$200 laptops are the cornerstone of the Chromebook market, but finding a quality device at that price point has been challenging. Asus, however, has quietly unveiled a new Chromebook lineup at CES 2025, potentially revolutionizing the ultra-budget laptop segment. The Asus CX14, starting at just $199, offers surprising value and modern aesthetics.
The back of the Asus Chromebook CX14.
A Modern Look and Feel on a Budget
Despite its affordable price, the CX14 boasts a contemporary design. Its slim profile, reasonably sized bezels, and attractive color options give it a premium feel. The textured plastic exterior adds to its overall appeal. Most notably, it features a 14-inch 1080p display, a rarity in this price range.
The three color options for the Asus Chromebook CX14.
Balancing Performance and Affordability
Naturally, some compromises were made to achieve the $199 price point. The CX14 utilizes a dual-core Intel Celeron N4500 processor, a three-year-old chip. The base model comes with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage, standard for budget Chromebooks. The 16:9 aspect ratio display, while 1080p, is a TN panel limited to 250 nits brightness, which might result in a noticeable difference in quality compared to IPS panels. Additionally, it includes a 720p webcam. These specifications, while older, represent reasonable trade-offs for the budget-conscious consumer.
Specifications at a Glance
| Feature | Asus Chromebook CX14 (CX1405CKA) |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 12.78 x 8.44 x 0.78 inches |
| Weight | 3.06 pounds |
| Display | 14-inch 1080p TN (Touch option available) |
| CPU | Intel Celeron N4500 |
| Memory | 4GB/8GB LPDDR4X |
| Storage | 64GB/128GB/256GB eMMC |
| Webcam | 720p |
| Battery | 42 watt-hour |
| Ports | 1x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 1, 1x HDMI 1.4, 1x 3.5mm audio jack |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Price | Starting at $199 |
Beyond the Budget: Chromebook Plus Options
Asus also offers a 15-inch model and a Chromebook Plus version of the CX14. These models boast more powerful Core i3 and Core i5 processors, a minimum of 8GB of RAM, 128GB of storage, and an upgraded 1080p webcam, aligning with the Chromebook Plus program requirements.
Image: Close up of the Asus Chromebook keyboard and trackpad.
A New Era for Affordable Chromebooks?
While the market offers numerous high-quality Chromebooks, thanks in part to the Chromebook Plus program, the entry-level CX14 holds significant promise. It offers students and budget-conscious users a respectable and affordable laptop without compromising on essential features. Asus has yet to announce the official release date for these new Chromebooks.
