Chromebooks are available a bewildering array of configurations. Typically even attempting to determine which choices to get on a single mannequin may be overwhelming. As a product tester, I exploit a spreadsheet to maintain all of it straight. However you should not have to do this, so listed below are some broad specs to remember.
Processor: Chromebooks use half a dozen completely different processors, most of which you have most likely by no means heard of. There is a purpose for that: These processors are gradual, and so they do not present up in Home windows laptops. After attempting out loads of Intel Celeron–primarily based machines, my suggestion is to go along with one thing extra highly effective if you happen to can afford it. The subsequent step up from the Celeron is the Core m3, which is your best option for most individuals. In order for you a extra highly effective, future-proof machine, get an i3 or i5 chip.
We’re beginning to see extra ARM-based Chromebooks, just like the Lenovo Duet above. I have not had any points utilizing ARM Chromebooks, however they are not fairly as speedy because the Intel Core chips. There are some newer Chromebooks utilizing AMD’s newest Ryzen chips, and I’ve had good experiences with them.
RAM: Get 8-GB of reminiscence if you happen to can afford it, particularly if you happen to plan to run any Android functions. Once I’ve skilled extreme slowdowns and glitches, it is nearly all the time on a Chromebook with solely 4-GB of RAM.
Display screen: Get an IPS LCD show. There are nonetheless just a few low-end fashions on the market with crappier TN LCD shows, and you need to keep away from these. Your pixel decision relies on the dimensions of the display screen. I’ve used (and advocate) some 11-inch Chromebooks which have 720p shows. As a result of these screens are squeezed right into a small kind issue, I discover them acceptably sharp, however a 1080p display screen shall be a lot nicer.
Ports: Most stuff you do on a Chromebook are cloud-based, so you do not actually need to fret an excessive amount of about ports. You may want a pc that costs by way of a USB-C port if you would like to have the ability to run your Chromebook off a conveyable battery/charger, however USB-C charging is offered principally in mid- and higher-priced fashions. It additionally helps to have a MicroSD slot for expanded storage if it’s essential to obtain quite a lot of information throughout a typical day, however that choice can also be not extensively out there.
