Two years ago, I reviewed a Chromebook and asked, “Do you even need a conventional Windows-based PC since most content and applications are now in the cloud and accessed by a browser or an app?” I tested this theory with this same two-year-old Chromebook when I recently travelled around Australia for six months. With the rise of AI, Google has launched its more advanced Chromebook Plus devices. To test what’s changed and whether it’s changed my thoughts, I took the Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 for a spin.
Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 review
- Why did I not need a Windows PC?
- What is Chromebook Plus?
- Chromebook Plus features
- Specs and price
- In use
- Who is it for?
Why did I not need a Windows PC?
My wife and I travelled to Western Australia in a caravan for six months. Before I left, I looked at my workstation-sized Windows laptop and thought, “Do I want to lug that around Australia, or would a smaller, lighter touchscreen Chromebook do everything I needed?”
The simple answer is that the original Chromebook was amazing. I used it daily to stream Netflix, email, write articles, make video calls for some consulting work, manage my business accounts, plan travel, and manage my trip budget.
At no time did I regret not bringing my Windows laptop, nor did I find myself unable to do anything I did at home, especially since I had all my files on Google Drive and Microsoft OneDrive.
What is Chromebook Plus?
A Chromebook Plus is a higher hardware spec Chromebook. Google’s website has a brief overview of the differences, which boils down to the following:
- Faster processor: Chromebook Plus models have processors that are twice as fast as standard Chromebooks, and up to double the storage and memory.
- Better screens: 1080p Full HD screens come as standard, meaning clearer pictures.
- Sharper webcams: Like the displays, the built-in webcam is also 1080p, so you’ll notice clearer calls when videoconferencing.
- Built-in AI: Google’s Gemini AI features are available natively via ChromeOS, including generative writing and text summary tools.
With this in mind, a Chromebook Plus is designed as a versatile laptop suited to school and work use. It’s also a decent entertainment machine, suitable for streaming your favourite shows.
From an operating system perspective, the Chromebook and the Chromebook Plus run identical ChromeOS; the only differences are the hardware specification and the bundled apps. Chromebooks also benefit from much better power efficiencies, so smaller batteries for longer run times.
Chromebook Plus features explained
The Chromebook Plus follows in the footsteps of the Chromebook, with long battery life, security, and automatic updates built in. The laptops tend to be smaller and lighter with a simple user interface. All Google software integrates seamlessly, and although you can run without internet access, cloud connectivity and storage are fundamental to this solution. Chromebook solutions tend to be cheaper than a Windows-based equivalent.
Encouraging users to try its AI features, Google includes a 12-month subscription to its AI Premium Google One plan, priced at $32.99 per month. This includes access to Gemini Advanced and 2TB of cloud storage. You also get a three-month subscription to the Adobe Photoshop web app and Adobe Express Premium.
Gemini Advanced is advertised as allowing you to analyse bigger documents from a logical reasoning and creative perspective, aimed at helping you with everyday tasks.
The specific model I’m testing is the Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 with an Intel i5 processor, 8GB of memory, and 512GB of storage. Wi-Fi 6 is supported, ensuring the latest speeds, reduced latency, and security for internet connectivity.
Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 specs and price
| Screen | 14-inch non-touch FHD (1920 x 1080) resolution display |
| Processor | Up to an Intel Core i5-1235U Processor 1.3 GHz (12M Cache, up to 4.4 GHz, 10 cores) |
| Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics |
| Memory | 8GB LPDDR5 |
| Storage | Up to 512GB M.2 2280 NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSD |
| Ports | 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C support display / power delivery 1x HDMI 1.4 1x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack |
| Wireless connectivity | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Battery life | Up to 10 hours |
| Dimensions | 33 x 22 x 2 cm |
| Weight | 1.44kg |
| Price (RRP) | from $869 |
| Warranty | One year |
| Website | Google Australia |
Using the Asus Chromebook Plus CX34
It always amazes me that, with many smartphones costing more than $1,000, you can buy a fully functioning laptop for roughly the same price.
Chromebooks are not built on a legacy Microsoft operating system; instead, a new solution was designed that instantly boots up, always has the latest security and software updates, and uses the cloud to give it additional functionality.
Moving to a Chromebook means leaving what you have known for years and having faith the new PC will still perform. I made that leap for six months with no alternative and did not look back. In fairness, I wish I had the Chromebook Plus on my trip, as the extra grunt would have allowed me to run multiple applications and edit 4K video, which was the downfall of having a two-year-old Chromebook. In saying that, this has been the reason you upgrade a PC for the last 30 years, at any rate.
I checked a major retailer’s website and found the cheapest Chromebook for $229 and the most expensive for $899. Most form factors are standard laptops, but some are tablets with a removable keyboard (like my old Chromebook). Specs do vary with different screen sizes, etc., and I must admit that I miss the touchscreen on my old Chromebook when using the Asus CX34.
The Asus CX34 is claimed to deliver 10 hours of battery life, and it can run all the Google and Microsoft 365 apps, as well as any cloud-based applications. In my reckoning, that covers 98% of most users’ needs. However, if you are using a standalone specialised software package designed for Windows, then a Chromebook is not for you.
A complaint about all laptops pre-COVID was poor webcam quality. The CX34 comes with a Full HD camera and some clever tools to help with background lighting, background blur, noise cancellation, and onscreen live captioning. The video meetings I have had with the Asus device have been great experiences for both parties, further strengthening the case for a Chromebook Plus. Your privacy is also guaranteed when not using the camera with a physical orange-coloured slide cover.
The white-coloured Asus Chromebook Plus has a full-size backlit keyboard, which makes it comfortable to type on, and a 5.7-inch touchpad, which makes scrolling easy. Its 14-inch screen folds flat, which is handy if you want two people to look at the screen while sitting next to each other. Two USB-C ports, two USB-A ports and an HDMI port means you can connect or charge your various peripherals and support the latest Wi-Fi 6 standard for fast internet connection.
Who is the Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 for?
Chromebooks were originally targeted at students and businesses because they are easy to manage and secure. With its improved specifications, the Chromebook Plus will suit anyone who uses a PC for everyday tasks. These cheaper machines do a great job and will have fewer maintenance and security headaches than a traditional Windows PC.
However, a Chromebook is not for you if you want all the bells and whistles, complete flexibility, and the ability to use stand-alone Windows software applications.
For me, the Chromebook Plus has given me a new lease of life. It overcomes the restrictive hardware and allows me to do more, especially as I use AI more and more.
The post Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 review: A more powerful cloud PC appeared first on GadgetGuy.
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