Image used with permission by copyright holderJust as Chromebooks continue to compete strongly with low-end Windows 10 machines, so too do manufacturers continue to push the envelope with new Chromebook designs. A recent leak indicates that Samsung has plans for a very high-end Chromebook Pro machine with some serious specs, and Samsung is not alone.

　　Today, some FCC information was identified that hints at a new Asus Chromebook that will fall somewhere between the lowest-end Chromebooks and the most premium, as Notebook Italia reports. Like the leaked Samsung Chromebook Pro, the Asus Chromebook C302CA as it’s currently designated will be a 2-in-1, with a 360-degree hinge allowing conversion between standard notebook and tablet formats.

　　Related: Samsung Chromebook Pro specs leaked

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　　According to the FCC data, the new Asus machine will offer a 12.5-inch FullHD (1,920 x 1,080 pixel) resolution IPS touchscreen and at least an Intel M3-6Y30 Skylake processor — and so no Kaby Lake at this point. Additional specs include up to 8GB of RAM, 32GB eMMC storage, a 39kWh battery, and both 802.11AC and Bluetooth. Connectivity options could include two USB-C ports and a micro SD card reader, and Pen support is hinted at.

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　　Image used with permission by copyright holder

　　Image used with permission by copyright holder

　　Image used with permission by copyright holder

　　Image used with permission by copyright holder

　　Image used with permission by copyright holder

　　Image used with permission by copyright holder

　　Asus currently offers another, decidedly lower-end 2-in-1 based on Google’s PC-like OS, the Chromebook Flip, that provides an 11-inch display, a Rockchip 3288 processor, 2GB of RAM, and 16GB of storage for a retail price of $249. The Chromebook C302CA, therefore, would represent a serious step up in terms of performance and design. Unlike the plastic used in the Chromebook Flip, the higher-level Asus model will utilize aluminum for a more premium feel.

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　　As usual with such leaked information, there’s no idea when the machine might be available for purchase. Whenever it does arrive, however, it could sport a relatively premium price for a Chromebook at around $660. That would place the new 2-in-1 well outside of the entry level sought by the most budget-conscious buyers, and yet still somewhat lower than similarly configured Windows 10 machines.