ASUS Chromebook Vibe CX34 Review: Big Step Forward

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When the new cloud-gaming focused Chrombooks arrived last fall, it was pretty easy to spot the one that didn’t quite fit in. While Acer and Lenovo launched devices with big, high-refresh screens, color-changing keyboards, and 12th-gen Intel internals, ASUS chose to show up with a regurgitated device that had an older processor, no RGB lights under the keyboard, and a dim, 250-nit 144Hz display. It pretty quickly became clear that this device was basically the ASUS Chromebook CM5 from the year before with a few changes, and you could tell right away that it was simply thrown into the mix as a placeholder for the Chromebook they really wanted to release.

But this new Chromebook – the ASUS Chromebook Vibe CX34 Flip – is the type of course correction we love to see when manufacturers swing and miss. It’s everything the original Chromebook Vibe CX55 should have been, and on the path to building a great laptop for cloud gaming, ASUS ended up making a stellar Chromebook in just about every category. So, let’s take a deeper look.

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[robchr]

I bought this Chromebook in February and have been using it for content consumption, web browsing and light Android app development. It's great for heavier tasks that like running Linux apps and Android development which also require a lot of SSD space. You'll not find a better spec'd computer at this price range. I've tried.

[rayvanchrome]

Another fantastic review. I actually became an ASUS Chromebook fan, because of the reviews of Chrome Unboxed. I started on an ASUS C302 flip, then moved to the C434 (which I still use, say 2+ yrs old now) and I recently acquired the ASUS C5400. And I agree on grey keys and backlight GRRR! :)

[macemoneta]

It's a great Chromebook. I play local Linux games on it in Crostini, and the performance is great. In addition to the crummy camera, there's only one additional flaw. When you open the lid, it wants to go to tablet mode, which is annoying. You have to open it to about 150 degrees, then back to your preferred angle to get it to switch to laptop mode. Sometimes it doesn't want to switch, so you have to close it and repeat the process. But aside from that annoyance, it's great. Also worth mentioning, it runs cool, even when gaming. If the fan comes on - even in a quiet area - it's hard to hear, it's so quiet.

[AndroidDigest]

I think what you said about sales is very important. We've seen the Acer spin 714 on sale for like $500 pretty frequently. I would argue that going to be a better Chromebook overall without sales. But even if they are pretty similar as far as quality, that price point is a little too high. Still a good Chromebook but I don't think it's a good value

[mattsanchez]

Nice review Robbie, I’ve been waiting for this Chromebook for quite some time and it sounds great, but that price tag is a deal breaker, particularly when up against the other Chromebook gaming laptops out there.

[RealBillP]

Thanks! I'm looking for a new Chromebook! This one could be my next purchase, If I can find one at a good price!

[raysaurous]

I bought my open box Chromebook at best buy for $80 and despite all the other fancy computers I have, I tend to use my low-spec HP Chromebook way more than anything else. That 15 hour battery is probably the biggest factor though.

[ZackMorris]

Seeing that Founders Edition Stadia controller, just breaks my heart😢

[MatthewLetendre]

I went with the acer 516 to replace my Lenovo c630 15 inch chromebook and I love it.

[kingofx]

This thing, matching my stadia controllers, makes me miss stadia. I feel like this was supposed to be the stadia chromebook. The name also reminds me of the cr-48

[HIHIHJIHIHIH]

Please make a video comparing Chromebook and Android tablet their pros & cons. It's very relevant these time because android tablets are becoming bigger and bigger and more powerful like the Samsung tab S8 ultra and Lenovo tab extreme.

[eleazerDY]

I would like a video of the real cases of using a Chromebook on the daily
Something like a "my favourite chrome os features" or " Chrome os features you didn't know about" kind of thing

[cg-ny]

Hi! Could you please explain how to adjust the backlight on the keyboard? It's so hard to see in my classroom! I tried to find a keyboard skin, but so far Amazon doesn't have any skins that are compatible.

[eduardo-cfiw]

When will Acer Chromebook spin 714 2023 be available for sale, I need that thing, any news?

[christill]

In the past I wouldn’t have minded if my laptop was made of plastic rather than aluminium. But now I do care quite a lot. I want as little plastic in my life as possible.

[APBusinessAndMore]

Hello everyone
About the noise?
How is silent?

[Thumbszilla]

The biggest flaw it has is an unbelievably dim backlit keyboard. Its fine though in DARK rooms.

[Headcase]

When are we going to get a compartmentalized steam OS on a Chromebook so it can do everything that the steam deck does?

[Brandonlmclean]

Hey chrome unboxed can you make a full tutorial or review on the Acer chrome os chromebook 512 laptop if you could itll be helpful to me. Ill appreciate it

[rassman]

I got the Asus CB3400 today, I am new to chromebooks, most of my programming life was on UNIX and Linux, so when I switch on the Linux I'll be ok with that, but just thought that I would tell you what my first 1/2 day with it was like as it is from first switch on.

There wasn't a lot of setup to do, but I can't have been paying attention because I had switched on the thing where i reads everything on the screen, took me a while to find how to switch that off. I also switched on something where if my phone is near the Chrombook will automatically login. I can't really see a good use for that.

I haven't added any apps yet, just trying to get the hang of gestures and how things need to be done in tablet mode. Just learning.

But that lit up keyboard, early afternoon in daylight it was fine, as the light dimmed and I turned the room lights on, all of the characters on the keyboard gradually disappeared, just like on your machine. Surely someone at Asus thought to check the keyboard in low natural light. The backlight (which seems to turn on and off on whim) makes no difference, grey letters on grey keys just doesn't work.