Skip to main content

Asus Flip Chromebook successor could boast Skylake CPU

Acer Chromebook R11
Bill Roberson/Digital Trends
Over the course of 2016, Google has displayed a renewed focus on Chrome OS, highlighted by the impending addition of Android app support to the operating system. Now, there’s word that Asus is prepping a new Chromebook with a Skylake processor under the hood.

The new system has been unearthed via references to a device given the codename “Cave” in Google’s Chromium source code, according to a report from Liliputing based on findings made by Chrome Unboxed. Of course, the hardware is still in development, so there’s every chance that there will be changes made before the finished product sees release.

However, there’s ample indication that the device in question is intended to be a follow-up to the Asus Flip Chromebook. Besides confirmation of a touchscreen display, there’s evidence to suggest that the system’s tablet functionality is based on the positioning of its lid, as was the case with the original Flip.

The difference is that the “Cave” project also seems to boast a 6th-generation Intel Core Skylake processor. That should give it a major performance boost over its predecessor, which was outfitted with a much less powerful Rockchip RK3288 CPU — but that upgrade is likely to be reflected in its selling price, too.

Asus has demonstrated an increased interest in Chrome OS over the last few months. The first-generation Flip Chromebook was among the first devices that were given access to Android apps, perhaps indicating some kind of partnership between Google and Asus going forward.

There’s still no official confirmation of the successor to the Asus Flip Chromebook, much less any details about its specs, retail pricing, or an expected release date. However, given that pre-orders for the original system opened in June 2015, there’s a good chance that we’ll hear some more specifics sooner rather than later.

Editors' Recommendations

Brad Jones
Brad is an English-born writer currently splitting his time between Edinburgh and Pennsylvania. You can find him on Twitter…
I took my son shopping for his first school laptop. Here’s what surprised me
A young man using the HP 14-Inch 2-in-1 Chromebook.

My son began second grade this past September, and his school issued him an old, beat-up Chromebook to his backpack as his first laptop. Unacceptable! As a tech writer, I could not settle for what the school was offering. So, I did what any tech nerd dad would do and took my boy shopping for a new Chromebook.

But as I quickly learned, the world of Chromebooks can be dizzying. If I was going to find the right option for my kid, I'd need to check my own tech knowledge and preferences at the door.

Read more
This laptop completely changed my perception of Chromebooks
HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook front angled view showing display and keyboard deck.

I get the appeal of Chromebooks -- I really do. Sometimes less is more, and an operating system that is simpler can provide a less distracting experience for the right audience. But it's never been a good fit for me.

I'm pretty bought into Microsoft's Office suite, and I'm willing to pay a premium for top-notch hardware. I want my laptop to look and feel like a serious work tool without compromises -- and that's always made me think Chromebooks weren't for me. Then I tried the HP Dragonfly Elite Chromebook.
Chrome OS hardware really can be top-notch

Read more
Asus ZenBook S 13 Flip vs. HP Envy x360 13: it comes down to price
The front of the HP Envy x360 13 on a table.

We love the HP Envy x360 13 convertible 2-in-1 for its excellent build quality, awesome display, and fine performance and battery life. It's a hard laptop to beat, especially with a starting price of $700.

Enter the Asus ZenBook S 13 Flip, and 2-in-1 that's similar to the Envy in many respects. But it's also $500 more fully configured. Is it worth the extra money?
Specs and configurations

Read more