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Rating 4.6 out of 5 stars with 28 reviews
stirfry Posted
The Asus CM32 121” Chromebook detachable has quickly become one of my favorite new devices, and for several reasons. I’ll start by saying that I have never been a real fan of Chromebooks. I found them to be slow, with very limited use--nothing more than a bulky tablet. However, over time, they have improved significantly, and the Asus CM32 running ChromeOS (not Android) has some great features that make it a great travel companion. Asus is known for their innovation and focus on value–this device lives up to the reputation. When travelling, I want a device that can browse the web, play simple games, and play / stream movies. I check my e-mail and may tackle / print a simple document or two. I also want it to be lightweight, so I can carry it on my back when bikepacking or motorcycling. I think the best feature of the Asus CM32 is the screen. It is gorgeous and bright. At 600 nits and 2.5K resolution with a touchscreen, it is great, even in brighter rooms. It also boasts a 120Hz refresh rate, which augments the performance of the stylus and assists with smoother scrolling. The screen is Gorilla Glass, which at this price point is a great add. Another great feature is the detachable keyboard and stylus combination. I love that the keyboard is magnetically attached to the device and it comes off and attaches really easily. Without the keyboard, the device functions as a tablet; with the keyboard, it functions as a laptop. With the system running ChromeOS (currently supported through 2036), it is different from other Android tablets because of the added functionality of ChromeOS. (As an aside, I have found ChromeOS to be similar enough to Windows that I can get around the operating system similarly.) The keyboard is lightweight, and while not backlit, the keys have good travel and the spacing is nice. The trackpad is also responsive with good haptic feedback. I would be remiss if I did not mention the pen-like stylus. It magnetically attaches–and charges–right on the back of the device in a designated cubby that is built into the magnetic cover on the back of the device. The stylus works fantastically, recognizing both my block printing and cursive. The integration into ChromeOS is super. What a huge improvement over previous styluses I have used. I was really impressed!! The overall speed and performance of the device is similar to that of a budget priced laptop. As long as you don’t overload it with a lot of simultaneous tasks, it is fine. Really complex websites will scroll with slight stutter, but most websites are perfectly fine. I read some e-magazines on the Libby app and they looked great and flipped from page to page quickly and smoothly. Videos played flawlessy (and the sound was also decent, plus I could pair bluetooth earbuds). I was able to use Office 365, Minitab statistical software online, and several of my Google Play Store games without issue. However, once I had more than seven or eight web browser tabs open, or if I was copying files from a thumb drive and web browsing simultaneously, the stutter started to increase. I’ve had good luck with the battery life. I can get at least 6 hours with web browsing, light gaming, e-mail and document creation. Charging from 25% to full took just under an hour. Weight is amazing. As a tablet, the device weighs a stunning 1 pound, 11 ounces. Add the keyboard and you’re up to 2 pounds, 6 ounces. Add the power supply and the final weight is 2 pounds, 12 ounces. I can carry that on my bikes all day. There are a few things I wish were a little better. I do like the case, and I also like that the angle of the stand is adjustable. However, more than once I had the case come off when trying to adjust the angle of the stand. I found it best to grasp it at the bottom and also just above the hinge line to brace it while adjusting. I’ll just have to get used to it. The camera is not the best. Images are a little grainy, especially if the room is not well lit. However, the image is good enough for Teams or WebEx meetings. I don’t use the device to take pictures or video. The single USB-C port on the right side of the device is used by the power supply. If you don’t have a hub that supports power delivery pass-through, the one port might be limiting to you. Lastly, remember that the CPU is an ARM processor, not an x86 processor. Therefore, there may be some limitations. For example, my Brother printer could not be configured on ARM, but my Canon printer could. In addition, some apps are not yet designed to function on ARM processors, but that list is getting shorter (or you can use the Linux equivalent). If your application is web-based, there is no issue at all. The Asus CM32 is a really nice device for those looking for the flexibility of having a system that functions as both a tablet and a portable Chromebook laptop. It’s lightweight, has a great screen, features a usable keyboard and trackpad, and has rather decent productivity performance because it runs ChromeOS and not just Android. I can confidently say it will be the device that will go with me whenever I travel for personal reasons, and will also be the first device I grab if I just need to do some quick web browsing, a check of e-mail, light gaming or e-book reading around the house.
TechEnthusiast Posted
I really like this Chromebook. It's small, light-weight, and highly portable. The screen size is large enough to be comfortable while small enough to easily carry. The screen quality is terrific. I was very impressed by the brightness and contrast of this screen. It's great for watching videos on. The keyboard is adequate to type on. I'll confess, it's not the greatest experience, and the keys feel quite "plasticky," but it's perfectly fine for use. I do wish that the keyboard was back-lit. I mostly type by feel, but I still struggled typing in low light environments. The ergonomics also aren't great as the keyboard sits perfectly flat against the table top. The speakers are good. They won't fill a room, but they're fine for watching videos and listening to music. The port selection isn't great. There is only one USB-C port for charging and data transfer and one headphone jack. There are no USB-A ports for legacy devices, there are no SD card slots for expanding the local storage, and you're going to need a hub if you need to both charge the Chromebook and use a USB device at the same time. The magnet on the keyboard is extremely strong. Unfortunately, the same can't be said for the magnet on the kickstand. The kickstand is just rubberized panel affixed to the back with magnets. Unfortunately, they are comparatively weak, and I kept pulling the kickstand off while trying to open the Chromebook. Conversely, the magnets on the keyboard maintain an overpowered grip with the screen making it somewhat difficult to open up. I love the fact this Chromebook includes a stylus, and I love that the kickstand has a little "bubble" to ensure it remains safely stowed away. The stylus input was responsive and accurate. I didn't notice any pressure sensitivity, but that could have just been the apps I was working in. To be blunt, this Chromebook makes several compromises in order to squeeze as many features as possible into an economical package. These compromises are noticeable, but they in no way negatively impact the overall user experience. I wouldn't recommend having this Chromebook as your sole device. This is not a desktop replacement by any means. But as a secondary device or student laptop, this Chromebook is terrific. I think this Chromebook is an absolute delight to use.
William C Posted
This is a versatile Chromebook tablet with a detachable keyboard that has excellent hardware, but is hampered by somewhat mediocre performance. It’s the followup to the previous ASUS CM30, and is also very similar in form to the Lenovo Duet line of Chromebooks (I used to have the 2nd gen Lenovo Duet 3) and to a lesser extent Microsoft’s Surface Pro line, so it can act as both a full laptop (with the keyboard attached) and a standalone ChromeOS tablet. The hardware and build quality are generally impressive. The screen can go up to 2560x1600, and is crisp and bright with vibrant colors. I tested this using Jacob & Katie Schwarz’s 4K Costa Rica video on YouTube, and it looked great. Stereo speakers provide a good amount of volume, but mostly in the mid and high frequency range. The detachable keyboard has a very good feel, with keys that have adequate travel (despite the very low profile) and a good tactile response -- they’re not clicky, but you can still feel every keypress as they hit the bottom of their travel. The keys also don’t feel cramped at all. The magnetic keyboard attachment is strong and secure, but not to the point that it’s difficult to detach. The included USI 2.0 stylus attaches magnetically to the back of the Chromebook, where it wirelessly charges. The stylus is responsive, with no lag. It’s also pressure sensitive, which is good for artists (assuming the app that’s being used supports pressure sensitivity). The rear part of the Chromebook’s case attaches magnetically to the back of the Chromebook, and there’s a flap on top that protects the stylus. (This rear part of the case also has the integrated fold-out stand that can accommodate an almost flat position.) There’s only one USB-C port (for both charging and accessories), which is disappointing, especially if you want to charge while using some other USB accessory, so a USB-C hub might be a good idea. There is a headphone jack, though, which is a nice addition for headphone purists. (The Lenovo Duet 3 has 2 USB-C ports but no headphone jack.) Performance is where things aren’t quite so impressive. The MediaTek Kompanio 540 CPU is adequate for basic functions like browsing, streaming video, and productivity with Google Docs/Sheets (although I can still see some sluggishness in tab switching and page loading sometimes when compared to my other more powerful Chromebooks). And to its credit, it could play 4K videos on YouTube without any lag or choppiness. But the Android racing game Asphalt Legends (which I find to be a good benchmark to see how powerful a device is) is basically unplayable, even with graphics options set to Performance (vs. High Quality). I have the 8 GB RAM version of this device, so I would expect the 4 GB version to be even pokier. I realize that this Chromebook is intended to be a budget/midrange device, probably aimed at the student demographic, so I shouldn’t expect high-powered gaming ability. But considering the rising popularity of gaming tablets like the Lenovo Legion Tab, it would’ve been nice to have an option for more powerful internals. As it stands, though, this Chromebook is a very good device for general usage. The quality of the hardware, the versatility of using it as a tablet or a laptop, and the portability are all big positives to consider.
Shwanny Posted
I’ve owned Asus chromebooks before (including a smaller 2-in-1) and have always been happy with their performance, build quality and value. This new model is easily the best of the bunch. While the screen is likely the standout, I actually want to just start my praise with the size of the whole package. It’s a little wider than my 11 inch iPad Pro and Magic Keyboard combo, but not nearly as unwieldy as the 13 inch iPad Pro/Air that I’ve played with in stores before. I know some people love that thing, but I just cannot get used to a tablet that big. At 12.1 inches, this Asus feels like it hit a sweet spot where you get a bit more screen real estate and a notably less cramped keyboard than the 11 inch iPad counterparts. And since Chromebooks are still really good at doing web and browser based work, all that extra space does indeed make a difference in productivity even if it doesn’t seem like it when you just look at the measurements. I guess the best way to describe it is that it’s closer to the feel of a 13 inch laptop in usage, but still manages to be more portable and smaller in practice. Holding both it and the 11 inch iPad Pro/Magic Keyboard in hand, I definitely think the Asus is lighter. So, this should be a really great device to travel with or take on the go and get work done. And yeah that screen is great! Very bright and sharp. Colors pop and it’s easy on the eyes. Responds to touch as you’d expect and scrolls buttery smooth. The build of the tablet itself feels sturdy and premium and looks good to my eyes. Speakers on both sides that support Dolby Atmos. You get one USB-C port and, lo and behold, a headphone jack! The keyboard, as mentioned, is nice and wide with all the keys you need. The typing experience is tactile and not mushy. Speed demons should have no problem with it. The trackpad is wide and has given me zero issues. It attaches magnetically to the side of the tablet, and then there’s a back cover that also attaches magnetically and provides the kickstand functionality (not unlike a Microsoft Surface). All seems sturdy and will help prevent scratches. The back cover has the additional function of covering the included stylus, which also attaches and charges magnetically. I’ve yet to find a way to really work the stylus into my daily computing usage, but it works well for simple notes and doodling. Very similar to the Apple Pencil in size/appearance. Battery life has been good so far and performance is fast and excellent. I had one issue where I was getting pop up message that was a little random and as if it was trying to sign me out of Gmail, but there was a ChromeOS update and it hasn’t done it since. Obviously, Chrome itself is in constant development so you can always count on having a solid web experience. Complaints? Like my previous 2-in-1 I’m still not 100% sold on the tablet experience here. When you remove the keyboard you’re launched into a different OS environment and it just isn’t quite as premium as iPadOS or Android. I know there’s continued talk of making ChromeOS and Android a more merged experience, and it’s easy to see why with things like this. If you’ve used a good Android phone or tablet, then you’ll probably find yourself wishing that the device could just replicate that when in tablet mode, and yet it’s not quite there. Maybe some day! If you’re planning to primarily use this device similar to a laptop then it’s really not an issue. And it sure beats the bulk of many other Chromebooks that are actual laptops!
Mookie Posted
The Asus Chromebook CM32 12.1' 2.5K 2-in1 is everything that I was looking for in home and away 2- in- 1 device. It will be a great travel Chromebook. I love the color and sleek build. Unboxing was a streamline in setting up a new device. I just love the Google Chrome interface with everything transferring over from all my devices in no time. The Chrome Operating System comes with 10 years of operation support making it a very secure operating system. The Asus Chromebook is a sturdy and well built Chromebook that is very responsive and fast operating system. The Asus Chromebook automatically attaches to the detachable keyboard with a secure click. The Chromebook stand pulls out in the back of the Chromebook easily with the wireless rechargeable stylus located at the top of the Chromebook back cover. The stylus is able to charge also while being stored. I charged the Asus Chromebook right out of the box and let updates install while charging. Beautiful touchscreen screen resolution of 2560x 1600 pixels at 2.5K. The screen is an amazing 12Ohz display. The Asus Chromebook has speakers on each side that support Dolby Atmos. The battery life is very good and steady for basics things I need with convenient type C charging at 45W. Wi-Fi is showing status as strong. The Asus Chromebook 12.1 2-in1 Touchscreen comes with front and rear cameras with tap switching photo, video and scan right at your finger tips. I added Google Messages to be able to text and see messages from my Contacts. There is so much to explore with Gemini, Apps and Games on this new Asus-CM32 12'1 2.5K 2-IN-1 Chromebook.
BbTech Posted
Let me preface this by saying I use all the systems, for different reasons. Windows (for certain software that only works on Windows, and for games), Linux (for certain tools native to Linux), Android (for Android apps), Chrome (for more than you might think), Mac (when performing work for certain clients). I am already familiar with Chrome and am already a fan and have been for some time. What I like about Chrome is its simplicity. It is all most people need, and actually better for a lot of people. I often am the person people come to when their computer is having issues and they need help. Because of this, if they ask what computer to buy to use the internet, check their email, consume media, I will usually suggest a Chromebook unless they have some specific need that a Chromebook can’t handle, which they likely do not. Stability Once I am able to convince someone to switch to Chrome, they usually never have to ask me for help again. They just don’t have problems anymore. Viruses, not a problem. Software updates, not a problem. While I have to use other systems for various reasons, for just day to day, using the internet, word processing, spreadsheets, watching media, listening to podcasts, consuming media like magazines or comics, etc. I usually reach for my Chromebook tablet. Form Factor This form factor, a tablet with a removable keyboard is basically what I evolved to with Chrome devices, because, unlike 2 in 1s, I really like being able to remove the keyboard when it is not needed, which is a lot of the time. The one time it is less convenient is when you actually want to use it sitting in your lap, in which case, I will usually just sit it on a pillow, or on the sleeve I carry it in. It is definitely not as convenient as a standard notebook or 2 in 1 for truly using in one’s lap, but being able to use it with the keyboard fully removed makes up for it. So now to the specifics of this particular implementation of this platform. This is probably my 6th or 7th Chrome device, many of which I still use, and my 3rd in this format, tablet with a removable keyboard. I have had a couple of 2 in 1s and a couple of notebook format devices as well. One of the major considerations in this physical configuration is the size. Prior to this, I have had two previous Chromebook tablets, a 10” and an 11”. Therefore, I already have a pretty solid idea of what I do and do not like. Each generation I have had has gotten a little larger than the last, and I am not sure that is a good thing, but I have gotten used to it, and it really depends on your use case. At 12.1”, this is large enough to actually be a full laptop replacement. This is actually my preferred size for a laptop too, 12-14” at the most. I am actually carrying this in a sleeve that I bought for a 12” laptop. The reason I prefer this size is, it provides room for a full size keyboard with no sacrifices. Any larger than this, and you have wasted space. If you need a larger screen, you can plug one in when you are stationary. It is nice to have a smaller compact size when you are traveling but be able to expand, when you are at home. My 10” was better for, but really still almost too big for, reading books; I prefer a Kindle. The larger 12.1” is better for reading things like Comics or Manga, but it is probably too big to carry in a small bag, which you can do with a smaller device. There are pros and cons for each size. There are always going to be tradeoffs. Physical Features The stylus Reasons to love I always have my stylus with me. It has a permanent location. I don’t even have to think about it. It is always charged. It has wireless charging through the tablet case. No USB chargers or charging and changing teeny tiny cells, infrequently enough that you always lose the charger in between. It sticks magnetically. It gives my fingers something to grip when holding in portrait mode for reading newspapers, magazines, or comics. The flat side keeps it from rolling. Reasons to not love it The stylus is not inside the body of the tablet, and it is always with me, even if I don’t need it. This means my case can’t really lay flat on a table, even when the stylus is removed and not being used. It also means the tablet doesn’t slide into a tablet sleeve as well, because it has this permanently affixed, non removable, bulky appendage. The Cover Reasons to love it It covers the stylus, protecting it and keeping it safe Reasons not to love Sharp edges? Yes, the back cover is made with a vinyl type material, and it is sealed around the edges. That makes the edges sharp when you are holding it or using it as a tablet. My first gen Chromebook tablet had the same issue, and I would just take it off while using the tablet in a tablet mode. My second gen device eliminated this problem with a soft cloth cover with rounded edges. The stylus protection is always present even when it is not needed. Ports This is another part of this laptop that I am a little disappointed in. My previous tablet had two USB-C ports, one on each side. This allowed me to plug in power and an external monitor at the same time. It also allowed me to plug into whichever side was more convenient. It did this in a device that was 1” smaller than this one. You can use a dongle and still do these things, but if you have two ports, you can leave the dongle at home most of the time. Other tablets, physically smaller than this one, have two ports, so this should be able to do it too. Display The display is bright and clear. It is pretty good for what it is. It still has a bezel around the edges, but no worse than any other Chromebook tablet I have had. Speakers They actually sound really good for such a small device. I was surprised. Keyboard This keyboard has good travel. The keyboard doesn’t have a backlight, which is standard for this form factor, so if you want or need a backlight, this is probably not for you. I am quite happy with it, no complaints. Wifi I have had no issues. I always seem to have a strong consistent signal Chromebook Perks This laptop comes with perks. It comes with some really nice perks, but unfortunately, despite all the advertised perks, I couldn’t get any of them to activate. I don’t know why, I would just get a message that it was not eligible. It didn’t say why it wasn’t eligible. I don’t know if it was related to my account, the fact I got the unit in exchange for a review, or what, but none of the perks this came with would activate for me. Capability I am currently on a week long road trip. While on this trip, I am going to need to do some work. Some writing, like this review. Some programming, using VS Code, but also some CAD work. Not online CAD work either, using Onshape or something like that. I need to use FreeCAD, which runs locally. So, I decided to see if I could use it on here. Many people might think that wouldn’t be possible both because it is a Chromebook, and for performance reasons. I usually use a Windows gaming laptop to run it. However, for this trip, I didn’t want to lug that monstrosity around. So I tried it. I enabled Linux, as I always do for VS Code, and gave it 10 GB of the 128 GB of storage. Next, I downloaded the aarch64 appImage for FreeCAD, moved it into the Linux environment, and ran it, and it works. I wouldn’t attempt working on any large models with it, but to remain lightweight and portable, designing simple parts while traveling for a week, this will do nicely. I don’t even need to carry an extra power supply, because this and my phone can share. It does everything I need. I can watch my streaming services on it. Listen to music and podcasts on it, do work with it, make video calls and have meetings with it, do work on it. Are there other devices or platforms that are better at some of these things, sure. But this can handle all the basics in one small portable lightweight device.
Charles Buck Posted
I kind of surprised myself by getting this as I truly don't with all honesty like Chromebook's that much but being an ASUS fan I thought what the heck try it and see what Chromebook is all about and that was said because I have heard a lot of good and a lot of bad about them. Now with that said lets move forward. I was totally surprised with this when it got here as I was excepting to see a big box like you would with a brand new laptop but no this one came in a small box which on the inside had an even smaller box that is maybe 3 inches thick and about two foot in length which held a very well packed Chromebook and to my surprise it's very light wise for weigh. once I went through the paperwork to see what I needed to do for setup which was easy and fast (took me a total of 30 mins to an hour) everything loaded up, installed, downloaded fast, It even picked up my WiFi setting fast which made the whole set up easy. This comes with a very strong magnetic case, rechargeable stylus type pen which is held in place by putting it on the flat side of the pen onto the back side of the tablet I used the word tablet due to it being both just that and a book or laptop type item as it comes with a detachable keyboard which makes it like a small and yes I mean small laptop. It is also a touch screen which is nice as well, it has 8GB Memory - 128GB Storage which did kind of shock me as for someone that has built my own PC's I tend to think 8 GB of ram being slow or not enough but this thing is fast on loading up for as small as it is and the 128gb of storage will last for a while so long as you don't go overboard when installing apps onto it. Those are in fact the things that really impressed me with this and the fact it comes from a name brand company that I have personally had no issues with. the only honest to God things I found wrong which are minor things are that it does put out a little bit of heat when using but that is a given with just about any laptop/tablet the other is the fact that it turns on by itself when you open it up which is both a nice thing but a bad thing because it tends to run your battery down fast. Other than those two things I will say it's a get it item.
MRWilson Posted
Finding a lightweight 2-in-1 that handles everyday productivity tasks without feeling sluggish has been difficult, but this chromebook fits into my routine perfectly. As someone who relies heavily on the Google ecosystem, having native ChromeOS integration makes setup instant. All my Docs, Sheets, Drive files, photos, and bookmarked apps synced right up when I signed in. Now I can easily jump between my phone, desktop, and this Chromebook. Upon booting the Chromebook up the screen stood out immediately as you don’t usually find a display this sharp with such a high refresh rate at this price. The 12.1 inch display is the perfect size for portability while also not being too small to hinder productivity. Scrolling through documents and browsing feels fluid and text looks sharp whether I’m working indoors or sitting near a bright window. The design is versatile and has a premium feel to it. Having a magnetic kickstand cover and a detachable keyboard makes it easy to switch between typing out longer emails or popping the screen off to use as a tablet for casual reading. This isn’t just a cheap flimsy magnetic keyboard either as it actually feels nice to type with. At under a pound and a half for the tablet itself it feels lightweight and easy to hold without feeling cheap. Along with the asthetics the performance has been equally impressive. It has been snappy and reliable for daily use. The MediaTek processor paired with 8GB of memory definitely seems to outperform my expectations as it keeps web pages loading instantly even with multiple tabs and streaming apps open simultaneously. ChromeOS boots up in seconds and everything runs smoothly without getting uncomfortably warm. The battery life has been great as well where it comfortably lasts through a full day of mixed use without me needing to carry a charger around everywhere. Another plus here is that the charger is very lightweight for when you do need to take it with you as there is no bulky power block. Overall this Chromebook checks all the boxes as it delivers a crisp screen, outstanding battery life, and flexibility for both productivity and entertainment. If you are already tied into Google's services I would highly recommend this Chromebook. Even without being entrenched in the Google ecosystem if you simply want a lightweight 2-in-1 that handles daily computing with zero hassle I would definitely recommend it.
GuyA Posted
I assus for their high quality hardware in PC. Their performance Pc left the competition behind. But I never try their Chrome products until now. That is sophisticated and simple. Vibrant display and fast. the magnetic back cover should been more stronger, The keyboard without backlight is pretty useful.
Kotor Posted
I am very impressed with the form and function of this ASUS hybrid tablet/laptop. It provides rock solid performance and is very easy to take on the road. Not only is it versatile, but it is fun and easy to use. After having it for a few days, I found myself constantly reaching for it instead of my phone, which really says a lot. I am a big fan of Chromebook for personal personal productivity’s tasks. Which for most people is 90% of what they do. I am a big user of the Google Chrome browser andGoogle apps such as Gmail and documents. This Chromebook seamlessly operates with Google products. Can a Chromebook completely replace a Windows PC for all situations? No not completely for everything. But for most people this Chromebook will do everything they need to do within reason. If you are a big user of the Google ecosystem, you will be right at home with this ASUS Chromebook. It has been a few years since I have used a tablet, so I was excited to see what this product had to offer. I played around with the tablet orientation for a while, but I found myself going back to using the keyboard. My personal preference is to use this product exclusively with the keyboard, but if you enjoy using a tablet, it is nice that that there is an option. There is a powered stylus included. It works quite well, but I did not find myself using it much. This book has more than enough processing power memory to adequately handle most general productivity applications. The display is The best feature of this device. It is strikingly, sharp and bright. I was totally blown away by how nice it looked. Movies and videos were very pleasing to the eye. Colors are rich and vibrant and blacks are suitably deep. The keyboard itself is high-quality and attaches magnetically to the tablet. The magnetic connection is very strong and takes quite a bit of force to remove so you don’t have to worry about it coming off easily. The keyboard is not backlit, which extends the battery power. Since this is a compact, the keyboard is of course not full-size. However, I did not have any problems using the keyboard and did not find it to be too cramped Battery powers is excellent. I found myself routinely getting about eight hours per charge. Battery life of course is dependent on usage patterns. I am very happy with this ASUS Chromebook. I am very excited that I now have a compact laptop to take on the road. I found using this capable device to be fun and fulfilling. It is an excellent complement to a smart phone.
JasonS Posted
2-in-1 detachables are hard to come by but this one packs a decent punch for a travel chromebook!
BRIAN Posted
I got this Chromebook for my daughter who is going off to college. She enjoys the smaller size and works well in class when she is taking notes.
joecaffe Posted
I've been looking for a replacement for my Pixel Slate, not because it's broken, just a little lagging on social scrolling. I was a little apprehensive with this being a Chromebook because of the infamous bare bones setups of the past. I have confidence in Asus products from my previous experience, so I decided to try it out. The CM32 comes securely packed and includes a magnetic case with kickstand and a pocket for the included pen that charges while magnetically attached. The thick, laptop-style keyboard snaps to the bottom and turns the Chrome OS to PC mode. The screen is crisp and bright even on mid levels; I found it difficult to distinguish between this unit's 2.5k screen and the Slate's 3k resolutions. Detaching the keyboard puts you in tablet mode and significantly decreases the weight and thickness (notwithstanding prevalent bulge for the pen). Removing the kickstand further lightens the load and thickness, giving this unit the appearance of an iPad Pro. It feels comfortable in either configuration and more like a PC with the keyboard having keys with actual travel and a track pad (contrary to those compact screen covers that have keyboards for optional use). I was surprised that Google is using Mediatek core processors, but they've come a long way, partnering with Nvidia for AI ASICS. It's faster than I expected at scrolling social media's video intensive content. The general feel of the system is quick and responsive, and the Kompanio 540's power efficient CPU makes the battery life last for a good 6 to 9 hours. Speakers are loud, clear and produce a convincing surround effect. Both front and rear cameras are 5mp and produce reasonably good results indoors with average lighting. The pen works great and doesn't lag, feels fluid as if you're using an actual pen, which would be good for creativity. The only negative things I can say about this is that the keyboard is not backlit, which expected given the thickness. You also only get one Usb-C port, so maybe investing in a port replicator would be useful if you want to both charge and use the port. There's an indented power button that looks like it should be a fingerprint reader like on my Slate, but it's not. It includes a rather frugal 128Gb of memory with no microSD expansion, but par for the course with Chromebooks. Asus makes great products and this is one of them. So if you're in the market for a Chromebook, get this and have a tablet when you're not working.
Bluevue Posted
I've been looking for a new Tablet lately as my current one is going on 6 years old. I thought I'd give this Asus a try. I think Tablets in the 12" category are the perfect size. The build quality of this chromebook is very nice. Feels quite solid and premium for the price point. The keyboard case is sturdy and holds the tablet well. Typing feels good and responsive, nice soft key travel. Good size and not too cramped. The track pad works well and the gestures are nice. The magnets are strong and keeps it in place. You do have to be mindful when opening the kick stand. Its a 2 hand operation to keep the top of the back in place. A downside I've noticed is that its hard to open/unfold it from closed. There is no gap or notch to get a hold of. You need to have some fingernails to get in there. Also the keyboard keys are not backlit. I really miss that, maybe there is another option that is. I don't use a stylus often but its nice to have, and a dedicated home for it on the back is perfect. i found the stylus to be responsive and work well. I'ts great for drawing, writing (although the screen is pretty slippy) or just when you need more precise input in tablet mode.The 2.5K screen is a really beautiful screen! Very comparable to my old tablets oled screen. The colors look true and vibrant. It gets nice and bright. I've noticed a little choppiness when scrolling but otherwise it has been pretty smooth. That could also be due to the 8GB of Ram. I have also noticed stuttering in the animations if there are too many apps open in the background or too many tabs open. In this day and age, go for the highest Ram option you can afford. The speakers are mid at best. They can get loud but sound tinny and hollow. There are no options on a chromebook to adjust that. No equalizer for bass and treble or and custom sound stages. I thought Asus may have included some software but no. There are some apps you can try but are either buggy, dont work, or kill the battery life. Earbuds are a great option. I've found the battery life to be great. (minus with 3rd party apps) I use my Chromebook a couple hours a day and have to charge after 4 days. Easily can get up to 10 hours out of it. I think charging is pretty fast too. 14% to full in 1 hour 5 minutes. It's super nice they included a charger. I was surprised to see one. This tablet also charges at the same speed if you have at least a 45 watt PD charger for your phones. If you're in the market for a new Chromebook, this Asus is a good portable size and a great option.
JohnR Posted
The Asus CM32 is a sleek Chromebook that works equally well as a tablet, or a laptop with a detachable stand and keyboard. I have been consistently impressed with the quality of this device, and the usefulness it offers as a daily companion for a wide range of tasks. Right out of the box, the set-up process is easy and straightforward. The CM32 runs ChromeOS, and this was my first time working with this operating system. I have to say, this OS makes using the CM32 a breeze, and I really appreciated how quick the set-up process was. I also noticed just how well the CM32 is made. The 12”, 2.5k display looks gorgeous, and all content is displayed smoothly thanks to a 120Hz refresh rate. The all-metal construction feels well machined, and the durable Corning Gorilla Glass display is a joy to use as a touchscreen. The main thing you’ll be looking at with the CM32 is the screen, and it is a wonderful screen for any laptop or tablet out there. That 2.5k resolution makes videos and pictures look vivid and crisp, with colors and clarity that are breathtaking. It also gets very bright for a tablet, as it’s able to reach 600 nits of brightness, which I found to be plenty bright for my use. Something to note, this device ships with not only a removable keyboard with a trackpad, but it also comes with a rechargeable stylus. I found that this stylus worked exceptionally well, allowing me to do things like take notes, and draw/paint with more creative apps. The included removable stand works well to convert this to a laptop, but keep in mind that you will likely not be able to use this in your actual lap. The way the stand is, it’s stable on a flat surface, but not very stable on your lap. This meant that if I was anywhere outside of a table, I was pretty much just using the CM32 as a tablet. And as a tablet, it is pretty incredible. I found that the host of apps provided by the ChromeOS were perfect for my needs, and I was able to easily download anything else that wasn’t on the device. With 128 gigs of storage, I have plenty of room for documents, photos, and media. Speaking of photos, I have to say that the rear facing camera is not very good. It takes rather blurry, undefined photos, and honestly, I’m a bit surprised considering how far tech device cameras have come in the last 25 or so years. There is also a considerable delay from the time you push the camera button, to when it actually takes the photo. The overall camera quality is far below that of the rest of the CM32, and I’m just not sure why Asus made this choice. Thankfully, it appears that the front facing camera is more usable, as I didn’t notice such poor performance out of this camera- meaning things like Zoom calls shouldn’t be a problem. Some other things to keep in mind, this only has 8 GB of RAM, so don’t expect to do any substantial gaming on this device. I found that it’s plenty fast for daily tasks like browsing the web with multiple tabs open, streaming content, or playing less demanding mobile games. There is a USB-C port for charging, and a 3.5mm port for headphones, no dongle needed! The detachable keyboard and trackpad work great; just remember you’ll need to have the CM32 placed on a flat surface. I really like that the stand and keyboard attach magnetically, so going from laptop to tablet is an extremely quick and easy process. As my first Chromebook, the Asus CM32 has been an amazing piece of tech that is equally adept as a laptop or tablet. While it’s not perfect, it does remarkably well as a great daily use device that won’t break the bank. I would totally recommend the CM32 to anyone who is looking for an exceptional touchscreen Chromebook!
Andy Posted
ASUS CM-32 Chromebook I use several size Chromebooks, both touch and non-touch. Between them and the other machines I use often, this one reminds me a lot of my Surface Pro because many of the features are similar but for a far more purchase price! The screen is nice and bright and has a high enough resolution and size that I can’t see the pixels during normal use. The compact keyboard is pretty good, despite being not much thicker than a cover. While certainly not a replacement for a regular keyboard, I am typing this review on it and am dprha dhalhf sdfj! Just kidding, it does very well. The thing that I love the most about this machine has got to be the stylus! I have a Moto Stylus phone and of course the Surface Pro and have found that this one competes well with the Surface. I have used it for several things already, and find it to be very accurate. The sensitivity and pressure response is very useful for drawing and illustrations. Battery life is typical for a Chromebook, it can last all day, plus if settings are right. This includes setting the screen brightness (easily done with the dedicated keys) and keeping apps that hog power to a minimum. The ability to pull the magnetic keyboard, stylus and stand off means it can act as a real tablet. The stand has an area that acts as a dock for the stylus and holds it where it gets charged. The “bay” is clear so you can see the light on the stylus to verify it is charging. ASUS has had some good machines over the years, this one seems to be another example of a home run. It fits easily in a bag or just carrying it and has the guts to get real work done without breaking the bank. I can see it being useful for everything from playing games with the stylus, drawing and designing or illustrating. I will be using it in my classroom for helping students visualize science concepts. The ability to cast the screen easily makes it a great addition to my teaching tools.
mrcarnut Posted
This is a great tablet/laptop. Excellent build quality. I have several 16” OLED laptops but wanted something smaller and lighter to use around the house. I use Chrome for my browser, and this is perfect for my use. The 12.1-inch display at 2560 x 1600 2.5K is bright and has excellent colors. The Asus comes with a detachable keyboard that has excellent key travel and feels great. A detachable kickstand attaches to the back of the tablet and holds a rechargeable pen. The Asus pretty much comes with everything you need on a tablet and laptop. The processor is the MediaTek Kompanio 540 and comes with 8GB of ram and 128GB of storage. Battery life is rated at 12-13 hours, and I have had great results after several days of usage. This is my first Chromebook, and I’ll say this is a great product. The speakers are good, not great but good but the screen is excellent. The unit is fast and loads apps extremely fast. Startup time is seconds. I will say the magnet kick stand is a little hard to use as you need to hold the bottom of it, so it doesn't come off when opening it. Other than that, this is a great little laptop/tablet. Fast, great screen and very light.
z4teen Posted
I've long been a fan of Chromebooks. They offer a lightweight, web-focused experience with deep Google Account integration, streamlined setup, frequent updates and little bloatware. They're usually budget-focused devices and not often at the cutting edge of technology, but they often offer most of what you need for less than you'd pay for a Windows or Mac machine. Every now and then a manufacturer will try something a bit different in the Chromebook space. Asus has long made Chromebooks at a variety of price points, so my interest was piqued when they announced a 2-in-1 detachable model earlier this year: the CM32. With solid specs and nifty accessories I had to give it a try. The Asus CM32 model reviewed here offers 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage and includes the magnetic stand cover, magnetic stylus and detachable keyboard. 8GB/128GB is the minimum memory configuration I'd recommend for performance. This model uses one of MediaTek's newer processors, the Kompanio 540, which falls in the middle of their mid-tier, budget-focused processor range. Beyond basic specs, I was intrigued by the screen, which advertises high-end brightness, resolution and refresh rates, and the speakers, with their prominent grills and Dolby technology. As has become (thankfully) typical with Asus, the CM32 arrived encased in sturdy cardboard, with a minimum of plastic wrap. I appreciate the efforts Asus made to use sustainable packaging that doesn't look for feel cheap; the nicely-hinged inner packaging offers a slightly premium experience, too. The tablet and all accessories were nicely packaged, and I was happy to see a compact USB-C charging brick included (although I wish the plugs folded into the brick). Everything attaches magnetically to the CM32, which is both convenient and something typically reserved for more expensive gadgets. The tablet itself has excellent build quality and a nice, solid feel in hand. The accessories are generally very good as well, especially considering the price. What I noticed right away, and what continues to be an issue, is the mismatch between the stiffness of the case's kickstand hinge and the relative weakness of the case/tablet magnets. Every time I pull out the kickstand I have to remember to hold onto the case just above the hinge, or it pulls right off the tablet. I appreciate how stiff the hinge is -- this makes using it sturdy -- but I wish the magnets were stronger to match. The keyboard, on the other hand, remains firmly attached as it should. It also stays attached to the screen when closed pretty tightly, which is good for transport; the screen wakes and sleeps when the keyboard is flipped down and up. I only wish the keyboard had indents on one edge or the other to make it easier to flip down. The stylus stays neatly attached to its charging dock on the back of the tablet with a nifty magnetic cover built into the case. As someone who doesn't use a stylus very often, the cover is a bit clunky, but I appreciate that it keeps the stylus safely covered and prevents me from losing track of it. And it stays charged this way, too. As with any Chromebook, setup is a breeze, especially compared to Windows (or even Mac). Connect to the internet, log in with your Google Account, pass through a few setup screens and you're in business. Updates are performed quickly and seamlessly, and saved settings from Chrome and/or other Chromebooks you've used are automatically applied. If you have Android devices you can pull in those settings and apps, too, and elect to connect with your Android phone for even deeper integration. As an iPhone user I don't have that same luxury, but everything stays well-synced between my Google account and various Chrome installations. The highlight of the CM32 is the 2.5k, 120-hz screen, and this was apparent from the start. The screen is seriously bright, with excellent colors, contrast and clarity. It punches way above its weight. Touch inputs, including multitouch, work well. I find myself turning the brightness down more than up, which is unusual in cheaper devices, and I haven't had to struggle to view things. Asus absolutely nailed the display here. The speakers are also very good, especially for a tablet. They're clear and consistent, audio is relatively balanced, and they can get plenty loud for most situations. Located on the short ends of the tablet means they're ideal for watching videos in landscape mode. You're not going to get earth-shattering bass or surround sound, but for casual use I think you'll be pleased. The keyboard and trackpad are generally good, too. The keys are springy and have actual key travel; the trackpad is smooth and responsive, with a satisfying physical click that's fairly easy to actuate. There's definitely some flex, and the typing experience won't match a laptop's, but for this style of machine at this price it's plenty good. I only wish the keys were backlit for better usability at night. All this takes me to the inevitable discussion of how the CM32 performs in daily use: good to very good, but not top notch. Although the screen and accessories are top-of-class, the Mediatec processor is very middle of the road, as is the 8GB of RAM. For everyday email, web browsing and light media consumption the CM32 works just fine, and even more demanding tasks like editing documents is very doable. What I've noticed the most is light stutter, hesitancy and brief pauses when opening documents, loading webpages or switching between apps. You'll notice this most if you're used to using high-spec machines and the latest devices. Things just take a beat or two to load, and the more apps and windows you have open, the more you'll notice it. I wouldn't call the CM32 slow, and I haven't experienced any hard freezes or crashes, but coming from the latest phones and laptops the hesitation is noticeable, and it stands out even compared to the Chromebook Plus I also use. I'd be lying if I said it doesn't bother me, but it's not disqualifying by any means. If you temper your expectations a hair I don't think you'll be disappointed. Just don't expect a speed demon of a device. Another thing I'd point out as just okay is battery life. While the processor sacrifices some speed for efficiency, I'm guessing the bright, beautiful high-res screen saps quite a bit of power. With light use I only need to charge every few days, but I do find myself noticing the battery drain more than I expected. Again, not disqualifying, but something to note. All told, I like the Asus CM32, but not as much as I thought I would. There are a lot of pros: the build quality, included accessories and innovative (for a Chromebook) form factor are all pluses, as is the gorgeous display. Compromises had to be made somewhere for this price, though, and that comes across with good but not great performance and battery life. If you aren't bothered by a bit of hesitation and an extra second or two when loading some apps, and you remember your charger, I think you'll be pleased with the CM32. But if you want the best performance and battery life you can get in a Chromebook I would consider some other models (particularly Chromebook Plus devices) or wait for the new "Googlebooks" coming later this year.
dharr18 Posted
I am torn between 3 star and 4 star. Why can't 3.5 be an option? In 2027 this will be an easy 4 star, if you are willing to wait and live with the shortcomings. I really like the hardware. The screen is very sharp and clear. Touch response is outstanding. The keyboard is very nice and easy to type on. The speakers are pretty meh. There is a single USB C port that does all a USB C port does on a tablet. It is on the right side when the keyboard is attached. Also a headphone jack. Power is left side top recessed. Volume is top left side. As a tablet, this is quite a heavy tablet. You do NOT want this hitting you in the head when you doze off at night. However it is balanced quite nicely to make it easier to hold. The screen is not edge to edge, so you have bezel areas the entire way around to hold the tablet securely. The keyboard and kickstand are magnetically attached. The keyboard has a satisfying snap when it connects. It is a very secure connection. The kickstand folds out from the bottom and also down from the top to allow access to the stylus. A nice design, but the magnetic area is not enough to keep the kickstand securely connected to support the tablets weight if you are holding the tablet by the kickstand and getting the stylus out. The stylus is quite nice and feels good in hand. Accuracy is excellent. The camera is not great but usable. But I have never found a good scenario where I needed a rear facing camera on a tablet. Front facing is about a standard front facing camera. In Chromebook mode, everything seems great when sitting at a desk or table. Moving away from a desk is where stars start falling to the wayside. As a Chromebook on a desktop, it feels quite nice. Using it in laptop mode in your lap is not a fun experience. The keyboard attachment has a flexible spine, there is not a firm hinge like on a laptop. So it cannot support the weight of the screen. The result is a floppy keyboard and trying to balance the kickstand on your lap. In other words, you need to remove the keyboard and go to tablet mode. That is where the real pain starts. Chrome OS in 2026 is not where it needs to be as a tablet OS. The gestures are not consistent and are accidentally activated, or impossible to activate. The navigation bar is a cluttered mess with all the laptop pins you may have and the navigating buttons are squeezed into the same bar. You have so much screen real estate and can't use any of it to clean up the navigation. You can turn off gestures, for the most part, and use the navigation buttons. But the button navigation is nothing remotely similar to button navigation on an Android phone or tablet. Unlike a Android phone where the navigation bar is separate. Navigation is combined in the dock bar with everything else you have in laptop mode. With this being Chrome OS you can't have any desktop items like shortcuts or widgets. So in tablet mode they open the G app list by default and give you no way to see your clean desktop. This makes the experience feel very cluttered from 10+ years ago. This is not the fault of the tablet nor Asus, just the way Chrome OS handles tablets at this time. If you were forced to use an Apple mobile device in the mid 2010's, you will feel like you have traveled back in time to when they 'introduced' folders! The good news, later in 2026 and sometime in 2027 Google will be releasing many Chrome OS upgrades to align more with Android in what Gemini refers to as Aluminum OS. This should fix many of the shortcomings of the current release. Also, according to Gemini, Google will be supporting this device into 2036 with their 10 year support guarantee. So as new feature come out, you will get them for a decade. Overall I really like this Chromebook/Chrome Tablet. The tablet mode is not the greatest currently but is still quite usable. The stylus is well done. The hardware is quite good. Google Play is supported. Audio is a weak spot. The cameras are not great but are usable. In the next year this has the makings of a really great tablet, and can easily be an easy 4-5 star grade. The hardware is definitely there. Now we just need the OS to catch up to the hardware. You can join the beta development channel very easily like with any Chromebook, if you are like me and can't wait for new features. I am hoping to see some of the new features later this year. I originally gave this a 3 star, but upped it to 4 stars based on the potential and expectations of fixing the tablet OS functions. Using my phone connected to a monitor with a keyboard gives me an idea of what this could be. If that is close to what to expect, I will be very happy with this going forward. The last thought, I look at this as a tablet with a keyboard attachment. If you go into the purchase with that understanding, you will be happy with the product in the future.
UnkinB Posted
If you are hunting for a compact 2-in-1 that feels more like a premium tablet but still handles daily work, the ASUS Chromebook CM32 is an interesting option. Its design hits a very specific sweet spot, especially if you focus on the two things that matter most in daily use: what you are looking at (the screen) and how smoothly it keeps up with you (the processor). The moment you power this up, the display immediately grabs your attention. At 12.1 inches, a 2.5K resolution means the pixel density is incredibly tight. Say Goodbye to Fuzzy Text: If you spend your day reading documents, digging into spreadsheets, or scrolling through web pages, you will notice the difference right away. Text is crisp and sharp, which is a massive relief for your eyes if you are looking at it for hours. The 120Hz Secret Weapon: Most budget or mid-range Chromebooks stick to a standard 60Hz screen. ASUS putting a 120Hz refresh rate in this device changes everything. Flipping through your digital calendar, scrolling down a long news feed, or swiping through apps feels fluid and instantly responsive. Under the hood, ASUS went with an ARM-based MediaTek processor instead of a traditional Intel chip. If you're used to a standard laptop, this changes the experience in a few great ways—and one or two ways you should keep in mind. Completely Silent and Ice Cold: Because this processor runs on mobile architecture, it doesn't need a cooling fan. The device stays totally silent and never gets uncomfortably hot in your lap or in your hands when you detach the keyboard. Great for Apps, But Know the Limits: Backed by 8GB of RAM, this processor handles standard multi-tasking like a champ. Web browsing with a dozen tabs open, streaming video, and running Android mobile games or casino apps feel snappy because the chip handles mobile apps natively. Just keep in mind it isn't a heavy-duty powerhouse; it’s built for smooth everyday tasks and cloud productivity, not intense video rendering or heavy PC gaming. If you want a device where everything you read looks beautiful and you don't want to constantly worry about finding a power outlet, the ASUS CM32 nails it. The gorgeous 2.5K screen makes it a joy to interact with, and the efficient MediaTek processor ensures it stays lightweight, cool, and alive all day long.