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The ASUS Chromebook CM14 is a budget-friendly yet highly functional device that delivers impressive performance and durability, making it an excellent choice for users who need an affordable laptop for everyday tasks. Powered by the MediaTek Kompanio 520 processor and equipped with a 14-inch HD anti-glare display, this Chromebook offers a solid experience for users who primarily use their laptop for web browsing, office productivity, media consumption, and light multitasking. In this detailed review, we’ll explore the key features, pros, and cons of the ASUS Chromebook CM14 to help you determine if it’s the right fit for you.
Design and Build Quality: Sleek, Durable, and Portable
The ASUS Chromebook CM14 is crafted with portability and durability in mind. The sleek Gravity Grey color gives the device a professional and modern look, making it suitable for students, professionals, and anyone looking for a clean, minimalist aesthetic. The 14-inch form factor strikes a perfect balance between portability and usability—it’s large enough for comfortable productivity, yet compact enough to be easily carried in a backpack or briefcase.
One of the standout features of the ASUS Chromebook CM14 is its military-grade durability, certified by the MIL-STD 810H standard. This means that the device has passed rigorous tests for drop resistance, temperature fluctuations, humidity, and vibration, ensuring it can withstand the daily bumps and drops that inevitably occur during everyday use. Whether you’re using it in a classroom, at a café, or at home, you can rest assured that this Chromebook will be able to handle accidental knocks without breaking a sweat.
In addition to its strong build, the ASUS Chromebook CM14 features a spill-resistant keyboard that can handle up to 13 ounces of liquid without causing harm to the internal components. This is a particularly useful feature for students or professionals who may occasionally spill a drink on their device. With this level of protection, the CM14 is well-equipped to handle day-to-day challenges without compromising on functionality or reliability.
Moreover, the device is equipped with the ASUS Antimicrobial Guard, which inhibits bacterial growth by up to 99% within 24 hours. This is especially valuable in shared environments like classrooms or offices, as it helps to keep your Chromebook hygienic and safe from harmful microbes.
Display: Decent Quality for Everyday Use
The 14-inch HD (1366×768) NanoEdge anti-glare display of the ASUS Chromebook CM14 provides decent visual quality for everyday tasks such as web browsing, watching videos, and working on documents. The anti-glare coating ensures that you can work comfortably in well-lit environments, as it reduces reflections and minimizes eye strain.
While the display is good for basic tasks, the 1366×768 resolution might feel limiting for users who are used to higher resolutions like Full HD (1920×1080) or 4K. If you’re an avid media consumer, content creator, or someone who enjoys gaming, this Chromebook’s display might not meet your expectations for sharpness and detail. However, for most casual users, this resolution will suffice for tasks like reading, writing, and streaming video content.
Performance: Responsive and Efficient for Everyday Tasks
Under the hood, the ASUS Chromebook CM14 is powered by the MediaTek Kompanio 520 processor, which is designed to offer a balance of performance and efficiency. The chip has 8 cores running at a clock speed of up to 2.05 GHz, which helps deliver a responsive experience for everyday computing tasks. Whether you’re browsing the web, working on documents, or attending virtual meetings, the Kompanio 520 provides enough processing power to handle these tasks with ease.
The device comes with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of eMMC storage, which are typical for budget Chromebooks. The 4GB of RAM ensures smooth multitasking for light workloads, though you may experience some lag when running several heavy applications or multiple tabs in your browser. If you often work with multiple tabs open or use resource-heavy applications, you may want to consider a Chromebook with more RAM.
In terms of storage, 64GB eMMC is sufficient for basic tasks, such as saving documents, downloading a few apps, or storing media files. However, since Chromebooks are primarily designed for cloud computing, the device encourages users to store most of their data in Google Drive or other cloud-based storage solutions. The device also includes a MicroSD card reader, allowing you to expand the storage if needed.
The Wi-Fi 6 support in the CM14 ensures faster and more stable internet connectivity, which is essential for users who work from home, attend virtual meetings, or stream media regularly. Bluetooth 5.3 support also adds value, allowing you to connect to a wide range of peripherals such as wireless keyboards, headphones, and other devices without hassle.
Camera and Audio: Great for Video Calls and Multimedia Consumption
The ASUS Chromebook CM14 is equipped with a high-definition webcam, which is ideal for video calls, online classes, and virtual meetings. The webcam also features face lighting adjustment, which automatically adjusts your lighting for optimal video quality. This is especially useful if you’re in a poorly lit environment, as the feature ensures you look clear and well-lit during video calls.
In addition to the camera, the ASUS Chromebook CM14 also includes a physical webcam shield, which allows you to block the camera when it’s not in use. This feature is becoming increasingly important as privacy concerns continue to grow, giving users peace of mind when they’re not using their device for video calls.
For audio, the CM14 is equipped with bottom-firing speakers that deliver clear sound for watching videos, listening to music, or attending virtual meetings. While the sound quality is not exceptional, it is sufficient for casual listening. For those who want a richer audio experience, using headphones or external speakers will be the best option.
Port Selection and Connectivity: Versatile and Convenient
The ASUS Chromebook CM14 offers a good selection of ports and connectivity options, making it versatile enough to handle various devices and peripherals:
- 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A for connecting external drives, mice, and other peripherals
- 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C (supports display output and power delivery) for fast data transfer and charging
- 1 x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack for connecting headphones or speakers
- MicroSD card reader for expanding storage
- 1 x Kensington lock slot for added security
The inclusion of USB-C ports is particularly useful for users who want to connect the Chromebook to external monitors, charge the device, or transfer data quickly. The addition of Wi-Fi 6 also ensures fast and stable internet connections, which is essential for remote work, streaming, and online gaming.
Battery Life: All-Day Usage
Battery life is one of the key advantages of Chromebooks, and the ASUS Chromebook CM14 does not disappoint. Thanks to the efficient MediaTek Kompanio 520 processor and ChromeOS’s lightweight nature, users can expect 10 to 12 hours of continuous use on a full charge. This makes the CM14 an excellent option for students, professionals, or anyone who needs a laptop that can last throughout the day without constantly needing to recharge.
Final Thoughts: Is the ASUS Chromebook CM14 Worth It?
The ASUS Chromebook CM14 offers a solid balance of affordability, performance, and durability. With its 14-inch HD display, MediaTek Kompanio 520 processor, MIL-STD 810H military-grade certification, and long-lasting battery, it’s a great choice for users who need a dependable Chromebook for basic tasks such as web browsing, office productivity, and video streaming.
While the 1366×768 HD display and 4GB RAM may limit its appeal for users who need more performance or higher resolution screens, the CM14 is perfect for users on a budget who don’t require advanced features. Its spill-resistant keyboard, antimicrobial guard, and privacy webcam shield further enhance the device’s value, making it a reliable and hygienic choice for everyday use.
For anyone looking for an affordable, functional Chromebook that can handle the basics with ease, the ASUS Chromebook CM14 is a fantastic option that delivers great value for the price.
Pros:
- Durable, military-grade build with spill-resistant keyboard
- Antimicrobial Guard for hygienic use
- Long-lasting battery life (up to 12 hours)
- Excellent port selection with USB-C support
- Affordable price point under $300
Cons:
- Limited display resolution (1366×768)
- 4GB RAM may not be sufficient for heavy multitasking
The ASUS Chromebook CM14 proves that an affordable price tag doesn’t have to mean compromising on performance and durability. It’s a solid option for anyone looking for a reliable, everyday device for school, work, or casual use.
