Asus has built a sub-kilogram machine running Googlebook OS, but early testing indicates the software still needs polish. Notebookcheck put the Asus Googlebook 14 through its lab paces, finding that while the hardware borrows the best physical traits of the enterprise-focused ExpertBook Ultra, odd display profiles and rough mobile integration mar the experience.
The review unit arrived in dark anthracite with an illuminated lid bar and tipped the scales at 967 grams. Notebookcheck observed that while the rigid magnesium-style build remains easy to carry, the ultra-low weight makes typing sound clicky, though key travel sits at a standard 1.5 millimeters. Asus did not strip away connectivity to hit that target. The deck includes Thunderbolt 4, legacy USB-A ports, HDMI and Wi-Fi 7, alongside a 1080p webcam with a physical privacy shutter. An internal 5G modem is missing.
Under the hood, Asus configures the notebook with Intel's Core Ultra chips. Notebookcheck tested a configuration with the Core Ultra 7 355, 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD. The outlet noted that power limits cap sustained operation at roughly 18 watts after a brief 45-watt burst. Because of that ceiling, along with general platform restrictions, Notebookcheck advised shoppers against spending the extra $300 for the Core Ultra 7 tier. The Core Ultra 5 325 model sells for $1,299 at Best Buy in the United States and offers comparable day-to-day speed. The machine stayed cool during stress tests, with surface temperatures peaking at 39 degrees Celsius alongside a barely audible single cooling fan.
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