Not content with just a single cloud-gaming Chromebook, Asus has another, smaller option. Following the debut of the Asus Chromebook Vibe CX55 Flip in October, the company is showing off the Chromebook Vibe CX34 Flip at CES this week. Instead of the 15.6-inch display found on the CX55, this new cloud-gaming model uses a 16:10 14-inch panel, also with a 144 Hz refresh rate.
Asus is touting its customizable RGB backlit anti-ghosting keyboard which is also spill resistant. Given that I often game with water or a coffee nearby, I like that latter feature as a bonus.
Aside from the smaller overall size, the Chromebook Vibe CX34 Flip boosts the internals over its predecessor.
Frankly, I was surprised that the CX55 launched with 11th gen Intel Core processors. Asus rectifies that with 12th gen Intel silicon options in the CX34. Expect configurations with either an Intel Core i3-1215U, Core i5-1235U or Core i7-1255U CPU. The latter two models will have Intel Iris Xe integrated graphics to power that 1920 x 1200 resolution touch display with 400 nits of brightness.
Of course, the Chromebook Vibe CX34 Flip also gets the latest connectivity options with Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2. Unlike some other cloud-gaming Chromebooks, such as the Acer Chromebook 516 GE, there’s no ethernet port on the new Asus model.
Here’s the full range of specs and configuration options:
| CPU | Intel Core i3-1215U, Core i5-1235U or Core i7-1255U CPU. |
| GPU | Intel UHD graphics (Core i3 model) Intel Iris Xe graphics (Core i5 and I7 models) |
| Display | 14-inch, 1920 x 1200 resolution, IPS touch display, 16:10 aspect ratio, 400 nits brightness, 144 Hz, USI stylus supported with garage storage |
| Memory | Up to 16 GB LPDDR4X 4266 MHz Onboard: 8 GB / 16 GB LPDDR4X 4266 MHz |
| Storage | 1 x M.2 SSD, up to 512 GB PCIe 3.0 SSD 128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB M.2 PCIe 3.0 Value SSD |
| Connectivity | 802.11ax (2×2) WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Input | Backlit RGB spill-resistant keyboard with 1.4 mm key-travel, multi-touch trackpad, 720p webcam with privacy switch, dual-array microphone |
| Ports | 2 USB Type-C (3.2), 1 USB Type-A (3.2), HDMI output, microSD card reader |
| Battery | 63 WHr battery, up to 10 hours of run time expected, 45 W USB Type-C charger |
| Weight | 3.96 pounds |
| Software | ChromeOS automatic updates through June 2030 |
Overall, I like this updated cloud-gaming Chromebook from Asus compared to its predecessor. The CX55 seemed like a lackluster repurposing of an existing 15.6-inch Asus Chromebook. Mainly because it was. But the new Chromebook Vibe CX34 Flip is an updated model that’s easier to fit in a bag, allowing you to game or work on the go.
Expect the Asus Chromebook Vibe CX34 Flip to arrive in the first quarter of 2023 at a price to be determined. When it does arrive, look for the bundled SteelSeries Rival 3 gaming mouse that Asus is including. Nice touch!
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“Frankly, I was surprised that the CX55 launched with 11th gen Intel Core processors.”
Because Steam Borealis was supposed to go beta “summer 2021” but it wound up being November 2022, and not supported on nearly as many devices as Google spent over a year promising. Devices that were supposed to launch with Borealis which were as far back as the 2021 Asus CM5 were held by the manufacturers as long as they could and finally launched as cloud gaming Chromebooks … in many cases after Google killed Stadia.