ASUS CX14 and CX15 Chromebooks: Designed to be Fixed, Built to Last
In a world of devices that appear designed to be replaced, ASUS is bucking the trend. They've just rolled out their latest Chromebooks, the CX14 and CX15. They are putting a welcome emphasis on making them easy to fix. This is generally not even on the radar. Is this the start of a new trend in laptops?
Built to Last, Designed to be Fixed
They are no ordinary budget Chromebooks. ASUS has clearly thought through the whole life cycle of these devices. Firstly, the bodies are constructed using 30% recycled plastic. This is a great step towards sustainability. They have not done that at the expense of being rugged. The cases are coated with a wear-resistant finish. They are studded with stone and even diamond dust. This sounds rather tough.
But this is the awesomest part. ASUS has made these Chromebooks ridiculously easy to open and repair. The bottom cover is only secured by four screws. The battery can be removed tool-free, thanks to a nifty locking mechanism. Imagine simple fixes, less e-waste, and a longer lifespan for your device. That's a win-win.
What Else Do They Offe
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In addition to repairability, the CX14 and CX15 Chromebooks feature some strong offerings:
Size Matters
The CX14 has a 14-inch display and tips the scales at a manageable 1.39 kg. For slightly more screen real estate, the CX15 provides a 15-inch screen and tips the scales at 1.59 kg.
Vibrant and Crisp Displays
Both models have Full HD (1920x1080) resolution displays with brightness of up to 300 nits. Touchscreen models are also available if you prefer the interactivity of touch input.
Main Ports
Connectivity is nicely covered with HDMI for external monitors. Flexible USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C ports are Power Delivery and DisplayPort 1.4 compatible. There's also a standard USB-A port for older accessories.
Performance Choices
ASUS provides a selection of Intel processors. Options range from the economical N150 and N250 to the powerful Core i3 N355. They can be paired with as much as 16GB of LPDDR5 fast RAM and up to 256GB storage.
Chromebook Plus Models
Some CX14 and CX15 models will arrive as "Chromebook Plus" models. This Google operating system includes additional features. These include more sophisticated AI software. It arrives with a minimum of 8GB RAM and 128GB storage, expandable from there.
Multiple Models for Multiple Uses
It's nice to note ASUS is offering up these Chromebooks in different configurations. More expensive models with the Intel Core i3 N355 processor will come with more features. These include more ports, backlit keyboards, and better webcams. Cheaper models with Intel Celeron N4500 processors will have fewer ports and simpler features. They still hold on to that repairability emphasis.
A Step in the Right Direction?
With the Chromebook CX14 and CX15, ASUS is making a statement. They're not just providing affordable laptops. They care about longevity and empowering consumers. In a world where too many devices are so difficult or impossible to repair for the average user, ASUS's care about repairability is a breath of fresh air. Here's hoping others take notice.
