ASUS Chromebook CX1 (CX1101)

Updated on January 26, 2026

The ASUS Chromebook CX1 (CX1101) delivers exactly what budget-conscious students and casual users need: a lightweight, durable laptop that handles everyday tasks without breaking the bank. At around $199, this 11.6-inch Chromebook offers MIL-STD 810H military-grade durability, 13-hour battery life, and modern USB-C connectivity. While the display won’t impress anyone looking for vibrant colors or sharp text, the CX1101 excels at web browsing, document editing, and video conferencing, making it an ideal companion for students or anyone seeking a simple, secure computing experience. With Chrome OS support extended through June 2029, this compact Chromebook has plenty of life left for years of reliable service.

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ASUS Chromebook CX1 (CX1101) Comparison Chart

	ASUS Chromebook CX1 (CX1101)
Price	List Price: $269.99 Amazon Prices: Loading prices...
Model number	CX1101CMA-DB44
Perfomance Rating	3.1
Chromebook Plus	No
Processor	Dual-core 1.10 Ghz (max 2.80 Ghz) Intel Celeron Processor N4020
RAM	4 GB
Internal Storage	64 GB eMMC
Screen Size	11.6"
Screen Resolution	1366x768
Screen Type	Anti-glare display, LED Backlit, 220nits
Touch Screen	No
Stylus / Pen	No Stylus Support
Dimensions width x length x thickness	11.48 x 7.91 x 0.77 inches (291.59 x 200.91 x 19.56 mm)
Weight	2.73 lbs (1.24 kg)
Backlit Keyboard	No
Webcam	720p HD
WiFi	Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
Bluetooth	Bluetooth 5.1
Ethernet	No
Cellular Modem	No
HDMI	No HDMI
USB Ports	2 USB 3, 2 USB-C USB-C supports display out and power delivery
Thunderbolt Ports	No
Card Reader	Card Reader
Battery	3 cell, 42WHrs, Li-ion
Battery Life	13.0 hours
Fanless	No
Auto Update Expiration Date	June, 2029

Detailed Insights into the ASUS Chromebook CX1 (CX1101)

The ASUS Chromebook CX1 (CX1101) represents ASUS’s commitment to delivering affordable computing without sacrificing essential durability. The transparent silver chassis, while plastic, feels sturdy in hand and carries MIL-STD 810H certification, meaning it has been torture-tested against drops, shocks, and temperature extremes. This military-grade rating isn’t just marketing speak; reviewers consistently praise the build quality as surprisingly solid for a budget device. The 11.6-inch form factor keeps weight down to 2.73 pounds, making it easy to slip into a backpack and carry throughout the day without fatigue.

Performance from the Intel Celeron N4020 processor won’t break any speed records, but it handles Chrome OS admirably. The dual-core chip runs at 1.1 GHz base frequency with bursts up to 2.8 GHz when needed, providing enough power for web browsing, Google Workspace applications, and streaming video. In Speedometer 2.0 benchmarks, the CX1101 scores around 44-45 fps, which represents a significant improvement over previous-generation Celeron chips. Real-world testing by Beebom noted this is nearly double the performance of older models like the ASUS C223, demonstrating how even budget processors have improved. The 4GB RAM proves adequate for casual use, though power users who keep dozens of Chrome tabs open may notice occasional slowdowns.

Connectivity options exceed what you might expect at this price point. Two USB 3.2 Type-A ports and two USB Type-C ports provide flexibility for peripherals, external displays, and charging. The USB-C ports support DisplayPort output and power delivery, allowing you to use modern chargers and dock setups. Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and Bluetooth 5.1 handle wireless duties, though the lack of Wi-Fi 6 support means you won’t benefit from the latest router technologies. A microSD card reader expands the 64GB eMMC storage, helpful since internal storage isn’t upgradeable. The 720p webcam and dual-array microphone handle video calls adequately, though don’t expect exceptional quality in challenging lighting conditions.

Reviewer Insights on the ASUS Chromebook CX1 (CX1101)

9to5Laptops’ Perspective

9to5Laptops approached the CX1101 with the provocative question: is this a Chromebook you don’t actually need? Their hands-on review focused heavily on the student and education market, where this device is clearly positioned. The reviewer praised the 180-degree hinge as genuinely useful for collaborative work, allowing students to lay the screen flat for group viewing. They called out the stereo speakers as “surprisingly good” for such an inexpensive device, noting that budget laptops often skimp on audio quality.

However, 9to5Laptops didn’t hold back on the display criticism. The 1366x768 resolution looks increasingly dated in 2026, with visible pixelation during text-heavy work. The reviewer noted the plastic construction feels cheap in hand despite the military-grade certification, suggesting the durability rating compensates for materials that don’t inspire premium confidence. Their conclusion positioned the CX1101 as a solid choice for students who need something that survives backpack life, but cautioned anyone expecting more than bare-minimum computing power.

nerdyneighbor’s Perspective

nerdyneighbor delivered an extensive 10-minute review examining the CX1 as a “super budget friendly Chromebook” at the $130-$150 price point (when it was available on sale). They emphasized the USB-C charging as a modern feature that budget Chromebooks often lack, praising the convenience of using one charger for multiple devices. The build quality and speaker audio received positive marks, with the reviewer calling it “good for the price” without overpromising.

The display criticism from nerdyneighbor was particularly pointed. They observed a noticeable blue hue across the screen that affects color accuracy and makes extended reading sessions less comfortable. Combined with the low resolution, the display was described as the CX1’s most significant weakness. Their bottom line recommendation was clear: this works well as a secondary device or for very basic computing needs, but shouldn’t be anyone’s primary work or school machine. For that role, spending slightly more on a device with better display quality would pay dividends in daily usability.

Beebom’s Written Review

Beebom awarded the CX1101 an 8/10 score in their comprehensive written review, calling it “an instant buy” for anyone seeking a simple, secure laptop under Rs. 20,000 (approximately $240). Their testing praised the keyboard specifically, noting zero flex and comfortable 1.5mm key travel that makes extended typing sessions pleasant. The trackpad earned similar praise for responsive gesture support and smooth tracking.

Beebom’s benchmark testing quantified the N4020’s performance improvements. Their Speedometer 2.0 score of 44.2 fps represents an 84% improvement over the previous-generation ASUS C223, demonstrating meaningful generational gains even in budget silicon. Battery life testing showed approximately 8 hours of real-world usage, somewhat below ASUS’s 13-hour claim but still excellent for all-day use without charging anxiety. The review concluded that display quality remains the CX1101’s Achilles heel, with 200-nit brightness and color shifting at off-center viewing angles detracting from an otherwise solid package.

Fone Arena’s Assessment

Fone Arena declared the CX1101 “the best compact Chromebook for less than Rs. 20,000” in their review. Their testing emphasized durability, highlighting the MIL-STD-810H certification and noting that ASUS subjects these devices to extensive drop and shock testing. Battery performance impressed them even more than display criticism disappointed, with approximately 12 hours achieved in their testing, nearly matching ASUS’s claims and easily lasting a full school or work day.

Geekbench 5 testing revealed single-core and multi-core scores of 482 and 911 respectively, positioning the N4020 as adequate for Chrome OS’s lightweight demands. Fone Arena appreciated the dual USB-C and dual USB-A port configuration, calling it excellent for users who need to connect various peripherals without dongles. Their conclusion acknowledged the average display quality as a necessary trade-off for the price point while recommending the device for students, seniors, and anyone prioritizing durability and battery life over screen quality.

Customer Reviews of the ASUS Chromebook CX1 (CX1101)

Amazon customers have given the ASUS Chromebook CX1 (CX1101) a 3.8-star rating based on limited reviews, reflecting the device’s niche appeal in a market dominated by touchscreen and convertible designs. Positive reviewers consistently praise the lightweight design and all-day battery life, with several noting they can work for 10+ hours without reaching for a charger. Parents purchasing for students appreciate the MIL-STD 810H durability rating, with one reviewer noting their child dropped the laptop twice without damage.

The critical feedback clusters around display quality and performance expectations. Several reviewers express disappointment with the screen’s color accuracy and viewing angles, particularly when compared to tablets or phones they use daily. Others note that the 4GB RAM becomes limiting when running Android apps alongside Chrome browser tabs, resulting in occasional lag or app reloads. The most common concern involves expectations: buyers seeking a full laptop experience find the CX1101 restrictive, while those understanding Chrome OS’s web-centric nature tend to be satisfied.

Conclusion

The ASUS Chromebook CX1 (CX1101) delivers exactly what its price point promises: a durable, long-lasting Chromebook for basic computing needs. With Chrome OS support through June 2029 and MIL-STD 810H construction, this device offers years of reliable service for students, seniors, or anyone needing a secondary machine for web browsing and light productivity. The excellent battery life and modern USB-C connectivity feel premium for a sub-$200 device. However, the mediocre 1366x768 display and 4GB RAM limitation mean this isn’t suitable for power users or anyone expecting a primary work machine. For budget-conscious buyers who prioritize durability and battery life over screen quality, the CX1101 remains a sensible choice in an increasingly competitive Chromebook market.

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