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Since we got our hands on the ASUS Chromebook Flip C302 last week, there has been some pretty serious back-and-forth about what models do and don’t actually exist. Additionally, pricing differences have caused some consumer confusion as well, so we want to sort out the details for you right from ASUS sweet Trump Tower booth at CES 2017.
First, we want to get this fact out there: the device we purchased was from Best Buy, not Newegg. We payed $499 for it. It has a Pentium 4405Y Pentium processor and 32GB of internal storage.
Regardless of what you read elsewhere, that’s where it came from, what the device is, and what’s inside it.
At the same time, a few other retailers are offering a different version of the Flip C302 for the same $499, but with a 64GB drive and a Core m3 processor.
Which One Should You Buy?
Though this seems obvious, for the time being at least, we have to recommend that you don’t buy the Best Buy version of this device.
Don’t get me wrong: its performance is stellar. I’ve had no issues whatsoever with it while we’ve put it through the paces at CES. I love this little guy!
However, if you can pay the exact same money for twice the local storage and a processor that gives you a 7,000 – 8,000 point bump on the Octane Benchmark, you should do that. (about 15K for the Pentium, 23K for the m3) What we are hoping is to see the Pentium version with a lower starting price to reflect the internal hardware differences. This device for $349 – $399 would be very, very compelling!
From what we gather, all of the online channels will likely be selling the m3 model to start with. ASUS lists the Pentium, Core m3 and Core m7 versions on their site, so be sure to read the stats before you make a purchase.
Again, I can’t stress this enough: the Pentium model is superb. But if you can get way more machine for the same money, why not do that, right?
