Working on a Chromebook takes some getting used to, especially if you use little or no Google Drive and the associated applications. Of course, you can add extra applications to Chrome OS from Google's Web Store, and the fact that you can use your documents offline for several years now gives Chrome OS an increasingly traditional feel. Still, most people would prefer to choose a Windows or macOS system, with the occasional Linux outlier. Secretly unjustified, because with a little effort you can do everything with Chrome OS that you can do with a traditional OS.
Housing and Specifications
It certainly won't be the hardware when you get your hands on the ASUS Chromebook Flip. The device feels sturdy and solid and looks very nice as well. The metal finish ensures that the product has a premium look and feel while being sturdy at the same time. Necessary, because the convertible can be used in various positions. As a notebook, of course, but also in a so-called tent mode and presentation mode, where the screen leans on the keyboard. It is essential that the housing is sturdy to prevent scratches and damage, and that is perfectly fine with the ASUS Chromebook Flip.
The device measures 304 x 210 x 13.7mm and weighs 1.2KG. A pleasant size and nice weight. Heavier than many other Chromebooks, but that is by no means a problem. With weight comes stability when you work on the device, and again: it gives the device an extra premium feel.
Chromebooks have, among other things, as a pillar that they keep you productive with minimal specifications. This is no different with this Chromebook. The CPU is an Intel Pentium 4405Y CPU. In terms of RAM, you have 4GB at your disposal. The storage is 32GB.
Display
The display is possibly the most important element of this Chromebook, of course because it is a convertible and you can also use it as a pure tablet. The screen is 12.5 inches large and has an LED backlit panel with a resolution of 1920x1080.
Although the device works fine indoors, working outside on the Chromebook was somewhat disappointing. The light makes it difficult to read the screen well. Perhaps a slightly higher brightness would have helped here. However, the screen quality is fine, or actually more than fine. The viewing angle is perfect and allows you to comfortably look at the screen from an angle without colors fading. It's also nice when you use the system in tablet mode and, for example, present an idea to colleagues. Everyone can actually look at the screen without missing anything.
Keyboard
What we are very pleased with is the keyboard. First of all, the keys themselves. They are slightly embedded in the system so that they do not get damaged when you use the Chromebook in presentation mode and the keyboard is at the bottom. This might give you the impression that the travel is minimal, but nothing could be further from the truth. Typing on the Chromebook feels incredibly pleasant thanks to a good travel. Unfortunately, we have seen otherwise before, but it is good that ASUS and perhaps other manufacturers are increasingly recognizing the importance of a comfortable keyboard, something that often gets sacrificed first with increasingly thinner devices.
But perhaps even more striking: the keys are backlit, allowing you to work well on the system in poorly lit or dark environments. It's nice to see that such a feature has been applied to a Chromebook, while this is usually reserved for more expensive systems.
Practice
As we mentioned at the beginning of the review, with a little effort Chrome OS offers you everything that a traditional OS also offers. Additionally, Android apps will soon come to the Chromebook, although this feature is currently in beta. If you are an Android user, this gives you an extra reason to consider a Chromebook when you want to purchase a new notebook.
By the way, we must not forget to mention the excellent battery as well. This lasted certainly up to eight hours with various uses where we did not compromise on connections or screen brightness. Quite nice, which makes the Chromebook Flip a perfect travel companion for business users making transcontinental flights.
ASUS Chromebook Flip C302
The Chromebook is no longer 'the cheap sibling of the notebook', it is a notebook, a full-fledged one to be precise. The ASUS Chromebook Flip underscores this fact once again and simultaneously sets a standard for other manufacturers.
Price: € 599,-
CPU: Intel Pentium 4405Y
RAM: 4GB
Storage: 32GB
Display: 12.5"; LED backlit
Resolution: 1920x1080
Ports: 2 x USB-C; microSD; 1 x audio jack in/out
Connectivity: 802.11AC; Bluetooth 4.0
Info: asus.com
ASUS Chromebook Flip C302
Peter Güldenpfennig
9 out of 10
