There is no doubt that a significant number of laptop users, particularly students, have very basic performance needs from their devices. For these individuals, Chromebooks, despite their limitations, can be a practical option. Asus seems to recognize this market and has introduced the CR series of budget-friendly Chromebooks, which emphasize strong build quality.
Display Options and Features
The laptops come in two sizes: 11.6 inches and 12.2 inches, both featuring a 16:10 aspect ratio and touch support. There will also be convertible variants, and others will include 180-degree hinges that enable lay-flat use. As expected from a Chromebook, high performance is not a key focus, and these models will be powered by a maximum of a 6-watt Intel N250 processor, which has a four-core, four-thread setup and can reach a boost frequency of 3.8 GHz.
Performance and Connectivity
That being said, for everyday light tasks, the Intel N250 should perform adequately. LTE connectivity is available, along with WiFi 6E and Bluetooth capabilities. Users can opt for up to 16 GB of RAM and 128 GB of eMMC storage. While the RAM is sufficient for most needs, the storage options leave much to be desired. The range of ports is fairly good, featuring dual USB-C, dual USB-A, HDMI 1.4b, an audio jack, and a Kensington lock. Asus also mentions that the keyboard is spill-resistant, which is a nice touch.
Pricing and Availability
As of now, there is no information regarding the pricing or release date, but further details should surface soon. Given the specifications, it is reasonable to anticipate that the Asus CR series of Chromebooks will be quite budget-friendly.
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