I’ve been using the $399 Asus Chromebook Plus CX34, one of the first Chromebooks to carry the Plus branding. It’s great, and it’s a good representation of the sort of device Google is trying to promote with this program — not the fanciest or most groundbreaking product (as the 2017 Plus was positioned) but rather the affordable option that offers excellent value.

The Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 is the most affordable of the Plus bunch, with its Core i3 / 8GB / 128GB base model (which is what I have) priced at just $399. The rest of the gang is in the $400–$800 range, with various models from Acer, HP, and Lenovo. I assume pricier ones will arrive in due time.

If that Plus branding drives more people to look at the CX34, I’ll be ecstatic because it’s a really solid package for $399. The chassis, while plastic, has an incredibly durable feel and a smooth, comfortable texture. Using it feels quite a bit like using the larger Chromebook Flip CX5, which is — and I will die on this hill — one of the best Chromebooks ever made. The palm rests and lid have a unique marbled pattern to them that gives the device a neat but understated sort of look. And it’s all a fairly portable package, weighing in at just over three pounds.