CTL Chromebook PX141EXT Review | PCMag

Aimed at educational and government-agency fleet use, this CTL model has an all-black design that is as understated as it gets. Only the small logos on the lid and just below the screen catch the eye.

(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)

Although the Chromebook’s plastic construction exhibits minor flex, it remains within acceptable limits. The material is reasonably thick and feels like it can withstand wear and tear. The PX141EXT has passed MIL-STD 810H testing for drop resistance and functionality in extreme conditions.

(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)

At 0.74 by 12.9 by 9 inches, the PX141EXT is similarly sized to other 14-inch Chromebooks we’ve tried. While the bottom display bezel is thicker than expected, the display can open a full 180 degrees. This feature is particularly handy for sharing content with someone across from you, especially as this model has a touch screen—a feature still relatively uncommon among Chromebooks. On the downside, the CTL’s 3.6-pound carry weight is somewhat heavy; the 14-inch Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 is nearly half a pound lighter.

(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)

The laptop’s connectivity is impressive, including two USB 3.2 Type-C ports (either suitable for charging), two USB 3.2 Type-A ports, a 3.5mm audio jack, and a microSD flash-card slot. Internally, it offers Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 wireless. Its security features include a Kensington cable lock slot and a physical webcam privacy shutter.

(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)

The PX141EXT has just enough power to handle online tasks, with a quad-core Intel Processor N100, integrated Intel UHD graphics, 8GB of RAM, and a 128GB eMMC storage drive. (A stripped-down base model, the PX141E, has a lower-resolution 1,366-by-768-pixel non-touch display and half the storage.) While this hardware might not look impressive for a Windows laptop, ChromeOS is pretty lightweight and runs just fine with it.

CTL intends its Chromebooks to be used for the long haul. You can order one with up to four years of warranty, including accidental damage coverage. The company provides free RMA shipping and a five-day service turnaround, as well as fleet leasing programs with configuration and deployment services including zero-touch provisioning. Spare parts are also available, and CTL has a refurb and recycling program.