CTL has unveiled the Chromebook Plus PX141GXT, a significant upgrade from its predecessor, the PX141EXT. This new model is designed with faster internals, a backlit keyboard, and a touch screen, making it a formidable choice for educational and enterprise environments. While its utilitarian design may not rival high-end consumer models, the PX141GXT excels in performance and practicality, earning it an Editors’ Choice award for fleet-ready Chromebook Plus models.
Specs and Design: Utilitarian Performance
The Chromebook PX141GXT is equipped with an eight-core Intel Core i3-N305 processor, 16GB of RAM, and 256GB of Universal Flash Storage (UFS), marking a clear upgrade over the PX141EXT. The previous model featured a low-power N100 chip, 8GB of memory, and 128GB of eMMC flash. CTL’s all-black aesthetic reinforces its business-first approach, with a plastic chassis that meets MIL-STD-810H standards for durability.
At 3.64 pounds, the PX141GXT is slightly heavier than its competitors, such as the Acer Chromebook Plus 514 and the Asus Chromebook Plus CX34. However, it compensates with an impressive array of ports, including two USB Type-C, two USB Type-A, a microSD card reader, and a 3.5mm audio combo jack. The absence of a dedicated video output necessitates a USB-C-to-HDMI adapter for external displays. Internally, the Intel AX211 wireless card supports Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring robust connectivity.
Using the Chromebook Plus PX141GXT: Productivity Focused
The PX141GXT’s design emphasizes functionality over flair, providing a comfortable typing experience with a backlit keyboard that enhances usability in low-light conditions. The 14-inch display, with a resolution of 1,920 by 1,080 pixels, offers adequate readability, though its color and brightness are somewhat limited. The IPS panel ensures good viewing angles, while the speakers deliver loud but flat audio.
The Chromebook’s Core i3 processor offers responsive multitasking capabilities, with active cooling managed by a rear-exhaust fan that operates quietly. The 1080p webcam includes a sliding privacy shutter, reflecting CTL’s focus on security and practicality.
Performance Testing: Core i3 Powers Through ChromeOS
In performance tests, the PX141GXT was compared to consumer models like the Acer Chromebook Plus 514, Asus Chromebook Plus CX34, and HP Chromebook Plus x360. While the Asus model, equipped with a Core i5 processor, outperformed the PX141GXT, the latter held its ground against the Acer and HP models.
Our ChromeOS productivity tests included Basemark Web 3.0 and WebXPRT 4, both essential for evaluating a Chromebook’s reliance on web apps. The PX141GXT demonstrated competitive performance, particularly in multitasking scenarios, though it lagged behind the Core i5 Asus in some benchmarks.
Component and Battery Tests
Additional tests focused on CPU and GPU performance using Primate Labs’ Geekbench and GFXBench 5.0. The PX141GXT’s Core i3 processor delivered a noticeable performance boost over the PX141EXT’s N100, though it remained behind the Asus’s Core i5. In battery tests, the PX141GXT ran for 12 hours and 30 minutes, outlasting the Asus and HP models but falling short of the Acer and PX141EXT.
Implications and Forward-Looking Analysis
The Chromebook Plus PX141GXT represents a strategic move by CTL to cater to the educational and enterprise sectors, where durability and performance are paramount. By focusing on fleet-ready features and robust support services, CTL positions itself as a key player in the Chromebook market.
As educational institutions and businesses increasingly rely on digital solutions, the demand for reliable, high-performance Chromebooks is expected to grow. The PX141GXT, with its blend of power and practicality, is well-suited to meet these evolving needs.
Looking ahead, CTL’s commitment to support and sustainability, through spare parts availability and recycling programs, further enhances its appeal. As technology continues to advance, the company’s focus on Google-centric devices for education and enterprise positions it for sustained success in a competitive landscape.
