Asus is updating its budget-level Chromebook line for the education market with two new models with 11.6-inch high-definition displays, Intel Alder Lake-N processors and rugged cases.
The Asus Chromebook CR11 (CR1102C) is a clamshell laptop that supports up to an Intel processor N200, 8GB of RAM and 128GB of eMMC storage, The Asus Chromebook CR11 Flip (CR1102F) is a flip model with a touchscreen that supports a 360-degree hinge and an optional stylus.
Both laptops come with rubber cushioning, anti-splash keyboards and a MIL-StD-810H-tested design that is anti-fall and shock-resistant, among other things.
The laptops are also designed to be easy for its professionals to repair, Asus says, with a modular design that makes it relatively easy to replace a keyboard, trackpad or monitor in just a few minutes.
The Asus Chromebook CR11 and CR11 Flip both come with two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C ports, two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, a 3.5mm audio jack, and a microSD card slot. Wireless features include support for Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1, and the laptop comes with a 50Wh battery and 45W USB-C power adapter.
Each model has a 720p main camera with a private shutter, but the CR11 Flip also has an 8MP “world-facing” camera above the keyboard. By flipping the screen back 360 degrees and using it like a tablet, users can use the camera to take photos or videos.
Asus also offers an optional USI stylus for the CR11 Flip. The pen can be put into the body of the computer for safe keeping when not in use.
While both the CR11 and CR11 Flip feature a 1366 x 768 pixel display, the flip model has a slightly brighter display (250 nits versus 220 Nits) and supports an optional Corning Gorilla glass panel.
Asus Chromebook CR11 Notebook size 294 x 206 x 21mm (Note: Igeekphone: 11.6 inches x 8.1 inches x 0.8 inches) and weighs 1.32kg, while the CR11 Flip is the same size but heavier at 1.47kg.