I tested the Asus Chromebook CM14 for productivity tasks and gaming, and I found that its performance is as light as its weight.

The Asus Chromebook CM14 leaves a good initial impression thanks to its lightweight and slim design. While it is capable of handling light productivity and entertainment tasks, it loses effectiveness when attempting to multitask; even the use of basic applications can present issues. Despite this, its price is very affordable within the market of new Chromebooks, which prompts potential users to consider whether they can accept its limitations.

Advantages:

• Lightweight and slim design.
• Comfortable typing experience.
• Excellent battery life.

Disadvantages:

• Frustrating touchpad.
• Screen lacks sharpness and vivid colors.
• Poor performance in multitasking.

The Asus Chromebook CM14 is positioned in the more economical segment of the market, offering an attractive price but with specifications aimed at meeting basic needs. Its design is impressive for a 14-inch device, featuring a sober black color and acceptable build quality, although the lid is somewhat fragile. Despite this, it can be opened up to 180 degrees, providing flexibility.

However, the screen is one of its weak points, lacking clarity and succumbing to reflectivity when moved away from the optimal viewing angle. The performance is sufficient for simple tasks, such as web browsing and streaming videos in 2K, but becomes problematic with multitasking, presenting lags and frequent freezes, especially with only 4GB of RAM.

The typing experience is pleasant due to the well-spaced keys that feel smooth to the touch. However, the touchpad is a major inconvenience as the cursor movement is imprecise due to the lack of smoothness on its surface. Although the 720p camera is adequate for video calls, it exhibits graininess and intermittent issues.

One of the standout features of the Asus Chromebook CM14 is its battery life, which exceeds nine hours in real-world testing, approaching the advertised figure of 15 hours. Additionally, charging is relatively fast, completing in approximately four hours.

This Chromebook is very budget-friendly, undercutting other models that are considered good value for money. However, its performance is limited, particularly in multitasking. For those looking for an affordable Chromebook, the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 3 is a better option, as is the Acer Chromebook Plus 515, which is ideal for students.

Specifications

• Price: $299 / £299 (approx. AU$473)
• CPU: MediaTek Kompanio 520 2.0 GHz (8 cores)
• Graphics: ARM Mali-G52 MC2
• RAM: 4GB
• Display: 14.0 inches FHD (1920 x 1080), non-touch
• Storage: 64GB eMMC
• Ports: 1 USB-A, 2 USB-C, 1 microSD reader, 1 audio jack
• Camera: 720p HD
• Weight: 1.45 kg (3.20 lbs)
• Dimensions: 32.46 x 22.67 x 1.83 cm

In summary, the Asus Chromebook CM14 stands out as an affordable and lightweight device, suitable for simple tasks and boasting good battery life. However, those seeking robust multitasking performance or better screen quality may want to explore other alternatives.