On the occasion of CES 2020 in Las Vegas, we had the opportunity to preview the new ASUS Chromebook Flip C436 (version C436FA) which will replace the model launched last year – ASUS Chromebook Flip C434 – offering an updated hardware platform and a more chassis light (about 1.1Kg) and thin (319.5 x 205.3 x 13.7 mm) although still convertible with a screen that tilts up to 360 °. And it doesn’t surprise us since it was built in collaboration with Intel as part of the “Project Athena” program and is considered the most compact 14 “Chromebook in circulation.
ASUS Chromebook Flip C436
ASUS Chromebook Flip C436 will be available on the market by the middle of the year, so our test will allow you to get to know this device better, both technically and aesthetically, for a conscious purchase. It will not be cheap and, even ASUS has not yet communicated the sale price, word goes that the basic configuration will start from 1299 euros.
The use of a magnesium-aluminum alloy in two attractive finishes – including the iridescent Airgel White (white) which changes color depending on the angles and the more traditional Transparent Silver (silver) – combined with a “slender” chassis give an elegant and graceful appearance to the Chromebook Flip C436, really premium. You can’t help but notice the attention to detail, from the keyboard in the same color as the base to the display with ultra-thin bezels (4.9 mm on the sides, 7 mm at the bottom) for a screen-to-body ratio of 85%.
ASUS Chromebook Flip C436
ASUS Chromebook Flip C436 features a 14-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels) multi-touch IPS NanoEdge display with 100% sRGB color coverage and compatibility with the USI stylus (universal pen) up to 4096 pressure levels. The convertible concept allows – thanks to the use of two special hinges – to rotate the screen up to 360 ° to use the device in multiple modes according to your needs: tablet, notebook, tent and stand. We point out that the rotation of the panel raises the base of the laptop, a solution that improves typing ergonomics and facilitates the cooling of the internal components.
Instead of an “old” 7W Amber Lake, the hardware platform revolves around a 15W 15W Intel Core (Comet Lake) processor, chosen from a dual-core Intel Core i3-10110U at 2.1GHz, a quad -Core Intel Core i5-10210U at 1.6GHz or a quad-core Intel Core i7-10510U at 1.8GHz, all with integrated Intel UHD 620 graphics subsystem. The chip can be combined with 8 / 16GB of LPDDR3 RAM at 2133MHz (soldered) and 128/256/512 GB M.2 NVMe PCIe 3.0 x2 SSD memory.
ASUS Chromebook Flip C436 ASUS Chromebook Flip C436
Turning to connectivity, Chromebook Flip C436FA integrates 802.11ax WiFi modules (WiFi 6) and Bluetooth 5.0, a 3.5 mm audio combo jack, two USB 3.1 Type-C Gen1 ports and a microSD card reader up to 2TB, but a missing video output (like an HDMI). This device also features a wide range of premium features, such as a fingerprint sensor integrated in the power button, an omnidirectional audio design with four Harman Kardon speakers for high quality sound in any situation, an HD webcam with microphone and a backlit chiclet keyboard (1.2mm key travel).
The last note goes to autonomy: ASUS Chromebook Flip C436FA provides a 42Wh battery (3 cells) which should ensure about 12 hours of continuous operation away from electricity. The operating system is obviously Chrome OS
