Google’s Chromebook Plus initiative aims to promote a specific category of Chromebooks amid a crowded and diverse field, without necessarily redefining the Chromebook concept as it did in 2017. The initiative focuses on affordable options that offer excellent value to consumers. The Asus Chromebook Plus CX34, priced at $399, is one such device carrying the Plus branding. While it may not be the fanciest or most groundbreaking product, it represents a solid, budget-friendly choice in the Chromebook market.
Affordable Chromebooks have been available for some time, such as the Lenovo Duet, but Google’s initiative aims to help customers find capable Chromebook models without overpaying. While it remains to be seen whether this initiative will convert Windows users to ChromeOS, it does provide a clear recommendation for Chromebook buyers seeking a cost-effective option.
Affordable Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 – A Plus in the Chromebook Lineup
The Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 stands as the most budget-friendly option in the Chromebook Plus family. Its base model, equipped with a Core i3 processor, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage, is attractively priced at just $399. The wider Chromebook Plus range encompasses models from Acer, HP, Lenovo, and more, with price tags spanning from $400 to $800. It’s reasonable to expect that higher-end options will join the lineup in the future.
For those unfamiliar with the Chromebook Plus certification, it essentially designates Chromebook models that meet specific minimum requirements, including at least a 12th Gen Intel Core i3 or a Ryzen 7000 processor, 8GB of RAM, 128GB of storage, a 1080p display resolution, and a 1080p webcam. This badge is intended to guide consumers in identifying quality Chromebooks when shopping. The Asus Chromebook Plus CX34, with its Plus branding, offers an appealing package for the price.
The device’s plastic chassis, although not premium, exudes durability and features a comfortable, smooth texture. It is reminiscent of the larger Chromebook Flip CX5, often regarded as one of the best Chromebooks available. Additionally, the palm rests and lid sport an elegant marbled pattern that gives the Chromebook an understated yet unique appearance. It is also highly portable, weighing just over three pounds.
Asus Chromebook Plus CX34: A Performance Powerhouse with Notable Features
The Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 boasts a 14-inch 1920 x 1080 non-touch display that is impressively sharp and anti-glare. While Asus mentions a touchscreen variant, it may not be readily available yet. Nonetheless, the standard display offers exceptional clarity. The built-in 1080p webcam features a practical physical shutter that smoothly slides open and closed, eliminating the need for fumbling with tiny, hard-to-reach switches.
Connectivity is another strong suit, with two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type C ports, two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, an HDMI 1.4 port, and an audio combo jack. The sole touchpad-related quibble is its relatively stiff click, but this is a minor concern.
In terms of performance, the Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 is powered by an Intel Core i3 processor. The device effortlessly handles multitasking, accommodating 12 to 15 apps running concurrently, even with background downloads and updates. The Chromebook remains cool, with fans audibly kicking in only during Google Meet calls or while using resource-intensive applications like Magic Eraser.
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Benchmark scores are impressive, positioning the CX34 well ahead of premium competitors such as the Lenovo ThinkPad C13 Yoga Chromebook on Geekbench 5. For typical ChromeOS tasks, it’s unlikely that users in educational or professional settings will push this processor to its limits, even when operating on battery power.
Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 Battery and Plus Certification
In the battery department, the Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 holds its own. During testing, it achieved an average of slightly over seven hours of continuous use on a single charge. This usage included a combination of 12 to 15 Chrome tabs, Android apps, and Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) for office productivity tasks, all with the screen set at half brightness. Notably, this performance surpasses what’s typically seen with other 14-inch Asus devices like the Chromebook Flip C436.
It’s worth mentioning that the Chromebook Plus certification does not include a specific battery life requirement, a feature that Intel’s Evo program for Windows laptops possesses. However, introducing a battery life requirement might result in the exclusion of a significant number of Chromebooks, which could be contrary to Google’s intentions.
Comparing Chromebook Plus to Intel’s Evo standard, there are notable similarities, but Chromebook Plus distinguishes itself by offering qualifying products more than just a badge. These products receive exclusive features from Google, including Adobe free trials and other unique differentiators that enhance the user experience. While these features may not be central to every Chromebook Plus user’s experience, they represent a competitive advantage that Google can provide.
Magic Eraser Feature in Asus Chromebook Plus CX34
Magic Eraser is a feature on Google Pixel devices that performs precisely what its name suggests—it automatically removes objects or individuals from photos. While I must emphasize that I am by no means a photography professional, my experience with this tool left me both highly impressed and mildly concerned for the advancement of technology.
Upon opening Google Photos, selecting a photo, and activating the Magic Eraser function, the software identifies various people in the photo’s background by outlining them in gray. By clicking on one of these outlined individuals, the person instantly disappears from the photo. The entire process occurs rapidly, taking only a few milliseconds to complete. The speed and accuracy with which Magic Eraser operates is truly remarkable.
Exclusive Wallpapers and Offline File Sync in Asus Chromebook Plus CX34
Google Pixel devices come with several unique features that set them apart from other Chromebooks. For instance, they offer Plus-exclusive wallpapers that are dynamic and change based on the time of day in your local timezone. Although there are currently only two of these wallpapers available, this feature is an exciting addition, aligning with the growing demand for dynamic screensavers.
Another feature that stands out is Offline File Sync, which automatically downloads files from your Google Drive account in the background. While enabling this feature requires some navigation through the Advanced settings, it has proven to be highly practical. Once activated, you’ll notice a checkmark next to each file in your Google Drive, signifying that it’s available offline. This feature provides peace of mind and convenience when working with your files. While it’s currently a Plus-exclusive feature, there’s potential for it to expand to other Chromebooks in the future.
ChromeOS Delivers Simplified AI Video Calling Features
When it comes to AI-enhanced video calling features, the market has seen its fair share of offerings. However, Google’s implementation of these features stands out for its simplicity and user-friendliness.
During a video call, users will find a set of buttons that appear at the bottom of the screen. Some of these buttons include:
- Improve Lighting: Clicking this button results in improved lighting on your face.
- Cancel Background Noise: This option helps in reducing background noise during your calls.
- Background Blur: Users can adjust the background blur to two different levels.
One of the notable aspects of these features is that they operate at the platform level. This means they are compatible with a variety of video conferencing apps like Google Meet and Zoom. However, there may be occasional communication issues between the Plus controls and the local controls of your chosen video conferencing software. In such cases, the controls offered by the Plus might not interact as expected, requiring adjustments within the meeting app itself.
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Nonetheless, Google’s approach simplifies the process compared to many laptops that often involve navigating complex settings within various applications to achieve similar results. ChromeOS’s focus on user-friendliness and streamlining the user experience is evident in this implementation.
Simplicity and Accessibility for Chromebook Plus Lineup
In recent years, Chromebooks have evolved, but many challenges remain. Android app integration on ChromeOS has seen improvements, but some apps continue to have issues, while others have been pulled from the platform altogether. The Google Play Store’s Not Available For This Device label still affects a significant number of applications. While ChromeOS has made strides in supporting Windows apps that were previously inaccessible through methods like Linux and virtual app delivery, these solutions might not be widely viewed as accessible to the average consumer.
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However, Google’s approach with the Chromebook Plus lineup suggests a shift in strategy. The Plus label, along with the products it encompasses, offers a glimpse into Google’s mindset. The company appears to be focusing on delivering cost-effective options to price-conscious consumers. Rather than positioning ChromeOS as a direct competitor to high-powered Windows workstations, Google emphasizes its unique capabilities. AI and simplicity are central to Google’s approach, enabling them to cater to users who value a straightforward and intuitive experience.
The Chromebook Plus series, which includes models like the Asus Chromebook Plus CX34, is a testament to Google’s commitment to providing accessible and user-friendly computing options. By leaning into its strengths in AI and simplicity, Google seeks to offer a compelling alternative to traditional Windows and macOS devices.
Verdict
Google’s Chromebook Plus initiative targets affordability and value, exemplified by the Asus Chromebook Plus CX34. Priced at $399, it offers an attractive package with a Core i3 processor, 8GB RAM, and 128GB storage. The durable design, clear 14-inch display, robust connectivity, and smooth performance make it a budget-friendly Chromebook. It excels in battery life, exceeding seven hours, aligning with Google’s Chromebook Plus certification. Exclusive Google Pixel features and AI-enhanced video calling enhance its appeal. While it doesn’t redefine Chromebooks, it delivers an affordable, capable option, emphasizing simplicity and accessibility for cost-conscious consumers.
