The Asus Chromebook CM32 Detachable looks more like a tablet than a traditional laptop when you first pick it up. The tablet itself weighs around 640 grams, making it easy to carry in a backpack or even a small sling bag.
But once the keyboard is connected, it turns into a proper laptop-style device running ChromeOS.
This is also where some buyers may get confused. A Chromebook may look like a normal laptop, but it does not run Windows. At the same time, it is not simply an Android tablet with a keyboard.
Here is how the Asus Chromebook CM32 Detachable works, what comes inside the box, and who should consider buying it.
Table of contents
- What Is a Chromebook?
- Asus Chromebook CM32 Detachable Unboxing
- Build Quality and Detachable Design
- 12.1-inch 2.5K Display With 120Hz Refresh Rate
- Asus Pen and ChromeOS Experience
- Asus Chromebook CM32 Detachable Specifications
- Performance and Everyday Use
- Who Should Buy the Asus Chromebook CM32?
- Asus Chromebook CM32 Detachable Price in India
- Final Thoughts
What Is a Chromebook?
The Asus Chromebook CM32 Detachable runs ChromeOS, Google’s operating system designed mainly around the Chrome browser, cloud services and web-based apps.
ChromeOS is different from both Windows and Android.
However, since it comes from Google, it can also run many Android apps through the Google Play Store. This means apps such as Netflix, Prime Video and several productivity apps can be installed directly.
The interface feels much closer to a laptop than a regular Android tablet. ChromeOS also starts quickly, receives automatic updates and relies heavily on online and cloud-based services.
This lighter operating system is one reason Chromebooks can offer a laptop-like experience without requiring very powerful hardware.
Asus Chromebook CM32 Detachable Unboxing
The box is quite compact.
Inside, you get the 12.1-inch Asus Chromebook CM32 tablet, documentation, power cable and a 45W charger.
Asus also includes two important accessories.
You get a detachable keyboard that connects using pogo pins and an Asus Pen stylus.
The stylus attaches magnetically to the device and can charge wirelessly while it is attached.
The keyboard and rear cover help transform the tablet into a laptop-style setup. When you do not need the keyboard, it can be removed completely, allowing the CM32 to be used like a normal tablet.
Build Quality and Detachable Design
The overall build quality feels quite good.
The metallic chassis gives the Chromebook a more premium feel than you might expect from a lightweight ChromeOS device.
There is also a camera on the back.
The magnetic rear cover attaches securely and folds out to work as a kickstand. Once the keyboard is connected, you can place the tablet on a desk and use it just like a small laptop.
The Asus Pen can also be kept attached to the body when it is not being used.
The keyboard is lightweight, but typing feels comfortable for regular work. There is also a built-in trackpad for controlling ChromeOS without touching the screen.
Asus says the Chromebook CM32 also meets the MIL-STD 810H durability standard. This testing covers areas such as vibration, drops, humidity and temperature changes.
12.1-inch 2.5K Display With 120Hz Refresh Rate
One of the biggest attractions of the CM32 is its display.
It comes with a 12.1-inch 2.5K touchscreen with a resolution of 1600 x 2560 pixels.
The display also supports a 120Hz refresh rate, which makes scrolling and animations look smoother.
Peak brightness goes up to 600 nits, while Corning Gorilla Glass helps protect the screen.
Asus has also added an anti-fingerprint coating, which is useful because this is a touchscreen device that will frequently be used in tablet mode.
The panel covers around 98% of the DCI-P3 colour gamut, which is impressive for a device in this category.
Asus Pen and ChromeOS Experience
The bundled Asus Pen makes the Chromebook more useful for students and anyone who prefers handwritten notes.
You can use it for note-taking, marking PDFs, drawing and other touchscreen tasks.
ChromeOS looks different from Windows, especially when it comes to icons, menus and app organisation. Still, the basic workflow is easy enough to understand, especially if you already use Google Chrome regularly.
It does not take much time to get familiar with the interface.
The Chromebook supports Wi-Fi 6 along with Bluetooth 5.4, making it suitable for streaming, browsing, online classes and video calls.
Asus Chromebook CM32 Detachable Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 12.1-inch 2.5K touchscreen, 1600 x 2560 pixels, 120Hz, 600 nits |
| Processor | MediaTek Kompanio 540 |
| Graphics | Integrated ARM Mali-G57 MC2 |
| RAM | 4GB or 8GB LPDDR5X |
| Storage | 64GB or 128GB eMMC |
| Operating System | ChromeOS with Android app support |
| Front Camera | 5MP |
| Rear Camera | 5MP |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C |
| Audio | Dual speakers with Dolby Atmos support |
| Battery | 42Wh, up to 12 hours claimed |
| Weight | Around 640 grams for tablet |
| Durability | MIL-STD 810H certified |
| Box Contents | Detachable keyboard, Asus Pen and 45W charger |
One thing to keep in mind is that the power button does not include a fingerprint sensor, even though its position may make it look like one.
Performance and Everyday Use
The MediaTek Kompanio 540 processor is designed mainly for everyday work.
This is not the kind of machine you would buy for professional video editing or other demanding creative workloads.
For browsing, documents, online classes, streaming, email and general productivity, however, the hardware should be more suitable.
ChromeOS itself is also relatively lightweight, so it does not require the same level of hardware as a typical Windows laptop.
Who Should Buy the Asus Chromebook CM32?
The Asus Chromebook CM32 makes the most sense for two types of users.
Students can use the keyboard for assignments and switch to the Asus Pen for handwritten notes, PDF marking or sketching. The detachable design makes moving between laptop and tablet mode very easy.
It can also work well for people who need a compact machine for basic office work while travelling.
Instead of carrying a full-sized laptop, you get a lightweight tablet that can quickly become a laptop whenever the keyboard is attached.
Asus claims up to 12 hours of battery life, although actual backup will naturally depend on screen brightness, apps and overall usage.
For normal browsing and study or office work, it should comfortably handle several hours away from the charger.
Asus Chromebook CM32 Detachable Price in India
The Asus Chromebook CM32 Detachable is available in different RAM and storage configurations.
| Variant | Approximate Price |
|---|---|
| 4GB RAM + 64GB storage | Around Rs 28,000 |
| 8GB RAM + 128GB storage | Around Rs 42,000 |
The 4GB RAM and 64GB storage variant can be checked on Amazon here:
Asus Chromebook CM32 Detachable, 4GB RAM
Those who want more RAM and storage can check the 8GB RAM and 128GB version here:
Asus Chromebook CM32 Detachable, 8GB RAM
You can also explore more Asus laptop options through this collection:
Asus laptop shopping collection
Final Thoughts
The Asus Chromebook CM32 Detachable is an interesting option for anyone looking for something lighter than a traditional laptop without giving up the keyboard-and-trackpad experience.
The 12.1-inch 2.5K 120Hz display, detachable keyboard and bundled Asus Pen make it particularly useful for students, travellers and people who mainly work through a browser.
You can use it for typing, taking handwritten notes, watching content and running supported Android apps from the Play Store.
Just keep its performance limits in mind. This Chromebook is designed for everyday productivity and portability rather than heavy professional software or demanding creative work.