ASUS Chromebook Flip CR1
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The ASUS Chromebook Flip CR1 is a versatile laptop designed with students in mind. Its rugged design, complete with a tough rubber bumper and a micro-dimpled finish, ensures it can withstand everyday knocks, bumps, drops, and spills. This Chromebook is not just about durability, and it also offers impressive features such as ASUS Antibacterial Guard1, WiFi 6 and 4G LTE2 support, a garaged stylus, and dual cameras. With long-lasting battery life, this laptop is designed for uninterrupted learning.
The ASUS Chromebook Flip CR1 is built to surpass demanding US military-grade MIL-STD-810H durability standards, capable of withstanding drops up to 120 cm. It also features a spill-resistant keyboard and a modular design allowing easy servicing and management.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| MIL-STD-810H certified chassis survives 120cm drops (Hitech Century testing) | 720p display limits visual clarity for detailed work |
| Splash-proof keyboard handles up to 330cc liquid spills | Performance struggles with demanding applications (60% Notebookcheck rating) |
| Fast WiFi 6 connectivity with dual-band 2x2 support | RAM and storage are soldered, no upgrade path |
| Integrated garaged stylus included with versatile 360-degree hinge | Small, plasticky trackpad feels cramped |
| 12-hour battery life confirmed in real-world testing | Stiff hinges require two-handed opening |
| ASUS Antibacterial Guard protects high-touch surfaces | No HDMI port or backlit keyboard |
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ASUS Chromebook Flip CR1 Comparison Chart
![]() ASUS Chromebook Flip CR1 | ![]() ASUS Chromebook Flip CR1 | ![]() ASUS Chromebook Flip CR1 | |
| Price | List Price: $429.99 Amazon Prices: | List Price: $429.99 Amazon Prices: | List Price: $349 Amazon Prices: Loading prices... |
| Model number | CR1100FKA-YZ182T-S | CR1100FKA-YZ182T | CR1100FKA-YZ142T-S |
| Perfomance Rating | 4.1 | 4.1 | 2.8 |
| Chromebook Plus | No | No | No |
| Processor | Quad-core 1.10 Ghz (max 2.80 Ghz) Intel Celeron N5100 Processor | Quad-core 1.10 Ghz (max 2.80 Ghz) Intel Celeron N5100 Processor | Quad-core 1.10 Ghz (max 2.80 Ghz) Intel Celeron N5100 Processor |
| RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB | 4 GB |
| Internal Storage | 32 GB eMMC | 32 GB eMMC | 32 GB eMMC |
| Screen Size | 11.6" | 11.6" | 11.6" |
| Screen Resolution | 1366x768 | 1366x768 | 1366x768 |
| Screen Type | Glossy display, LED Backlit, 250nits, NTSC: 50% | Glossy display, LED Backlit, 250nits, NTSC: 50% | Glossy display, LED Backlit, 250nits, NTSC: 50% |
| Touch Screen | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Stylus / Pen | No Stylus Support | No Stylus Support | No Stylus Support |
| Dimensions width x length x thickness | 11.6 x 8.07 x 0.81 inches (294.64 x 204.98 x 20.57 mm) | 11.6 x 8.07 x 0.81 inches (294.64 x 204.98 x 20.57 mm) | 11.6 x 8.07 x 0.81 inches (294.64 x 204.98 x 20.57 mm) |
| Weight | 3.13 lbs (1.42 kg) | 3.13 lbs (1.42 kg) | 3.13 lbs (1.42 kg) |
| Backlit Keyboard | No | No | No |
| Webcam | 720p HD | 720p HD | 720p HD |
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Ethernet | No | No | No |
| Cellular Modem | No | No | No |
| HDMI | No HDMI | No HDMI | No HDMI |
| USB Ports | 2 USB 2.0, 2 USB 3 type-C supports display and power delivery | 2 USB 2.0, 2 USB 3 type-C supports display and power delivery | 2 USB 2.0, 2 USB 3 type-C supports display and power delivery |
| Thunderbolt Ports | No | No | No |
| Card Reader | microSD Card Reader | microSD Card Reader | microSD Card Reader |
| Battery | 2 cell, 47WHrs, Li-ion | 2 cell, 47WHrs, Li-ion | 2 cell, 47WHrs, Li-ion |
| Battery Life | 12.0 hours | 12.0 hours | 12.0 hours |
| Fanless | No | No | No |
| Auto Update Expiration Date | June, 2031 | June, 2031 | June, 2031 |
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Detailed Insights into the ASUS Chromebook Flip CR1
The ASUS Chromebook Flip CR1 represents ASUS’s commitment to the education market, delivering a device that prioritizes durability and classroom versatility over raw performance. Hitech Century describes it as being “constructed almost like a Tonka toy,” and this assessment proves accurate across real-world testing scenarios. The MIL-STD-810H certification translates into practical resilience: the device survives 120cm drops without damage and the keyboard withstands up to 330cc of liquid spills. A modular internal design allows school IT departments to quickly replace keyboards, touchpads, and display panels on-site, reducing downtime and repair costs.
The 360-degree convertible hinge transforms the CR1 between laptop, tablet, tent, and display modes, making it adaptable for lectures, group work, and individual study. The integrated garaged stylus pairs with the 11.6-inch touchscreen for note-taking and drawing applications. While the display’s 1366x768 resolution and 250-nit brightness fall short of premium Chromebooks, the low blue-light certification reduces eye strain during extended classroom sessions. The dual camera system (5MP front, 8MP rear) enables video calls and document scanning, though image quality remains serviceable rather than exceptional.
Connectivity proves comprehensive for a budget education device. Two USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 ports support both display output and power delivery, while two USB-A ports accommodate legacy peripherals. WiFi 6 with dual-band 2x2 antenna configuration ensures reliable connections in crowded classroom environments where multiple devices compete for bandwidth. The 47WHr battery delivers the advertised 12 hours of runtime in Hitech Century’s testing, lasting a full school day without requiring a charger.
Performance limitations become apparent when pushing beyond basic educational tasks. The Intel Celeron N5100 (or N4500 in some configurations) handles web browsing, Google Workspace apps, and basic video playback smoothly. Benchmark results (Geekbench 5 single-core: 381, multi-core: 485) place it firmly in entry-level territory. Attempting video editing through Canva or CapCut works for simple projects, but more complex workflows introduce noticeable lag. The soldered 4GB or 8GB RAM and 32GB or 64GB eMMC storage cannot be upgraded, making the initial configuration choice important for long-term usability.
Reviewer Insights on the ASUS Chromebook Flip CR1
Hitech Century’s Assessment
Hitech Century awarded the CR1 a 3.3/5 rating (66%) with the verdict “Value Buy - Sturdy Study Buddy” in their February 2022 review. Their testing confirmed the durability claims through hands-on stress testing, noting that “it’s able to survive in extremes of temperature that would junk a normal laptop.” The reviewer particularly appreciated the versatile form factor: “The addition of a touchscreen and 360-degree hinges means that the Chromebook Flip CR1 is exceptionally versatile, allowing use as a traditional laptop, display, or tablet.” However, they flagged the trackpad as “small and plasticky” and noted the stiff hinges require two-handed opening. Their bottom line: “Factor in its modest price point and the robustness of Chrome OS and you have a choice that’s ideal for young learners all the way to secondary school.”
ChromebookParts.com Technical Analysis
ChromebookParts.com’s teardown guide provides valuable insights into the CR1’s internal construction and repairability. Their technical analysis confirmed the 47Wh battery capacity (6060mAh) and identified the display panel model as N116BCA-EA1. The teardown revealed the modular repair design that allows quick component replacement, though it also confirmed that both RAM and storage are soldered to the motherboard, eliminating any upgrade path. For schools considering long-term deployment, this repairability focus represents a practical advantage over consumer-oriented Chromebooks with more integrated designs.
Paco Web Durability Testing
The Spanish-language review from Paco Web stands out for its hands-on durability demonstrations. The reviewer performed live water spill tests on the keyboard and drop tests on hard surfaces, visually confirming the MIL-STD-810H claims. Their testing showed the device continuing to operate normally after each stress test, providing practical validation beyond manufacturer specifications. This real-world stress testing complements the technical reviews by demonstrating how the durability features perform outside laboratory conditions.
Customer Reviews of the ASUS Chromebook Flip CR1
Amazon customer feedback for the ASUS Chromebook Flip CR1 reflects its specialized education market positioning. With a 3.9/5 rating from verified purchasers, the device earns praise for its rugged construction and classroom suitability. Parents and school administrators frequently highlight the peace of mind that comes from the military-grade durability rating, noting that the CR1 survives the rough handling common among younger students.
Common positive themes include the long battery life lasting through full school days, the responsive touchscreen for interactive learning applications, and the included stylus eliminating the need for separate purchases. The convertible design receives particular appreciation for reading-heavy assignments where tablet mode proves more comfortable than traditional laptop positioning.
Critical feedback centers on performance limitations with demanding web applications, with some users noting slowdowns when running multiple browser tabs simultaneously. The 720p display resolution draws mixed reactions, though most educational reviewers consider it acceptable for text-based schoolwork. Storage constraints (32GB-64GB) frustrate users who download Android apps or work offline frequently, requiring regular cloud storage management. The plasticky trackpad and lack of backlit keyboard also appear as recurring concerns for users who primarily type in laptop mode.
Conclusion
The ASUS Chromebook Flip CR1 succeeds at its intended purpose: providing a durable, versatile, and affordable Chromebook for educational environments. The MIL-STD-810H certification, splash-proof keyboard, and modular repair design directly address the realities of classroom use where devices face drops, spills, and heavy daily use. The 360-degree hinge, integrated stylus, and all-day battery enable flexible learning scenarios from note-taking to group presentations.
Performance and display quality represent the necessary compromises for this price point. Students focused on web browsing, Google Workspace, and basic content creation will find the CR1 capable, while those needing more processing power or visual fidelity should consider Chromebook Plus models. The soldered components eliminate upgrade options, making the 8GB RAM configuration preferable for longer-term deployments. For schools and parents seeking a Chromebook that prioritizes durability over specs, the CR1 delivers on its “Sturdy Study Buddy” promise. Compare specifications with similar models using the Chromebook Comparison Tool.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the RAM or storage be upgraded on the ASUS Chromebook Flip CR1?
No, both the RAM (4GB or 8GB LPDDR4X) and storage (32GB or 64GB eMMC) are soldered directly to the motherboard. ChromebookParts.com’s teardown confirmed there are no upgrade slots. Choose the 8GB RAM configuration if you plan to keep the device for several years or run multiple browser tabs simultaneously.
How durable is the ASUS Chromebook Flip CR1 for student use?
The CR1 carries MIL-STD-810H military-grade certification, surviving drops up to 120cm and keyboard spills of 330cc liquid. Hitech Century described it as “constructed almost like a Tonka toy.” The rubber bumper, reinforced corners, and scratch-resistant textured finish protect against typical classroom mishaps. The modular design also allows quick on-site repairs of damaged components.
How long does the battery last on the ASUS Chromebook Flip CR1?
ASUS rates the 47WHr battery for up to 12 hours, and Hitech Century confirmed this matches real-world usage for typical educational tasks. The device easily lasts through a full school day without needing the 45W USB-C charger. Battery life varies with screen brightness and workload intensity.
Is the ASUS Chromebook Flip CR1 good for video calls and online learning?
Yes, the CR1 handles video conferencing adequately with its 5MP front camera and built-in microphone. WiFi 6 with dual-band support maintains stable connections during calls. The 720p webcam produces serviceable video quality for Google Meet or Zoom sessions. The 360-degree hinge allows positioning the screen for optimal camera angles in tent or tablet mode.
When does the ASUS Chromebook Flip CR1 stop receiving Chrome OS updates?
The ASUS Chromebook Flip CR1 (model CR1100FKA) has an Auto Update Expiration (AUE) date of June 2031, according to Google’s official database. This means the device will receive Chrome OS updates, including security patches and new features, until mid-2031.
What ports are available on the ASUS Chromebook Flip CR1?
The CR1 offers two USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 ports (supporting display output and charging), two USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 ports, a microSD card reader for storage expansion, a 3.5mm audio combo jack, and a Kensington lock slot. Note that there is no HDMI port, so external monitor connections require a USB-C adapter.
