ASUS Chromebook CX1 CX1500CKA 15.6-inch: features, specs and who it suits

The ASUS Chromebook CX1 (model CX1500CKA-AS84F) is a 15.6-inch laptop that runs ChromeOS. It pairs a large screen and a full keyboard with an entry-level Intel processor, aimed at everyday work in the browser, school tasks and media. This page explains what the specs mean and which uses fit.

ChromeOS in brief

ChromeOS is Google's lightweight operating system, built around the Chrome browser and web apps. ASUS says it has the Google apps and access to Google's app catalogue. You can edit and convert Microsoft Office files in Google Docs, Sheets and Slides. ChromeOS typically starts quickly and updates itself, but it does not run Windows programs.

Processor, memory and storage

The Chromebook uses an Intel Celeron N4500 processor, 8GB of RAM and 64GB of eMMC storage. The Celeron N4500 is a low-power chip for everyday tasks such as browsing, video calls, documents and streaming. Heavy video editing or demanding games are beyond its range. 8GB of RAM is more than many Chromebooks carry and helps when you keep many tabs open.

eMMC is soldered flash storage. It is smaller and slower than an SSD, and 64GB goes fast if you keep files on the device, so cloud storage and the microSD reader matter. The listing also mentions a 12-month Google One trial offer, which has an expiry date and varies by country.

Display

The 15.6 inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) NanoEdge display uses slim bezels, so more of the front is screen. A large panel helps with side-by-side windows and spreadsheets.

Keyboard

The chiclet keyboard has a physical numeric keypad, which is useful for spreadsheets and data entry and is not common on smaller Chromebooks.

Ports and wireless

ASUS lists two USB Type-C (Gen 1) ports, two USB 3.2 Type-A (Gen 1) ports, an audio jack and a microSD card reader. Wireless is Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2, though ASUS notes the Bluetooth version may change with OS updates.

Battery, weight and durability

ASUS quotes up to 11 hours of battery life, noting that this varies with working conditions. The laptop weighs about 3.97 lb (about 1.8 kg) and ASUS says it is built to the MIL-STD 810H military-grade standard. That standard involves tests such as drops and vibration, but it does not make a laptop indestructible.

Who it suits

It suits students, home users and office staff who work mainly in the browser and Google apps and want a large screen and number pad. It is less suited to anyone who needs Windows-only software.

What to check before you buy

• Software: confirm your essential apps run on ChromeOS, in a browser or through Google Play.
• Storage: check whether 64GB is enough with cloud storage and a microSD card.
• Update support: ChromeOS devices have an automatic update expiry date, so check Google's policy for this model.
• Size: a 15.6 inch laptop is bigger than a typical 13-14 inch one.
• Accounts: a Google account is typically needed for full use.
• Offers: check the terms of any trial offers.

The short version

• A 15.6 inch Full HD Chromebook with Intel Celeron N4500, 8GB RAM and 64GB eMMC.
• Runs ChromeOS with Android app support through Google.
• Numeric keypad, Wi-Fi 6, two USB-C and two USB-A ports, plus a microSD reader.
• Up to 11 hours of battery and MIL-STD 810H durability testing.
• About 3.97 lb.

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