Asus has long been regarded as a premium brand in the tech industry, and it's no surprise that they've invested lots of time and effort into creating different types of laptops for just about everyone. 15.6-inch laptops are an industry standard, but what about something smaller and easy-to-use for kids at school, students at college, and adults wanting the basics?
Well, this is where our Asus C201 11.6-inch Chromebook review comes in. Looking at a mini laptop that has been out for quite some time, we ask ourselves, is the C201 still an affordable choice? Keep reading below to find out.
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Pros & Cons Of The Asus C201
What We Like
What We Don’t Like
Unique Features Of The Asus C201 Chromebook
Asus has been around since 1989 and is recognized today as the No.1 manufacturer of motherboards, gaming peripherals, and notebooks. Their products are balanced between quality and affordability, which is the exact reason why the Asus C201 Chromebook is such a popular choice. Combining years of experience and a demand for a compact laptop, the C201 has many features to look forward to, including:
High-Definition Display
The C201 comes with a sleek 11.6-inch display with a resolution of up to 1366 x 768. Pixel density is just right for this size, with great color accuracy and amazing viewing angles. Asus has decided to go with a glossy finish for this particular model, so be aware of fingerprints and smudges.
Long Battery Life
With the low energy demanding Rocketchip RK3288 processor, you can expect up to 13 hours of battery life out of the C201. Under heavier demands such as YouTube or Netflix, the power drops to 8-10 hours. Charging time is approximately 1 hour, so you’ll be back to surfing the net in no time
Many connectivity options
The Asus C201 includes a variety of ports: DCIN; Micro SD; Micro HDMI; 2 x USB 2.0; and a combo audio/microphone jack. Users can increase storage space, share/copy files, and stream to television via the Micro HDMI cable. The C201 is also Wi-Fi 802.11 A/C enabled, so you can take the laptop wherever you go.
Chrome Web Store
The C201 gives you access to all your favorite Google apps such as Gmail, Drive, Docs, and YouTube. Without needing to pay a subscription to Microsoft Office, you can also enjoy the Google Docs version of Word, PowerPoint, and Excel absolutely free. Whether you’re online or offline, you’ll be able to keep working and sync your data once connected to the internet again.
Ease of use and lightweight build
Asus has made the C201 as easy as possible, from initial setup to overall enjoyment. The laptop powers up within seconds and lets you get right into your favorite apps without the complications of a normal desktop or larger laptop.
Web browsing is fast with no freezing or timeouts, thanks to the built-in fast-powered SSD and 4GB of RAM.
Additionally, the laptop is extremely lightweight, so you can take it wherever you go. Gone are the days of resting a warm laptop on your lap while relaxing in bed!
Cloud Storage
Although the Asus C201 only has 16GB of internal storage, and an ability to upgrade via the Micro-SD slot, you can also look forward to the convenience of the Cloud. With the C201, you get 100GB of Google Drive Storage for 2 years to store/share all your favorite documents, pictures, and videos. In this way, you can also access your files wherever you are, and from any device in your home!
Asus C201 11.6 Inch Chromebook Review
Specifications
Display | 11.6-inch HD, TN panel |
Resolution | 1366 x 768 |
CPU | Rockchip RK3288 1.8GHz |
GPU | ARM Mali-T764 |
RAM | 4GB DDR3 |
Storage | 16GB SSD / 64GB Micro SD |
Operating System | Chrome OS |
Ports | DCIN; Micro SD; Micro HDMI; 2 x USB 2.0; and a combo audio/microphone jack |
Battery life | 8 – 13 hours |
Dimensions | 11.30 x 7.64 x 0.71 inches |
Weight | 2.2 lbs |
Warranty | 1-year international |
The Asus C201 Chromebook was released in April 2015, and to this day, it is still regarded as an excellent choice for those looking for a mini-mobile-computer. Powered by a Rocketchip processor, 4GB of RAM, and a lithium battery that lasts up to 13 hours, the C201 might be the perfect little multimedia assistant you’ve been looking for. At just under $150, is it still worth your money today? Let’s find out.
Design
One of the main attractions of the Asus C201 is its incredibly small size. The Chromebook measures 11.3 x 7.64 x 0.71 inches and weighs approximately 2 lbs. If carrying a laptop sounds too cumbersome for you, well, the good news is that the C201 is probably less bulky than your standard textbook.
How does it achieve such a feat? A lightweight hardened plastic shell.
When most of us hear plastic, we shun away from the prejudice of cheap build quality. When handling the C201 for the first time, you'll notice that the Chromebook has a nice matte finish. Everything about the C201 feels premium, from its silver 'ASUS' logo stamped on the front to its solid-body construction. Giving the laptop a little squeeze, you'll find there are little to no squeaks as if everything has been put together correctly. Fear not, the C201 feels as durable and strong as any high-end laptop.
The Asus C201 is available in 3 colors: Navy-Blue, Pearl White / Light Blue, and Rose Gold / Red. The colors have a funky aesthetic to them, whereby the Navy-Blue shell is complemented by a silver color surrounding the black keys. Similarly, the Peal White edition has a light blue color that wraps around the touchpad and keyboard. One thing to note here is fingerprints, though. Being matte, the top of the laptop is prone to oily smudges. So try to keep your hands clean before use, or the C201's shell is going to get a whole lot shinier.
Display
The Asus C201 has an 11.6-inch display with a 1366 x 768 HD resolution. The screen itself has a glossy finish with relatively good viewing angles. Although a glossy screen is appealing at first, there are some shortfalls, including reflections and fingerprints. If you're using the laptop directly under a light source, the screen will reflect this. Moreover, fingerprints are a magnet to glossy screens, so you might find yourself needing a microfiber cloth to keep the display clean. Hence, why most displays nowadays come with a matte finish instead.
Moving onto the positives, the 11.6-inch display has a vibrant yet cool color tone. Asus has strayed away from predominant oranges/reds. As previously mentioned, the resolution is 1366 x 768, and although not full HD at 1920 x 1080, the result is still a crisp image, whether that be video or photos. Since the display is so small, the pixels are bundled closer together, making the display extremely clear, which is a big win for those who like streaming videos or using their laptops to upload pictures onto social media.
When going onto websites such as YouTube, you'll be able to select the 1080p HD option and enjoy a high-definition experience. At the same time, comparing the C201 display to a normal 15.6-inch laptop @1080p, there isn't much difference besides actual size. In terms of picture quality, Asus has really done an excellent job here.
The panel itself is a TN panel that brings a host of advantages compared to IPS and VA. The C201, therefore, has excellent contrast ratios and color reproduction, good brightness levels, no flickering, and finally, not being as susceptible to backlight issues. The TN panel inside the C201 is also an energy saver with less power consumption, so forget about charging the battery in between movies!
Performance
The Asus C201 Chromebook is by no means a gaming/business powerhouse. The laptop aims to complete small tasks, browse the web, and navigate between basic applications installed via the Chrome App Store. Nevertheless, as the C201 is nearly 7 years old at the time of this article, how well can you expect it to perform these daily errands?
The C201 has a Rockchip RK3288 processor that includes four cores and clocks in around 1.8GHz. The CPU is by no means as powerful as a popular Intel Core i5 10500H that clocks in at 4.5GHz, but it will offer similar performance in terms of loading pages on google, saving work, playing YouTube videos, and navigating throughout the operating system. Keeping reasonable expectations, the RK3288 processor has just enough juice to keep up with today’s PC demands.
Unfortunately, the Asus C201 does not have a discrete GPU but instead has On-board graphics, namely the ARM Mali-T764. The GPU is clocked at 600Mhz and is definitely not capable of playing AAA gaming titles. With that being said, you can theoretically play Retro / Arcade games online or via the SSD / Micro SD slot, but we wouldn't advise it as a strong point of the laptop. If you're a fan of solitaire and Farmville, however, well, the C201 has you covered.
In terms of memory, the laptop comes with 4GB of DDR3 RAM. Most laptops today come with 8GB of RAM or more, but reconsidering the name, the C201 isn't trying to be a laptop necessarily. The C201 is a Chromebook catered to Google and everything inside it. While using the C201, we didn't experience any crashes or stutters while interchanging between applications or playing videos, so the 4GB's of RAM seems to perform perfectly fine. For those looking to upgrade the RAM, you'll be disappointed to find that the memory has been soldered onto the motherboard, so unless you're really tech-savvy and willing to void the warranty, try to make amends with the 4GB limit.
An important component to consider when looking at performance is storage. A fast storage device can be the difference between your laptop booting in two minutes or mere seconds. Fortunately, the C201 has a built-in SSD hard drive with a capacity of 16GB. Now bear with us, 16GB might sound small, but when compared to high-end smartphones that can probably do the same tasks, it's not all that bad. Additionally, the storage can be further upgraded to 64GB via the Micro SD (SDXC) slot.
We found that although the 16GB SSD was small in size, it was one of the main attractions of the C201. Booting times are quick, and the increased speed makes the laptop feel very nippy in-between applications. You should experience no delays typing out an essay via Google Docs, interchanging between a YouTube video, and checking for updates on your Facebook feed. The C201 feels as good as any desktop when attempting these tasks.
Although you can upgrade the storage to 64GB, we would urge you to make use of the Cloud saving feature. The C201 isn't for saving important work, pictures, or videos, but rather a device that can quickly edit these items throughout your day until you're at your proper workstation.
How much battery time does the C201 have? Well, Asus claims the battery can last up to 13 hours, and they weren't lying. If you're doing some light browsing and typing, the laptop lasts its advertised 12-13 hours lifespan. When watching videos or browsing Netflix, the battery dips to around 8-10 hours. This is still outstanding considering most laptops today only last around 5-7 hours when you attempt a Netflix binge. Better yet, the C201 charges in approximately 1 hour. Aren't you glad they opted for that smaller, battery-saving CPU?
Keyboard and Connectivity
The keyboard featured on the Asus C201 will exceed expectations. Even in today's market, it's rare to find this type of build quality within this price range.
The keys are responsive yet silent; there is a subtle amount of resistance that is just right in order to prevent accidental clicks.
The outline and overall feel should be familiar to those who have used a MacBook, and for a fraction of the cost, that’s impressive.
In terms of connectivity, you'll find a DCIN port (charging port), Micro SD, Micro HDMI, 2 x USB 2.0 ports, and a combo audio/microphone jack. The C201 includes a built-in HD webcam and digital microphone, but we would definitely encourage you to buy a separate headset. The actual speaker quality is mediocre, while the microphone was somewhat muffled on the receiving end when making a call. A quick fix would be to buy a microphone/headphone combo and connect it via the audio jack with a splitter.
Finally, there is no ethernet connection, so you will primarily have to rely on the 802.11ac Wi-Fi in order to connect to the internet. Additionally, the laptop includes Bluetooth 4.0, so you'll also be able to connect a wireless device such as a Bluetooth-enabled mouse or a smartphone for data transfer.
Which type of person is the Asus C201 best suited for?
If you're looking for a lightweight laptop with minimal features, then the Asus C201 is for you. Kids at school, students at colleges/universities, and adults on the go will likely appreciate the swiftness of the operating system and hands-on applications.
Chilling in bed while surfing the web, editing Google docs/sheets, and browsing social media are the key strengths of the Asus C201. With an extended battery life of up to 13 hours, the laptop also ensures plenty of playtime, so you can use it throughout your day without the worry of carrying a charger.
Therefore, if you're looking to save some money and avoid buying an overcomplicated laptop with features you'll never use, the C201 might be something to look into even in 2022.
Which type of user is it not suitable for?
The Asus C201 will probably not be suitable for those expecting a full laptop/desktop experience. If you’re looking for a complete workstation or gaming device that can do a little bit of everything, then you should probably not pick up this model. The CPU is somewhat outdated, the storage capacity is limited, and the display is entry-level for commercial standards.
Although the C201 can be responsive in basic tasks, if overloaded and pressured, the system will begin to slow down and stutter. Those with heavy workloads or demands should look towards something like a 15.6-inch laptop with an i5 / Ryzen 5 CPU, GTX 1660 GPU, 16GB of RAM, and a larger 500GB SSD. Therefore, before buying a C201, check the applications you plan to use and the system requirements to avoid disappointment.
Comparing With Other Laptops (Is The C201 Good?)
Asus C201 Vs. C200
- 11 Hours Incredible Battery Life.
The Asus C200 is very similar when compared to the C201. Upon first inspection, you'll notice that they practically look the same from the outside besides colors and a variation in ports. Both laptops feature the same 11.6-inch screen and somewhat similar dimensions in size and weight. Where things differ significantly are the included components, and interestingly enough, the C200 was released a year earlier but can be thought of as a little more powerful.
The C200 has an Intel Celeron CPU, which is a Dual-Core pushing speeds of up to 2.16GHz. Users can choose between 2GB or 4GB of RAM and a drive capacity of 16 or 32 GB of storage. The laptop also includes an Intel HD GPU, and a USB 3.0 port. Similar to the C200, there is an SD card reader and an HDMI port, but this time it's regular-sized instead of micro.
Where the C201 takes the lead, however, is the battery, where its predecessor only lasts for 9-10 hours maximum, when compared to the newer generations 13 hours. Cost-wise, they're 25-50 dollars cheaper / more expensive than each other depending on stock, but overall, you'll need to weigh the specs and decide where your priorities lie.
Asus C201 Vs. HP X360 Chromebook
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The HP X360 was released in 2019 and, as expected, sports newer features than its older Chromebook brother, the Asus C201. For starters, the 11.6-inch screen not only has a 2-in-1 flip design, but it is also an HD Touch Screen IPS panel with Corning Gorilla Glass 3.
The CPU is also a minor upgrade with a base frequency of 1.1GHz, and a boost of up to 2.4GHz. The lower base frequency is also great as it saves power and increases the battery life to 11.5 hours. Inside, you'll find 4GB of DDR4 RAM and a 64GB SSD of internal storage. This can also be further upgraded with a 128GB SD card, so you can expect more space for photos, videos, and documents.
The connectivity options also ramp up with the HP X360, with the addition of 2 x USB-C ports, 2 x USB 3.0 slots, and a microphone/headphone 3.5mm audio jack. The intel HD 500 Graphics are also capable of running older games on lower settings. Whereas the C201 could only run arcade games / 2D online games, you could possibly push 50 FPS (low settings 800 x 600) in World of Warcraft, 55 FPS (low settings 1024 x 768) in StarCraft 2, and up to 70 FPS (low settings 1024 x 768) in Sims 4.
The HP X360 is still a basic Chromebook, but it has a bit more oomph with its modern features. These extra components do add some weight, though, with the X360 coming in at just under 3lbs, in addition to being nearly double the price of the C201. Again, we would advise you to ask yourself, do you need a tablet, laptop, or Chromebook, because more features raise the price tag, and in most cases, you're looking for the basics.
People Also Ask (FAQs)
Can you play games clearly on an Asus C201?
The Asus C201 can run basic 2D arcade games but is by no means a gaming laptop. Games like solitaire or the old-school Super Mario Bros should perform fine, but we wouldn’t advise filling up your memory. If you do want to play games without hindering system performance, then installing your games on the external Micro SD may be an option. In terms of modern games, however, you’d be better off using your smartphone for PUBG mobile.
How compact is the Asus C201?
As stated in the review, the Asus C201 measures 11.3 x 7.64 x 0.71 inches and weighs approximately 2 lbs. This makes the C201 a perfect choice for students and adults who don't want to carry around a designated laptop bag. You could carry the device under your arm between classes or slide it into your briefcase with the rest of your books. If a 15.6-inch laptop sounds too big, the C201 may be a good alternative.
How long does a Chromebook such as this one last?
The Asus C201 comes with a 1-year international warranty. If you experience any problems with the device or defects within this time period, Asus will either repair or replace your C201 depending on the circumstances. In terms of overall longevity, that could range between 2-5 years, depending on how well you care for the laptop. Like any device, as the years go by, the product tends to slow down; therefore, the C201 won't necessarily break, but you'll eventually need to upgrade.
Can I uninstall Chrome and replace it with Windows on the Asus C201?
No, you cannot uninstall Chrome OS and replace it with any version of Windows OS. With that being said, you can format the hard drive and install Linux on the C201, but this should only be attempted by a computer expert or experienced PC enthusiasts.
Does the Asus C201 come with Microsoft Office?
The Asus C201 does not come with 'Microsoft Office,' but the app store includes 'Google Docs .'These are basically online clones of Microsoft Office and can be used interchangeably. The C201, therefore, has you covered with Word, PowerPoint, and Excel alternatives.
Conclusion
We wrap up our review by asking, "Is the Asus C201 worth the asking price?" In short, yes, if you can find it for under two hundred dollars. The C201 has lots to offer and is a perfect budget laptop for those who want to surf the web, edit documents, and watch videos. With its ease of use and nippy response times, the C201 is a winner across all age groups.
- 11.6inch 1366 by 768 glossy HD display for...
- Up to 13 hours of battery life
- 802.11ac wireless for up to 3 times faster...
- Trusted Platform Module (TPM) security for...
Andrew White is the founder of TechGearoid, a leading technology review & information website that is designed to help consumers make better decisions when it comes to their IT purchases. As a specialist tech writer (nerd) with over 10 years of experience, he enjoys writing about everything there is to do with modern technology & the newest market innovations. When he isn’t providing value for his readers, he’s usually drinking coffee or at the beach. Andrew lives in Sydney, Australia with his wife and family.