Distinctions - The CM3401-R3128BL Chromebook by ASUS has the standard Google bells and whistles like a voice assistant and seamless integration with the Google workspace. This means the traditional integrated virus protection, accessibility, cloud synchronization and automatic OS updates now considered bog standard in the Chromebook genre. The most notable features are more hardware related, with an upgraded processor compared to peers and previous ASUS generations that can handle graphics-intensive tasks, and an extended battery life that allows for multiple days of prolonged use before depletion. Combine this with a resilient touchscreen, and applications that lend themselves to tactile input become all the more accessible.

Criticisms - As with all Chromebooks, the CM3401-R3128BL is limited to what can be stored on its small local disk, as well as mostly apps within the Google suite of products. While jailbreaking is possible, the low storage capacity would likely require more technical prowess than the average consumer has to make it viable for other operating systems.

Distinctions - Without a doubt, the rock solid hardware of the CM3401-R3128BL is a standout, with more resilient and sturdy build quality than comparable laptops and Chromebooks. It takes a beating like a ThinkPad, and holds up to use in hot or cold environments with ease. The screen, while not as thin and bright as Apple’s Retina system or similar, is incredibly durable, appropriate for a touchscreen.

Criticisms - The plastic shell did attract grime slightly more visibly than a similar, aluminum shell might. Elements of the chunky shape do make typing less ergonomic than thinner devices.

Distinctions -  The ‘Ponder Blue’ of the CM3401-R3128BL has some depth to it, and fields more personality than the average Chromebook. Scuffs and dings show only faintly with prolonged use.

Criticisms - Perhaps the weakest point of the design, the CM3401-R3128BL is built like a brick and not particularly visually stimulating. While the screen is functional in all environments, the backlit display is not quite vivid or powerful enough to really make colors pop. Combined with a slightly lower resolution than top-of-the-line offerings, and you could say the screen is remarkably unremarkable.

Distinctions - Compared to comparably priced laptops and Chromebooks, the processing power and battery life of the CM3401-R3128BL will withstand the test of time much better than peers. With such a large margin of use time, diminishing returns due to gradual battery health deterioration will be hardly noticeable to the casual user. The AMD Ryzen, similarly, will make the gradual creep of memory intensive applications similarly hardly noticeable to the casual, average user.

Criticisms - The whole package is largely impossible to recycle. While this isn’t unique to this model, it is a legitimate grievance. In the same vein, the lower cost and innate value of the Chromebook as a whole makes repair and replacement of defective parts largely cost-ineffective.

Distinctions - When considering Chromebooks at this price point, the CM3401-R3128BL by ASUS is a clear standout for offerings, competence, and longevity. It is the best of consumer, entry-level laptops, and comes equipped with the software and hardware necessary to fit most basic use cases for the semi-regular internet user.

Criticisms - More peripheral ports would be better.