We purchased the Asus Chromebook Flip C302CA so that our expert reviewer could thoroughly test and review it. Read on for our full product review.

Google has been shaking up the old-school tech world, from its software and services to the rise of Android in the mobile space, and it’s done much the same in the laptop market with its Chromebook concept. The Chrome OS-powered notebooks are typically considerably less expensive than their competitors, while still delivering strong core services and functionality. They’ve become the affordable device of choice for many students, schools, and other budget-conscious buyers.

Launched in early 2017, the Asus Chromebook Flip (C302CA) 12.5-inch laptop is one of the most popular options around, and it’s still going strong more than two years later. Can this convertible laptop/tablet hybrid really replace ultraportable Windows and Mac laptops at a fraction of the price, or are the compromises too much to overcome? We spent a week with the Chromebook Flip to see how it stacks up against today’s competition.

Just as Chromebooks are conceptually designed as budget laptops, the Asus Chromebook Flip is physically built like a budget MacBook. It has the same sort of minimalist aesthetic, though not quite the same level of premium visual refinement. From the hinge design to the materials and small nuances, the Chromebook Flip doesn’t look like a $1,000 laptop.