ASUS Chromebook CX1 14-inch Laptop (CX1400): features, specs and who it suits

The ASUS Chromebook CX1 (model CX1400) is a 14-inch laptop that runs Chrome OS. This listing is a bundle: the laptop is sold with a 7-in-1 docking station that holds an extra SSD, plus a microSD card and cables. It is aimed at everyday tasks such as browsing, email, documents, video calls and streaming, in a silver body weighing about 3.2 lb.

What Chrome OS means in daily use

Chrome OS is a lightweight operating system built around the Chrome browser and web apps. Compared with a Windows laptop, it typically starts quickly, updates in the background and needs little maintenance. The trade-off is software: it is not built for traditional Windows or Mac programs, though it can run web apps and, on many models, Android apps. If your work depends on a specific desktop program, check that an online version or alternative exists.

Processor and memory

The laptop uses an Intel Celeron N4500, a low-power processor suited to light multitasking. With 4GB of LPDDR4X memory, it is built for a handful of browser tabs and everyday apps rather than heavy editing or gaming. Chrome OS is relatively frugal with memory, but many tabs open at once will use it up.

The 14-inch screen and hinge

The 14-inch Full HD display has an anti-glare finish, which cuts reflections in bright rooms. The hinge opens a full 180 degrees, so the screen can lie flat, which is useful for sharing a view across a table. ASUS lists Intel UHD Graphics, which handles video and everyday visuals.

How the 224GB of storage is made up

The listing's 224GB total is a combination of different storage:

• 64GB of built-in eMMC storage
• a docking station that holds an additional SSD (stated as 128GB in the feature text and 160GB in the title, so confirm the exact figure)
• a 32GB microSD card with an adapter

Only the 64GB is inside the laptop. The rest is removable, so it is available when the dock or card is attached. Chrome OS also stores many files in the cloud, so local space matters less than on other systems.

Ports and wireless

The laptop has two USB Type-C ports, two USB Type-A ports, a headphone and microphone combo jack and a microSD card reader. Wireless is dual-band WiFi 6 (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.2. The bundle adds a Type-C data cable, a 3-in-1 charging cable and a suede cleaning cloth.

Who it suits

It suits students, home users and light office work who want a simple, quick-to-start laptop with extra storage for files and photos. It is less suited to work that needs Windows-only software or demanding graphics.

What to check before you buy

• Software: confirm your key apps work in Chrome OS, through the browser or Android apps.
• Storage details: check what is in the box, how the dock and SSD connect, and the precise capacities.
• Update support: Chromebooks receive updates for a set period, so check the automatic update expiry date for this model on ASUS's support page.
• Memory: 4GB suits light use; heavy multitasking may need more.
• Weight and size: about 12.8 x 9.0 x 0.7 inches and 3.2 lb.
• Accessories: check that the dock's ports match the devices you plan to connect.

The short version

• A 14-inch Full HD anti-glare Chrome OS laptop with a 180-degree hinge.
• Intel Celeron N4500, 4GB LPDDR4X memory and Intel UHD Graphics.
• 64GB eMMC plus a docking station SSD and 32GB microSD card, for a listed 224GB total.
• Two USB-C, two USB-A, headphone jack, microSD reader, WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2.
• About 3.2 lb; suited to browsing, study and light office tasks.

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