ASUS ExpertBook CX54 Chromebook Plus

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ASUS’ ExpertBook CX54 Chromebook Plus features the AI-capable technology that business leaders and professionals want but marries it to the strength and durability that hybrid workers need in their laptop. AI-enabled laptops have been a key trend in the tech sector this year, with many manufacturers launching models that can harness the power of AI for users. ASUS was one of the first out of the traps this year with a raft of product launches in January. Among them was the ExpertBook CX54 Chromebook Plus, which was also the first Intel Core Ultra-powered Chromebook in the market in 2024. 

The ExpertBook CX54 Chromebook Plus has been designed to appeal to leaders and mid-level professionals, with a range of features that such people demand with double the speed, double the storage and double the memory of standard Chromebooks.

It has the latest Intel Core Ultra 7 processor with AI architecture, coupled with up to 16GB LPDDR5X RAM, 512GB storage and WiFi 6E to support seamless online and offline collaboration. The ExpertBook CX54 Chromebook Plus also has AI-powered Google and Adobe features to help users be more productive. This includes an advanced photo-editing tool with AI-powered Magic Eraser and built-in AI-powered videoconferencing tools that enhance clarity and lighting, cancel noise, and blur backgrounds, enabling better results for professionals everywhere.

Light but strong

It should also be pointed out just how thin this laptop is – just 1.69cm. Combined with a weight of just 1.3kg, bulky it isn’t. This makes it ideal for workers who are on the go and need to take their laptop with them – it isn’t going to make your shoulder ache after a while.

But this doesn’t come at the expense of toughness and durability. The ExpertBook CX54 Chromebook Plus is engineered to be tough, up to industry-leading US MIL-STD 810H standards, which are more rigorous and demanding than ever before. ASUS also says that it undergoes stringent in-house testing – including panel-pressure, shock and drop tests – to ensure maximum toughness. This means that everyday knocks and bumps won’t be a concern – again, making it ideal for workers on the move.

Another facet of the ExpertBook CX54 Chromebook Plus’ minimalist frame is that it helps showcase the bright, clear and expansive 14-inch 16:10 optional touchscreen display, with a crisp 2560 by 1600 (WQXGA) resolution for superb clarity and detail. These pin-sharp visuals are further enhanced by the three-sided NanoEdge display that delivers an immersive 89% screen-to-body ratio. The screen has an anti-glare finish to minimise reflections, and has an oleophobic coating to fend off fingerprints – ensuring visual quality is maintained for extended periods.

Quality is also required for video calls, and the laptop has this covered too. Featuring wide viewing angles, high resolution and an 8M HDRnet camera powered by AI video call tools, it allows you to show your professional side during video conferencing.

Safe and secure

Of course, for a laptop aimed at professionals and managers, security is paramount. To this end, the ExpertBook CX54 Chromebook Plus has comprehensive security and management measures including a fingerprint sensor, webcam privacy shield, Google Titan C2 security chip and Google’s enterprise-level management tools like zero-touch enrollment and Google Admin console. It also adheres to MIL-STD standards, ensuring enhanced durability and reliability.

News in the Channel’s Editor’s Verdict:

Business leaders and professionals often must be out and about for their work, so need a laptop that can go anywhere too. ASUS’ ExpertBook CX54 Chromebook Plus fits that bill. It is lightweight and thin but doesn’t compromise on durability – which is needed if it is going in and out of a laptop bag and being transported on a regular basis.

It also has the latest in AI capabilities, which increasing numbers of leaders are demanding of their laptops to help them increase their productivity and automate some of their repetitive tasks to allow them to focus on bigger and more productive issues. It also is secure – something that is increasingly important with cyberthreats on the rise and the realities of working from anywhere where networks may not always be as secure as desired.

Specifications include:
ModelASUS ExpertBook CX54 Chromebook Plus (CX5403)
Operating SystemChromeOS
ProcessorIntel® Core™ Ultra 7 Processor 155U 1.7 GHz (12MB Cache, up to 4.8 GHz, 12 Cores); Intel® AI Boost NPUIntel® Core™ Ultra 5 Processor 115U 2.1 GHz (10MB Cache, up to 4.2 GHz, 8 Cores); Intel® AI Boost NPU
GraphicsIntel® Graphics
Neural processorIntel® AI Boost NPU
DisplayNon-touch screen, 14.0-inch, WQXGA (2560 x 1600) 16:10, Wide view, Anti-glare display, 500nits, DCI-P3: 100%, Screen-to-body ratio:89 %Touch screen, 14.0-inch, WQXGA (2560 x 1600) 16:10, Wide view, Anti-glare display, 500nits, DCI-P3: 100%, Screen-to-body ratio:89 %, With stylus support
Memory16GB LPDDR5X on board, Memory Max Up to:16GB, 8GB LPDDR5X on board, Memory Max Up to:8GB
Storage512GB M.2 2280 NVMe™ PCIe® 4.0 SSD or 256GB M.2 2280 NVMe™ PCIe® 4.0 SSD
I/O Ports2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, 2x Thunderbolt™ 4, compliant with USB4, supports display / power delivery, 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack, Micro SD card reader
Keyboard & Touchpad Backlit Chiclet Keyboard, 1.4mm Key-travel
Camera 8.0M camera with privacy shutter
AudioBuilt-in speaker, built-in array microphone, harman/kardon (Premium)
Network and CommunicationWi-Fi 6E(802.11ax) (Dual band) 2*2 + Bluetooth®
Battery63WHrs, 3S1P, 3-cell Li-ion, long life rechargeable lithium polymer battery.
Power SupplyTYPE-C, 45W AC Adapter, Output: 15V DC, 3A, 45W, Input: 100~240V AC 50/60Hz universal
Weight1.30 kg (2.87 lbs), 1.40 kg (3.09 lbs)
Dimensions
(W x D x H) 
31.37 x 22.28 x 1.69 ~ 1.69 cm (12.35″ x 8.77″ x 0.67″ ~ 0.67″)
Ecolabels & Compliances Energy star 8.0, FSC Mix, TCO Certified, RoHS, REACH
SecurityTitan C2 security chip, fingerprint sensor, Kensington Nano Security Slot™(6x 2.5mm)