ASUS Chromebook C204MA
Updated on
Note: This Chromebook has been discontinued and is no longer available for purchase new. Its Auto Update Expiration date is June 2029. The information below is kept for reference, though this model was primarily sold to educational institutions rather than individual consumers.
The ASUS Chromebook C204MA represents ASUS’s purpose-built solution for educational environments, designed from the ground up to survive the rigors of classroom use. Featuring MIL-STD 810G certification for ruggedness, this 11.6-inch Chromebook can withstand 1.2-meter drops and 66ml liquid spills, addressing the primary failure modes that plague student devices. Built around the Intel Celeron N4000 processor with 4GB of RAM, the C204MA prioritizes durability and battery endurance over raw performance, making it an ideal choice for schools managing fleets of student laptops.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| MIL-STD 810G certified drop resistance (1.2m) | HD-only display limits visual quality |
| Spill-resistant keyboard handles 66ml liquid | Limited storage (32GB standard) |
| Fast 8-second boot time | Performance struggles with intensive multitasking |
| Up to 14 hours rated battery life | Battery life drops to 8-9 hours under heavy use |
| Completely silent fanless operation | Not suited for power users or advanced students |
| Tamper-resistant key design | Display brightness could be better |
ASUS Chromebook C204MA Comparison Chart
 ASUS Chromebook C204MA | |
| Price | List Price: $349.00 Amazon Prices: |
| Model number | C204MA |
| Performance Rating | 3.1 |
| Chromebook Plus | No |
| Processor | Dual-core 1.10 Ghz (max 2.60 Ghz) Intel Celeron N4000 Processor |
| RAM | 4 GB |
| Internal Storage | 32 GB eMMC |
| Screen Size | 11.6" |
| Screen Resolution | 1366x768 |
| Screen Type | Anti-Glare with 45% NTSC |
| Touch Screen | Yes |
| Stylus / Pen | No Stylus Support |
| Dimensions width x length x thickness | 7.8 x 11.5 x 0.79 inches (198.12 x 292.1 x 20.07 mm) |
| Weight | 2.65 lbs (1.2 kg) |
| Backlit Keyboard | No |
| Webcam | HD |
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 5 - 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2x2) |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Ethernet | No |
| Cellular Modem | No |
| HDMI | No HDMI |
| USB Ports | 2 USB 3, 2 USB-C (USB-C ports support display and power delivery) |
| Thunderbolt Ports | No |
| Card Reader | microSD Card Reader |
| Battery | 3 cell, 50 Whrs |
| Battery Life | 14.0 hours |
| Fanless | Yes |
| Auto Update Expiration Date | June, 2029 |
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Durability and Build Quality
The C204MA’s primary selling point is its classroom-ready construction. ASUS engineered this Chromebook to meet MIL-STD 810G military specifications, which means it can survive drops from 1.2 meters (approximately 4 feet) and continue functioning. GadgNow’s hands-on testing confirmed this ruggedness in real-world conditions: “When dropped in a hallway and hit the tiled floor, skidding three feet, the lid had only a tiny nick but the screen remained intact and hinges were fine.”
The spill-resistant keyboard represents another practical durability feature. ASUS rates the keyboard for 66ml liquid resistance, enough to handle an accidental water bottle tip or coffee spill. Htxt Africa’s review emphasized this protection, noting that the C204MA is “fairly well equipped when it takes to withstanding a few bumps and scrapes.” GadgNow’s testing validated this with real-world use: “When coffee was accidentally nudged toward the keyboard, it shrugged it off - keys didn’t bubble or fail.”
The tamper-resistant keyboard design prevents curious students from prying off keycaps, reducing maintenance headaches for IT departments. The reinforced rubber bumpers around the chassis edges absorb impact from drops and collisions with desks or other devices.
Performance and Battery
The Intel Celeron N4000 processor provides adequate performance for Chrome OS’s typical workload of web browsing, document editing, and educational applications. GadgNow observed that “from cold start, it boots to life in 8 seconds, and with light multitasking—docs, slides, maybe a YouTube video—it stays smooth.” For classroom scenarios involving Google Workspace applications, the C204MA handles the workload without noticeable lag.
However, reviewers consistently noted the processor’s limitations when pushed beyond basic tasks. Htxt Africa cautioned that the C204MA “won’t break the bank at under R7k, but is purpose-built for young learners alone given its capabilities.” Intensive multitasking with many browser tabs or resource-heavy web applications will expose the Celeron N4000’s dual-core limitations.
Battery life tells a similar story of compromises. ASUS rates the 50Wh battery at up to 14 hours, and the device delivers excellent endurance under light workloads. Real-world testing reveals more modest numbers under typical school day usage. GadgNow measured 8-9 hours with mixed use including video playback and document work—still enough to last a school day without charging, but well short of the advertised maximum.
Display and Input
The 11.6-inch display features a 1366x768 resolution with an anti-glare coating and 45% NTSC color gamut. The touchscreen adds interaction options for younger students, though the HD resolution feels dated by current standards. Htxt Africa noted that “the 11.6” HD display appears dull at 50% brightness, requiring higher settings that impact the 12-hour rated battery life.”
Connectivity includes two USB-C ports supporting display output and charging, two USB-A 3.0 ports, a microSD card reader for storage expansion, and a combo headphone/microphone jack. There is no Ethernet port, but the USB-A ports support a USB Ethernet adapter for wired network connections in classrooms that require them. The HD webcam provides adequate quality for video calls, though it lacks the privacy shutter found on some newer Chromebooks. Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) with 2x2 MIMO and Bluetooth 5.0 handle wireless connectivity reliably.
Reviewer Insights
Professional reviewers focused on the C204MA’s role as an education-specific device rather than a general consumer Chromebook.
Htxt Africa
Robin-Leigh Chetty’s 2021 review positioned the C204MA squarely as a primary school device. The review highlighted the rugged construction and adequate performance for basic tasks while noting significant limitations for more advanced use cases. One key insight addressed regional infrastructure concerns: “This is one area that South Africa is sorely lacking” regarding the device’s heavy dependence on internet connectivity for Chrome OS functionality. The review awarded the device praise for its durability at the education-friendly price point while recommending it strictly for younger learners.
GadgNow
Tarique Habib Shar’s comprehensive 2025 review provided valuable long-term perspective on how the C204 series holds up in educational settings. The review included detailed durability testing with real-world drop and spill scenarios, confirming ASUS’s durability claims. GadgNow’s summary captured the device’s positioning accurately: “The C204 generally lands in the ‘best rugged low-cost pick’ bracket—not top performer in specs, but top in survivability.” The 3.8/5 rating reflected the device’s success at its intended purpose despite specification limitations.
Who Should Consider This Chromebook
The ASUS Chromebook C204MA serves a specific niche: schools and institutions needing durable, manageable Chrome OS devices for younger students. Its rugged construction justifies the educational focus, handling the inevitable drops, spills, and rough handling that classroom devices endure. For IT administrators managing device fleets, the tamper-resistant design and straightforward Chrome OS management make the C204MA practical at scale. IT staff should be aware of the Chromebook magnet trick that students use to put each other’s devices to sleep by triggering the lid sensor with a magnet.
Individual consumers should look elsewhere unless durability is the primary concern. The HD display, limited storage, and modest processor reflect the device’s institutional target market rather than consumer expectations. Students in high school or higher education would benefit from more capable options with better displays and stronger processors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the ASUS Chromebook C204MA still supported?
A: Yes, the ASUS Chromebook C204MA continues to receive Chrome OS updates until its Auto Update Expiration date of June 2029. This extended support timeline makes it viable for educational deployments that need long-term device lifecycle planning.
Q: How drop-resistant is the ASUS Chromebook C204MA?
A: The C204MA is MIL-STD 810G certified and can withstand drops from 1.2 meters (approximately 4 feet) onto hard surfaces. Real-world testing by GadgNow confirmed that the device can survive significant impacts with minimal damage to the screen, hinges, and chassis.
Q: Can the ASUS Chromebook C204MA survive liquid spills?
A: Yes, the keyboard is rated to resist up to 66ml of liquid spills, roughly equivalent to a small cup of water or coffee. GadgNow’s testing confirmed this by accidentally spilling coffee on the keyboard with no key failures or damage.
Q: What is the actual battery life of the ASUS Chromebook C204MA?
A: While ASUS rates the battery at up to 14 hours, real-world testing shows 8-9 hours with mixed usage including video playback and document work. This is still sufficient for a full school day without charging.
Q: Is the ASUS Chromebook C204MA good for high school or college students?
A: The C204MA was designed primarily for elementary and middle school students. Htxt Africa’s review specifically noted it’s “purpose-built for young learners alone given its capabilities.” High school and college students would benefit from Chromebooks with higher-resolution displays, more storage, and stronger processors for demanding coursework.
Q: Why can’t I find the ASUS Chromebook C204MA for sale?
A: The C204MA was primarily sold to educational institutions through enterprise channels rather than retail stores. It has since been discontinued and is no longer available new. Schools may have refurbished units or successor models in the ASUS education lineup.