In this comprehensive review, we will delve into the world of the ASUS Chromebook C523NA-BCLN6, a 15.6-inch laptop that has garnered a lot of attention.
ASUS Chromebook C523NA-BCLN6
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Product name | ASUS Chromebook C523NA-BCLN6 |
| Operating system | Chrome OS |
| Processor | Intel® Celeron® N3350 Processor 1.1 GHz (2M Cache, up to 2.4 GHz, 2 cores) |
| Graphics | Intel® HD Graphics 500 Integrated |
| Memory | 4 GB LPDDR4 on board |
| Storage | 64 GB eMMC |
| Display | 15.6-inch, HD (1366 x 768) 16:9, Anti-glare display, LED Backlit, 220nits, NTSC: 45%, Screen-to-body ratio:80 % |
| Wireless connectivity | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) (Dual band) 2*2 + Bluetooth® 4.2 Wireless Card |
| Ports | 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C support display / power delivery, 1x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack, Micro SD card reader |
| Keyboard and touchpad | Chiclet Keyboard, 1.5mm Key-travel |
| Camera | 720p HD camera |
| Audio | Built-in speaker, Built-in microphone with Google Assistant voice-recognition support |
| Battery | 38WHrs, 2S1P, 2-cell Li-ion |
| Power supply | TYPE-C, 45W AC Adapter, Output: 15V DC, 3A, 45W, Input: 100~240V AC 50/60Hz universal |
| Weight | 1.43 kg (3.15 lbs) |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 35.80 x 24.80 x 1.56 ~ 1.56 cm (14.09″ x 9.76″ x 0.61″ ~ 0.61″) |
| Ecolabels and compliances | Energy star 8.0, RoHS |
| Security | Titan C Security Chip |
Introduction:
This Chromebook boasts an HD Anti-Glare NanoEdge display, an Intel Dual-Core Celeron N3350 Processor, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of eMMC storage. It operates on the Chrome OS, offering built-in virus protection, quick boot-up, and seamless integration with Google apps and the Play Store. But, is it truly the game-changer that some users claim, or does it fall short of expectations? Let’s find out by exploring user reviews and experiences.
The Good:
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Affordable Price Point: Many users praise the ASUS Chromebook C523NA-BCLN6 for its budget-friendly price. It’s seen as an excellent choice for students and those on a tight budget looking for a reliable laptop for tasks like distance learning or casual web browsing.
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Solid Build Quality: Numerous users appreciate the laptop’s solid build quality. It feels robust and durable, making it suitable for everyday use and travel.
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Chrome OS Simplicity: The Chrome OS is lauded for its simplicity, especially for kids and those new to laptops. Users appreciate how it seamlessly connects to their Google accounts and the ease of navigation.
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Battery Life: The Chromebook impresses with its battery life, offering around 6-7 hours of usage on a full charge. This is ideal for students or remote workers who need a device that lasts throughout the day.
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Decent Performance: For its price range, users find the ASUS Chromebook C523NA-BCLN6 to offer decent performance. It handles tasks like web browsing and document editing smoothly.
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Additional Google Drive Storage: The included 100GB of Google Drive storage is a bonus, ensuring users’ important files are automatically backed up.
The Bad:
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Lack of Touchscreen: One common complaint is the absence of a touchscreen. Some users expected this feature based on the product description, leading to disappointment.
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Screen Quality: Some users find the screen quality lacking in terms of sharpness and vividness. They report washed-out colors and a lack of display customization options.
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Unique Charger: The non-standard charger is a source of frustration for users, as it means they cannot use their existing chargers and must carry the unique one provided.
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Limited Compatibility: A few users encountered issues with compatibility, such as difficulty communicating with other devices, like USB sticks.
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Learning Curve for Chrome OS: While the Chrome OS is praised for its simplicity, some users did struggle to adapt, particularly those accustomed to Windows or Mac OS.
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No Charging Indicator: Users find it inconvenient that there’s no exterior light to indicate whether the laptop is charging when closed. This lack of a charging indicator can lead to uncertainty.
Points Need Improvement:
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Touchscreen Option: Introducing a touchscreen option could broaden the appeal of this Chromebook, especially for users who prefer touchscreen interaction.
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Standard Charger: Providing a more common charger type would enhance user convenience, as it would be compatible with other devices they may own.
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Screen Quality Enhancement: Improving screen sharpness and color vibrancy would elevate the user experience and make the laptop more competitive in its price range.
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Better Compatibility: Ensuring seamless compatibility with various external devices, such as USB sticks, would make the Chromebook more versatile.
Now, let’s take a closer look at the ASUS Chromebook C523NA-BCLN6’s main characteristics and features, comparing them with users’ reactions to see if it’s worth the purchase:
| Characteristic/Feature | Users’ Reactions | Worth the Purchase? |
|---|---|---|
| Price Point | Praised for affordability | Yes |
| Build Quality | Appreciated for solidity | Yes |
| Chrome OS Simplicity | Enjoyed ease of use | Yes |
| Battery Life | Impressed with its duration | Yes |
| Performance | Found it decent for the price range | Yes |
| Lack of Touchscreen | Disappointment among some users | Maybe |
| Screen Quality | Mixed reviews on screen quality | Maybe |
| Unique Charger | Frustration due to lack of standard | No |
| Compatibility Issues | Some encountered difficulties | Maybe |
| Learning Curve for Chrome OS | Varied experiences adapting | Maybe |
| No Charging Indicator | Annoyance for some | Maybe |
Overall Rating: 3.5/5
In conclusion, the ASUS Chromebook C523NA-BCLN6 offers a compelling budget-friendly option with some notable strengths, including its affordability, build quality, and Chrome OS simplicity. However, it has room for improvement in areas such as touchscreen availability, screen quality, charger compatibility, and user adaptation to the Chrome OS. Whether it’s worth the purchase depends on individual needs and priorities. If you’re seeking an affordable, no-frills laptop for basic tasks, it could be a suitable choice. However, if you prioritize features like a touchscreen and premium screen quality, you may want to explore other options.