Chromebooks are available a bewildering array of configurations. Generally even making an attempt to resolve which choices to get on a single mannequin could be overwhelming. As a product tester, I take advantage of 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 totally different processors, most of which you have most likely by no means heard of. There is a purpose for that: These processors are sluggish, they usually do not present up in Home windows laptops. After making an attempt out loads of Intel Celeron–based mostly 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. If you’d like 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 don’t seem to be 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 purposes. After I’ve skilled extreme slowdowns and glitches, it is virtually at all times on a Chromebook with solely 4-GB of RAM.
Display: Get an IPS LCD show. There are nonetheless just a few low-end fashions on the market with crappier TN LCD shows, and you must keep away from these. Your pixel decision will depend on the scale of the display. I’ve used (and suggest) some 11-inch Chromebooks which have 720p shows. As a result of these screens are squeezed right into a small type issue, I discover them acceptably sharp, however a 1080p display 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 prices by means of a USB-C port if you would like to have the ability to run your Chromebook off a transportable battery/charger, however USB-C charging is offered largely in mid- and higher-priced fashions. It additionally helps to have a MicroSD slot for expanded storage if it is advisable obtain loads of information throughout a typical day, however that choice can also be not broadly accessible.
