ASUS Chromebook CM14 (2024) 14-inch: features, specs and who it suits

The ASUS Chromebook CM14 is a 14-inch laptop that runs Chrome OS, a lightweight operating system built around web apps and cloud storage. This version has an 8-core MediaTek Kompanio 520 processor, 4GB of memory and 128GB of combined storage. It is designed for everyday tasks such as browsing, documents, video calls and online classes.

Display and webcam

The screen is a 14-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) panel with an anti-glare finish. ASUS describes it as a TN panel with LED backlighting, rated at 220 nits of brightness and 45% NTSC colour coverage. In general, that makes it a screen for everyday work and video rather than colour-critical editing, and 220 nits is best suited to indoor use.

The 720p webcam has a physical privacy shutter that slides across the lens when you are not on a call. A shutter is a simple, mechanical way to be sure the camera is covered.

Processor, memory and storage

The Kompanio 520 is an Arm-based chip with eight cores running up to 2.0 GHz, paired with Mali-G52 MC2 graphics. Arm chips are typically efficient, which is why ASUS quotes battery life of up to 15 hours from the 42Wh battery. Real battery life depends on brightness and what you are doing.

There is 4GB of LPDDR4X memory on the board, so it cannot be upgraded later. Chrome OS is light on resources, but many open tabs and apps will eventually use it up. Storage is described as 128GB, made up of 64GB of eMMC inside the laptop plus a 64GB memory card in the microSD reader. The card is separate storage, so files on it can be moved between devices.

Chrome OS in daily use

Chrome OS starts quickly, updates itself in the background and includes built-in security features. It runs web apps and apps from its built-in app library. Windows-only software generally does not run on it, so check any specialist programs before you commit.

Ports and connectivity

The CM14 has two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C ports that support display and power delivery, one USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A port, a 3.5mm combo audio jack and a microSD card reader. Wireless is Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3. The keyboard is spill-resistant with 1.5mm key travel. The laptop weighs 3.2 lb (about 1.45 kg) and is 0.72 inches (about 18 mm) thick.

What's in the bundle

This listing also includes an accessory pack from a third-party supplier: wireless earbuds, a mouse pad, an HDMI cable, a USB cable and a wireless mouse. The accessories are separate from the ASUS laptop itself.

Who it suits

It suits students, teachers and anyone whose work lives mostly in a browser. It is portable enough for a school bag.

What to check before you buy

• Software: Confirm the programs you need have web or Chrome OS versions.
• Memory and storage: 4GB RAM is fixed; consider how many tabs and files you typically use.
• Charging: The USB-C ports support power delivery, so check what charger is in the box.
• School or work rules: Some institutions manage Chrome OS devices or prefer specific models.
• Accessories: Check which items are in the box and whether you want them.

The short version

• 14-inch Full HD anti-glare screen with a webcam privacy shutter.
• 8-core MediaTek Kompanio 520, 4GB RAM, 64GB eMMC plus a 64GB memory card.
• Chrome OS with up to 15 hours of battery life, as ASUS rates it.
• Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, two USB-C ports, one USB-A and a microSD reader.
• Includes a third-party accessory pack.

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