ASUS Chromebook CX1 (CX1700)
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Note: This Chromebook has been discontinued and is no longer available for purchase new. The information below is kept for historical reference.
The ASUS Chromebook CX1 (CX1700) holds a unique position in Chromebook history as one of the first 17.3-inch Chromebooks ever released. When ASUS announced this model in August 2021, the Chromebook market had been dominated by 11.6 to 15.6-inch screens. The CX1700 addressed a specific user need: maximum screen real estate for productivity without requiring an external monitor. This made it particularly appealing to users working with spreadsheets, documents side-by-side, or anyone who found smaller Chromebook displays cramped.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Large 17.3-inch 1080p display for productivity | Heavy at 5.34 pounds, limited portability |
| Exceptional 17-hour rated battery life | TN panel with limited viewing angles |
| Full numeric keypad for data entry | Intel Celeron N4500 struggles with heavy multitasking |
| Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity | No keyboard backlighting |
| USB-C with display output and power delivery | No HDMI port despite desktop-replacement size |
| microSD card reader for storage expansion | eMMC storage slower than SSD alternatives |
ASUS Chromebook CX1 (CX1700) Comparison Chart
 ASUS Chromebook CX1 (CX1700) | |
| Price | List Price: $349.99 Amazon Prices: |
| Model number | CX1700CKA-WS44F-M |
| Perfomance Rating | 4.5 |
| Chromebook Plus | No |
| Processor | Dual-core 1.10 Ghz (max 2.80 Ghz) Intel Celeron Processor N4500 |
| RAM | 8 GB |
| Internal Storage | 128 GB eMMC |
| Screen Size | 17.3" |
| Screen Resolution | 1920x1080 |
| Screen Type | TN |
| Touch Screen | No |
| Stylus / Pen | No Stylus Support |
| Dimensions width x length x thickness | 15.77 x 10.71 x 0.78 inches (400.56 x 272.03 x 19.81 mm) |
| Weight | 5.34 lbs (2.43 kg) |
| Backlit Keyboard | No |
| Webcam | 720p HD |
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1 |
| Ethernet | No |
| Cellular Modem | No |
| HDMI | No HDMI |
| USB Ports | 2 USB 3, 2 USB-C Type-C support display / power delivery |
| Thunderbolt Ports | No |
| Card Reader | microSD Card Reader |
| Battery | 4 cell, 67 WHrs, Li-ion |
| Battery Life | 17.0 hours |
| Fanless | No |
| Auto Update Expiration Date | June, 2030 |
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Hardware and Performance
The ASUS Chromebook CX1700 is powered by the Intel Celeron N4500, a dual-core processor from Intel’s Jasper Lake family clocked at 1.1 GHz with burst speeds up to 2.8 GHz. This chip represents a meaningful upgrade from older Celeron processors like the N3350 found in previous budget Chromebooks, offering improved integrated graphics through Intel UHD Graphics and support for faster memory. For basic web browsing, document editing, and streaming video, the N4500 provides acceptable performance. However, users should expect some lag when running multiple Android apps simultaneously or working with complex Google Sheets documents.
The 8GB of RAM in the reviewed configuration represents the sweet spot for Chrome OS in 2021, allowing comfortable operation with a dozen browser tabs open. The 128GB of eMMC storage provides ample space for offline files and Android apps, though eMMC transfer speeds cannot match the SSD storage found in higher-end Chromebooks. Both the RAM and storage are soldered to the motherboard, making upgrades impossible.
The standout specification is the 67Wh battery, which ASUS rates for up to 17 hours of use. This massive battery capacity partially compensates for the power demands of the large display, enabling all-day productivity without charging. The battery charges through either USB-C port, supporting standard USB Power Delivery protocols.
Display and Design
The 17.3-inch Full HD (1920x1080) display defines the CX1700’s character. At this size, the 1080p resolution delivers a pixel density of approximately 127 PPI, providing crisp text for productivity work without the eye strain that lower resolutions would cause on such a large panel. However, ASUS chose a TN (Twisted Nematic) panel rather than IPS to keep costs down. This results in noticeable color shift when viewing from angles other than dead-center and more muted colors compared to IPS alternatives.
The display does not support touch input, which aligns with the CX1700’s positioning as a productivity-focused device rather than a tablet-like convertible. The matte anti-glare coating reduces reflections in bright environments, making the large screen more usable in varied lighting conditions than a glossy panel would be.
At 15.77 x 10.71 x 0.78 inches and 5.34 pounds, the CX1700 is decidedly not portable in the traditional Chromebook sense. This is a desktop replacement that happens to fold closed, designed for users who want a single machine they can move between rooms or take to occasional meetings rather than carry daily. The plastic chassis maintains ASUS’s clean design language with a silver-gray finish.
Connectivity and Features
The CX1700’s port selection reflects its USB-C era design. Two USB-C ports support display output and power delivery, allowing connection to external monitors or charging from either side. Two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports maintain compatibility with legacy peripherals like mice, external drives, or flash drives. The microSD card reader enables storage expansion for users who exhaust the 128GB internal storage.
Notably absent is an HDMI port. While the USB-C ports can output video with an appropriate adapter or dock, users expecting a direct HDMI connection on a 17-inch desktop-replacement Chromebook may find this limiting. The lack of Ethernet is also notable given the device’s size and stationary use case, though a USB Ethernet adapter can provide the wired connection that many desktop-replacement users expect. Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) provides fast wireless connectivity with compatible routers.
The full-size keyboard includes a dedicated numeric keypad, a feature rarely found on Chromebooks and particularly useful for users who work extensively with spreadsheets or accounting software. The keyboard lacks backlighting, which may frustrate users in low-light environments. The 720p webcam handles video calls adequately, supported by dual array microphones for voice pickup.
Who This Chromebook Was For
The ASUS Chromebook CX1700 targeted a specific niche: users who prioritize screen size over portability and wanted Chromebook simplicity in a larger format. It found particular appeal among home office workers, students with designated study spaces, and seniors or users with vision difficulties who benefit from larger text and interface elements.
This Chromebook worked best as a stationary workhorse for web-based productivity. Users who needed to travel frequently, desired touchscreen functionality, or required significant processing power for Android apps or Linux applications were better served by other Chromebook options.
Related ASUS Chromebooks
ASUS offers several other Chromebooks in the CX1 family with different screen sizes. The ASUS Chromebook CX1 (CX1500) provides a 15.6-inch option for users wanting a balance between screen size and portability. For users seeking a more powerful processor, the ASUS Chromebook CX5 series offers Intel Core processors with improved performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the ASUS Chromebook CX1700 still available to buy?
A: No, the ASUS Chromebook CX1700 has been discontinued and is no longer available for purchase new from major retailers. You may occasionally find refurbished units through secondary markets.
Q: How long will the ASUS Chromebook CX1700 receive Chrome OS updates?
A: The ASUS Chromebook CX1700 has an Auto Update Expiration (AUE) date of June 2030. Until then, it will continue to receive Chrome OS updates and security patches from Google.
Q: Can I upgrade the RAM or storage in the CX1700?
A: No, both the RAM and eMMC storage are soldered to the motherboard and cannot be upgraded. The CX1700 is available with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage only.
Q: Does the ASUS Chromebook CX1700 have a touchscreen?
A: No, the CX1700’s 17.3-inch display does not support touch input. It uses a traditional non-touch TN panel.
Q: What was special about the ASUS Chromebook CX1700?
A: The CX1700 was one of the first 17.3-inch Chromebooks ever released, offering the largest display size available in a Chromebook at the time. It included a full numeric keypad and 17-hour rated battery life, making it ideal for stationary productivity work.
Q: Is the ASUS Chromebook CX1700 good for video calls?
A: The CX1700 includes a 720p HD webcam and dual array microphones, which are adequate for video conferencing. The large display is a benefit for seeing multiple participants, though the TN panel’s viewing angles may require careful positioning.