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Upgraded Asus Chromebook Flip C434 appears on Amazon

The base model Asus Chromebook Flip C434 has already been available for sale and we knew an upgraded model would be following. Now Amazon shows both the base configuration with 4 GB of memory and the upgraded version that doubles the RAM.

When the 4 GB unit went on sale for $569, I suggested that interested buyers consider waiting since the 8 GB configuration was expected to cost just $30 more. That extra memory would be a huge benefit for allowing more open tabs and/or using Linux apps. And the 8 GB option from Amazon is indeed $599; that extra cost is well worth the investment, even though you can now purchase the 4 GB configuration for $529.99 (affiliate link).

Aside from the extra RAM all of the specs on the $599 model are the same as the lower-priced one:

  • Intel Core m3-8100Y, 2C/4T, 1.1GHz (4MB cache, up to 3.4GHz)
  • 14” LED-backlit IPS NanoEdge display, 100% sRGB, 1920 x 1080 with 5mm bezels and a 360-degree hinge
  • 4 or 8 GB LPDDR3 memory depending on the model you buy
  • 64 GB eMMC storage
  • MicroSD card reader, 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0
  • Two USB Type-C ports, one USB Type-A port (all ports are USB 3.1)
  • Backlit keyboard and multi-touch trackpad
  • HD webcam, presumably 720p based on the lack of a “FullHD” mention
  • 48 WHr battery with an estimated 10 hours of runtime
  • 3.2 pounds

Note that if you plan to use Android Studio to build Android apps, the Asus Chromebook Flip C434 isn’t on Google’s list of recommended Chromebooks. That’s because it uses the lower-powered Intel Y-series chips, not the company’s U-Series processors.

Additionally, Amazon doesn’t appear to have inventory of the 8 GB model in stock currently. Delivery dates for Prime members are quoted to be between May 28 and June 12, although that can change at any time.

author avatar
Kevin C. Tofel

One thought on “Upgraded Asus Chromebook Flip C434 appears on Amazon

  1. I am anxiously awaiting the release of the 8gb version of the c434. I continue to be bewildered as to why Asus stopped short of what would be the “no brainer.” Given that the c302 was released in 2017 with 4gb ram, why release the “upgrade” with the same base amount of ram and storage? This, especially since it’s not like the cost of memory has gone up. Memory has been, and continues to be, cheap. Why not release the c434 with a base ram of 8gb, internal storage of 128gb and a micro sd slot for maybe $650? This would be an Absolute No Brainer and make the 2 year old Pixelbook (precious few hints of a refresh for this model) seem like an abandoned bridesmaid by comparison.

    It doesn’t matter whether the extra ram or storage is “needed.” What manufacturers and a lot of tech pundits seem to forget is that consumers like me are looking for a good return on investment and futureproofing. Maybe Asus is thinking that pulling back on these user-friendly elements will result in an increase in sales sooner from those with perfectly useable chromebooks who might be tempted to upgrade. But for me, the exact opposite is true. When a manufacturer pulls back on something that is so easy to include, it just seems stingy. If I knew I was getting a futureproofed laptop, I might actually be more likely to upgrade sooner to a newer model, not less likely.

    What’s so frustrating is that the Asus hardware just looks stunning. No, i’m not happy that this chromebook weighs almost a pound more than the c302, but I’ll put up with that extra weight since I have no plans to use this as a tablet. But I think it’s awesome that Asus managed to fit a 14in screen inside a 13in form factor. I especially like the engineering that has gone into the hinges and the screen improvements. I do wish the screen had more nits – at least 350 nits, rather than the estimated 290 nits. But still…this looks like a well-made chromebook. I have the c302 and it has been a great chromebook for the last year and a half – no complaints whatsoever.

    But I need a Compelling Reason to move from the c302 to the c434. I’m not going to buy the 2019 model to get roughly the same user elements (4gb ram and 64 gb storage) as the c302 – even if the hardware has been improved. More ram and more storage, without taking away the quality and value I’ve come to expect would be reasons to upgrade for me. (For example, I’ve seen numerous sales of the 8gb ram/128gb storage Google Pixelbook at $749 over the past year. I have considered buying one at the sale price, as it is a beautiful piece of hardware, but I don’t understand why I can’t have a microsd slot, too (I know Google hates them, but seriously…) So, I have not bought one. It’s gorgeous, but not the “no brainer” that I really want. Frankly, I’d rather have the Asus c434, with more memory and storage. What’s so wrong with that??

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