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The ASUS Chromebook CX1 (model CX1100CNA) is a tiny, rugged 11.6-inch Chromebook built for students, kids, and anyone who mostly lives in a web browser, and in 2026 it’s worth buying only for $100 or less because its update support ends in June 2027. It launched at a $229.99 list price and has sold for well under $200 for years. This ASUS Chromebook CX1 review covers its durable design, spill-resistant keyboard, real-world performance, and, most importantly in 2026, how long Google will keep updating it, so you can decide whether it still makes sense or whether a newer budget Chromebook is the better buy.
Quick verdict: The CX1 offers military-grade durability, a spill-resistant keyboard, a lay-flat hinge, and two Universal Serial Bus Type-C (USB-C) ports at a rock-bottom price. Its dual-core Celeron N3350, 4 gigabytes (GB) of memory, 32GB of storage, and dim 1366 x 768 screen make it slow by today’s standards, and its update support ends in June 2027. Buy it only for $100 or less as a starter or backup laptop. Check the ASUS Chromebook CX1 price on Amazon.
Key takeaways
- What it is: A rugged 11.6-inch Chromebook with a dual-core Intel Celeron N3350, 4GB of memory, 32GB of storage, a 1366 x 768 screen, and two USB-C ports.
- Who it’s for: Young children, students, and anyone who needs a cheap starter or backup laptop for a short-term job.
- Price: It launched at a $229.99 list price and has sold for well under $200 for years, but as of November 2026 it’s worth buying only for $100 or less. Prices change often.
- Main weaknesses: A slow, dated processor, only 4GB of memory and 32GB of storage, a dim low-resolution screen, and no keyboard backlight.
- Status: Google’s ChromeOS updates for the CX1100CNA end in June 2027, while newer CX1 models with the Celeron N4500 get updates until June 2031.
ASUS Chromebook CX1 at a glance
| Spec | ASUS Chromebook CX1 (CX1100CNA) |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Celeron N3350: 2 cores, 1.1 to 2.4 gigahertz (GHz) |
| Graphics | Intel HD Graphics 500 (integrated) |
| Memory | 4GB, soldered |
| Storage | 32GB embedded MultiMediaCard (eMMC) flash, soldered; some regions sold 64GB |
| Display | 11.6-inch, 1366 x 768, anti-glare, non-touch |
| Ports | One USB Type-A 3.2 Gen 1, two USB-C (charging and display output), microSD card reader, 3.5-millimeter audio jack |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 4.2 |
| Battery | 38 watt-hours (Wh); ASUS claims up to 12 hours |
| Durability | US military standard MIL-STD-810H tested; 66 cubic centimeters (cc) spill-resistant keyboard |
| Weight | 2.65 pounds (1.2 kilograms) |
| Auto update expiration (AUE) | June 2027 |
| Launch price | $229.99 list |
Specs come from ASUS’s CX1 (CX1100) spec page and Starry Hope’s CX1100 profile. ASUS sold several CX1 models in different sizes and with different chips, so check the full model number before you buy.
Which ASUS Chromebook CX1 is this?
ASUS uses the CX1 name for a whole family of entry-level Chromebooks. This review covers the 11.6-inch CX1100CNA with the Celeron N3350. Other CX1 models include the 11.6-inch CX1101CMA with a faster Celeron N4020 (AUE June 2029), the 14-inch CX1400CNA (N3350), and newer 14-, 15.6-, and 17.3-inch models with the Celeron N4500, such as the CX1400CKA, which Google supports until June 2031. Those later models are better long-term buys, since they cost about the same and get years of extra updates.
ChromeOS update support: the CX1’s biggest issue in 2026
Every Chromebook has an auto update expiration (AUE) date, after which Google stops sending ChromeOS feature and security updates. According to Starry Hope, which tracks Google’s AUE list, the CX1100CNA reaches its AUE in June 2027, about seven months from now. The laptop keeps working after that date, but browsers and websites gradually stop supporting it, and it won’t receive security patches.
To confirm the date on any Chromebook, open Settings, select About ChromeOS, then Additional details, and look for Update schedule. If you need a Chromebook that lasts several more school years, choose a newer model: Google now promises 10 years of updates for Chromebooks released from 2021 onward.
Design and durability
The CX1 uses a plastic chassis in a Transparent Silver finish that measures about 11.3 x 7.9 x 0.7 inches and weighs 2.65 pounds, so it fits easily in a backpack. ASUS put it through MIL-STD-810H testing, including shock tests at 120 G, vibration from 5 to 500 hertz (Hz), operation at 15,000 feet of altitude, and 25 kilograms (55 pounds) of pressure on the lid and base. These are ASUS’s own lab results rather than independent certification, but they give the CX1 more toughness than most budget laptops.
The 180-degree lay-flat hinge lets you fold the screen fully back, which helps when you share the display with a classmate or teacher. A padded 11.6-inch laptop sleeve adds extra protection for kids who carry it to school.
Keyboard and touchpad
The full-size, non-backlit keyboard offers decent travel for such a small laptop. ASUS rates it to survive up to 66cc of spilled liquid, about a quarter cup, which drains away from the internal parts. That’s spill resistance, not waterproofing, so power the laptop off, tip it over, and let it dry after an accident. The touchpad is small but supports ChromeOS multi-finger gestures. There’s no number pad and no keyboard backlight, which is normal at this size and price.
Display
The 11.6-inch screen uses a 1366 x 768 resolution with a matte anti-glare coating that cuts reflections. Text looks soft next to the 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) screens on newer Chromebooks, and the panel isn’t very bright, so it works best indoors. It’s fine for Google Docs, Google Classroom, and YouTube, but the small, low-resolution screen gets cramped when you try to put two windows side by side. An inexpensive USB-C portable monitor solves that, since the USB-C ports support display output.
Performance
The Celeron N3350 is a dual-core chip from 2016’s Apollo Lake family, and it shows its age. The CX1 handles web browsing with a handful of tabs, Google Docs, email, video streaming, and Google Meet calls. With 4GB of memory, though, it slows noticeably when you open many tabs or run Android apps alongside the browser. Light Android games work, but forget video editing and demanding games. Despite some marketing claims, this isn’t a laptop for multitasking or creative work.
Storage
The 32GB of eMMC storage is soldered and fills up quickly once ChromeOS and a few Android apps are installed. Google Drive cloud storage handles documents well, and a microSD card adds room for downloaded videos and photos. ASUS’s launch promotion of 100GB of free Google One storage for 12 months has long since ended.
Battery life and ports
The 38Wh battery is rated for up to 12 hours, and the low-power Celeron chip helps it last a full school day of browsing and documents for most owners. Expect less from a used unit with an aging battery. Port selection is a strength: two USB-C ports handle charging and video output, so you can charge from either side, and you also get a USB-A port, a microSD slot, and a headphone jack. There’s no High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) port, but a USB-C to HDMI adapter works.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Very low price
- Rugged MIL-STD-810H tested design
- Spill-resistant keyboard
- 180-degree lay-flat hinge
- Two USB-C ports for charging and display output
- Light and compact
Cons
- Update support ends in June 2027
- Slow, dated Celeron N3350
- Only 4GB of memory and 32GB of storage
- Dim, low-resolution screen
- No keyboard backlight
ASUS Chromebook CX1 vs. current budget Chromebooks
Because the CX1100CNA’s update window is closing, most buyers should look at newer Chromebooks with longer support. Amazon is our main affiliate partner, and it carries the CX1 alongside current budget Chromebooks from ASUS, Lenovo, Acer, and HP. Prices change often, so check the latest deals.
Compare similar budget Chromebooks on Amazon
| Chromebook | Processor | Display | Best for | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASUS Chromebook CX1 (CX1100CNA) | Intel Celeron N3350 | 11.6-inch 1366 x 768 | The lowest price for short-term use | Check price |
| ASUS Chromebook CX1 (N4500 models) | Intel Celeron N4500 | 14-, 15.6-, or 17.3-inch | The same rugged design with updates into 2031 | Check price |
| ASUS Chromebook CX15 | Intel Celeron N4500 or Intel N100 | 15.6-inch | A bigger screen on a tight budget | Check price |
| Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i Chromebook | Intel N100 or N200 | 14-inch Full HD | Students who want a sharper screen | Check price |
| Lenovo Chromebook Duet | MediaTek Kompanio | 11-inch touchscreen tablet | A tablet and laptop in one | Check price |
| ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34 | Intel Core i3 | 14-inch Full HD | Fast performance and Chromebook Plus features | Check price |
- ASUS Chromebook CX1 with Celeron N4500: It keeps the rugged CX1 formula, adds a newer chip, and gets updates until June 2031, according to Starry Hope. See the N4500 CX1 on Amazon.
- Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i Chromebook: Intel’s N-series chips and a Full HD screen make everyday browsing feel much quicker. See the IdeaPad Slim 3i Chromebook on Amazon.
- ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34: PCWorld named it the best Chromebook under $500 for responsive multitasking and a Full HD webcam. See the Chromebook Plus CX34 on Amazon.
If you need full Windows apps instead of ChromeOS, our Lenovo IdeaPad 1i review and Gateway 15.6-inch laptop review cover two budget Windows laptops.
Who should buy the ASUS Chromebook CX1?
Buy the CX1100CNA only if you find it for $100 or less and need a laptop for a short-term job: a young child’s first computer, a kitchen recipe laptop, or a backup for travel. Its rugged build and spill-resistant keyboard suit kids well. Skip it if you need a Chromebook for school through 2028 or later, or if you work with many tabs. A newer N4500 or N100 Chromebook costs little more and lasts years longer.
Frequently asked questions
When does the ASUS Chromebook CX1 stop getting updates?
The ASUS Chromebook CX1 (CX1100CNA) stops getting updates in June 2027, when it reaches its auto update expiration, according to Starry Hope’s model database. Newer CX1 models with the Celeron N4500 receive updates until June 2031. Check Settings, About ChromeOS, Additional details to confirm the date for your unit.
What ports does the ASUS Chromebook CX1 have?
The ASUS Chromebook CX1 has one USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 port, two USB-C ports that support charging and display output, a microSD card reader, and a 3.5-millimeter headphone and microphone jack.
Can the ASUS Chromebook CX1 run Android apps?
Yes, the ASUS Chromebook CX1 can run Android apps. It supports the Google Play Store, so you can install Android apps and games. Lightweight apps run fine, but demanding games and heavy multitasking strain its 4GB of memory.
Is the ASUS Chromebook CX1 good for video editing?
No, the ASUS Chromebook CX1 isn’t good for video editing. The Celeron N3350 and 4GB of memory handle only very simple trims in web-based editors. Choose a Chromebook Plus model or a Windows laptop for regular video work.
Final verdict
The ASUS Chromebook CX1 still delivers a tough, spill-resistant, and highly portable design with useful USB-C ports, but its slow Celeron N3350, small storage, low-resolution screen, and June 2027 update cutoff limit its value in 2026. Treat it as a cheap, short-term Chromebook and choose a newer N4500 or N100 model if you want years of use. Check the current ASUS Chromebook CX1 price on Amazon.