ASUS Chromebook C403 review
The Asus ASUS Chromebook C403 ranks as the #865 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 50. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #700-ranked features among 80 laptops. Consider the Acer Aspire 1 or Acer Aspire 3, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The ASUS Chromebook C403 is an interesting laptop with a textured coating that's prone to fingerprints. It has military-grade durability and a spill-resistant keyboard, which are positives. However, the 14-inch display's resolution of 1366x768 is underwhelming, and the camera is surprisingly good for its specs. Performance-wise, it's suitable for everyday tasks but not ideal for multitasking or gaming. The storage capacity is limited to 32GB, excluding built-in software. Overall, this Chromebook is worth considering if you're a student who can get comfortable with Chrome OS. It's a budget-friendly option that gets the job done, but may require some adjusting to its unique UI.
Build
The ASUS Chromebook C403 boasts a unique textured coating that's unfortunately prone to fingerprints. The material also shows smudges when opened, which is disappointing. However, the laptop does feature military-grade durability and a spill-resistant keyboard, which are notable positives. The design may not be to everyone's taste, but it's an interesting choice for those who want a rugged device. Overall, the build quality feels sturdy, if not entirely fingerprint-friendly. You might prefer Asus ASUS ExpertBook B1, designed with an upgraded build for a better experience.
Display
The ASUS Chromebook C403's display is a 14-inch antique LED HD screen with a resolution of 1366x768 pixels. It maxes out at around 220 nits and features an anti-glare coating that performs well in poor lighting conditions. However, the display itself is only "okay" when it comes to overall graphics performance. The vibrant colors are a plus, but the resolution could be improved for a more immersive visual experience. Overall, the display gets the job done, but doesn't exceed expectations. For a superior display, Asus ASUS Vivobook Go 14 could be the right choice.
Performance
The ASUS Chromebook C403's performance is average at best. With an Intel Celeron 2-core processor N3350 and 4GB of DDR4 RAM, it's suitable for basic tasks like browsing, emailing, and word processing. However, it struggles with more demanding tasks such as streaming videos or editing documents simultaneously. The Intel HD graphics card further limits its capabilities in terms of gaming and graphic-intensive applications. Storage space is also limited to 32GB, excluding built-in software, which can become a concern if you plan to use external storage. Overall, the C403's performance is adequate for students and casual users but falls short in more demanding scenarios. A better alternative might be Asus ASUS Chromebook Flip C214, featuring a next-level performance.
Battery and Charging
The Asus Chromebook C403 features a battery life of approximately 12 hours, charged via USB-C. This is sufficient to last throughout multiple lectures or a significant portion of the day. The compact design makes it an ideal choice for students and professionals who require a reliable laptop without excessive bulk. Overall, the charging system is efficient and gets the job done with minimal hassle.
Connectivity
The ASUS Chromebook C403 features two USB-C ports, one headphone/microphone jack, and a Micro SD card reader. Despite the texturized coating's propensity for fingerprints, it boasts military-grade durability and a spill-resistant keyboard, making it suitable for education purposes or casual use. If you’re after a better connectivity, Asus ASUS ExpertBook CX54 Chromebook Plus could be the ideal option.
Features
The Asus Chromebook C403 boasts a durable design with military-grade durability and a spill-resistant keyboard. It features 4GB RAM, 32GB storage, and a 14-inch HD display with 220 nits brightness. The laptop has two USB Type-C ports, one headphone jack, and a Micro SD card reader. It also comes equipped with an Intel Celeron processor, Intel HD graphics, and a 720p camera, making it suitable for students and everyday use. Asus ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34 might be a smarter choice, offering an upgraded features.
Support and Maintenance
The ASUS Chromebook C403 offers reliable support and maintenance, with a durable design that withstands daily wear and tear. The spill-resistant keyboard and military-grade durability provide peace of mind for students or professionals using the device in an educational setting. Regular software updates ensure minimal downtime, keeping users productive.
Pros
1. The keyboard is extremely comfortable, with well-spaced keys and natural hand placement.
2. The laptop has a military-grade durability and spill-resistant keyboard.
3. The camera is surprisingly good, with great resolution and quality in various lighting conditions.
4. The battery life is about 12 hours, giving you enough time to last throughout multiple lectures.
5. The display is vibrant and has anti-glare feature that works well in poor lighting.
6. The laptop is designed for students and can handle day-to-day tasks with ease.
7. The Chromebook has a simple UI that gives you easy access to Google Docs and other Google-related features.
Cons
1. The texturized coating on the laptop's body is prone to fingerprints, making it look dirty quickly.
2. The storage space capacity is only 32GB, which may not be enough for some users.
3. The graphics card is an entry-level Intel HD graphics card, making high-end gaming impossible.
4. The resolution of the display is only 1366x768, which is below average for a modern laptop.
5. Chrome OS can take some getting used to, especially for those who are familiar with Windows or Mac.
6. The UI of Chrome OS may feel outdated and not user-friendly for some users.
7. The processor is an Intel Celeron 2-core N3350, which is an entry-level processor that may struggle with demanding tasks.
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