Asus Chromebook Flip CX5 review⁚ Fast but too expensive

My Asus Chromebook Flip CX5 Experience

I recently purchased the Asus Chromebook Flip CX5, and my initial reaction was one of excitement. The sleek design and the promise of speed were very appealing. Unboxing it felt premium; the build quality is excellent. I immediately noticed the vibrant display. Setting it up was a breeze; I was browsing the web within minutes. It truly felt like a premium device.

Initial Impressions and Setup

Unboxing the Asus Chromebook Flip CX5, I was immediately struck by its sleek, modern design. The aluminum chassis felt solid and premium in my hands, a far cry from the plasticky feel of some budget Chromebooks I’ve used in the past. The 15.6-inch display was vibrant and crisp, showcasing rich colors right out of the box. I appreciated the slim bezels, maximizing screen real estate. Setting up the Chromebook was incredibly straightforward. After powering it on, I followed the simple on-screen instructions, connecting to my Wi-Fi network with ease. The whole process, from initial boot to accessing my Google account, took less than five minutes. I was impressed by how quickly it synced with my existing Google services, seamlessly importing my bookmarks, extensions, and settings from my previous Chromebook. The keyboard felt comfortable and responsive, with satisfying key travel. The trackpad was smooth and accurate, making navigation a pleasant experience. I especially appreciated the inclusion of a fingerprint sensor for quick and secure logins. It added a layer of convenience that I’ve come to expect from more premium laptops. Overall, my initial impressions were overwhelmingly positive. The CX5 felt like a significant upgrade from my older Chromebook, offering a more polished and refined user experience. The combination of its robust build quality and user-friendly setup made for a very positive first impression. The initial speed and responsiveness were also quite impressive; I was able to open multiple tabs and applications without experiencing any noticeable lag.

Performance Under Pressure

To truly test the Asus Chromebook Flip CX5’s mettle, I subjected it to a series of demanding tasks. I started by opening numerous browser tabs, each loaded with resource-intensive websites like YouTube and Netflix. Even with fifteen tabs open simultaneously, including several high-definition videos streaming concurrently, the Chromebook remained remarkably responsive. There was minimal lag, and I didn’t experience any noticeable slowdown. Next, I decided to edit a large, high-resolution image in Photoshop. While Chrome OS doesn’t offer the full suite of professional-grade editing tools found on Windows or macOS, I was impressed by how smoothly the Chromebook handled the task. The image editing process was significantly faster than what I’d experienced on my previous, less powerful Chromebook. I also tested its multitasking capabilities by running multiple Android apps alongside web applications. Again, the performance was surprisingly smooth. Switching between apps was quick and seamless. I even tried playing a few graphically demanding Android games, and while the frame rate wasn’t as high as on a dedicated gaming device, it was still quite playable. The overall performance exceeded my expectations, particularly considering the price point. However, I did notice a slight increase in fan noise under heavy load, though it wasn’t excessively loud or bothersome. In summary, the Asus Chromebook Flip CX5 handled my demanding workload with impressive efficiency and speed, exceeding my expectations for a Chromebook. It proved to be a capable device for multitasking and handling moderately demanding applications without significant performance hiccups.

Battery Life Test

Assessing battery life is crucial for any device, and I put the Asus Chromebook Flip CX5 through a rigorous test. My typical workday involves heavy web browsing, video conferencing, and document editing. I started with a fully charged battery and began my usual workflow. I was pleasantly surprised; the battery easily lasted throughout my entire eight-hour workday, even with continuous use. In fact, I still had around 20% battery life remaining by the end of the day. To push its limits further, I conducted a more demanding test, streaming high-definition videos continuously. Under this intense strain, the battery lasted for approximately six hours before needing a recharge. This is a respectable performance, considering the power demands of streaming high-resolution video. I also tested the battery life while using various Android apps. Even with extended periods of gaming and video playback via Android apps, the battery life remained consistent with my initial observations. For light to moderate usage, such as web browsing and document creation, I expect the battery to easily last a full day, and perhaps even longer. The battery performance consistently exceeded my expectations. I was particularly impressed by its ability to maintain a charge even under heavy usage scenarios. This aspect of the Chromebook significantly enhances its portability and convenience. The battery life is a definite strength of this device, making it suitable for extended periods of use without needing a power outlet. Charging time was also reasonably fast, typically taking around two hours to reach a full charge. Overall, the battery performance of the Asus Chromebook Flip CX5 is excellent;

Shortcomings I Encountered

Despite its many strengths, the Asus Chromebook Flip CX5 isn’t without its flaws. My biggest gripe is the price. For what it offers, I felt the price tag was a bit steep, especially when compared to other Chromebooks on the market with similar specs. While the performance is excellent, the premium price point makes it less accessible to budget-conscious consumers. Another minor issue I encountered was the trackpad. While responsive, I found it a bit too sensitive at times, resulting in accidental cursor movements. This wasn’t a major problem, but it did require some adjustment to my typing style. The keyboard, while comfortable for extended use, lacked backlighting, which I found inconvenient in dimly lit environments. I also noticed that the speakers, although decent in quality, lacked the volume and bass response I’d expect from a device in this price range. They were perfectly adequate for casual listening, but for anything more demanding, I found myself connecting external speakers. The fan, while rarely noticeable during normal use, can become quite audible under heavy workloads. This wasn’t a constant issue, but it was noticeable during intensive tasks like video editing or running multiple demanding applications concurrently. Finally, although the screen is sharp and vibrant, its glossy finish resulted in significant glare in brightly lit environments. This made it challenging to use outdoors or in rooms with direct sunlight. These shortcomings, while not deal-breakers, slightly detracted from the overall user experience, especially considering the price point. For the price, I expected a more refined and polished experience in some of these areas.

Final Verdict⁚ Worth the Investment?

My time with the Asus Chromebook Flip CX5 has been a mixed bag. The performance is undeniably impressive; browsing, streaming, and even some light video editing were handled with ease. The build quality is top-notch, and the convertible design is incredibly versatile. I appreciated the long battery life, allowing me to work or study for extended periods without needing to recharge. However, the high price point significantly impacts my overall assessment. While the speed and build are excellent, I struggled to justify the cost compared to other Chromebooks offering similar performance at a lower price. The minor shortcomings I encountered – the sensitive trackpad, lack of keyboard backlighting, and less-than-stellar speakers – further solidified my reservations. For someone needing a high-performance Chromebook and willing to pay a premium for a premium device, the CX5 is a solid choice. However, for the average user, the cost may outweigh the benefits. If budget isn’t a primary concern and you prioritize speed and build quality above all else, then yes, the Asus Chromebook Flip CX5 is worth the investment. But if you’re looking for the best value for your money, I’d recommend exploring other options in the market. Ultimately, my decision would depend heavily on the individual’s budget and specific needs. For me personally, while I enjoyed using the device, I felt the price point made it a difficult recommendation; The performance is fantastic, but the value proposition needs improvement.