ASUS Chrombook Flip CX5601 Review: Bigger, Not Better

[@AndroidDigest]

Actually the CX5 had a terrible trackpad on my unit last year. So what you are experiencing sounds like what I experienced back then

[@timothyjholloway]

You keep complaining about FullHD on a large-screen Chromebook. Can't you remember when TVs were FullHD and this was a big deal? QuadHD on a Chromebook is kind of ridiculous. Chromebooks aren't meant to be powerhouses or high-specced machines, but I would love an i7 processor and 16GB of RAM. I do expect a nice, clear screen, but nothing more than FullHD. Really, QuadHD should be reserved for workstations where you need that kind of detail and ultralights that are meant to be shown off to others, likely in business circles. Chromebooks are neither of these things. They're not meant for artists like iPad Pros or MacBook Pros or their Surface Studios. You'd be foolish to do serious video editing on a Chromebook. Chromebooks... are meant... for web browsing... content consumption... and Android apps. I think you're foolish for always looking for the luxury experience. I want to know as much as possible from reviews of Chromebooks, but I don't care one bit about how luxurious a Chromebook is unless that's what a particular Chromebook was made for. Your suggestion of a QuadHD screen on a high-end Chromebook is like demanding a BMW windshield on the finest Honda Civic. Maybe you should stop reviewing Chromebooks if you're an experience-first kind of guy. Chromebooks are practical both functionally and economically and they're reliable. I can't seem to find any Windows laptop at any price that I'd want instead of the Chromebook I'm on right now. It's that good. And this sucker has a 1366 by 768 11.6" display.

[@jtstevenson81]

THANK YOU! I couldn't agree with you more. I bought this when it was on sale at Best Buy for $399 and it feels like it should cost at least $850. I love it and really don't understand Robbie's hatred for it.

[@GorillaGlue42]

It’s funny you mention the i7 with 16gb of ram, Asus advertises this model with that option but after 2 years it’s still nowhere to be found

[@kopo7466]

Yes and it's especially funny, because the C536 is basically the EXACT SAME Chromebook and he LOVES that one but hates this one. It's basically being around tech all the time and expecting everything that comes out to reinvent or break the wheel, when all anyone really cares about is "will it do what I NEED it to do?".

[@3RW1N.M]

I honestly couldn’t agree more

[@chrissmith2963]

Is it possible you just got a bad review unit? I read every review on best buy and nobody complained about the panel. In fact, it was often praised as a big plus. Also, bb lists the brightness at 300?

[@omograbi]

I've bought a previous version of it, but in 6 months the screen has got cracked at the corner, and thus the touch function could not be used anymore at the crack area. That pissed me off and made me regret buying it. It still functions, but that crack still reminds me of something is not normal.

[@samcurmudgeon]

Okay, that is weird. I own this laptop and while I agree that the screen is a bit on the dim side the color temperature on my screen is fine and not anywhere near as yellow as the device in this video.

[@lordnikonx]

so did you all just not get to review the version that has the Intel Core i5-1235U Processor or...?

[@swoondrones]

Does the included stylus dock in the Chromebook?

[@primalflowdao]

Anyone else checking this channel everyday, desperate for a review of the Asus Vibe CX34...? 😁

[@sikeston1978]

I bought a CX5 for my girlfriend last year and it is great and she loves everything about it, so when the CX5601 came out I thought I would get one for me WOW what a disappointment when you put your hands on it. Robbie is spot on again.

[@jtstevenson81]

I completely disagree with you. I bought the CX5601 when it was on sale for $399 and absolutely love it. I really don't understand all the hate for this Chromebook.

[@GorillaGlue42]

@@jtstevenson81I did the same, bought the i3 while it was on sale for the same price. Even though I really wanted the i5 so I could have the Iris graphics, I’m beyond happy with my purchase.

[@thomasraukamp]

Are you sure about the 250 nits? They say it's 300 nits on their website. Not much more, but …

[@balbutie]

i saw 300 too.

[@kellydavis3108]

I need 15"+, bright screen, back-lit keys and lots of ram or at least expandable ram. Still searching.

[@hreedwork]

Same here...

[@clydeosterhout1221]

My Asus C536 version of the CX5 has been great, but I question the real utility of a screen that large on a Chromebook for most users. My CX5 sits on my desk hooked up to two external monitors, a mouse, and a laser printer. It is a great desktop replacement. But most of the time I just pull out my Acer Spin 3 11. It is a very low end Chromebook, but Chrome OS is so efficient that it does 90% of everything I need. I just use the CX5 for video and photo editing or for serious productivity work. It is over kill for everything else I do.

[@joshjhutton]

I was seriously thinking about getting this, but the screen is just not bright enough for me. I went into Best Buy and there was a very noticeable difference from the other chromebooks. The fact that you said the same thing, convinced me not to get this device. Thank you for an honest review.

[@iWriteWithPride]

Love Asus ❤️

[@freeline3932]

OMFL. A negative review on CU. Sounds like you wait for 50 % off - and accept the bugaboos

[@jacure123]

I was going to buy an open box one for $300..the screen is just not bright enough, so I didn't buy it

[@AmieWea]

Looks like this chromebook is design to be used at night in the bedroom.

[@Jakobguldager70]

Apart from the HP Dragonfly Pro on the way, what other chromebooks look promising?? It feels like the market is dying and that they're just not a good deal anymore..

[@TomUK7]

I hear you. The Acer 513 with the 3:2 screen looks decent if a little under strength. When you look at a windows laptop such as the Asus ux3402 with oled, 2k touchscreen, i5 12th gen, 16gb ram and 516gb ssd for around £700 it is very hard to find a chromebook that offers better value.

[@tonygay72]

What what's recognition software program a Chromebook

[@HOUSTONERS420]

Damn i just bought this version. But i got it for $225. For that price, is this a decent chromebook

[@GorillaGlue42]

I paid 400, I still think it’s worth it tbh

[@turbyoulance]

let's spell it out......"It's Junk """ and a waste of money.

[@andyH_England]

Really disappointed with Chromebooks lately; chicken and egg conundrum; is the poor demand due to disappointing releases, or is it simply that consumers are moving away from Chromebooks in their masses and OEMs are just going through the motions? This is another easy pass, and still use my Pixelbook Go (16GB, 4K) and see no reason to upgrade as everything has stayed the same in quality.

[@Jakobguldager70]

Agreed. Feels like the market is dying. Apart from the HP Dragonfly Pro coming out, nothing looks exciting.

[@andyH_England]

@@Jakobguldager70 Yes, the Dragonfly looks nice but doubt it will release in the UK, and if it does, probably be very expensive without discount sales.

[@maryajaniak2896]

I bought the 2020 Macbook Air with M1 chip and then I bought the Asus 5601 and that was a mistake as it is super heavy, however, the screen is 300 nits which isn't bad. However, it wasn't long before Acer's 516 GE Chromebook appeared but due to buying the above laptops new, I decided to buy a manufacturer refurbished one instead which ran me $300 and change from Target and I was pleasantly surprised of how incredibly new it looked. This is the best Chromebook I've ever owned. I almost bought the iMac but decided to get the LG 27" Smart Monitor instead and it's perfect. The 516 GE will be getting updates to June 2032 so I will have it for a long time. I think I've got enough devices for a long while. I bought the 2020 Apple iPhone SE 2nd Gen as well. Both of these devices are perfect for me. I gave the Asus 5601 to my niece who happily received it. The Acer 516 GE Chromebook is perfect for anything I will use it for. I'm not a gamer but the internals were too good to pass up. And I have no issues with it being refurbished. The Apple Ecosystem is new to me so I bought it to learn about the Mac OS. I used to be a Windows User but after a ransomware issue with Norton 360 and Malware Bytes software on board, I left it permanently. Played with Tablets for awhile and then happened upon the Chromebook while researching Tablets and never looked back.

[@andyH_England]

​@@maryajaniak2896 My Pixelbook Go, which is three years old but still contemporary, is still great. I do a lot of my work in a browser, so I get why Chromebooks have sold well, and many people are more than happy with them. I wish that we could see a wider choice with some premium decisions for those of us who like OLED, 16GB of RAM or 120Hz.

[@jamessherman7797]

Thanks for your review! I'm new to a Chromebook as of last year, coming from Apple environment. I tried several Chromebooks that I ended up returning. I got the Asus CX5 after watching your reviews last year on that model. I'm very happy with the CX5 and in particular love the large screen size and speakers. Good price point especially compared to Apple products. Disappointing to hear that the newer model is not much if any improvement to the CX5.