ASUS Chromebook CX1 CX1400CNA 14-inch: features, specs and who it suits

The ASUS Chromebook CX1 (model CX1400CNA-AS44FV) is a 14-inch laptop that runs Chrome OS instead of Windows or macOS. It is built for web browsing, email, documents, streaming and school or office tasks that live mostly online. Here is what its specifications mean in day-to-day use.

What Chrome OS means for how you work

Chrome OS is built around the Chrome browser and web apps. Files can be kept online, and ASUS highlights Android apps from Google Play for work or play. In general, Chromebooks start quickly, update in the background and need less maintenance than a traditional laptop.

The trade-off is software. Programs written for Windows or macOS typically don't run directly on Chrome OS, so it's worth listing the tools you rely on and confirming each has a web or Android version.

The Celeron N3350 processor, 4GB RAM and 64GB eMMC

The laptop uses an Intel Celeron N3350, a two-core chip rated at 1.1 GHz and up to 2.4 GHz with 2MB of cache. It's an entry-level processor, designed to be efficient rather than fast. It typically suits a handful of browser tabs, video calls and office documents, and it will feel its limits with heavy multitasking or demanding apps.

Memory is 4GB, which is a common amount for this class of Chromebook. Storage is 64GB of eMMC, a type of flash memory soldered to the board. eMMC is generally slower than the SSDs in higher-end laptops and can't usually be upgraded, so many owners lean on online storage or an external drive for larger files.

A 14-inch Full HD NanoEdge screen

The display is a 14-inch IPS-level panel at 1920 x 1080 with a 16:9 shape. IPS-type panels typically hold their colours and brightness well when seen from the side. ASUS calls the thin-bezel design NanoEdge, which fits a larger screen into a compact body. Full HD at 14 inches gives sharp text and enough room for two windows side by side.

Size, weight and build

The CX1 measures about 12.8 x 9.0 inches and 0.7 inches thick (roughly 32.5 x 23 x 1.8 cm), and ASUS gives its weight as 3.2 lb (about 1.45 kg). ASUS says the build meets the MIL-STD 810H US military standard. That standard covers a set of durability tests, such as drops, vibration and temperature, but it isn't a guarantee against damage, so a sleeve or case is still sensible if the laptop travels in a bag.

Battery and wireless

ASUS says the battery lasts up to 12 hours. Battery life depends on screen brightness and what you're doing, and manufacturer figures usually come from light-use tests. Wireless is Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 4.2, which covers most home and school networks and common accessories such as headphones and mice.

Who it suits

It suits students, people who mainly work in a browser, households wanting a simple second laptop, and anyone who values a light machine for travel. It's less suited to video editing, large spreadsheets, or software that only runs on Windows.

What to check before you buy

• Your software: confirm your key programs have a web or Android version.
• Storage: 64GB fills up faster than you'd think if you save files locally.
• Ports and accessories: check the port list for your mouse, display or card reader.
• Updates: Chromebooks receive updates for a limited period. Check Google's current support date for this model.
• Work or school rules: some organisations manage which devices may be used.
• What's in the box: confirm the charger and any paperwork as stated for the specific listing.

The short version

• A 14-inch Full HD IPS-level Chromebook running Chrome OS.
• Intel Celeron N3350 (up to 2.4 GHz), 4GB RAM and 64GB eMMC.
• About 3.2 lb, with MIL-STD 810H durability testing stated by ASUS.
• Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 4.2 and up to 12 hours of battery life, as rated by ASUS.
• Best for browsing, streaming and light productivity rather than heavy software.

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