Just when you thought the CES 2021 did not deliver too much on the Chromebook front, ASUS shows up and blows down the doors with not one, not two, but three new Chromebooks for the coming year. Two of them rock the latest 11th generation Tiger Lake processors from Intel, and the other is the first from ASUS with an AMD Ryzen processor inside. All three are scheduled for release by Q2 2021, and all three are fantastic to watch, continuing ASUS’s trend of appealing, interesting Chromebooks for the year ahead. Let’s get into what was announced.
ASUS Chromebook CX9
First up is the ASUS Chromebook CX9, a top-of-the-line Chromebook that is the Chrome OS variant of the company’s recently announced ExpertBook B9 running Windows. This device is ASUS ‘most premium Chromebook to date and features all the bells and whistles you’d expect in the finest hardware. With ASUS ‘branded NanoEdge display, an ultra-light 2.2 kg chassis, premium materials and a jam-thin 16 mm profile, this device looks absolutely fantastic both open and closed.
ASUS Chromebook CX9 Specifications
- Up to 11th generation Core i7 processor
- Intel Iris Xe GPU
- 14-inch anti-reflective FHD NanoEdge display
- MIL-STD 810H rated
- Magnesium alloy chassis
- 16mm thin
- 2.2 pounds
- Thunderbolt 4
- USB Type A and C
- Full size HDMI port
- Fingerprint scanner
- Webcam privacy shield
- Wi-Fi 6
- Bluetooth 5
ASUS Chromebook Flip C536
This next device is the spiritual successor to the Flip C434 and C436. Although in some areas it will be known as the Flip CX5, ASUS goes by the model name Flip C536 in most regions. Again, this striking Chromebook looks fantastic and replaces ASUS ‘previous formula by going for a 15.6-inch design for the convertible Chromebook. This is ASUS ‘first raid on a convertible of this size, so it will be interesting to see it in person. While the CX9 appears to be marketed to advertisers and professionals, it is aimed at a younger audience with “Stadia and GeForce NOW Compatibility” listed as a feature.
ASUS says that it is designed to appeal to those who like a minimalist look and are for personal use or work. The interior uses an “obsidian velvet” texture, and the outer parts are treated with a ceramic surface, which gives this Chromebook a simple, unique aesthetic that honestly looks quite stunning.
ASUS Chromebook Flip C536 Specifications
- Up to 11th generation Core i7 processor
- Intel Iris Xe GPU
- 15.6-inch FHD NanoEdge IPS display
- Up to 16 GB RAM
- Up to 512 GB NVMe SSD
- Wi-Fi 6
- Bluetooth 5
- 2x USB Type C
- 1x USB Type A
- Full size HDMI
- MicroSD card slot
- Microphone / headphone jack
- 57Wh battery
- 357.7 mm x 240.8 mm x 18.5 mm
- 4.2 pounds
ASUS Chromebook Flip CM5
Finally, ASUS also unveiled a Chromebook that was not part of their “on stage” video, but which is important nonetheless. What appears to be a Chromebook similar to the ASUS Chromebook Flip C536, the CM5 swaps 11th generation Tiger Lake processor options for a few AMD Ryzen chips and holds the same “obsidian velvet” palm rests, 57Wh battery, screen size and Flip nomenclature while you replace the white exterior with a mineral gray finish on the outside to complete the dark look ->
In addition, in a feature we have not seen on a Chromebook before, this device has orange highlighted keys on the sides of the device and orange contours around ASDW keys that promote a little more of a game aesthetic. While there is nothing better or worse about utilizing cloud games than any other Chromebook, this is a striking look that may appeal to quite a few buyers.
ASUS Chromebook Flip CM5 specifications
- AMD Ryzen 3 3250C or Ryzen 5 3500C APU
- 15.6-inch FHD NanoEdge IPS display
- Up to 16 GB RAM
- Up to 512 GB NVMe SSD
- Wi-Fi 6
- Bluetooth 5
- 2x USB Type C
- 1x USB Type A
- Full size HDMI
- MicroSD card slot
- Microphone / headphone jack
- 57Wh battery
- 357.7 mm x 240.8 mm x 18.5 mm
- 4.2 pounds
The availability of the new Chromebooks varies with the ASUS Chromebook Flip CX5 / C536 arriving in Q1 and the ASUS Chromebook CX9 and Chromebook Flip CM5 arriving sometime in Q2. Compared to last year’s single Chromebook release, it looks like ASUS is ready to go all-in on the Chrome OS, and we’m incredibly excited to get these devices in the coming weeks. Rates are not currently available, but we will keep you updated as we know more.
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