Just when you thought that CES 2021 wasn’t delivering much in front of the Chromebook, ASUS came out and knocked down doors with not one, not two, but three new Chromebooks for the coming year. Two of them are launching the latest 11th generation Tiger Lake processors from Intel and the other is ASUS ‘first with an integrated AMD Ryzen processor. All three are scheduled to launch in the second quarter of 2021 and all three are impressive to look at, continuing ASUS ‘trend of attractive and interesting Chromebooks for the coming year. Let’s see what was announced.
ASUS Chromebook CX9
The first is the ASUS Chromebook CX9, a complete premium Chromebook that is the Chrome OS variation of the recently announced ExpertBook B9 from the company running Windows. This device is by far the most premium Chromebook from ASUS so far and comes equipped with all the features you expect in the latest hardware. With ASUS ‘trademark NanoEdge display, a 2.2 lb ultralight chassis, premium materials and a slim 16 mm profile, this device looks absolutely stunning open and closed.
ASUS Chromebook CX9 specifications
- Core i7 processor up to 11th generation
- Intel Iris Xe GPU
- 14 inch anti-glare NanoEdge FHD display
- MIL-STD 810H Rating
- Magnesium alloy chassis
- 16 mm thick
- 2.2 pounds
- Thunderbolt 4
- USB Type A and C
- Full size HDMI port
- Fingerprint scanner
- Webcam Privacy Shield
- Wi-Fi 6
- Bluetooth 5
ASUS Chromebook Flip C536
This next device is the spiritual successor to the Flip C434 and C436. Although it is known in some areas as Flip CX5, ASUS goes under the model name Flip C536 in most regions. Again, this impressive Chromebook looks amazing and changes the previous formula from ASUS, changing to a 15.6-inch design for the convertible Chromebook. This is ASUS ‘first foray into a convertible of this size, so it will be interesting to see it in person. While the CX9 appears to be marketed to creatives and professionals, it is aimed at a younger audience with “Stadia Compatibility and GeForce NOW” listed as a feature.
ASUS says its style is attractive to those who like a minimalist look and is for personal or work use. The interior uses an “obsidian velvet” texture and the outer parts are treated with a ceramic-like finish, giving this Chromebook a simple and unique aesthetic that, frankly, looks quite stellar.
ASUS Chromebook Flip C536 specifications
- Core i7 processor up to 11th generation
- Intel Iris Xe GPU
- 15.6-inch NanoEdge IPS FHD display
- Up to 16 GB of RAM
- NVMe SSD up to 512 GB
- Wi-Fi 6
- Bluetooth 5
- 2x USB Type C
- 1x USB type A
- Full-size HDMI
- MicroSD card slot
- Microphone / headphone jack
- 57Wh battery
- 357.7 mm x 240.8 mm x 18.5 mm
- 4.2 pounds
ASUS Chromebook Flip CM5
Finally, ASUS also unveiled a Chromebook that was not part of their video “on stage”, but it is still important. In what appears to be a Chromebook similar to the ASUS Chromebook Flip C536, the CM5 swaps the 11th generation Tiger Lake processor options for some AMD Ryzen chips and maintains the same “obsidian velvet” handrests, 57Wh battery, screen size and Flip nomenclature while swapping the white exterior for a mineral gray finish on the exterior to complete the dark look
Also, in a move that we haven’t seen on a Chromebook before, this device has keys highlighted in orange on the sides of the device and orange outlines around the ASDW keys that promote a little more of a game aesthetic. While it’s no better or worse at enjoying cloud games than any other Chromebook, this is an impressive look that could attract some buyers.
ASUS Chromebook Flip CM5 specifications
- AMD Ryzen 3 3250C or Ryzen 5 3500C APU
- 15.6-inch NanoEdge IPS FHD display
- Up to 16 GB of RAM
- NVMe SSD up to 512 GB
- Wi-Fi 6
- Bluetooth 5
- 2x USB Type C
- 1x USB type A
- Full-size HDMI
- MicroSD card slot
- Microphone / headphone jack
- 57Wh battery
- 357.7 mm x 240.8 mm x 18.5 mm
- 4.2 pounds
Availability of the new Chromebooks varies with the ASUS Flip CX5 / C536 Chromebook arriving in the first quarter and the ASUS CX9 Chromebook and Chromebook Flip CM5 arriving sometime in the second quarter. Compared to last year’s Chromebook launch, it looks like ASUS is ready to go all-in on Chrome OS and we are excited to get our hands on these devices in the coming weeks. The price is not yet available, but we will keep you updated as soon as we know more.
