Google and Asus has taken the wraps off a first of its kind – 2-in-1 Chromebook device which can be used as a laptop/notebook and as a tablet. Dubbed the Asus Chromebook Flip, it uses a 360-degree hinge which makes it possible and runs on Chrome OS 42 version whilst also having functions like better handwriting recognition and ability to flip display images.
The Asus Chromebook Flip sports a 10.1-inch (1366 X 768 pixels) IPS display, powered by a 2GHz quad-core Rockchip 3288 processor (ARM chip based on a 32-bit quad-core Cortex A17 design) with 4GB of RAM and 16GB space of eMMC storage. It also comes with two standard USB 2.0 ports, HDMI ports, and a microSD card slot.
The all metal hybrid Chromebook Flip from Asus endures about 10 hours of battery life, measures 15mm thin, weighs less than 0.9kg and has a touchscreen display if you don’t want to use the keyboard. It would be available in the Spring for $250.
Alongside the Chromebook Flip, Google also announced the Asus C201 which is expected to be one of the most affordable chromebook around alongside other new arrivals. It would be available in 2GB and 4GB versions, a 11.6-inch display, a quad-core Rockchip processor and a $149 price tag.
Google also announced two Chromebooks from Hisense and Haier; both Chinese companies joins the long list of companies which has partnered with Google on chromebooks which includes the likes of Acer, AOPEN, ASUS, Dell, HP, Lenovo and LG. New chromebooks are also expected from new partners like XOLO, Nexian and TRUE.
The Haier Chromebook 11 sports a 11.6-inch display, powered by a Rockchip RK3288 1.8 GHz Processor with 2GB RAM and 16 GB eMMC Flash Storage. It has Bluetooth 4.0 and HDMI port and also claims 10 hours battery life. The Hisense Chromebook has also similar specs but claims 8.5 hours of battery life.
Both the Haier Chromebook 11 and Hisense Chromebook are both available for pre-order on Amazon and Walmart respectively for $149.
Finally, ending on a high note Google announced the Asus Chromebit HDMI Dongle which makes any display virtually a computer. It has the size of a candybar (that small) and has a HDMI port which allows it plug into most displays including TVS and monitors. Other accessories have to be purchased separately.
The Asus Chromebit as expected features a full blown Chrome OS, powered by a Rockchip 3288 ARM Cortex-A17 quad-core processor with ARM Mali 760 GPU, 16GB of internal storage and 2GB RAM. Other specs features includes – USB port, Wi-Fi 802.11ac, and Bluetooth 4.0.
It would be available later in the year for $100 in Blue, Grey and Orange colour options.
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