There are a number of excellent Chromebooks out there, but the race to make the one true successor to Google’s $999 Pixelbook is still very much on. Asus is throwing its hat into the ring with two new releases: the Chromebook CX9 and the Chromebook Flip CX5.
Both new Chromebooks meet US MIL-STD 810H standards, the company says, meaning they’ve undergone various tests for pressure, shock, drop, and more. Both can also be configured with up to an Intel Core i7 processor with Iris Xe graphics (which will be overkill for all but the most particular of users).
The clamshell Chromebook CX9 comes with up to 16GB of RAM, 512GB of storage, and a 550-nit UHD touchscreen. (There are FHD touch and non-touch options as well). Asus claims 14 hours of battery life (using a video playback test).
The CX9 is also the first Chromebook to feature Asus’ NumberPad, an LED num pad that appears on the touchpad when you tap an icon in the top corner. This technology has been handy on previous Asus laptops — it appears on the company’s popular ZenBook line, including the latest ZenBook 13.
The convertible Chromebook Flip CX5 is more standard fare. It offers up to 512GB of storage and 16GB of RAM, though the screen is limited to a 1080p touch panel. A USI stylus is included, which Asus claims will get 45 minutes of use from 15 seconds of charging.
The Asus Chromebook CX9 is available now on Asus’ store — a model with a Core i3, 128GB of storage, and 8GB of RAM will cost $749.99, and a Core i7 with 512GB of storage and 16GB of RAM is $1,149.99. The Chromebook Flip CX5 is $1,049.99, though we haven’t yet been able to find it on the Asus store.
