Our favorite high-end Chromebook is the Acer Chromebook Spin 714 with a 13th Gen Intel Core i5-1335U, 8GB, 128GB SSD storage, and a 14-inch FHD+ touchscreen. However, it costs as much as some of the best Windows laptops around, and that’s why you have alternatives like the Asus Chromebook CM14 when shopping on a tight budget or just need something affordable for students or basic daily tasks.
In terms of design, for what the Chromebook CM14 is offering in terms of portability and simplicity, I think it looks like the ideal budget Chromebook. No fancy aesthetics or unnecessary accents, this is a typical Chromebook design through and through. In performance, it arrives with a basic MediaTek Kompanio 520 processor, 4GB RAM, and 64GB eMMC storage.
This Acer CM1402CM2A-DS44 could be a fine laptop for you if all you need is something simple to work on, maybe catch up on a few show episodes, respond to emails, and put it away until the next day. As usual, the simple ChromeOS interface is free of any unnecessary apps or clutter, and you can boot it up, sign in, and get to work in about 10 minutes right out of the box.
Asus Chromebook CM14 Specs
- CPU: MediaTek Kompanio 520
- RAM: 4GB DDR5
- Screen: 14-inch, FHD (1366 x 768)
- Storage: 64GB eMMC
- Wireless: Wi-Fi 6e (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.3
- Camera: 720p
- Weight: 4.4 pounds
- Dimensions: 12.7 x 0.72 x 8.93 inches
Design and Features
At first glance, the Asus Chromebook CM14 impresses with its minimalist design. Encased in a sturdy matte plastic shell, the device feels durable without being overly bulky. Weighing just under 4.4 pounds and measuring 0.7 mm in thickness, it is easily portable, making it ideal for students and professionals who are always on the go. The understated charcoal gray color and clean lines give it a professional and contemporary appearance.
The hinge allows for a 180-degree lay-flat position, providing flexibility for collaborative environments. While the build is largely plastic, it does not feel cheap or flimsy, a common concern at this price point. The textured finish not only resists fingerprints but also enhances grip.
Port selection is okay for a simple Chromebook with a USB 3.2 Type-C port on either side (suitable for the compact AC adapter). The left flank also holds a USB 3.2 Type-A port, an audio jack, and a microSD card slot. A power button and volume rocker are on the right. It doesn’t come with an HDMI port, so you’ll have to rely on a USB-C DisplayPort adapter to connect to an external monitor. Built-in Wi-Fi 6 (not 6E) and Bluetooth radios handle wireless communications.
Keyboard and Trackpad
The keyboard on the ASUS Chromebook CM14 provides a comfortable typing experience, with well-spaced keys and decent travel. Typing for extended periods is effortless, making it suitable for students writing essays or professionals handling emails and reports. The lack of backlighting might be a drawback for those who frequently work in low-light conditions.
The trackpad is large and responsive, supporting multi-touch gestures with accuracy. It is smooth to the touch, and gestures like two-finger scrolling and pinch-to-zoom are registered reliably. While not as premium as the glass trackpads on higher-end models, it is more than satisfactory for its price range.
Display
The Chromebook CM14 features a 14-inch Full HD (1366 x 768) anti-glare display. The screen delivers vibrant colors and decent sharpness, though it falls short in brightness levels. At 250 nits, visibility in outdoor or brightly lit environments may be compromised. The Lenovo IdeaPad 3i Chromebook, in contrast, offers a 15.6-inch display with a 1920 x 1080 resolution, making it a better choice if you need something with a higher-res screen for around the same price.
Viewing angles are acceptable, thanks to the IPS panel, but they aren’t exceptional. For everyday tasks such as web browsing, document editing, and streaming content, the display performs adequately. However, users who need a color-accurate screen for creative work might find it lacking.
Performance
Under the hood, the ASUS Chromebook CM14 is powered by the MediaTek Kompanio 520 processor, paired with 4GB of LPDDR4X RAM and 64GB of eMMC storage. While this configuration won’t break any performance records, it is more than sufficient for running Chrome OS efficiently. Apps load quickly, and multitasking between a few tabs remains smooth. However, resource-heavy applications or running multiple demanding tasks simultaneously can lead to occasional slowdowns.
The MediaTek processor is optimized for power efficiency, and the integrated ARM Mali-G72 GPU handles casual gaming and video playback reasonably well. Advanced games or intensive tasks like video editing will push this hardware beyond its limits. Chrome OS’s lightweight nature ensures a smooth experience for basic computing tasks.
Battery life is one of the standout features of the Asus CM1402CM2A-DS44. The 50Wh battery promises up to 14 hours of usage on a single charge, and real-world testing aligns closely with this claim. With moderate use, including web browsing, streaming, and document editing, the device easily lasts an entire work or school day without requiring a recharge. This makes it an excellent choice for users who need reliable all-day performance.
The USB-C charging port supports fast charging, allowing the battery to be topped up quickly. In an era where battery longevity is a crucial factor, the Chromebook CM14’s endurance is a significant advantage.
Asus Chromebook CM14 Review | Verdict
The ASUS Chromebook CM14 is not a device for power users or those requiring high-end specifications. However, it excels in providing an affordable, reliable, and user-friendly computing experience for everyday tasks. Its solid build quality, impressive battery life, and Chrome OS’s seamless functionality make it a practical choice for users on a budget.
Whether you are a student, a professional working primarily in the cloud, or a casual user, the ASUS Chromebook CM14 ticks many boxes. While there are areas for improvement—notably the screen brightness and lack of keyboard backlighting—its strengths outweigh its shortcomings. If you are looking for an entry-level Chromebook that does the basics well, the Asus Chromebook CM1402CM2A-DS44 is worth considering.
Recommended Configuration
ASUS Chromebook CM14 Laptop, 14" HD Anti-Glare Display (1366x768), MediaTek Kompanio 520, 4GB RAM, 64GB eMMC, ChromeOS, Gray, CM1402CM2A-DS44, Gravity Grey
$156.00 in stock
19 used from $119.99
The Review
Asus Chromebook CM14
The Asus Chromebook CM14 (CM1402CM2A-DS44) is a lightweight and affordable laptop designed for students and casual users. It offers all-day battery life and a smooth Chrome OS performance.
PROS
- Very affordable
- Great battery life
- Satisfying keyboard
- Large trackpad
CONS
- Dim display
- Passable webcam
Review Breakdown
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ARS SCORE
