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Hard to believe but it’s been almost a year since we shared the coming release of the ASUS Chromebook C301SA. Shortly thereafter we saw the announcement of a 64GB version of the Braswell-based ASUS and what was more interesting was the price: $299.
Since that time we haven’t heard much about the C301SA. Our review revealed a lack-luster device that, with its all-plastic chassis, just felt cheap. Still, with internals identical to the Acer Chromebook 14, the ASUS’ performance was more than ample for the average user. The particular device we tested was the 32GB model and we paid $299 for it.
Check out Robby’s full review.
So, where is the 64GB model? Back in late fall of 2016 we pre-ordered one of the beefed up versions just to find our purchase floating in “coming soon” limbo indefinitely. After reaching out to ASUS multiple times, I was never able to get a definitive answer as to when the 64GB model would be available. We cancelled our order and moved on.
Now, I am not sure when this happened. It could have been last week or last month but at some point the ASUS Chromebook C301SA 64GB was released and it is for sale just about everywhere.
Not only is the C301SA available, it looks as thought ASUS is offloading them on the cheap. Originally advertised for $299, the Chromebook C301SA can be picked up for s$279 from Amazon and a number of other sellers. Here’s what you’ll get for your dollars.
- Chrome OS
- Intel Celeron N3160 (Braswell) quad-core processor
- 4GB RAM
- 64GB eMMC storage
- 13.3″ 1920×1080 Full HD LED display (350 nits)
- 2 x USB 3.0/HDMI/full size SD card reader
All-in-all this is a pretty decked out budget Chromebook. It doesn’t have the build quality of some of our favorite devices but what you’re getting on the inside is well worth the money. One particularly great feature of this Chromebook, apart from the storage, is the quality of the display. At 350 nits, it actually trumps its big brother, the ASUS C302, and comes close to the 376 nits of the Samsung Chromebook Plus.
Impressive, indeed.
Again, our only real complaint with the C301SA was the build quality. It looks like a premium, brushed aluminum Chromebook. The plastic chassis is not only deceiving but cheap-feeling. On the flip side, for $279, for performance vs. dollars is hard to beat. This Chromebook will be getting Android Apps sometime in the near future and it’s equipped with storage enough for most users.
Check out the ASUS Chromebook C301SA here.
ASUS Chromebook C301SA 64GB at Amazon UK
ASUS Chromebook C301SA 64GB at Amazon US
