The device features a 1080p Full HD camera, a significant step up from the 720p cameras often found in laptops at this price point. The camera incorporates noise reduction technology, helping to produce clearer images even in suboptimal lighting conditions.
A thoughtful addition is the inclusion of a physical privacy shutter for the camera. This simple yet effective feature allows users to mechanically block the camera when not in use, addressing privacy concerns that have become more prominent in recent years.
The microphone quality is equally impressive, providing clear voice pickup that ensures you'll be heard clearly during video calls or voice recordings. The CX34 also includes built-in features for document and QR code scanning, leveraging the camera for productivity tasks beyond video conferencing.
ChromeOS and Software: Simplicity Meets Functionality
The ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34 runs on Google's Chrome OS, an operating system known for its simplicity, speed, and security. Chrome OS excels in web-based tasks, booting up quickly and providing a responsive experience for online activities. The integration with Google's suite of productivity apps, including Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides, is seamless, making the CX34 an excellent choice for users deeply embedded in the Google ecosystem.
One of the significant advantages of modern Chromebooks, including the CX34, is their ability to run Android apps. This greatly expands the device's functionality, allowing users to access a vast library of applications originally designed for smartphones and tablets. While not all Android apps are optimized for larger screens, many popular productivity and entertainment apps work well on the CX34.
For more advanced users, Chrome OS also offers Linux application support. This opens up possibilities for development work and access to a broader range of software tools, although it requires some technical know-how to set up and use effectively.
As part of the Chromebook Plus series, the CX34 comes with some exclusive features and benefits. These include advanced AI capabilities, access to Google One Premium for one year, and Gemini Advanced (formerly known as Google Bard Advanced). These additions enhance the overall value proposition of the device, particularly for users interested in exploring AI-powered tools.
It's important to note that while Chrome OS has come a long way in terms of functionality, it still has limitations compared to traditional operating systems like Windows or macOS. Users who rely on specific software that's not available on Chrome OS should carefully consider whether the CX34 can meet their needs.
Pricing: Competitive Value in the Chromebook Market
The ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34 is positioned competitively in the Chromebook market, offering strong performance at accessible price points. The pricing structure is as follows:
- Intel Core i3 variant: $439
- Intel Core i5 variant: $599
- Intel Core i7 variant: $700
These prices represent excellent value, especially considering the build quality, performance, and additional features offered by the CX34. The Core i3 variant, in particular, stands out as a compelling option for users seeking a capable Chromebook without breaking the bank.
The higher-end configurations with Core i5 and i7 processors cater to users with more demanding performance needs or those looking for a bit of future-proofing. The relatively small price jump to the Core i5 model may be worthwhile for many users, offering a noticeable performance boost that could extend the useful life of the device.
Conclusion: A Strong Contender in the Chromebook Plus Lineup
The ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34 emerges as a compelling option in the ever-evolving Chromebook market. It successfully balances performance, build quality, and affordability, making it an attractive choice for a wide range of users.
Its strengths are numerous:
- Solid performance across various tasks, from basic productivity to light gaming
- Durable build quality that inspires confidence in long-term use
- Good battery life with convenient fast-charging capabilities
- A comprehensive port selection that caters to both modern and legacy needs
- Competitive pricing that offers excellent value for the features provided
However, potential buyers should also consider its limitations:
- The display, while functional, may not satisfy users who require high brightness or color accuracy
- Audio quality from the built-in speakers is underwhelming
- The software ecosystem, while continuously improving, may still be limiting for users who require specific Windows or macOS applications
In conclusion, the ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34 is an excellent choice for users whose computing needs align with the strengths of Chrome OS. It's particularly well-suited for students, professionals who primarily work with web-based tools, and anyone looking for a reliable, high-performance Chromebook without breaking the bank. While it may not be the right fit for power users or those with specialized software requirements, for its target audience, the CX34 represents a significant step forward in what a Chromebook can offer.
