ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34 Review: Performance on a Budget! (CX3402) 

Excellent and thank you! I was actually just about to reply to your comment on my Slim 3i review to say this would be another contender for you to consider. What are your thoughts on this CX34?

Appreciate the update. That's great to hear, glad you're liking it. I know what you mean about the slightly 'sharper' edges. Hope you'll continue to enjoy the Chromebook content on the channel (sometimes via your new Chromebook!) 🎉

Glad you're liking it so far. As you already have Linux setup - how about installing Libre Office as an alternative/backup to Google, Microsoft etc - ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Mx20y1Kv_WI.html

@@MergeDroid I'm a long time user of Libre Office and its predecessors, so Libre Office will have a place on this machine. I have resisted getting pulled into the black hole of Google's office services, but I will probably give them a chance as well. So far I have three browsers on the Linux side (Brave, Firefox, and Edge) to supplement Chrome on the Google side. I like to keep different types of work isolated onto different browsers. I also am giving Kdenlive (video editor) a try before springing for the paid Lumafusion app. Maybe a couple of other things, TBD.

Great setup. Do you prefer multiple browsers over multiple users on the Chromebook (so each with their own Chrome profile)? I tried out Luma Fusion again the day but made the mistake of copying over some 4k files. I think I need to try again with some 1080p stuff to give it a fair shot.

@@MergeDroid With the multiple browsers, I am trying to keep the big tech companies separate. So everything Google goes through Chrome. Everything Microsoft goes through Edge. Since Amazon and Facebook don't have their own browsers, I use Firefox for Facebook and Brave for Amazon. Not sure whether that really matters but it's at least an attempt. I realize of course that if I use Gmail for everything, then Google gets to see the email interactions. So there's a degree of futility in my efforts. So far I'm not willing to monitor separate email accounts to improve on that situation.

Yes, I was really happy/lucky to see this come up as a refurb at £160 - all about the timing when the ebay vouchers come up. There was another available, so not sure if my post on X helped anyone who follows me, give a follow there if useful for future posts. Just comparing a lot of my recent Chromebook purchases to similar specs I was getting even a year ago, the value in terms of spec per £ is only getting better it seems!

@@MergeDroid I just followed on twitter so hopefully I can grab a good deal soon!

@@sndrs Hope it helps. Some other Chromebooks to keep an eye on.... If you haven't already I'd also recommend checking out the Lenovo I showed in this video, the Slim 3i Chromebook Plus (with the Core i3-N305): ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-DN8IGSkhMV4.html There's also the Acer 314 with the same i3-N305, 8GB RAM etc, but doesn't have the Chromebook Plus update: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-9HFonlBjSAw.html If you wanted to look at a larger 15 inch Chromebook Plus model this HP 15a could also be worth considering: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-DsbDyNz4JDo.html

@@MergeDroid Yeah I've watched quite a few vids on your channel! Just a case of the price I guess. I was decided on the CX34 because of the CPU but sad to hear the heat and battery take a hit. Maybe the N305 would be a better choice in that regard.

@@sndrs Yeah usual trade off with power and heat/battery life unfortunately. - none of which is 'extreme', but worth being aware of. Pros and cons both ways and probably comes down to how you use it. Hopefully I'll get to do some direct comparison videos between some of those Chromebooks that may help further, but in the mean time if any of them come up at a bargain price you're unlikely to be disappointed.

Thanks very much, glad you rate the review - means even more with you being an owner! Glad you're pleased with your CX34 too! Very different to the Flex 3, 'different tools for different jobs'. Out of interest do you know which generation you had, based on the professor being the Intel Celeron N4020 or N4500 (or maybe even the MT8183)?

@@MergeDroid not sure which version I had... I'll try and check and let you know

Thanks and no worries either way. It's a series of Chromebooks I really like, especially this latest gen - ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-nc6RMm7Z9JQ.html

Ah, thanks so much, glad you're liking them! What do you think of this CX34?

Cheers Andrew, I'm glad to hear that. Especially coming from an owner of a pretty nice line up of Chromebooks, including some I've reviewed! Hopefully I'll get to take a look at a Duet 5 sometime too. You may have seen my review of the ASUS Detachable CM3 / CL3, the Duet 5 looks like a further evolution of some of the design features from it. It looks like tablet and detachable form factor will continue to be important in the Chromebook world.

Which one has the best keyboard?

Which Chromebooks are you asking to compare the keyboards of here?

​@@MergeDroidAsus cx34 plus and Lenovo slim 3i plus. They're both on offer for the 8gb 256 versions and I can't decide. I'm mainly going to be using it for writing and somev record said the Lenovo keyboard feels strange?

@Bad_P0tato just replied on your other comment on this 👍

Really glad to be able to help and greatly appreciate your Super Thanks!

Cheers, glad you like it and appreciate you commenting 👍 Looking to get a new Chromebook and considering this one?

@@MergeDroid it would be my first Chromebook. Certainly tempted at this price point.

Check out my video from the recent Chromebook event too and in particular where I show the new Chromebook Plus hardware expected in the near future. It might help you decide if it's worth going for a deal on this Chornebook Plus now or waiting a bit.

Thanks, glad it was useful, even if to rule this one out for you. It is a shame they couldn't have them up on the keyboard deck like they do on the Acer 314 (but sadly no Chromebook Plus update, despite the spec of the machine being enough): ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-9HFonlBjSAw.html

Thanks, yes this was a great bargain. That's a really high price for you, are all Chromebooks extra expensive or some brands 'worse' than others? For Sonic, that's actually the Sonic CD game from the Google Play Store. I haven't tried any Mega CD emulators for I do use one for Mega Drive (Genesis) games, that's called MD.emu and available in the Play Store. I think it may be a paid one but a low price from memory and well worth it. Yeah, the trusty PS4 controller is great on the Chromebook. Lots of other options too, I have some 'how to' videos in my Chromebook Gaming Playlist: ru-vid.com/group/PLNSLoCmFMc8pCp1JX8QH02cTi1Vq2hJFY Ah yes, from your other posts I remember/see you have the Flex 5i Chromebook Plus, hopefully I'll be hands on with one of those one day. I still have my older Flex 5i with a 10th Gen Core i3.

@@MergeDroid ah, will check out Sonic CD game and your how to video :) Thanks! Never thought about it, but the cpu in these machines must be easily capable of playing lots of emulators.

@AndrewTSq great. Yeah, even the lowest powered Chromebook can happily emulate some of the nostalgic consoles so plenty of fun to be had. You'll also find various Sonic games ported in the Play Store too like the mentioned Sonic CD, most free (with ads) or a small price to remove them, all good fun.

Hi, sure. Either are nice options. If anyone else is reading this my video on the HP 15a Chromebook Plus model is here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-DsbDyNz4JDo.html I can try and help give you some considerations between the ASUS and the HP - * The ASUS has a backlit keyboard, the HP doesn't (double check the specs of the one you're looking at to confirm please). As mentioned, the white ASUS CX34 with the backlit keyboard won't be the most practical, but still better than none. * The HP with the Core i3-N305 will have an extra year of ChromeOS updates to the AUE date of June 2033 vs June 2032 for the ASUS CX34 with the Core i3 12th Gen. * The HP offers the larger 15.6 inch screen vs the 14 inch screen on the ASUS - but again different size/weight considerations so really depends on your preference? * The HP keyboard offers the dedicated number pad due to its size - handy if you're in spreadsheets a lot etc. * Both have fans, from my experience and as the ASUS is more powerful with the Core i3 12th gen it will generate a bit more heat and I'd say get through the battery a little quicker, so the slightly less powerful HP may be a bit quieter/less hot and last a little longer, but it does have a larger screen to power also. Not to confuse things further, but a couple of other options to see if available: * Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i Chromebook Plus: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-DN8IGSkhMV4.html * Lenovo Flex 3i (12.2 inch with N100 processor): ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-nc6RMm7Z9JQ.html If you wanted a fanless Chromebook, not a Chromebook Plus but the spec I have in the video ticks all the boxes apart from the processor. Also convertible and touch. A smaller 12.2 inch screen. Hope this helps - let me know.

Hi, I think I'm using a MegaDrive emulator (MD.emu) from the Google Play Store, but there's also a version of Sonic you can download there. As for the PS4 controller - ru-vid.comzqgJQabR0UE

Hi Kevin, i imagine a lot of people will be facing this same dilemma. With the Slim 3i, do you know which configuration you are looking at? If you can stretch to the version with the touchscreen, 256gb storage and the backlit keyboard I think that would have the edge over this. If you want to stick to a budget, without confusing this further have you also seen my video on the Acer Chromebook 314 with the same Core i3-N305 processor - ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-9HFonlBjSAw.html ?

Thanks for your reply! I can get the Slim 3i with 128GB of storage, touch screen, and backlit keyboard for $350 USD on Lenovo's website. I can get the CX34 with the same specs, but no touchscreen for $400 on Target's website. I like the aesthetics of the CX34 better and I like that there are USB-C ports on both sides for ease of charging, but it feels like the Slim 3i is an overall better deal. Which one do you enjoy using more? Thanks again!

​@h no problem - glad to help give some advice and my thoughts on this. Thanks for the extra detail - it really helps. I think in your situation I'd be going for that Slim 3i deal. I plan to do a video comparing these two ranges, but in your specific case for the models and specs you are looking at with your current pricing, here are my particular reasons why/thoughts: Pros for the Lenovo over the ASUS: 1.) Aesthetics (subjective) - You mention you prefer the aesthetics of the CX34 - but in what sense? As you're in the US I assume it's the white model, which looks kinda cool, but makes the backlit keyboard less practical as I show in the video. I'd also say just picking the two devices up, the aluminium keyboard on the Lenovo gives it a premium feel over the CX34 with it's smooth plastic top, which in my opinion is too smooth and makes it feel less premium, but I appreciate that's subjective. 2.) Display - as you mention you'll be getting the touch screen, that's a big plus. As well as touch it's also got 100% sRGB colour space coverage on that version (compared to the one I have), that's not to be overlooked compared to the ~55%-65% coverage of the ASUS. 3.) Battery life - based on my use so far I think the Core i3-N305 should sip the battery a little more gently than the Core i3 12th Gen in the ASUS. 4.) AUE date - the Lenovo will have an extra year of ChromeOS updates, finishing in June 2033 rather than June 2032 for the ASUS. 5.) Price - in your case the Lenovo is cheaper too, which helps in general with the comparison overall. To try and balance this, to show what you may miss out on... Pros for the ASUS over the Lenovo: 1.) Dual USB C - as you point out it's nice having the option of a second USB C port and the ability to charge from their side of your desk. 2.) Processing power - the ASUS will have the extra edge here as I demo in the video, but the flip side being heat / battery usage. It's not like the Lenovo is slow. 3.) Aesthetics (subjective) - only fair I include this for the ASUS too, whether in the white or grey/black with the specs in the finish it looks a bit more interesting than the Lenovo and it's a bit thinner overall. 4.) Storage - Not 100% sure on the ASUS spec you're seeing, but possible it's the 256GB storage model over the 128GB you're seeing on the Lenovo.

Wow. Thank you for the pros and cons list. That truly helps! The price and the better screen pushes me towards the Slim 3i for sure now. I'm gonna donate to your sub for helping me out. Your videos and advice are a great resource.

@@kfleish You're welcome - look forward to hearing your thoughts on it when you get it. Just seen your Super Thanks, I'll reply directly to that!

Ah yes, only Elon can answer that one 😂 I've tried to make an effort to accept it has changed and call it X now.... but in my head it's still Twitter 🐦 😎

The x is one half of the fr3 meyson compass symbol.

@VVesIey 🤔

Hi, I think I it'll come down to if you're familiar and happy with how you use MS Office on a Chromebook, through the Microsoft 365 app, I did a recent video on the improved integration - ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-L8jScBBY73A.html You could also consider if an open source local install of something like Libre Office would work for you - ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Mx20y1Kv_WI.html For Adobe double check you're happy with the apps, I assume this is how you'd access it? Let me know if you want me to check the compatibility of a particular Adobe app.

@@MergeDroid first of all: thank you for the response and the videos/your content of course!! I'd use both over the app, mostly I'll use Photoshop and Illustrator from Adobe. I just don't want anything to crash or to be limited because of the chromebook I choose :)

@alina8256 you're welcome, it's great to help in these situations and I know what a big/important choice this is, especially for study. Sounds like you're happy with ChromeOS, so picking a Chromebook Plus model is a great move, you'll have a decent processor and 8GB RAM min, like in this Acer. You could also check my playlist of other Chromebook Plus models offer any advantage to you - ru-vid.com/group/PLNSLoCmFMc8qm1a5XOh5p3JMh4S2qPm6U

Maybe I particular check my video on the Acer Vero in the Chromebook Plus Playlist. When I mention the display I highlight that is has 100 percent coverage of the SRGB colour space, I imagine for your design work this is quite an important factor or at least a bonus to watch out for? You can also see my recent video from the Google event and mention of the new Chromebook Plus hardware on the way in case you feel it's worth waiting for any of that. Where abouts are you based? 🗺

@@MergeDroid I'll definitely watch my way through your reviews! Right now the chromebook from this video is on sale and I'll definitely try it. At some point I'll definitely upgrade to a PC 🙏🏻

Thanks, appreciate that and the feedback. If you'd like to know anything more about it just ask and I'll update you 👍

@@MergeDroid no, you pretty much sold me. I was deciding between this with the 1215u and the acer one with the1315. But I'm a Asus and chrome os stan so i guess Asus it is. Been on the Asus chromebook flip c302 for almost 6 years now and its got the best screen on a budget laptop ive ever seen. Its simply a pleasure to watch anything on that. Compared to some newer budget cbooks, it was ahead of it's time. Sadly not enough chromebooks in my country, especially not the cool ones. Just wanted to know the viewing experience of the screen

I think you'll be pleased then. I'm guessing your Flip has more of a gloss finish rather than the matte of these ones though?

@@MergeDroid yeah. But it's become a little underpowered for all these cloud based softwares now. Still works great for casual stuff even with 10-12 tabs open

@akshayde you'll notice a nice upgrade with this Chromebook Plus 👍

What are the elements of the ASUS you are being pulled back to? With the Lenovo, what spec did you order, was the 256gb with the back-lit keyboard available?

​@@MergeDroid The main advantages of the Asus to me are the dual USB-C on both sides and the UFS storage. I also read the keyboard and speakers are better. But in terms of design and build quality, I prefer the Lenovo. Also, the CPU in the Lenovo is a little less performant but more efficient, which is overall a plus for me - although the iGPU on the Asus has double the execution units. I don't know if the eMMC vs. UFS storage makes a practical difference for normal productivity. The Lenovo I ordered is indeed the 256GB, I'm not sure about the backlit keyboard, I hope so.

@QuantumBraced yup, good assessment. Think of the extra year of ChromeOS updates on the Lenovo too. Both good Chromebooks. Do you have the model number for the Lenovo? I'll edit this and link a video that will help you check the exact spec including the backlit keyboard, or not, *edit* - here it is: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-dHgKl4eMwIA.html Which region are you in?

​@@MergeDroid They both have superlong support periods, so that's not a factor for me. I don't yet have the model number, I bought it refurbished on Ebay with a discount for £170 lol. The value is insane. I should have it in 2 days. Thanks, I will check out the exact specs via that link. I know there is an older Lenovo model that has a worse keyboard and display, so I hope this isn't one of those. I also hope it has the updated logo on the back rather than the colorful Chrome logo, but it'll probably be the older version. I am in the UK/Europe region. In your experience, was the slower storage noticeable in normal use? eMMC is generally awful, but I can't complain for the price.

@@QuantumBraced Sounds good. Part of the reason for asking where you're based in I know the US are getting the newer version of the ASUS CX34 Chromebook Plus with the touch screen, I haven't seen news on that yet for the UK or elsewhere, probably a matter of time. If you've ordered a Chromebook Plus spec model of the Slim 3i I am 99.9% certain it'll be branded as such on the lid and box (e.g. I don't believe there were any early models before the Chromebook Plus branding kicked in that have since had the software update but are not badged as 'Chromebook Plus'. In case anyone else is reading this and looking for a link to the video on the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i Chromebook Plus it's here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-DN8IGSkhMV4.html In terms of the storage, for general use I don't think you're going to notice, it's only really when I'm copying large files I find myself wishing things were a bit quicker.

Hi, greetings to India! Yes, this is a great option if you're liking what you see in the review and you are after a 14 inch Chromebook Plus. Obviously you need to be happy with the price you're paying too. Why not compare to some of the other Chromebook Plus models too - ru-vid.com/group/PLNSLoCmFMc8qm1a5XOh5p3JMh4S2qPm6U

@@MergeDroid or should i go with acer or lenovo...and one more question is chrome os better than windows os?? Currently i am using ubuntu..

Please watch my reviews on the others to see what you need to know about them. Then cross check the exact spec of the versions you have available to buy, as there can often be differences. This video will help you identify the exact spec of any Lenovo for example: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-dHgKl4eMwIA.html A lot will come down to your personal preferences and use cases. Hopefully I will get to produce a comparison video in the near future between some of them. As for is ChromeOS better than Windows - that's definitely even more subjective. It's certainly lighter and 'cleaner' in my mind and for 90% of what I do I prefer ChromeOS. You have Google Play Store and Linux compatibility, if that of course along with the Chrome browser delivers what you need, then I don't think you'll be disappointed. Let me know what you think of if you're narrowing your choice down and want my view.

Hi, yes as I show I believe all CX34 have the back-lit keyboard as standard as I show in this review. Hold the left alt key and tap the screen brightness incresse function key in the top row to turn on and increase the level of brightness. Any good?

@MergeDroid I've tried that, and it doesn't work. Idk if it's just the particular one that I got from Best Buy or if mine is defective but if you look up the product on their site and read the reviews you will find a bunch of people with the same issue.

@@SabberDabberDoo Interesting, might be they have a variation without it. I'll try and take a look at their site. Can you confirm the model number on the bottom of the Chromebook? Should be CX3402 something.

@@SabberDabberDoo Update - I believe this is the updated version, CX3402CVA that's just come out in 2024. On the ASUS spec page they list two options for the keyboard, one is back-lit, the other isn't. The BestBuy listing claims their CX3402CVA-I5128 version has the back-lit keyboard, but I'd guess from your feedback it doesn't, so maybe an error in their listing. I can see your questions on the product page and one others, so that perhaps confirm my theory, but it is just that, a theory at the moment.

@MergeDroid The model # for mine says CX3402CV, but the CEC ID below that says CX3402CVA_45W. It's strange, one of the reviewers says it does have a backlight, but everyone else that's commented on it says that it doesnt.

The dream of ChromeOS? 😎 He's pleased with the CX34?

Huh?

I think it's a positive comment 👍

Hi Paul, the RAM will be soldered to the board. The storage will be soldered if you go for the 128GB or 256GB levels, as mentioned those are UFS, but with the 512GB being M.2 that in theory could be replaced, but unlikely to be straightforward.

Team Fortress 2? From a quick check it looks like that's available via GeForce Now (please double check) so it'd be the same way as I show Fortnite here on ChromeOS - ru-vid.comsvUgqbXZXIs

What are the full numbers of those processors, N4500 and N5100 perhaps? The ASUS CX14 will be similar to the ASUS CX15 I reviewed with the Celeron N4500 here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-b8_-EcMwjVM.html

@@MergeDroid yes the n4500 has a 8gb ram but the n5100 has 4gb ram same price . What would be the better option?

I would go for the N4500 with the 8GB RAM, but check my review linked in my last reply on the CX15 (the 15.6 inch display version compared to the CX14 with the 14 inch display).

@@MergeDroid both are lpddr4x ram but n5100 has 4gb ram lpddr4x n4500 has 8gb ram lpddr4x

Yup, see last reply 👍

Hi, with something like this if you're on the go - ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-PMQnSA7eHXw.html or if you want a desk solution with more options - ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-jRQX34UsBpA.html

By buying a computer that has Ethernet

"lol'". A rarity these days. See my links to videos above.

@@MergeDroid did you just like and love your own comment ?

@zimzam9166 yes, always do. You can always identify my comments that way and as posted with the creator background on the name. Any others are bots 🤖

I found one for 100 dollars pic it up tomorrow son

You can reach out to companies and brands as well as them approaching you directly. Are you thinking I should have a sponsor?

go for it@@MergeDroid

Thanks for the encouragement. For this video I'm my own sponsor 😂...so please support in all the usual ways to please the algorithm and consider following me elsewhere too: linktr.ee/mergedroid

No, see 4:24 In some regions there is the convertible ASUS Chromebook Vibe CX34 Flip model, my affiliate link to check your region: amzn.to/3PEXLSf or alternate UK link: amzn.to/4cCf8NE (again, my affiliate link). Not an exact copy of the CX34 in my video though that they have just added a covertible body to, so do review it carefully. If I get my hands on one I'll definitely show it on the channel so please consider a sub and clicking the bell for the future.