Asus Chromebook Flip C436 review

The Premium Chromebook Experience: A Review of the Asus C 436

For starters, what does it mean to be a premium Chromebook? In this case, the Asus C 436 embodies the concept with its magnesium alloy build, making it both lightweight and sturdy. Weighing in at just 2.5 pounds (1.1 kilograms), this laptop is designed to be portable and easy to carry around. The aluminum construction gives it a premium feel, setting it apart from those plastic cheap models that are commonly found in the market.

The display on the C 436 is a full HD screen with a glossy coating, which provides decent brightness but also suffers from reflection issues due to its smooth finish. The 2-in-1 design allows you to switch seamlessly between laptop and tablet modes, making it perfect for those who want flexibility in their computing experience. The touchpad supports gestures and has a comfortable full-size keyboard with backlighting, providing an excellent typing experience.

The fingerprint reader on the device is located at the top of the screen, allowing for quick and secure biometric authentication. It's worth noting that some users might find it confusing at first, as they initially thought it was the power button, but fortunately, the power button is located on the left side of the device with a volume rocker. The speakers are positioned in various locations, including two on each side and two at the top between the 360-degree hinges, providing clear audio in any position.

The Asus C 436 supports active pens, although it doesn't come bundled with one. However, users can still access Google Keep directly from the lock screen, allowing them to take notes or other actions instantly without having to unlock the device fully. This feature adds a layer of convenience to the overall experience.

One significant factor contributing to the premium price tag is the powerful hardware inside. The device comes equipped with a 10th Gen Intel Core i3 processor, 8 gigs of memory, and an NVMe SSD providing ample storage for your files and applications. While not everyone may need such high-end components, this level of performance ensures smooth operations even during resource-intensive tasks like gaming.

In terms of heat management, the fan in the C 436 kept temperatures under control even when put through rigorous testing, including gaming sessions. The fan noise was barely noticeable, allowing users to work without distractions.

The webcam is a decent feature on the device, capable of producing video quality that's fine as long as there's sufficient lighting and connection stability. Unfortunately, it lacks LTE connectivity, which might be seen as a drawback for some users who rely heavily on mobile data.

Wi-Fi 6 support provides future-proofing for those who want to stay connected with the latest network standards. Charging is quick, delivering up to four hours of runtime from just 30 minutes of charging, and both USB-C ports on each side offer flexibility in terms of connectivity options.

Battery life is a mixed bag, providing around 10 hours and 43 minutes of streaming video use but falling short of other Chromebooks with similar specifications. However, the actual battery life in general use can vary depending on display brightness and usage patterns.

If budget is not an issue, the Asus C 436 offers a premium 2-in-1 experience that justifies its higher price point. While some might find it unnecessary to spend such a significant amount on a Chromebook, for those seeking the best of the best in terms of build quality, performance, and features, this device is certainly worth considering.