Asus unveils its first Chrome OS-powered tablet ahead of CES 2019

Asus is joining the ranks of Samsung, Acer and Google to launch its own Chrome OS-powered touch-screen tablet designed keeping students in mind. Unveiled ahead of CES 2019, the Chromebook tablet CT100 is Asus’ first Chrome OS-powered tablet, that is apparently classroom-ready and will help students start on early with the secure and reliable operating system that’s fast becoming the go-to standard across US schools.   

The Chromebook tablet CT100 isn’t a very heavy-duty tablet but that’s alright. An operating system like Chrome OS doesn’t require top-notch hardware, unless of course companies making tablets/laptops based on the platform feel the need to indulge buyers. The Google Pixel Slate is a classic example, but then the Google Pixel Slate is also sort of a convertible and therefore would cater to a wider audience, in addition to students. The Chromebook tablet CT100 is a tablet from the get-go although it comes with stylus support that adds to certain use cases. But, at heart, the Chromebook tablet CT100 is designed specifically for younger kids. 

As such, its most important aspect comes in the form of durability. The tablet has a rubberized chassis and tempered glass display, designed “to withstand life in the hands of children.” The tablet is further rated “for drops up to 100 cm, which is the height of most tables and desks,” according to Asus. 

In terms of specs, the Asus Chromebook tablet CT100 has a 9.7-inch QXGA display and a hexa-core OP1 processor under the hood with 4GB RAM and 32GB storage. The tablet packs a 35Wh lithium-polymer battery, which is claimed to be enough for a full school day. It charges over USB Type-C.  

As for Chrome OS, it has come a long way since its inception. The focus remains to be offering a secure computing environment, through web apps, that although require internet in a majority of cases at all times, ensures your device remains virus free and responsive at large for a longer time than Android or Windows counterparts.      

For those looking for more than a tablet, Asus has also announced two traditional clamshell laptops -- the 11.6-inch Asus Chromebook C204 and the 14-inch Asus Chromebook C403 -- and the 14-inch Asus Chromebook Flip C214 convertible. Pricing and availability will be announced closer to launch date.

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