I tested Google’s new Chromebook Plus and was blown away by its productive AI features

In early October, Google introduced the next generation of its productivity laptops – the Chromebook Plus series. There’s a lot of buzz surrounding these machines, as they’re said to have more powerful hardware than last year’s models and include several AI-based features. The tech giant selected several companies to develop these computers to introduce a new generation of hardware.

Also: Google’s new premium Chromebook certification offers more than just bragging rights

One of these devices is new Chromebook Plus CX34 By Asus I have to say that if this is what the future holds, then the future looks very bright as this is a great mid-ranger. It all adds up to a great performance car, although I think some of the hype is a bit exaggerated. Here is the review.

by opening CX34 For the first time, you will notice that it has a unique structure. The exterior is made entirely of plastic. I was worried at first that the laptop would be loose, but to my surprise, it’s actually quite sturdy. It is a hard plastic, but smooth to the touch. Additionally, the Asus device is lightweight, weighing just over three pounds, so you can carry it around. CX34 with you wherever you go

Also: Google extends the lifespan of Chromebooks by ten years

Underneath the laptop is a heatsink port that allows the internals to stay cool. Normally, this placement will be weak. However, thanks to the way the display opens, this placement pushes the Chromebook up a bit for proper airflow. It’s a small touch, but very much appreciated.

The keyboard consists of backlit keys – aptly named because they really do look like chicles. Typing on the keys feels pleasant on the hands thanks to the rubber coating and its 1.4 mm distance. The latter allows fast and comfortable typing. This keyboard is also backed by anti-ghosting software, which ensures that inputs are sent, so you can rest easy knowing that words won’t be accidentally deleted.

I should mention that the keyboard covers only a small part of the laptop. The end is not drawn to the end. Asus probably decided to make the off-center touchpad take up more space. I personally prefer the larger keyboard as I find it easier to use this type of layout. The Asus keyboard layout isn’t too bad, but it takes some getting used to.

upper half of Chromebook Plus CX34 It has a lot going for it. The display has full HD resolution (1920 x 1080 pixels) on its 14-inch screen. Its screen-to-body ratio is 80 percent, meaning the remaining 20 percent is nothing but bezel. I guess Asus decided on frames to make sure the laptop is sturdy. Thin bezels would have made this CX34 more fragile

Also: This Chromebook has the longest battery life I’ve tested, and it’s not even close

I understand the need to protect the product, but I would have liked the screen to take advantage of the real estate it’s given instead of being short. Fortunately, the screen looks great due to its high resolution. And the screen has an anti-glare coating that lets you use it outside without the annoying glare of the sun.

For video calls, you get a full HD webcam that will make sure you look good in meetings. This webcam is also supported by several AI-powered features that improve camera performance and remove any background noise, meaning your voice is crystal clear. The speakers are good for video calls, but the poor performance becomes more apparent when listening to music or watching movies. There is almost no bass in the output. The sound seems tinny

While the webcam has most of the AI ​​features, there is one AI-powered feature in Google Photos that I’m a fan of called Magic Eraser. This cool tool can remove unwanted objects in photos and replace them with the surrounding background. If people are standing in front of a beautiful photo of the sea, you can remove them and the end result is an image that looks like they were never there.

Also: How to use Magic Eraser in the Google Photos app

I recommend using magic eraser on small items in images. When you use this feature for objects that take up a lot of space in photos, the aftereffect can make the image appear skewed. So, while the tool is nice, it’s not a replacement for Adobe Photoshop. In addition to Magic Eraser, Chromebook Plus models now have a great File Sync feature that keeps a copy of your Google Drive files on your computer at all times. This is a handy tool that I used a lot when I was out and about and away from a Wi-Fi connection.

ZDNET shopping advice

I highly recommend taking it Chromebook Plus CX34, especially if you want a laptop that will increase in value over time. In the same announcement from early October, Google revealed that the Chromebook Plus series will get other AI features. One is a writing tool that can improve short content. You can even get your own custom wallpaper generator in the settings menu. It is not clear when exactly these updates will be released, but it will be sometime in 2024

Also: The best Chromebooks you can buy start at $312

My review unit was equipped with an Intel Core i3-1215U processor, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage. You can find this model in White pearls for $120 off on the Target website. Personally, I wouldn’t buy this model because of the small amount of space it has. Instead, I suggest buying it 256 GB model.

It looks like there may be a third model in the line. Asus official product page for Chromebook Plus CX34 It mentions that it’s supposed to have a touchscreen, but my review unit doesn’t, and neither does the 256GB version. It’s not clear when the CX34 touchscreen will launch, so keep an eye out for it.