The notion that a term like “Ceraluminum” represents more than a mere marketing trick is something I’m still coming to terms with. Asus’ newest Zenbook versions have consistently left me amazed due to their ceraluminum exteriors. Enter the Zenbook A14, an all-ceraluminum laptop, from lid to framework to the base. The only segments devoid of this peculiar material name are the keycaps and the display.

The Asus Zenbook A14, priced at $1,100, tips the scales at 2.2 pounds and is slim to the point where I worry it might break with a simple touch. To draw a direct comparison, the Zenbook S 14 of 2024 weighs about 2.8 pounds. That’s already featherweight. Tossing it to your bed from your desk should pose no challenge. The Zenbook A14 is substantially lighter than that. Due to its coarse-textured anodized ceramic material, it lacks any metallic sensation.

A contributing factor to its lightness is the CPU. It’s powered by the Snapdragon X Elite chip, boasting a 45W TDP. ARM-based CPUs already excel in power-saving features. With a 70 Wh battery, Asus asserts it should manage 32 hours of video playback. Those evaluations are often less beneficial compared to everyday battery performance tests, but we’ll want to test it ourselves.

Sporting a 14-inch OLED screen peaking at 60 Hz, the outstanding quality of this PC remains its portability and dimensions. The gadget includes an “easy-lift hinge,” as Asus describes, which requires minimal effort to open. While easy hinges can raise concerns, Asus assured us that the gadget remains secure when shut. Asus also states that the material enhances durability. Despite its slender design, it incorporates an HDMI and two Thunderbolt 4 ports. Moreover, the laptop is compatible with WiFi 7.

Two color choices are available, although the $900 “Zabriskie Beige” (named after a location in Death Valley, California) will only feature the Snapdragon X Plus and 16 GB of RAM. The grey variant is expected in January, while the beige variant (solely at Best Buy) arrives in late March.

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