ASUS Chromebook CM32 review: A smart work and study laptop under ₹50,000

The ASUS Chromebook CM32 combines a sharp 120Hz display, detachable keyboard, stylus and up to ten hours of battery life. It is a capable option for students and cloud-first professionals, but buyers who need Windows-only software should look elsewhere.

Affordable laptops often arrive with familiar compromises. Some struggle after a few browser tabs, others have dull displays, poor webcams or keyboards that make long typing sessions tiring. The ASUS Chromebook CM32 Detachable takes a different route by focusing on portability, display quality and cloud-based work.

It works like a digital notebook with a removable keyboard, but its appeal extends beyond classrooms. For professionals whose work revolves around Gmail, Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, Meet and Drive, the CM32 can serve as a compact work machine too. Its ₹48,990 price places it close to several Windows laptops, making software needs the main deciding factor.

ASUS Chromebook CM32 review: ₹48,990 price puts it against Windows laptops

ASUS Chromebook CM32 Design:

The CM32 feels better built than many affordable devices. Its aluminium body has a solid finish, and the tablet weighs around 610 grams. However, with the keyboard and stylus it comes slightly heavy while still being lighter than laptops. I could carry it in one hand between rooms without feeling much strain.

That light design works well for students moving between lectures. It is equally useful for journalists, sales executives, consultants and remote workers who frequently shift between meetings, desks and shared workspaces.

ASUS says the device meets MIL-STD 810H durability standards. That offers some reassurance for a machine likely to spend much of its life inside a backpack alongside notebooks, cables and chargers.

One good thing is that the detachable keyboard and USI 2.0 stylus are included in the box. Kudos to ASUS for not letting buyers pay separately for accessories that are central to the device.

The keyboard has 1.35mm key travel and feels closer to a regular compact laptop keyboard than a thin tablet cover. I wrote documents, emails and meeting notes without much difficulty. The layout obviously takes a little time to get used to, but typing remains comfortable. The lack of backlight stands out but then considering the price and keyboard included in the box, its a good one.

ASUS Chromebook CM32 review: The kickstand

Just like an Apple iPad the stylus that comes with the CM32 attaches magnetically and charges wirelessly, moreover its safe behind a flap and has a bright LED to show charging status. It is useful for handwritten notes, signing documents, marking PDFs and sketching ideas during meetings, or study sessions.

The kickstand though is........

© News9Live