ASUS Chromebook CX1405
The ASUS Chromebook CX1405 offers a smart, secure, and refreshingly simple alternative to the often-sluggish Windows laptops in the sub-₹20,000 price range. For ₹19,990, this device leverages the speed and efficiency of Chrome OS to deliver a surprisingly responsive experience on modest hardware, backed by the trusted build quality of ASUS.
It combines an Intel Celeron N4500 processor with a crucial 8GB of RAM and a crisp 14-inch Full HD display. What truly sets it apart is its military-grade durability and the inherent security of Chrome OS with its Titan C chip. This makes it an ideal choice for students, educators, and anyone who needs a reliable, hassle-free laptop for web-based work and Android apps.
The Chrome OS Advantage
Experience a faster, simpler, and more secure way of computing.
Speed and Simplicity
Chrome OS is a lightweight, web-first operating system that boots in seconds and runs efficiently on modest hardware. With 8GB of RAM, this Chromebook handles numerous browser tabs, streaming video, and Android apps with a smoothness that a similarly priced Windows laptop simply cannot match.
Built-in Security & Durability
With automatic updates and the dedicated Google Titan C security chip, your device is always protected from viruses and malware. The chassis is built to US MIL-STD 810H military-grade standards, ensuring it can withstand the bumps and drops of daily student life.
Designed for Modern Productivity
A device with the screen, camera, and ports needed for today’s work and study.
Sharp Display & Webcam
The 14-inch Full HD display with a high 86% screen-to-body ratio provides an immersive viewing experience. The clear 1080p FHD camera with a physical privacy shutter ensures you look your best and maintain your privacy during video calls.
Versatile Modern Ports
Connectivity is excellent, featuring both USB-A and a highly versatile USB-C port that supports both display output and power delivery. This allows you to charge the laptop and connect to an external monitor with a single cable, a feature rarely seen at this price.
Full Specifications
Core Components & OS
- Processor:Intel Celeron N4500 (Dual Core, up to 2.8 GHz)
- Operating System:Chrome OS
- RAM:8 GB LPDDR4X
- Internal Storage:128 GB eMMC
Display & Graphics
- Screen Size:14.0 Inches
- Resolution:1920 x 1080 pixels (Full HD)
- Brightness:300 nits
- Graphics:Integrated Intel UHD Graphics
Connectivity & Ports
- Wireless:Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
- Ports:1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C (display/power delivery), 1x HDMI 1.4, 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack
Security & Build
- Security:Google Titan C Security Chip, Kensington Lock Slot
- Build Standard:US MIL-STD 810H military-grade
- Weight:1.4 kg
- Webcam:1080p FHD camera with privacy shutter
Pros and Cons: A Balanced View
Pros:
- Fast and Responsive OS: Chrome OS with 8GB RAM is very smooth for web tasks.
- Excellent Build Quality: Military-grade durability is a huge plus for longevity.
- Top-Tier Security: Automatic updates and the Titan C chip make it incredibly secure.
- Good FHD Display: The 14-inch FHD screen is sharp and bright for the price.
- Versatile USB-C Port: Single-cable connection for charging and external displays.
- Trusted ASUS Brand: Reliable warranty and service from an established company.
Cons:
- Not a Windows PC: Cannot run specialized desktop software (.exe files).
- eMMC Storage: Slower than a true SSD, though less noticeable on Chrome OS.
- Limited Offline Use: Best experience requires a constant internet connection.
- Processor is Basic: While fine for Chrome OS, the Celeron N4500 is an entry-level chip.
Who Is This Laptop For?
- Students and Teachers: Perfect for online classes, research, and using Google Workspace for Education.
- The Web-First Professional: Anyone whose job revolves around a browser, email, and web applications.
- The Security-Conscious User: An ideal, maintenance-free device for secure online banking and browsing without fear of viruses.
Who Might Consider Other Options?
- Users Needing Windows Software: If you rely on specific desktop programs like Adobe Photoshop, Microsoft Access, or certain PC games, this is not the right device.
- Power Users: Developers, video editors, or data analysts will need a more powerful processor and a different OS.
- Those Requiring Large Local Storage: The 128GB of storage is small by design, as Chrome OS encourages cloud storage.
Competitive Edge: Simplicity, Speed, and Security
The ASUS Chromebook CX1405 competes by offering a fundamentally better user experience than Windows on equivalent hardware.
- Optimized Performance: The main advantage is how well Chrome OS runs on budget hardware. With 8GB of RAM, this Chromebook feels significantly faster and more responsive for its intended tasks (web browsing, Android apps) than a Windows laptop with the same specs.
- Superior Build and Security: The military-grade durability and the integrated Titan C security chip are features that budget Windows laptops simply do not offer, providing both physical and digital peace of mind.
- The ASUS Seal of Quality: Coming from a top-tier brand like ASUS, this Chromebook provides a level of design polish, quality control, and reliable after-sales support that lesser-known brands in this price range cannot match.
Final Verdict: The Smart Choice for Web-First Users
The ASUS Chromebook CX1405 is an outstanding value proposition and a breath of fresh air in the budget laptop market. It wisely avoids the pitfalls of trying to run heavy Windows software on entry-level hardware. Instead, it delivers a fast, secure, and hassle-free experience through the lightweight and efficient Chrome OS.
The combination of 8GB of RAM, a sharp FHD screen, rugged military-grade build quality, and the backing of the ASUS brand makes it a supremely intelligent choice. For students, educators, or anyone looking for a reliable secondary laptop for web browsing, streaming, and Android apps, this Chromebook is not just a good option—it is a demonstrably better experience than any Windows laptop at this price point.
Overall Rating: 4.8 out of 5.0 (For its Target Audience)
