ASUS Chromebook Flip

Most models have the same specs, the same internals and more or less perform the same. There are a lot of them, and most aren't particularly good or particularly bad. They're forgettable; unremarkable. That cranky preamble aside, I did want to test the Chromebook Flip. This machine, made by ASUS, is notable on a few counts. With a 10-inch screen, it's one of the smallest around, even if it does hearken back to the days of the netbook. It's one of the few with a 360-degree rotating touchscreen. The build quality is better than most, thanks to an all-metal chassis. The battery life is longer too, at 10.5 hours. Lastly, it's cheap for what it is: just $249. Yes, there's a catch -- several, even -- but all told, I recommend it anyway.

PROS

• Surprisingly good build quality

• Versatile design

• Exceptionally lightweight

• Long battery life

• Aggressively priced

CONS

• Keyboard cramped compared to larger Chromebooks

• Weaker processor than in competing models

• Display prone to wash-out

SUMMARY

The Chromebook Flip is notable for being one of the lightest Chrome OS laptops on the market. Its versatile and convertible design, solid build quality and affordable price also help set it apart from the pack. The smaller-than-average keyboard will be a turnoff for some, but ultimately, the positives outweigh the negatives.