ASUS CX14 Chromebook: Celeron N4500 specs and who it suits

The ASUS CX14 is a 14-inch Chromebook in Misty Grey. It runs Chrome OS on an Intel Celeron N4500 with 4GB of memory and 64GB of eMMC storage. Chromebooks are laptops built around the web, so they suit browsing, email, documents, video calls and streaming rather than heavy desktop software.

What Chrome OS means

Chrome OS is Google's lightweight operating system. It starts quickly, updates itself in the background and is built around the Chrome browser and web apps. Depending on the model and settings, Chromebooks can also run Android apps and, in some cases, Linux tools. The listing doesn't say which of these this model supports, so check ASUS's page if you need them. What you can't normally do is install Windows programs such as full desktop editions of some design or accounting software.

Processor and memory

ASUS lists an Intel Celeron N4500 with two cores, running from 1.1GHz up to 2.8GHz, with integrated Intel UHD Graphics. Chips of this class are designed for low power use and long battery life rather than raw speed. The laptop has 4GB of LPDDR4X memory. That works for a modest number of browser tabs and a few apps, but with many tabs open you may feel it slow down, because Chrome OS uses memory freely.

Storage

Storage is 64GB of eMMC. eMMC is flash storage soldered to the board, and it is typically slower than the NVMe SSDs in more expensive laptops, but it is fine for a system that keeps most files online. With 64GB, part of that space is used by the operating system, so cloud storage or an external drive helps with large photo or video collections.

Display and camera

The screen is 14 inches, Full HD (1920 x 1080), IPS, 60Hz, with 250 nits of brightness and an anti-glare finish. IPS panels typically hold their colour well at wider viewing angles. 250 nits is adequate indoors, and in bright rooms or outdoors you may want to turn up the brightness and avoid direct sunlight. The 720p webcam has a privacy shutter you can close when you're not on a call.

Ports and wireless

The listing gives these ports:

• a headphone jack,
• one USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C,
• one USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A,
• one HDMI 1.4,
• a USB-C charging port.

Wireless is listed as Wi-Fi 6E. The HDMI port lets you connect to a monitor or TV directly.

Size and weight

It measures 12.78 x 8.44 x 0.78 inches. The description gives the weight as 3.06 lb (about 1.4 kg), though the dimension line lists 6.0 lb, probably shipping weight. Confirm the real weight before you decide if it's light enough for your bag.

Bundle

The listing says the laptop comes bundled with a TWE mouse pad.

Who it suits

It suits students doing web-based schoolwork, households that want a simple second computer, and anyone whose work lives in a browser. It is less suited to video editing, large spreadsheets or software that only runs on Windows or macOS.

What to check before you buy

• Your software: confirm everything you need works on Chrome OS or as a web app.
• Memory and storage: consider whether 4GB and 64GB are enough for your habits.
• Updates: Chromebooks receive updates for a limited period set by the maker, so check the support end date on Google's and ASUS's pages.
• Brightness: if you work near windows or outdoors, remember the screen is 250 nits.
• Accessories: confirm the ports and charging method suit your setup.

The short version

• A 14-inch Full HD IPS Chromebook running Chrome OS.
• Intel Celeron N4500, 4GB LPDDR4X, 64GB eMMC.
• Wi-Fi 6E, USB-C, USB-A, HDMI 1.4 and a 720p webcam with privacy shutter.
• Listed at 3.06 lb; bundled with a TWE mouse pad.

Bloiq is reader-supported. Some links may earn us a commission; it never affects what we write. How we make money.