The Asus Chromebook Flip CX5
Google has announced its next generation of Chromebooks. The Asus Chromebook Flip CX5 and CX7 are two of these new Chromebooks. You might think it’d be a dead-end, but Google has a few surprises in store for us Chromebook aficionados. With the release of the Google Pixel, Google has increased the competition in the cheap Chromebook market. The company is also continuing to produce more affordable Chromebooks. That’s why it’s no surprise that both the Google Flip and Google Chromebook Flip CX5 are affordable enough for everyone. These new Chromebooks have plenty of exciting features that make them a great option for those who are looking for a low-cost alternative to a desk computer. Let’s take a look at what you can get from these new Chromebooks, and what you can expect from them.
What’s in the Google Chrome Flip CX5
Google is selling the Google Flip CX5 as one of their cheaper Chromebooks, but it’s not just any old cheap Chromebook. This is a Google Xserve model, which means it comes with Google’s popular YouTube, Google Photos, Google Sheets, and Google docs apps. There’s also a built-in optical drive, microSD card slot, and 2GB of RAM. It’s not a huge change, but it does add a lot to the overall low-cost nature of the Chromebook. Plus, the Google Flip CX5 has a full design and build review section on Google+.
Design & Build
The Google Flip CX5 is a beautiful piece of hardware. It comes in black, white, and red, with a space-aged look to match. The Flip CX5 has a high-quality, glass build and is designed to last. It’s definitely more expensive than the average budget range Chromebook, but that’s because Google spent a lot of time designing and building the device. The Flip CX5 feels premium, and that’s mostly because of the small glass build. It’s heavier than other budget models, but that’s because it’s made with a harder material. The Flip CX5 is more durable than other budget models, so you shouldn’t expect it to break anytime soon. This laptop comes with a 1.3GHz Intel Core i7 CPU, 16GB of RAM, and a 500GB hard drive. It’s strong, but not super-flip-like. You should be able to overcome this minor quibble and enjoy a full workday without having to worry about the hard drive getting space-worn.
Keyboard & Trackpad
The physical keys on the Google Flip CX5 are simple and easy to use. You’ll get used to the layout quickly, as there are no dedicated buttons or keys for anything other than single-mimed letters and numbers. The physical keys have been convincingly mapped, though, and there is no danger of getting stuck. The trackpad is a bit smaller than some of the other budget models we’ve seen, but it’s not a huge deal. You should be able to use it on your lap, in your office, and in public places where someone could easily slap your hand on the trackpad to move things forward.
Screen & Speakers
The monitor on the Google Flip CX5 is a 15-inch LED LCD, so you won’t get a bright display when you’re in the middle of a conversation. The speakers are average-sized, but they do a good job of filling the room when you’re using the laptop. The speakers on the Google Flip CX5 are located in the bottom of the laptop and are plenty loud for a small open space. They’re not upgradeable, so they’re good for when you’re just looking for some noise without worrying about moving your ears around.
Google Chrome Flip CX5 Specs
CPU: 1.3GHz Intel Core i7-4710HQ RAM: 8GB (4GB recommended) ROM: 64GB MicroSD HDD: 2GB WIP: 30-95 plugged in hours
Google Chrome Flip CX5 Trio
Google has also produced a three-in-one version of the Asus Chromebook Flip CX5 with a hybrid display, so you can easily mix and match the display and keyboard from one location. It’s not a bad idea, as it gives you all the bells and whistles of a full-blown laptop, but it also comes with the versatility of a hybrid display. The Google Flip CX5 Trio comes with a 15-inch, 1920×1080 display with an anti-glare finish, an adjustable keyboard with fully personalized keys, and a 1,000:1 contrast ratio. There’s no physical button to hold down, so you don’t accidentally turn the display on or off.
Performance
The Asus Chromebook Flip CX5 has an excellent performance rating, which makes sense, as this is a battery-powered laptop. We do love the performance of the Acer Aspire E 15 and the HP Omen, but you shouldn’t be able to push this laptop to the brink of death on a single charge. The battery life on the Google Flip CX5 is actually quite average, so we’re not entirely surprised at how long it takes to get going. We have a few suggestions on how you could increase the life of this laptop, though.
Ports & Connectivity
The Google Flip CX5 has a few extra ports, including a full-size USB 3.0 port and an Ethernet port, which is nice to have when traveling in exotic lands with no Internet access. The bottom case and the USB-C port on the back also come with a charging case, so you don’t have to worry about bringing your laptop with you when you’re not finished charging it.
Battery Life
We have a report on the battery life of the Asus Chromebook Flip CX5, and it appears to be pretty good. We will wait and see how long it takes to get use to the new interface, but we cannot guarantee that it will remain active for hours on end. We recommend connecting the computer to a computer Charger, and waiting 30-95 minutes before using it, or else the charger will drain the battery quickly.
Conclusion
The Google Pixel 1 was a great device, and the Google Pixel 2 is a great update, but which one should I buy? There are many different options when it comes to low-cost, entry-level laptops, and we’ve put them all through the paces to make sure they’re the right option for you. Let’s take a look at the best of the low-cost options. From the budget range to the top of the price spectrum, we’ve got you covered. From laptops with a single drive to full-blown gaming systems, we’ve got you covered. From budget accessories to luxury bags, we’ve got you covered. So, which one is the right one for you?