Shoppers looking for a flexible laptop-tablet hybrid at a true budget price just got a standout option. An open-box Asus Chromebook CM30 is on sale for $149.97, a 54% cut from its $329.99 list price, bringing a polished 2-in-1 experience into impulse-buy territory.
What you get for $149.97 with this Asus Chromebook CM30
The CM30 centers on a 10.5-inch WUXGA touchscreen (1,920 by 1,200), a sweet spot for reading, note-taking, and streaming without the bulk of a full-size notebook. A detachable full-size keyboard and magnetic stand cover let you flip between laptop mode for typing and tablet mode for sketching or casual browsing. Stylus support is built in, so digital notes and diagrams are a tap away.
Under the hood, the MediaTek Kompanio 520 pairs with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of eMMC storage. At this price tier, most Chromebooks settle for 4GB/64GB, so the extra memory and storage headroom matter for smoother multitasking, more offline files, and longer Chrome session endurance. Asus rates battery life up to 12 hours, and connectivity includes Wi‑Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 for stable classrooms, cafés, or hotspot hopping.
The hardware mix is rounded out with dual 5MP cameras for video calls and document scans, USB‑C for charging and peripherals, and a Titan C security chip—part of Google’s hardware-backed protections for verified boot and data encryption on Chromebooks.
Why this 2-in-1 Chromebook stands out at this price
Two things separate this deal from the usual entry-level fare: component balance and build. The 8GB/128GB spec reduces the tab-closing dance that often plagues low-cost laptops, while the compact 10.5-inch display keeps weight and footprint down without sacrificing Full HD-class sharpness. Toss in the detachable form factor and it’s equally comfortable in a lecture hall, on a plane tray table, or propped on a kitchen counter for recipe videos.
Durability and sustainability get attention too. The CM30 uses a military-grade aluminum chassis with 30% recycled materials, an uncommon touch in this bracket that hints at better long-run resilience. Security-wise, ChromeOS has a strong record of sandboxing and seamless updates. Google has also committed to up to 10 years of automatic software updates for many modern Chromebooks, meaning new models like this should enjoy a long runway of security and feature support.
The open-box angle: what to expect and warranty details
Open-box units are typically returns or display models that undergo inspection and verification before resale. This one is described as being in new condition and includes a 1-year warranty, which mitigates the usual concerns about prior handling. In practice, you’re paying used-like pricing for near-new hardware—often the best value proposition if you want to maximize specs per dollar.
Before you buy any Chromebook, it’s wise to confirm how long it will receive operating system and security updates through ChromeOS settings. Here, the 2024-era platform and Titan C chip align with Google’s current update commitments, positioning the CM30 well for years of classroom and on-the-go use.
Who it’s best for and who should skip this 2-in-1 Chromebook
This configuration is built for students, hybrid workers, and travelers who value quick boot-ups, long battery life, and the flexibility to type, tap, or draw. It’s ideal for Google Workspace, note-taking apps with stylus support, Android apps from the Play Store, streaming, and everyday browsing.
If you need heavy-duty video editing, AAA gaming, or specialized Windows or macOS software, this isn’t the right tool. The Kompanio 520 is tuned for efficiency over brute force, and eMMC storage favors responsiveness over massive local libraries. Also note that a stylus may be sold separately.
Bottom line: is this $149.97 Asus Chromebook CM30 worth it?
At $149.97, the open-box Asus Chromebook CM30 lands in rarefied value territory: a compact 2-in-1 with a sharp display, 8GB/128GB headroom, credible security, and all-day battery life. If you want a reliable, travel-friendly machine that flips seamlessly between laptop and tablet duties, this deal is tough to beat while it lasts.