Opting For a Chromebook Can Save a Lot Of Money, But Is It Right For You? Do you want the most diverse tasks, like using the internet, playing games, or watching movies? Do you want to replace your laptop with Chromebook?
Well, if you spend the whole day in a web browser, you don’t need the stuff that comes with Apple’s macOS or Microsoft Windows because Google’s ChromeOS offers a sleek computing experience that allows you to run Android and Linux apps. Yes, I am talking about replacing your laptop with a Chromebook.
What Exactly is Chromebook?
A Chromebook is a notebook running Chrome OS, a Linux-based operating system. They use Google Chrome primarily for various functions, and many programs and data are stored in the cloud rather than on the device.
In 2018, Chromebooks dominated the market for inexpensive laptops. It wasn’t true a few years ago when Google’s browser-based operating system users were unsure what to do. However, now that Chromebooks have effectively entered the educational market, young and old users are familiar with Chrome OS.
Chrome OS runs exclusively on Chromebook, the name for a laptop, two-in-one, and tablet nowadays that run on Google operating system. If you’ve used Chrome, you should know that the browser is the portal. You can nearly do everything on Chrome OS. Google has created an easy-to-use operating system with low maintenance because it doesn’t utilize much power to run a Chromebook.
Difference Between a Chromebook And a Regular Laptop?
Yes, there are a lot of differences between Chromebooks and laptops. The most varied activities on a Chromebook include browsing the internet, playing games, and watching movies. You rely on the apps available for your Chromebook in the Play Store, whether you use the Chrome web browser directly or download Android apps from there. There are various apps available for this purpose. The Play Store has an app that will work for you.
On the other hand, a laptop is suitable for browsing the internet, writing texts, and sending emails. You can also watch movies on your laptop. Depending on the processor and the RAM, you can edit photos and videos on some laptops. You need a laptop with a ‘separate’ dedicated video card to play games. MacBooks are less suitable for gaming because few games are released for macOS.
What Makes Chromebooks Different From Other Laptops?
The big innovation that a Chromebook brought to market is eliminating a typical and multi-function PC operating system that does everything from booting systems and sorting documents to running programs and playing CDs. Instead, Chromebooks use minimalistic Google’s Chrome OS, based on Linux. In turn, the Chrome OS uses the Chrome browser as a primary user interface, similar to how other operating systems might launch programs from the so-called “desktop.”
The Most Important Chromebook Factor:
Unfortunately, many consumers who purchase Chromebooks later feel misled, duped, and cheated when they learn that they differ significantly from the Mac or Windows machines they are accustomed to. Chromebooks don’t run programs, in contrast to Windows laptops and MacBooks (anything with a .exe or .app file extension). The biggest adjustment for someone switching to a Chromebook maybe this.
People frequently turn on a new Chromebook and immediately begin looking for the apps or programs they are used to, only to find that they cannot do so on the Chromebook. In contrast to other possibilities, Chromebooks are cloud-based computers that use the potent Chrome browser. As a result, you won’t be able to download any of the software previously installed on your Windows or Mac laptops.
This can immediately take the Chromebook out of contention for many people. However, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It’s just a different experience than you’re used to. But, I can say that the Chromebook can be a great investment if you need a new laptop that won’t make you sweat when you check your bank account.
What Are Some Advantages Of Chromebooks?
With cheap hardware and software components, Chromebooks have quickly earned a spot in the PC marketplace for buyers seeking a low-cost laptop, allowing them to conduct most activities online. With the popularity of Chromebooks going beyond the budget, more advanced PC users are giving value to Chromebooks for fast boot times, lightweight systems, and overall mobility.
Advantages of a Chromebook computer include:
- Lightweight OS
- Long battery life
- Optimized for Google apps
- Fast boot times
- Browser-based simplicity
- Extremely thin and light
- Long battery life
The minimalistic Chrome OS and the absence of a typical spinning hard drive mean it can be unplugged for a longer time.
1. Optimized for Google apps:
If you rely on Google apps such as Calendar and Gmail, the Chrome OS is optimized for using these Google products conveniently.
2. Fast Boot Times:
With an intentionally minimalistic OS and data stored on a solid-state drive, Chromebooks have less to accomplish when booting up, drastically reducing startup time. Chromebooks boot up in just 10 seconds!
3. Browser-Based Simplicity:
If you can use a web browser like Chrome, you can also use a Chromebook. The user interface is the Chrome browser, a familiar platform to many.
4. Extremely Thin and Light:
With fewer bulky internal components, Chromebooks are among the thinnest, lightest PC devices available today.
Things To Consider While Buying a Chromebook:
It’s important to remember that not all Chromebooks are made equally. Some are strong, while a select few are expensive.
Even if a powerful Chromebook costs $1,000/£1,000/AU$1,300, it will only be able to run inside the Google Play and Google Chrome Stores.
Some Chromebooks are pricey, just like the Google Pixelbook, but we have the best look at the Pixelbook Go, which should provide budget-conscious consumers with a cheaper Pixelbook. There are no benefits over a Windows laptop at this pricing point.
It might not be obvious for you to decide what to consider while buying a Chromebook from hundreds of brands in the market. Here is a complete guide of the points you should check every time before buying a suitable Chromebook for you.
Design:
According to the type of device, not all of the features we consider “standard” will come standard on every Chromebook. Chromebooks usually come as laptops or two-in-ones, so you’ll need to decide if you want the versatility of a 360-degree hinge. If you want to use numerous Android apps on your Chromebook, get a two-in-one with a touchscreen. It is the best option since you can switch it into tablet mode and use it as an Android mobile device. The same goes for those who plan to use it as a multimedia device— streaming videos on YouTube and Netflix is easy when using convertible intent or show modes.
Beware to check the tech specs of the Chromebook to ensure it has basic features, such as an HD or FHD screen, a backlit keyboard, a non-touch or touch panel, and an included stylus. You should also check ports to see if your preferred Chromebook has the ports you need.
RAM:
RAM helps the device run quickly when several tabs are open. Most Chromebooks come with 4GB of RAM, sufficient for those who use the Chromebook for leisurely YouTube watching, Web browsing, and a light Android app.
Those who want to push Chrome OS forward—users with more than 20 browser tabs open at one time or while streaming YouTub, should get a machine with at least 8GB RAM. It ensures that the machine doesn’t lag as you open more tabs and programs and use them simultaneously.
Storage:
Storage isn’t the most important factor in a Chromebook, but it shouldn’t be overlooked. Chrome OS works because Google expects users to rely (at least partially) on cloud-based storage services like Google Drive, DropBox, and others. Every Chromebook needs some storage—people who go Google’s recommended route can get by with just 16GB or 32GB of storage. Remember, it is similar to those in low- to mid-range smartphones. So, the Chromebook will have the same storage capacity as one of those handheld devices.
If you prefer to save some documents locally or download different apps and programs, you should get a Chromebook with 64GB to 128GB of storage.
Price:
Some prefer affordable Chromebooks. Mostly, Chrome OS laptops and convertibles are priced from $199 to $499, a couple of hundred dollars less than the affordable Windows devices.
All of the previously outlined factors contribute to the price of a Chromebook: design, RAM, and storage. A Chromebook that works well for most customers can be found at nearly $299-$499.
We are now presenting some best Chromebooks to assist you in buying your favorite according to your needs.
Best Chromebooks 2024:
Here is the list of best Chromebooks that you can buy in 2024 and 2023.
- Acer Chromebook Spon 713.
- 2- Asus Chromebook Flip C434:
- Lenovo Chromebook Duet
- Lenovo IdeaPad Duet Chromebook
- Samsung Chromebook 3
- HP X360 14 CHROMEBOOK
- GOOGLE PIXELBOOK GO
- HP Chromebook 14
- ACER SPIN 11
- Asus Chromebook Flip C436F
- HP Chromebook x2
- DELL INSPIRON 14 Chromebook
- Acer Chromebook 15
- SAMSUNG CHROMEBOOK PLUS V2
- LENOVO C340 CHROMEBOOK
1. Acer Chromebook Spin 713:
Acer’s Chromebook Spin 713 is the best because it has a gorgeous 3:2 screen that rivals other expensive competitors. The keyboard is excellent, with nice and comfortable backlighting. There’s an HDMI port that you don’t see on a thin Chromebook every day. The 10th-Gen Intel processors handle a heavy load of tabs easily. The Spin’s speakers are not great, and there’s no biometric login as well, but these are reasonable sacrifices for a laptop of this quality at an affordable price.
In the market where the main differences between Chromebooks at this price range boils down to their screens and maybe a stylus, Acer sets itself apart by making an affordable laptop that’s excellent in almost every way. The Intel Core i7 2.80 GHz processor offers incredible speed and top performance for the most demanding jobs and gaming. Users can run multiple programs simultaneously using 16 GB of LPDDR4X RAM. The 13.5″ 2256 x 1504 screen makes watching movies a pleasure. You get immediate access to the internet, cloud storage, emails, and all your preferred apps with Chrome OS. You can work continuously for 10 hours while remaining unconnected.
2. Asus Chromebook Flip C434:
The best Chromebook, Flip C434, is an excellent successor to the Flip C302CA. Not only do its super-small bezels allow Asus to fit its large 14-inch screen into a smaller chassis than you’d expect, but that screen is also both bright and vibrant. On top of that, its aluminum design gives a more premium feel than most Chromebooks. Oh, I almost forgot to mention: it lasts about 10 hours on a single charge.
The touchscreen display on the FHD display has a sturdy 360-degree hinge that can transform it into a tablet, tent, or upright mode. The Intel Core m3-8100Y Processor (up to 3.4 GHz) provides lightning-fast performance. This has the ability to handle handling a lot of tabs or running a lot of programs. The C434’s lightweight (3 lbs) all-aluminum metal construction gives it a timeless appearance that will never go out of style.
3. Lenovo Chromebook Duet:
Lenovo Chromebook Duet gives excellent value if you’re looking for your on-the-go work at an affordable price. It’s an ultra-portable 10.1-inch device with a kickstand cover and detachable keyboard. The Duet has a MediaTek Helio P60T processor, up to 128GB of storage, and 4GB of RAM, and performs well if you are browsing and don’t want to use a super heavy load.
Additionally, Chrome OS, designed for its convertible form factor, is used. The Duet supports an Android-like gesture navigation method for moving between programs while it is not connected to a keyboard. However, this Chromebook’s battery life is its most noteworthy quality. It can operate for up to 11 hours nonstop with a severe workload. Of course, this Chromebook has its shortcomings. The touchpad is tiny, has a 16:10 screen, only one USB-C connector, and no headphone jack. These are acceptable trade-offs to make at such a low cost. As a result, it works well as a secondary device for studying or browsing while on the road.
4. Lenovo IdeaPad Duet Chromebook:
You might be thinking, is it a Chromebook or a tablet? Luckily, you won’t have to decide as long as you have a brilliant Lenovo IdeaPad Duet Chromebook. It delivers two form factors in one while utilizing the Chrome OS’s versatility and sets you back less than many of the top Windows tablets. Of course, unlike all the best Chromebooks, its battery is an incredibly long life of almost 22 hours – so you can pull an all-night work through the day, and you’ll still have it before it runs out of juice.
Naturally – the keyboard is tiny, and the trackpad is not reliable. The charger and headphones share one port. However, if budget is your top priority, these Chromebooks are not deal-breakers. A quick and stable plug-and-play detachable keyboard with a 5-point pogo pin and magnet design is included in this ultraportable 2-in-1 Chromebook. The Chromebook Duet is slim and light, with a 10-hour battery life. You will be fashionable, productive, and useful thanks to the tablet’s distinctive dual-tone design with aluminum alloy and the stand cover’s elegant fabric texture.
5. Samsung Chromebook 3:
Samsung’s 11.6-inch laptop is light enough to bring everywhere and is undoubtedly the greatest Chromebook bargain. The Chromebook 3’s Celeron N3060-powered 4GB RAM makes multitasking effortless. It seems sophisticated for a cheap smartphone. Although plastic, the metallic black cover is cozy in any setting. The Chromebook 3 runs for a continuous 9 hours, and 44 minutes on the Laptop Mag Battery Test, which is more than enough time for working and browsing the web all day. It’s undoubtedly one of the most affordable and effective Chromebooks available.
The Chromebook 3 performed excellently in our Chromebook drop test, which involved dropping 11 of the most popular Chromebooks from 2.5 feet and 4.5 feet onto concrete and carpet. Although not technically ruggedized, Samsung’s laptop showed no signs of wear after our first few drops.
6. HP X360 14 CHROMEBOOK:
It is a powerful Chromebook with a sleek and beautiful design. If you want extra power, don’t mind getting a slightly larger laptop, the HP Chromebook x360 14. HP has numerous configurations falling under this name, but we will suggest the model we had tested with 8GB RAM and 64GB storage to run with the i3 processor.
We picked Asus because of its elegant design; there isn’t much to complain about because of its slightly larger display. It has the same ports, storage space, and RAM. The keyboard is excellent. It also sounds better because the speakers are on the keyboard deck instead of the bottom.
7. GOOGLE PIXELBOOK GO:
The Google Pixelbook Go is a stunning 13.3-inch laptop that weighs only 2.3 pounds. It incorporates a magnesium chassis and ridged grip on the bottom to prevent slipping on slopes. The Pixelbook Go is a sleek, portable device that performs well. Through its USB-C connectors, it offers fast charging. With a battery life of nearly eight hours, you should have no trouble getting through a long workday. Its quiet, well-traveled keyboard is a fantastic highlight feature.
It is an expensive product and doesn’t top our list because the Chromebook Flip C434 offers similar specs and features for a comparatively lower price. We think many shoppers who value a long battery and lightweight design might prefer to spend more on this device.
8. HP Chromebook 14:
The best Chromebooks balance the efficient use of Chrome OS and a bargain price. HP Chromebook 14, ultimately, is the perfect example. While it is similar to the Acer Chromebook 15 in many aspects, this 14-inch Chromebook is more compact and looks slightly better than others. HP Chromebook 14 offers the best value of any Chromebook out there in the market with a bright blue finish and screen made to surprise.
Even though the HP Chromebook 14 is one of the top Chromebooks, the battery life and performance are only average. We are delighted by its lightweight construction and slender, elegant style. In light of this, the HP Chromebook 14 is an excellent option for anyone looking for a durable laptop that they can easily transport. This is a perfect option if you want to use a laptop while sitting on a couch. The HP Chromebook 14 is a marvelously adaptable Chromebook that, unlike other Chromebooks, has many connectors, including HDMI-out, USB 3.0, and a microSD card slot.
9. ACER SPIN 11:
If you want a portable and versatile Chromebook, then the Acer Spin 11 fits the budget very nicely. It reminds you that Chromebooks are fun and run Android apps very well at the same time. You don’t get the best specs, with the screen resolution and internal storage, the lowlights, but this is still very usable and will give you several years of good service—a true alternative to Windows and macOS laptops have to offer.
Chromebooks are run by Chrome OS, a Google operating system created for modern life. It features built-in virus protection, gets updates automatically, starts up swiftly, and keeps running quickly over time. (Access to the Internet is required.) Since Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides are pre-installed on every Chromebook, you may edit, download, and convert Microsoft Office files with these tools. You may use your Chromebook to access various Google Play Store apps, games, music, movies, TV shows, books, magazines, and more.
10. Asus Chromebook Flip C436F:
Premium Chromebooks occupy their space in the laptop market, bridging that gap between powerful traditional laptops and lightweight Chromebooks. And the Asus Chromebook Flip C436F is perhaps one of the very few examples of these out there, with its superb power, terrific feature set, premium build, and a price tag that’s cheaper than its rivals.
During our time with the Asus Chromebook Flip C436F, we were blown away by its exquisite design, which featured a magnesium alloy shell, a magnificent 1080p screen, and a fantastic keyboard. This could compete with high-end laptops like the MacBook or Dell XPS 13, with features like fingerprint recognition and Wi-Fi 6 connectivity. This is one of the greatest Chromebooks 2020 offers if you’re seeking a lightweight OS device that boasts greater power than the rest of the clan.
11. HP Chromebook x2:
It is the best 2-in-1 Chromebook. With a long-life battery and a detachable design, the XP Chromebook x2 is everything one wishes for business purposes. It’s the same as a Microsoft Surface Pro running Chrome OS. It also offers a sharp and bright display, a comfy keyboard, and a quality sound for solid typing. The Core m3 processor is not blazing, but it’s plenty for working primarily in the cloud. Moreover, it includes the keyboard and pen in the price.
The HP Chromebook x2 outperforms Microsoft’s adorable 2-in-1. You will benefit from a larger 12.3-inch screen for in-lap typing and extended battery life. Unfortunately, there are some performance issues with the Chromebook x2. The bezels are fairly thick. HP has innovated with this amazing detachable laptop, which is not only one of the best. HP offers a 90-day phone support period and a one-year hardware guarantee.
12. DELL INSPIRON 14 Chromebook:
The 3.99-pound Inspiron 14 is a bit heavy, a sturdy convertible product with brushed aluminum chassis giving it a premium look. It has a wide backlit keyboard and a good 1920 x 1080 display with color accuracy. An 8th Gen Core i3 processor, 4GB RAM, and 128GB storage deliver snappy performance for multitasking, streaming, browsing, and even more demanding artistic functions.
The Inspiron 14 has a stylus in a dedicated socket inside the chassis. Thanks to electromagnetic resonance technology, it doesn’t need any batteries or charging. It has 4GB system memory for basic multitasking; 128GB eMMC flash memory.
13. Acer Chromebook 15:
The Chromebook 15 is one of the thinnest Chromebooks available. Its 15.6″ Full HD ultra-thin frame makes it simple to tuck into a bag, backpack, or briefcase and carry with you. The touchpad, the biggest on a Chromebook, has ample space for scrolling and allows intuitive gestures. It favors longevity over beefy specs. With a solid build quality that rivals a MacBook, it’s easy to excuse the Acer Chromebook 15’s aversion to 2-in-1 form factors.
Still, given that the best Chromebooks rolling out this year are fully convertible, thanks to Android app support’s wide adoption, the Acer Chromebook 15 had to prove itself with more than great style. Beyond its aptitude for lying flat using a 180-degree hinge, this beautiful 15-inch Chromebook also makes a great impression with its battery life, lasting nearly 17 hours in our battery test.
14. SAMSUNG CHROMEBOOK PLUS V2:
Convertible Samsung Chromebook Plus V2 is away from the budget purchase. It offers a lot for its price, including a built-in battery-free, extra front-facing camera for quick photos of blackboards or job sites, and a stylus. The camera above the keyboard is also a high-resolution — 13-megapixel sensor with autofocus.
The V2 also has a nice design with another premium Chromebooks, including an aluminum lid. It’s portable at 2.9 pounds and has a microSD slot in addition to its two USB-C ports and headphone jack.
15. LENOVO C340 CHROMEBOOK:
Who says Chromebooks have to look ordinary? It’s not the case with Lenovo C340 because it gives off the impression of costing much more money than it actually. It is made of grey plastic and aluminum, with a large, vibrant screen and a nicely laid out keyboard giving a satisfying typing experience.
The 15.6-inch display flips, so the laptop doubles as a tablet, and you can prop it up in a ‘tent’ position if you want to enjoy some movies by sitting back. It’s not the finest or lightest Chromebook we’ve ever seen, but you will get a good selection of ports and buttons. With excellent quality, impressive battery life, and flexibility, it’s a Chromebook worth noting. It is worth a place on our list of the best Chromebooks of 2020. It is a fantastic value at a price, and it’s a very appealing option overall.
Final Words:
Chromebooks are known as cheap and low-end devices. And while they can offer an exceptional bargain in many cases, that’s not the end. If you strip away the software fluff doesn’t mean you have to strip away the hardware power. There are high-end Chromebooks and powerful, capable machines. In many ways, they’re the best in the world, with good hardware, lightweight software, and everything you need for web-based work.
This article has almost included the best Chromebooks available on Amazon. You can buy yourself one without any confusion.
Happy Shopping!
