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KMSB Fox 11 Daybreak – Taking a look at the Asus Chromebook C523NA

For today’s segment Andy Taylor of TechtalkRadio visited the KMSB Fox 11 Studios and shared some info on the Asus Chromebook. We are hearing more of students in both the high school level as well as in some of the Tucson Area Trade Schools and Continuing education using Chromebooks for not only school but also many of the features we use windows or apple based computers on.

A question that some salespeople are asked in regards to Chromebooks is “Does it run windows?” The short answer is No, however some modifications can be done to enable this but honestly, Why? Over the years we have seen the Chromebook develop into a real player in the Mobile Laptop space with the Google OS (Operating System) While for some it may take a little getting used to however with Google Docs, Users can create documents and save – print and share these. Users can take full advantage of the cloud with the online service on a WiFi connection however users can also work offline with the Chromebook.

We are looking at the Asus C523NA which I picked up for under $300 with Touchscreen. This Intel Pentium N4200 Processor at 1.10Ghz based machine features 64GB internal storage which may seem minuscule compared to 512GB to 1TB we see on higher end Laptops running the Microsoft Windows Operating system however the concept is a machine that is battery saving, lighter and integrates well with the Internet. For those that have a preference to using Microsoft Products, Office Online is available as an App giving access to a version of Word and Excel for starting at a 6.99 a month fee which includes Skype Video Calling.

The Chromebook comes equipped with an HD Cam. The Google Product Line allows you to upload and download photos, share them within google photos – All that is a part of the Google Apps. The C523NA features 2 USB 3.0 slots and a satisfying battery life of around 6-10 hours of course depending on the work you are doing. It works with the Google Chrome browser.

While Andy may not want to qualify this us a laptop only due to confusion between Windows Based Laptops and Mac Books
it essentially is, but running Google OS.

The price is right as well – You can find Chromebooks very reasonably priced at under $300

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Great laptop cooler/stand for notebook computers

We received the USB 3.0 version of the CM Storm Strike Force SF-19 laptop cooler…
Until it’s removed from the box, it’s not apparent how sturdy it is!  Made of plastic, metal mesh, and thick rubber…I expect this can take a beating.
Notebook computers of up to 19-inch notebook can fit on it.  The SF-19 is 1 foot 7 inches wide at its top.  On the left side is a “LED ON/OFF” switch, a “MULTI-LIGHT SHADER” switch…and a speed control for the fans, which can also turn them off.  On the right side is:  the 12 volt power socket, four USB ports, and a port for the the UBS 3.0 cable.  The USB 3.0 cable is supplied to connect the cooler to a computer.  The cable is 3.5 inches long, has a Type A plug at one end, and a Micro-B plug at the other.
Installed in the unit are two 140 mm fans, which can be replaced with 120 mm fans.  Air is blown upwards towards the computer.  To access the fans, turn the SF-19 upside-down and open the access door located on the bottom.  Inside are four power connections for fans, two on each side.
An AC-to-12 volt power adapter is included.
The “MULTI-LIGHT SHADER” switch allows for the activation of seven LED colors that illumate at four locations on the bottom. (Not being an art student I can only identify:  red, green, blue, purple, and what appears to be aqua).
The rubber components of the SF-19 keep computers from slipping off, absorbs shock to protect it from damage, and are designed to assist with cable management.
Often I have complained about how flimsy other laptop platforms for notebook computers are.  The SF-19 is the ultimate solution.