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ASUS came out swinging in 2021. With already great devices like the ASUS Flip CX5 (15in) already impressing us, with the top-of-the-line CX9 on the way and the detachable CM3 all being great options for consumers at this point in the year, we could assert that ASUS doesn’t really need to add another Chromebook to the mix at this point in the game. While I somewhat agree with this opinion, I’m glad ASUS clearly doesn’t. The introduction of the ASUS Chromebook Flip CX5400 was a big surprise and, ultimately, a great inclusion in ASUS’s stellar Chromebook portfolio in 2021.
While we were excited right after CES 2021 about the ASUS Chromebook in general, that excitement did not come from prior knowledge of this particular device. Between the CX9, the Flip CX5 / CM3 and the CM3 (Flip and Detachable), we had every reason to believe that ASUS had completely expanded its range of Chromebooks for this year. When the Flip CX5400 was announced, I was pleasantly surprised to find that ASUS was not really done with the 14 inch convertible Chromebook segment and since I have now had some time with it, I think we have perhaps the best ASUS Flip ever made in our hands.
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From the all-aluminum construction to the upgraded screen to the fantastic keyboard / touchpad combo, this Chromebook is truly impressive right out of the box. The bluish, brushed aluminum frame is precise, the inclusion of a stowed USI pen is a great addition, and the set is 100% premium. Sure, the high-end spec will cost $ 1,049, but for an 11th gen Core i7, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of NVMe storage, you’d expect that kind of price. Fortunately, ASUS also offers low-end configurations that bring the price down to $ 699 for a Core i3, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of NVMe storage.
Regardless of the configuration, however, you still get the same 300-nit display, same backlit keyboard, same glass trackpad, and same firm chassis. If you can’t tell, I’m impressed with the overall package ASUS is offering this time around. For the same $ 699 you can get Acer’s excellent Spin 713, but there’s no denying the perks that ASUS offers for the same price. While not as bright as Acer’s 400 nit 3: 2 panel, the Flip CX5400’s screen is a bit bigger with smaller bezels and the brightness and colors have been very impressive up to here. ASUS also gains in build quality, keyboard feel, aesthetics and with the inclusion of the stowed stylus. While Acer’s $ 699 offer offers a bit more processing power (Core i5 vs. Core i3) and more storage (256GB vs. 128GB), I would agree that many users will prefer the overall attention to details by ASUS, here.
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For those who want a little more under the hood, the model we’re testing comes with the Core i5 processor, 16GB of RAM, and 256GB of NVMe storage for $ 899. I would say for general users the entry level setup is sufficient. For those looking for a little more power, RAM, and storage, this $ 899 model is ideal. Sure, you can get the Core i7 with double the storage for just $ 150 more, but only a fraction of users would need any of these perks in a Chromebook.
As we always do, we’ll put this Chromebook to the test and get into the full review in more detail. For now, I can say I’m extremely impressed with what ASUS is bringing to the high-end Chromebook space this year. I’m still paling a bit on the crazy ASUS CX9, but I think this Flip CX5400 will be the right device for a ton of users as we get to the end of 2021. As we continue to get more out of it. ‘devices in this price range, manufacturers need to put together more compelling packages to stand out, and ASUS appears to be doing just that with this latest Chromebook. Color impressed me.
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