Asus CX14 Chromebook Plus – A $180 Black Friday Steal

The latest Asus CX14 Chromebook Plus is hitting Best Buy for just $249 – a staggering $180 off its regular $429 price tag. For developers and students who rely on cloud‑first workflows, this is a bargain that doesn’t compromise on features.

Why the CX14 Stands Out

Feature Detail
CPU Intel Core i3 (7th gen) – sufficient for ChromeOS multitasking
RAM 8 GB – ample for running multiple tabs, VS Code in the browser, and light Docker containers
Local Storage 128 GB eMMC – fast enough for OS and essential tools
Display 1920×1080 Full‑HD, 13.3" – crisp for code reviews and video calls
Battery 45 W, ~10 h on a single charge
Extras 2 TB cloud storage, live translation, Gemini Advanced (AI‑powered) for a year

Developer Note: The ChromeOS sandbox and built‑in Linux (Crostini) support make the CX14 a viable platform for quick prototyping, especially for those who prefer a lightweight, battery‑efficient machine over a full Windows laptop.

The Deal in Context

  • Timing: Released in May 2025, the CX14 is still in its infancy, making the discount even more valuable.
  • Competitors: Similar Chromebooks from HP and Lenovo start at $320–$350; the CX14’s $249 price point is hard to beat.
  • Use Cases: Ideal for remote workers, students, and anyone who relies on Google Workspace, GitHub, and cloud IDEs.

ZDNET’s “Recommends” Process

ZDNET’s editorial team backs this offer with a transparent methodology:

  1. Hands‑on Testing: 30 reviewers evaluate hardware, performance, and build quality in a 10,000 sq‑ft lab.
  2. Data‑Driven Pricing: The team aggregates vendor, retailer, and independent review data to calculate a “percentage‑off” score.
  3. Customer Voice: Real‑world reviews are filtered to surface pain points that matter to users.
  4. Affiliate Transparency: While ZDNET earns a commission on sales, the editorial content remains unbiased.

“We follow strict guidelines that ensure our editorial content is never influenced by advertisers,” the article notes.

What This Means for the Tech Community

  • Affordability: The CX14’s price makes a premium Chromebook accessible to a wider audience, potentially accelerating the shift toward cloud‑centric development.
  • Longevity: With a solid build and a year of Gemini Advanced, the device offers a future‑proofing edge for developers who want AI assistance right out of the box.
  • Market Pressure: Dell, HP, and Lenovo may need to revisit pricing or feature sets to remain competitive.

Stay Ahead of the Curve

Deals like this evaporate quickly. ZDNET recommends checking the link regularly and acting fast if you’re in the market for a budget Chromebook that doesn’t skimp on power.

Source: ZDNET – This elusive Chromebook deal at Best Buy gets you the latest Asus model for $180 off