Customer Ratings & Reviews

The Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 is a solid, no-nonsense Chromebook Plus laptop that gets the fundamentals right. It is not flashy, and it comes with a few clear compromises, but it is a dependable machine for everyday users, especially if you can find it below MSRP. Design and Build The CX34 is a plastic laptop, and it does not try to hide that fact. What it lacks in style, it makes up for in durability. The chassis feels rigid, the lid has very little flex, and the hinge feels sturdy even if it is not especially remarkable. At about 3.15 pounds, it is not especially thin or light, but it is still easy enough to carry in a bag. Port selection is also a strong point, with two USB-C ports, two USB-A ports, HDMI, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. Display The 14-inch 1920 x 1080 Full HD IPS display is sharp and seems reasonably color-accurate to my untrained eyes. The main drawback is brightness: at about 250 nits, the screen is fine indoors but washes out quickly near bright windows or outdoors. The matte finish is a welcome touch, though, because it helps reduce glare and does not show fingerprints as easily as glossier screens. Performance The Intel Core 5 120U performs very well for everyday work. Dozens of tabs, Google Docs, YouTube, Android apps, and light photo editing all run smoothly, and the laptop feels fast and responsive in normal use. The main weak spot is storage. The 128GB UFS drive is acceptable for a Chromebook, but it is not as fast as NVMe storage, and larger file transfers make that difference noticeable. Most users will not mind, but anyone who works heavily with local files should be aware of it. Keyboard and Trackpad The keyboard has good key travel and a comfortable layout, making it suitable for long typing sessions. The major downside is the lack of backlighting, which can be frustrating in low-light environments, and the lack of a 10 key may steer some folks away from this. The trackpad is much better. It is large, accurate, and easy to click, and it feels comparable to trackpads found on some more expensive Windows laptops. Chromebook Plus Software The Chromebook Plus features are where this model earns its name. The 1080p webcam with AI noise suppression is genuinely useful for video calls and is a major upgrade over the 720p cameras found on many older laptops and the included privacy shield is a great feature as well. You also get a 12-month trial of Google Ai Pro (expires 1/2027) which is a great added feature. Battery Life Real-world battery life lands around eight to ten hours, depending on workload. That is not class-leading, but it is enough for a full day of classes, typical work, or a cross-country flight. The 45W USB-C charger also tops it up reasonably quickly. Verdict At MSRP, the CX34 asks you to pay for the Core 5 processor, solid build quality, and Chromebook Plus software features. The dim display and non-backlit keyboard are the main compromises, and they are harder to overlook at a higher price. Best for: Students, professionals, and casual users who want a fast, reliable Chrome OS laptop with good ports and a strong webcam. The CX34 is not flashy, but it is a solid, honest workhorse. Just know that you are paying a premium for the Core 5 model over cheaper Core i3 versions, while the display and keyboard remain lack advanced features.

I picked up the ASUS CX34 primarily for my kiddo, and after getting everything set up and spending some time with it myself, I'm pretty impressed. I wanted something that would be easy to use and manage but still have enough performance to last for several years. The Core 5 processor and 8GB of memory are more than enough for schoolwork, browsing, streaming, Google Docs and having a bunch of tabs open at once. Everything feels quick and responsive, and there's plenty of performance here as their needs grow. The 14" size is also about perfect. The screen is large enough to comfortably work on without making the laptop bulky or difficult for a kid to carry around. The keyboard feels good, the trackpad is responsive, and the overall build feels sturdy enough that I'm not worried every time it gets moved around the house. As a parent, ChromeOS is a big selling point. Setup was incredibly easy, updates mostly take care of themselves, and Google's parental controls make it easy to manage. I also like the physical privacy shutter over the 1080p webcam. It's a small feature, but something I appreciate on a computer being used by my kid. Port selection is surprisingly good with USB-C, USB-A and HDMI, and USB-C charging means we're not keeping track of another proprietary charger. There are a couple compromises. The 1080p display is sharp but isn't particularly bright or vibrant. The 128GB of storage also isn't much by today's standards, although that's less of an issue here since most schoolwork and files will live in Google Drive anyway. Overall, this has been a great fit. It's fast, lightweight, easy for my kid to use, and easy for me to manage. More importantly, it has enough performance that I don't feel like it's something they'll outgrow anytime soon.

When opening the Asus Chromebook, the overall appearance is excellent. Although the top and bottom look to be textured plastic, it still felt fairly rigid. There was a very little flex in the display, but almost none in the keyboard and palm rest area. The screen can lay fully flat. The screen is a 14 inch 1920 X 1080 FHD at 60Hz It is an led screen and although only rated at 250 nits, was bright enough even in a lit room. Also, it is a touch screen, and responds well to the touch input. Screen has reasonably good viewing angles, also a matte screen so it doesn't reflect. The screen coloration leans toward the red / green the “low blue light” that is common now. I tend to set backgrounds to bluish scenes which minimizes this effect. There is no provision to change color temperature, except night light setting – which removes blue light even more. I would like to see the addition of color settings in Chrome for better ability to work with photos, watch movies, etc. Trackpad was also responsive, and the “click” seemed to work across the entire bottom. Keyboard has a soft feel, and a short travel, but easy to type on. However, key back light is non-existent, so typing in a dark room may be next to impossible without a light on.... The processor is an Intel Core 5 Series 1. It is a 10 core, 12 thread processor, running at 1.4Ghz, with boost to 5Ghz. However, it does not have an NPU. Along with the 8Gb ram, this machine tears through tasks. Multiple tabs, and apps, don't seem to slow it down. The UFS storage is 128Gb, but there is no micro card slot for extra storage. You would have to use an external USB storage device. It does have 2 USB A ports, 2 USB C ports, HDMI port, and headphone jack. I charged fully, and the machine has been on for 3 hours, and still shows 100%. This is a good choice for an all day computer.... The computer is fast, lightweight, with exceptional battery life, and feels solid and well built. The major downfalls would be the lack of back lit keyboard, somewhat limited storage, and the inability to correct coloration. Still excellent for students, those needing to work all day on a single charge, etc.

The Asus Chromebook Plus was easy to set up, once it was charged. The device opens with an option to automatically transfer all files, apps, and other information from an Android phone. I do not have an Android phone and was unable to test this option. There was an update that needed to be immediately installed. The update took about 12 minutes to complete. I was able to connect to my personal WiFi easily. The WiFi has stayed connected for days even while the FIOS company was adjusting and working on our home connection. The battery life is decent. The device provides plenty of warning when the battery is low. The device also turns off the screen when it is not being used to help save the battery life. When the battery bar was at 5%, I was able to use the computer for basic functions for about 44 additional minutes. The majority of icons on the bottom bar are Google options. This does allow for typing documents through Google Docs, without downloading word processor programs. All of the saved files and info stored in my Google settings was copied over. I was able to access my Google Calendar quickly just by clicking the icon on the bottom bar. I was never able to access the “Games and Apps” icon, as a message pops up to say there is no internet connection, even though I have an internet connection. There are also some icons that I am not familiar with such as NotebookLM. I have not used Gemini before, but found that this is similar to other AI chats for answering questions and providing information without being fact checked. I appreciate that there are ports for charging on both sides of the device. I also love that the cord comes with a velcro loop for wrapping up the cord when it is not being used. I did not use the other ports yet, but the HDMI port will prove to be helpful when I connect to a smart tv. There is also a spot to connect headphones. If you prefer to use bluetooth extras such as earbuds or a mouse they connect quickly and easily. I clicked on “Settings” and then went through the Bluetooth option and clicked on “Pair a New Device.” Once my mouse was turned on, it connected and worked seamlessly. The volume level is great and allows for quiet listening, as well as loud options when watching and listening from a different room. The keyboard is quite noisy while typing and reminds me of a student keyboard as it feels plainly constructed with hollow, plastic keys.

Chromebooks have come a long way over time. Once thought of as educational only devices, Chromebooks have become daily drivers for many. Chromebook Plus devices allows you to take that concept even further. If you are already heavily invested in Google’s ecosystem, the Chromebook plus seems like a no brainer. The overall design remains familiar to most Chromebook Plus devices. Having a 14-inch matte anti-reflective IPS panel with touchscreen is the sweet spot. Keep in mind the panel is only rated for 250 nits of brightness. The internals make for more than enough horsepower for multiple Chrome tabs and apps to be opened at once. I did not run into any issues while using the device. I’ve experienced roughly 7 hours of battery life with mixed usage. This includes some video watching, website browsing and using Gemini. The Chromebook is about 3.5 lbs. with the feel of hard plastic. I would have like to see Asus opt for a more premium build, but I realize this could potentially increase the cost of the device. The keyboard feels just ok to me. Definitely not a stand out feature. I would have loved to see Asus use better quality materials and wish they would have included a backlit keyboard. I perform most of my work after hours, so it would have been helpful to have additional lighting. Some really neat features that the Asus Chromebook plus has are: Gemini integration X2 USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C ports with DisplayPort capabilities Full-sized HDMI HD camera with privacy screen Wi-Fi 6E Touchscreen Android Play store Overall, the functionality of the device is really good at web browsing and handling daily tasks as long as the device is connected to the internet. It’s a plus being integrated into Google’s ecosystem. By having additional ram and storage versus the standard Chromebooks does help this device excel at multi-tasking. I tested connecting the Chromebook to 2 monitors while having multiple Chrome tabs open works without hiccups. I really enjoy using Chrome OS, and Google plans to support the device until June 2032. This is a major plus, however with Googlebooks on the horizon, how long will the device actually be supported. Another question I have is, will this be one of the devices that transitions to the new Googlebook experience. A lot of questions to be answered, but I’m satisfied with the overall results so far.

With many people still seeing Chromebooks as low-end, cost-effective cloud-based computers, Google stepped up and created a new class call the Chromebook Plus. These Chromebook Plus models must meet minimum requirements and offer better performance with advanced AI features. Asus has experience with Chromebooks and Chromebook Plus devices and their CX34 is a perennial best-of-breed one. Let's take a look and see what this version with an Intel Ultra 5 processor is like. Overview and Specs ========================================== Chromebooks are known for doing a bit more with less specs-wise. You don't need a "beast" from a hardware perspective to have a snappy and responsive Chromebook. The fact that the Chromebook Plus models have certain minimum specs, really helps ensure the performance will be just as snappy (or snappier) than you'd expect from an efficient operating system like ChromeOS. The Asus CX34 comes in a lot of configurations, but this specific model is an Intel Core 5 (120U) with 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of UFS storage. If this was a Windows 11 PC, that would mean some pretty anemic performance and not much storage. One a Chromebook Plus with a lot of cloud-based storage, there's no problem. Additionally there's a 14" anti-glare LED display with a 1920x1080 resolution, making it a widescreen, 16x9 format. I'm testing the Staid Black version which is definitely staid and black... The chassis is a sturdy polycarbonate or plastic variety and it feels sturdy. It actually is sturdy, considering it's passed enough different durability tests to qualify as MIL-STD 810H. It should definitely handle your commute and getting tossed around in your backpack or trunk. In the box, you'll get your Chromebook Plus along with a 45w compact USB-C charging adapter. Design and Architecture ========================================== Opening the lid, we see the anti-glare, touchscreen display, FHD webcam with cover, and the keyboard that has an interesting texture on each key. Unlike other laptops that use smooth or finely textured keys, these are quite coarse but actually feel nice and exude a bit of ruggedness or durability. The keypresses themselves are a bit soft and squishy, but on the plus side, it makes for a quiet typing experience. It's also listed as an antimicrobial keyboard which is a plus for germophobes! The lid hinge also has Asus' Ergo Lift hinges which are small rubber feet on the "spine" area which lifts the laptop slightly for better typing experience and possibly heat dissipation (which would be more important for gaming). Wireless connectivity is via an 802.11x Wi-Fi 6E with Bluetooth 5.4. Port-wise, you're well taken care of: left edge - USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 right edge - USB-C 3.2 Gen 1, HDMI 1.4, 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type A, combo audio jack Overall, I'd say this is perfectly safe-looking Chromebook Plus for a school or work environment where you don't need a flashy nor gaudy gaming laptop. Performance ========================================== If you haven't used Google's ChromeOS yet, you'll feel at home soon. With most of the apps being cloud-based and using Chrome as a portal, it probably isn't too different than many people who live in a browser on their PC or Mac. Many popular apps have ChromeOS-native versions and most everything else is covered by running in the browser or using the built-in Google Play store to run millions of Android apps. As if that wasn't enough, you can also run Linux apps which is nice if you wanted to run some alternate browsers or apps that aren't available elsewhere. With an Intel Core 5 (120U) CPU and 8 GB of RAM, there's no problem doing day-to-day tasks, opening tons of browser tabs, and knocking out your office or school productivity tasks. ChromeOS has come a long way and as an avid PC gamer, I always have room in my household for a good Chromebook (especially a Chromebook Plus!) for quick tasks and rock-solid stability and security. This specific process has an Intel NPU for local AI functions. In this case, we're talking about light tasks like helping blur the background of your video call or perhaps some better background noise cancellation, but this isn't a powerful GPU-style parallel processor to run powerful local AI models. Depending on what specific tasks I'm working on, I can easily switch to a Chromebook Plus and knock out research, creating articles and white papers, and more. If you think about how much time you spend in a browser, much if translates well to moving your work to a Chromebook. Android apps have come a long way in the past few years and having access to a vast library means you can have almost any app you need, including Minecraft, Stardew Valley, and more! The lack of gaming used to be a big downside to Chromebooks. Now with the Chromebook Plus and their minimum specs, Google's Google Play Games has a curated collection of popular games that run well. Not to mention you can always use streaming services like Nvidia's Geforce Now, Microsoft's Xbox Live, and others. Battery life has been great with light usage lasting more than a day away from a charger. The specs list up to 10 hours of battery life and I could see that being true. You won't have to worry about leaving your charger behind. Besides, it's uses USB-C charging, so chances are you can top off somewhere. Lastly, Chromebooks have perks! When you get a new Chromebook or Chromebook Plus, you'll get access to multiple promotions like a Geforce Now 12 month trial and Google AI Pro for 12 months that includes more access to popular AI tools and 5TB of storage. That's more than 200-300 dollars of value alone! Summary ========================================== Chromebooks have come a long way since they were first introduced as low-cost competitor to Windows-based laptops. These new Chromebook Plus models, like this Asus CX34 are solid, snappy performers that can definitely be a primary productivity device for student, business owners, and even content creators and gamers. If you're looking for a solid Chromebook Plus that is reliable and durable, look no further than the Asus CX34.

This ASUS CX34 Chromebook Plus Laptop with Google AI feature.. Intel Core 5 120U Processor, 8GB Memory, 14” FHD LCD IPS Touchscreen. The screen will also open up all the way and lay flat. This is especially useful when using the touchscreen. In the box you get the ASUS CX34 Chromebook Plus 14” Laptop, Charger, Paperwork Setup of this ASUS CX34 Chromebook Plus is as simple as entering your Google account email or creating a new one if you don’t have one. There are built-in tutorials for those that have never used the ChromeOS before. Connectivity: There is 1 HDMI 1.4 port, 2 USB-A 3.2, 2 USB-C 3.2 charging ports, headphone jack, microphone jack (combo 3.5 mm), Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth. There is also a built in camera that is front-facing with a 1080p resolution that has a built-in microphone and a privacy shutter. Who is the ideal user for this ASUS CX34 Chromebook Plus? Students, very light gamers, those with productivity needs, entertainment enthusiasts, creators, people on the go, and everyday people who have everyday computing needs. Who is not the ideal user for this ASUS CX34 Chromebook Plus? Medium to heavy gamers, those needing a lot more memory than 8GB, high intense graphics, 3D graphics, video editing, and other high intense applications. One thing that I always want to know when I am purchasing a laptop or computer is if it is upgradable. This ASUS CX34 Chromebook Plus 14” Laptop has a motherboard with the video card, RAM (memory), and the UFS (Universal Flash Storage) integrated, which means that the video card, memory or the storage can be upgraded on this laptop. Since the storage cannot be upgraded, the files can be saved to a cloud drive to keep from filling up the storage so fast. It’s typical to use a cloud based storage with a Chromebook. Summary: This is a great Chromebook Plus that runs great without a lot of lag/delay when performing simple tasks like editing a photo, working in a document or a spreadsheet, browsing the web, using Gemini AI, or watching videos on YouTube. I like the brightness of the screen. I like that the battery life is good, and I got up to 11.6 hours with me using it and walking away with it still on, coming back to use it some more, and repeating that sequence for the day. It stayed charged the entire time. I was able to make profiles for me, my grandson, and my aunt. They are quite different and they were easy to set up. I think we will get a lot of use out of this ASUS CX34 Chromebook Plus 14” Laptop.

I have several Chromebooks and have had several over the years. This was my first. I did have to look up why this was about 50% higher price than a regular Chromebook. This has a better processor and ram and upgraded camera. Some nice things. Yes I do really like the brighter screen from my other Chromebooks. This does ship with wifi 6. I did a speed test on my home router. On my iPhone 17 I was getting 500 down and about the Same up. The laptop was 390 down and 250 up. So very similar. I did see the laptop had a very good battery, of course it varies on usage but it could range from 4-11 hours depending on usage. I use a lot of AI for work, even if a lot of the work is done on a server it did eat my laptop battery. Since this a a Google device it shipped with Gemini but I use Claude a lot. The is a Linux add on that a lot of people suggested to I used that. I really like the do not disturb like my iPhone has. I do love a touch screen. Not sure why it lays flat but not in a tent mode.there a lot of claim about being able to be dropped, extreme hot and cold and humidity. I did NOT test for these. 2 things worth mentioning This does NOT have a backlit keyboard Don’t expect to get anything “free” with this as for the Gemini etc. nothing is free Why is there an audio jack and hdmi? I think a lit keyboard would have been a much better options but there are 2 USB-C and 2 other USB-a. So you have plenty of places to plug in .

Pros: • Great Ecosystem & Account Management: ChromeOS makes it incredibly easy to manage separate accounts. It’s perfect for switching between my kids' school/entertainment profiles and my own browsing needs. • Seamless Phone Sync: The integration with my phone works effortlessly—notifications, file sharing, and tab sync are super smooth. • Solid Build & Display: The chassis feels surprisingly sturdy and durable for daily family use. The matte touch screen is a huge plus—it handles glare well, but not as bright and the touch response is snappy. • Great Daily Performance: For browsing, watching videos, and basic daily tasks, it’s fast, simple, and reliable. • Comes with subscription for Google AI Pro plan for 12 months (says offer expires January 31,2027). Totally worth it. Cons: • Screen Brightness: The display isn't exceptionally bright. It’s totally fine indoors, but if you're in a very bright room or near a sunny window, you might wish it had a bit • Trackpad Gap: There is a noticeable physical gap around the edges of the trackpad. It doesn't affect functionality, but once you see you cant unsee it Bottom Line: If you need an easy-to-use, durable notebook for light family duty, streaming, and casual web browsing, this Chromebook Plus is a great choice. Despite a couple of minor design quirks, the software experience and solid build make it a great value.

Review of ASUS - CX34 14" FHD Chromebook Plus Laptop with Google AI - Intel Core 5 120U (2024) - 8GB Memory - 128GB Storage - Staid Black. The Chromebook CX34 from Asus is a machine for non heavy machine. For practical usage, it performs above the reasonable usage. From entertaining to multi tasking for editing documents and light videos and conference call, the Chromebook works with solid experience. First, for the simple test, on three tabs of Chrome browser opened separately and played in each tab different movies and all simultaneously. In this case played Top Guns and Fast Furious, for continuous 10 minutes, the video and sound didn’t experience any slow down. In between opened email and performed editing document and prompt on Google Gemini in parallel session. One thing might not be good depending on preferences that the sound comes from the keyboard and can feel it as being on multi tasking mode and typing. In this process, the battery has consumed about 6%, and the video sequence with its sound continuously played. Additionally, the sound experience is superb for the size and configuration. It does feel the surrounding experience from left to right feeling wrapped in the wave of each sound from the movie. On the typing experience, it does feel a bit off as typing can feel the hard bouncing effect. Then on the distribution of the key does feel comfortable as letdown the hand over the keyboard. On the top has the assigned control buttons for brightness, sound, screenshot, view all of opened windows, etc. Some few aspects to remark that I liked: 1. USB-C ports are in both side. 1 each side. 2. Hard cover toggle button to cover the camera. Rather than using software function, being able to cover manually does give better feeling of securing that the camera will not be available at least as image capturing. 3. For the price category, it is multi touch screen and full 180 degree lay flat 4. Able to install Linux Environment. 5. It includes 3.5mm headphone/microphone combo jack What I wish it were better: 1. Thinner and lighter. 2. Fold backward into a tablet mode In overall, it is solid for the price category, with up to 10 hours battery life based on mixed usage, and compelling video and sound quality, and able to use it as developer still. As side note, it might happen sporadically statistic noise from the speaker while listening music or watching video, but in my case I was not able to pinpoint exactly what could be the cause.

I really don't know how Asus is doing it. I usually don't like Chromebooks. This nice bit of kit is a welcome new piece in my portable army. Never really understood the need for a Chromebook until I got to use his one. They (Chromebooks) were always under powered, slow and just seemed like they used the cheapest hardware they could find in their hardware bins. This one however the CX34 feels good, looks good and is pretty much the best Chromebook out right now. That is just my humble opinion. Absolutely love the physical cover for the camera. Privacy and not having to rely on a software to turn it off should be industry standard for any laptop with a camera. Keyboard feels and sounds good. Could have benefited from having a back-lit keyboard but I am being petty. It is a Chromebook. Screen is good and I can watch anime in peace not worrying about colors and sound. The ports that are available is a interesting situation. One USB-C on one side with an activity light next to it and the other side has one more along with a HDMI and two USB-A and 3.5mm jack for audio. I give this a solid 8 out of 10 and if you are in the market for a solid Chromebook this should be high on your list.

There was a wonderful point in time when the Chromebook was revered as a reliable laptop substitute, to get things done on the go, while being presented in a sleek, stylistic manner. Albeit, a simpler operating system, but smooth and easy to use, with the Chrome interface. While I am pleased that schools have made them viable replacements for text books in general, they've seemed to lose their desire to stand out. This Chromebook, the ASUS CX34 14" FHD Chromebook Plus, is a shining example of power and bare-bones minimum. The Intel Core 3 2025 is noticeably slow and the Google AI feature doesn't do much for creators to do any serious creating. The laptop has a sturdy plastic build that catches every fingerprint. The lack of backlit keys make this quite useless to the untrained keyboard user. The wake up from sleep is pretty quick. That's a plus. And I'm happy that they maintained the touch screen( Bring a screen cloth with you.) There are a surprising number of ports, here . The left holds the Type C power port, while the right has a Type C port, HDMI port, 2 USB A ports, and a headphone jack. No fingerprint scanner, nor is there a facial recognition. There's the capability to log in using your android phone, but why? I like the weight, but I also dislike it, because it's too basic to justify it. This could've benefitted from a fully foldable screen, but what you get is a lay-flat mode. It's a fully capable Chromebook for a student or just an extra tool to stay organized. However, at the end of the day, you're going be using this as back-up until you can get to your real PC.

OVERALL The ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34 is better than I expected. Older Chromebooks felt limited, but this one is fast, simple, and capable enough for everyday use. It handles web browsing, streaming, email, cloud productivity software, video calls, online shopping, and lots of open tabs without noticeable lag. It is lightweight enough for travel but also convenient to keep nearby at home for quick tasks. It will not replace a Windows laptop for specialized software, but it is a great option for anyone whose daily use is mostly online. KEY TAKEAWAYS + Fast and responsive for everyday tasks + Comfortable, quiet keyboard and smooth trackpad + Webcam privacy shutter with visible closed indicator + Lightweight 14-inch design with useful ports + Good all-day battery life + Speakers and outdoor screen brightness are only average DESIGN AND BUILD The CX34 has a clean, modern look and feels better than many budget Chromebooks. Its 14-inch Full HD touchscreen is clear and a good size for work or streaming, while the 180-degree hinge adds flexibility. It is light and easy to carry, though there is some flex in the lid. The display works well indoors but is not bright enough for regular outdoor use. KEYBOARD, PERFORMANCE, AND FEATURES The keyboard is a highlight. The keys have a comfortable, quiet feel with just enough feedback, making it pleasant to type on during emails, searches, and longer work sessions. The trackpad is smooth and accurate, although Windows users may want to adjust the scrolling direction. Performance is strong for a Chromebook. It handled many browser tabs, streaming, Google apps, Zoom, Meet, and casual Android games without slowing down. The webcam is clear for video calls, and the physical privacy shutter is a feature I really appreciate—the red indicator makes it easy to see when the camera is covered. The port selection is also very good, including USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, and audio. It worked well with external storage, docks, Ethernet adapters, and monitors. BATTERY AND AUDIO Battery life is reliable for a typical workday, with around eight hours or more depending on use. USB-C charging is convenient, especially for travel. The speakers are the weakest part. They are fine for calls and quick videos, but they lack the depth needed for music or movies. Headphones or an external speaker are better if audio matters to you. CONCLUSION The ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34 is a fast, portable, and easy-to-use laptop that offers strong value. Its comfortable keyboard, smooth performance, useful privacy shutter, solid port selection, and dependable battery life make it a great choice for students, families, travelers, and anyone who mainly uses email, web browsing, streaming, and Google apps. This is worth 4-stars. PROS - Fast everyday performance - Lightweight and travel-friendly - Comfortable, quiet keyboard - Smooth, accurate trackpad - Clear 14-inch Full HD touchscreen - Physical webcam privacy shutter - Strong selection of ports - Reliable workday battery life CONS - Screen is not ideal for bright outdoor use - Lid has some flex - Speakers are basic - Limited 128GB storage

First of all, I am a big fan of Asus products. I use their laptops, keyboards, monitors and routers, and I have never been disappointed. My main laptop that I use every day is an Asus ProArt, but I was looking for something smaller and more portable for travel, specifically with good battery life. Since most of my applications are web-based, I decided to look into a Chromebook because they tend to have great battery life with less weight. When I came across this Asus CX34 Chromebook Plus, I did not hesitate to order it. This Asus Chromebook has a nice, modern design. The textured surfaces give it a luxurious feel. It’s lightweight without feeling “cheap”. The full HD screen is bright and clear, with excellent touch response. I like that the screen’s hinge allows for a 180-degree range so it can be opened fully flat if desired. The built-in sliding privacy cover for the camera is a nice touch. The keyboard has a decent feel, though it does lack backlighting, which is a bit disappointing. The touchpad mouse works well after I reversed its default setting for vertical scrolling direction as it was backward from what I am used to in a Windows environment. There is plenty of connectivity with two USB-C “Thunderbolt” ports that also support charging. It has two USB-A ports, an HDMI port and a 2.5mm audio jack. I connected a port replicator “mini-dock” to one of the Thunderbolt ports and although I received a warning about it having an unsupported device, it worked perfectly, supporting the USB ports, hardwired Ethernet connection and external HDMI monitor. I also tried a external touchscreen monitor on one of the Thunderbolt ports and it worked perfectly. I was able to get over 8 hours of heavy use with about an hour’s worth of charge remaining. Recharging only takes a few hours with a capable fast charger, but it can be charged using any USB-C power cord. I am a longtime Windows user, but I also use Android phones and tablets, so the transition to the Asus CX34’s Chromium OS was not difficult. It only has 128GB of storage, but since most of my apps use cloud storage, that’s not a problem. And of course I can connect storage to any of the USB ports if needed. I did end up connecting an external Bluetooth mouse, which works well and make this Chromebook much more usable. Overall, I am very happy with this Asus CX34 Chromebook Plus. It’s well-made and is very portable. The Intel Cor 5 processor and 8GB of RAM makes it fast and very capable. Other than not running native Windows apps, it’s an easy replacement computer for my needs when traveling. It’s well-made and a decent value. I highly recommend this Asus Chromebook.

Excellent chromebook and best buy sale made it very easy. Thank you.

I have had 7-8 Chromebooks and this is decent but not my favorite. Like any Chromebook the setup is very easy using your Google account. Google keeps improving the Chromebook experience as far as app. availability. login to your account and it syncs with all your Google apps. The speed is very good and the battery life is as advertised. The touch screen is very responsive. The display is crystal clear. The Google AI is quick and responsive, although I don't use the AI features very much. You also get a 1 year subscription to Google AI with the product. I am not a big fan of having to subscribe and pay for features I feel should be included with the product but that does seem to be the way of the world now. It is lightweight. It does have 2 USB-C ports but only 1 charges the device. It also has an HDMI port and 2 USB-A ports for connecting a mouse dongle etc. The drawbacks I have found are: the audio output is not as loud as my other Chromebooks, the case is very prone to leaving fingerprints on it and they seem to be hard to clean off, the keyboard is not backlit which is a feature I really like. At the price point I feel it is a good value for the features it has.

I am a fan of Asus computer products. As such, I have high expectations of new releases. Having had the opportunity to check out the 3402, I wanted to see if Asus is still “In Search Of Incredible.” They do not disappoint. For it’s market, the 3402 offers lots of features at a reasonable price. These include: *OS: Being a Chromebook, the OS is Google Chrome. If your experience is only with Edge or another OS, Chrome might feel a bit different. However, the learning curve should not be difficult for the average user. On my primary computer, I use both Chrome and Edge. One reason is that Chrome will access an especially important business site that Edge will not. Strange, but true. *CPU: Intel 5 (13th Generation), an excellent processor. *Memory: SSD 128gb and RAM 8gb should be plenty of memory for the average user. *Connectivity: Aside from Bluetooth and Wi-Fi 6, there are plenty of slots for plugins: 1 HDMI, 4 USB (2x A 3.2 and 2x C3.2). *AI: Gemini is onboard and available via the icon on task bar. This Gemini version is an improvement in capabilities. However, if you want more than the basics, there are three levels available for a monthly cost. *Battery: Fully charged usage life is projected to 10 hours of power. I used it for about 3 hours and had only put a small dent in the available time. * Screen: LED and Full HD (1920 x 1080). Visuals are particularly good. The screen can be folded flat. *Smart Lock: This is a new feature to me. My mobile phone is connected to my primary computer, and it easily connected to the Chromebook. Smart Lock takes it a step further using the phone as a lock/unlock “key.” Pretty cool. To access, click the mobile phone icon on the task bar in lower right corner of the screen. The CX3402CV is another fine computer from ASUS. However, it is not perfect. The keyboard has no backlighting. Though the keys do present numbers and letters in white, they are otherwise black keys on a black background. In dim light this can possibly create a challenge for the user. On the plus side, that matter of preference presents no adverse effect on computer operations. The Asus Chromebook Plus CX3402 would be perfect for students or anyone else who needs the portability of an especially useful laptop without carrying a lot of weight. Plus, this highly portable laptop comes with an attractive cost.

After spending a week with the ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34, I can confidently say it stands out as one of the more enjoyable and budget-friendly laptops I have ever used. What immediately stands out is its speed. This Chromebook handles well anything I threw at it: dozens of open tabs, media streaming, Google Workspace applications, and casual Android games without any noticeable lag. I like the trackpad, it feels smooth and precise, while the keyboard offers a surprisingly comfortable typing experience that rivals mid-range Windows laptops. This Asus Chromebook also features an excellent webcam complete with a handy physical privacy shutter, making it great for video calls. I have used it a number of times with Zoom and Google's Meet apps and my video quality was smooth. In terms of battery life, the battery is OK, it reliably powers through a standard workday, though it doesn't offer much extra beyond that. The screen is perfectly adequate for daily indoor tasks, but I would not use it outside as its limited brightness means it struggles. While the overall build quality is respectable, there is some noticeable flex when applying pressure to the lid, not a big deal, it is not a premium built Chromebook. I thing I must mention is its audio. The audio experience is perhaps the laptop's weakest point, as the speakers are fine for quick YouTube videos but lack the depth needed for music. All in all, the CX34 model is a fast, simple, and dependable Chromebook is great for students, home schoolers and even your elderly parents. I find it to be a great choice if your daily routine revolves around checking email, web browsing, Google apps, and streaming. That is pretty much what we all do on our full-fledged PCs.

It seems like everyone knows everything these days so one of the first things I look for on any new laptop or Chromebook is a way to close the camera. I don’t want to turn it off as I may want to use during a video call but otherwise I wanted it “closed” so I don’t get surprised to be on camera when I’m not expecting it. The ASUS Chromebook CX3402 has a built in slider to cover the camera. Particularly, helpful is the large red dot letting you know the slider is closed. The next thing I look for is the feel of the keyboard. ASUS never disappoints here. I don’t know if there’s a technical term for it but I call it “bounce”. The ASUS keys have a nice bounce to them. Not a loud “clickie” sound, you hardly press the key to get the keys to type. It just has a nice, easy typing experience. When I’m on a conference call but need to look something up, the ASUS is so quiet no one knows I’m also using another machine. The picture quality on an ASUS is great. For my needs (Streaming, Internet searching/shopping, email) the performance is fine. The 14" screen is not too big, not too small, it's just right. The machine is light enough that it makes an easy travel companion. With Chromebooks no virus software is required and that’s a big plus not to have to keep that up to date and pay yearly for it. Gemini is always helpful. Setup was easy, just need a google email (gmail) account. I keep this ASUS Chromebook near my spot in the living room for whatever I might need or want to do.

This Asus Chromebook has everything plus more than your average Chromebook so I’m going to start with the only subpar part that I consider to be cosmetic and not functional. The keyboard could use more quality material or at least the finishing could be smoothed out so it feels less plastic and more refined. Outside this no other significant improvements. There’s plenty of speed for all multitasking for students and teachers but be aware that comes with a price which is that it is heavier than average Chromebooks. The nice thing is that it has a touchscreen so it is easy to scroll, select items and draw though it’s not made for it. Setting up it is streamlined isince I have a android phone and a google account. I did not try with iOS so no comments on that. Setup is guided so no need for instruction manual. It comes only with the charger so no accessories to speak of. The charger is a USB-C terminal so no proprietary plug to worry about. Since its is a powerful Chromebook the fan tends to be noisy at high speeds due to heavy usage.