Asus Chromebook CM14 test verdict - A new endurance champion

Fast Chromebooks are becoming increasingly popular. With the introduction of the Chromebook Plus line, Google is following this trend.

The Asus Chromebook CM14 is positioned at the lower end of the performance spectrum, opting for a plastic case that, nonetheless, is stable and provides a non-slip feeling during testing. The fact that the hinges may be opened 180 degrees adds to its usefulness.

Although the CM14 lacks keyboard illumination, the keyboard offers a comfortable typing experience, and the spacious trackpad is a wellcome feature. 

The device includes two USB-C ports (USB 3.1 Gen 2) supporting power delivery and data transfer, a USB-A port (USB 3.1 Gen 2), Kensington lock, a headphone jack, and a microSD card slot.

Performance-wise, compromises are inevitable considering the MediaTek Kompanio 520 CPU and eMMC memory. While sufficient for document creation and web surfing, more demanding tasks push the device to its limits. 

The test revealed that the speed of the built-in memory aligns with that of the SD card, and data transfer rates via WLAN are notably low.

The 14-inch display is also not a standout feature. We measured a maximum brightness of 230 cd/m3. Furthermore, the lighting is uneven, the colour balance is modest, and the viewing angle stability is low.

However, the Asus CM14 excels in battery life, cooling management, and update support, achieving a runtime of 12 hours in the practical WiFi test at 150 nits. Asus promises updates until 2033.

Overall, the Asus Chromebook CM14 proves to be a compelling choice for users with modest hardware demands. Its performance is ideal for students, youngsters, or individuals who primarily use their laptop for browsing and text-related chores.