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We probably would have preferred to try a version of the C300M with 4GB of RAM to match the 32GB SSD storage – but our overall impression was still very favourable indeed. Though a little larger than Chromebooks of old, this proved to be a mobile machine with much to recommend it.
We liked
Like the Zen masters of ancient Japan, the C300M achieves balance in most things. The dual-core N2830 combined with just 2GB of RAM was enough to keep up with 720p video, browser games and streaming audio. Corners have been cut, but they were the right ones judging from the performance we've witnessed from more power-intensive displays.
The concentration on balance translates to excellent battery performance too. When combined with heft that's just the right side of portable, the C300M shapes up as the perfect laptop for long days on the move.
We disliked
Those colours. We think Asus was going for "vibrant" and "exciting" but the decision to pitch between primary and pastel... it doesn't give a good first impression.
Then there was that TN display. Perfectly good for working and gaming, when the angle of view is right in front of you, but not so great for iPlayer, Netflix or YouTube. Of course, there's an HDMI out to plug and play media to another screen – and all is fine if you can pop the C300M on a table close by.
Final verdict
Perhaps our colour complaints are a little churlish. We learned to live with our orangey C300M, but were very glad, after checking out the other colours on offer, that we didn't get a Barbie blue or banana yellow machine delivered for review.
The important thing is the Asus C300M is a perfectly balanced device for coffee shop warriors, commuting accountants and peripatetic teachers. Chromebooks set out to give you lightweight research and office tools, with great battery life and, of course, online storage. It's more than a tablet, but less than a Windows notebook. This is a supremely well executed example of the category; one of the better mature Chromebooks we've tried.
And the price-point doesn't hurt either. Comparable to some smaller devices, you get a lot of keyboard and display for your money. It's a really top drawer, backpack laptop.
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