Chromebooks have come a long way from being affordable cookie cutter laptops that completely rely on the Internet to function. These days Chrome OS devices can cost anywhere from $100 to upwards of $1,000. Even their form factors can vary from tablets to clamshell laptops and convertible notebooks. Meanwhile, processing power and storage has become much more important as almost all Chromebooks are capable of running Android apps.
There’s a lot more to consider when buying a Chromebook, but we’ve been keeping our finger on the pulse of this developing Chrome OS world. Whether you’re looking for a good, all-around Chromebook, something that’ll survive the rigors of the classroom, or a high-end device that’ll make Ultrabook owners jealous, you’ll find a Chromebook for you in our picks below.
The Lenovo Flex 5 Chromebook is pretty much the perfect Chromebook. It combines everything you expect from a modern, quality Chrome OS device for a starting price of $410. The Flex 5 comes wrapped in a premium aluminum shell that’s paired with a sharp and vibrant 1080p IPS display plus capable Intel Core processors.
Better yet, this Chromebook is flexible – hence the name – and you’ll be able to flip the screen over the bottom of the laptop for a tablet-like experience for your Chrome apps and any Android apps from the Google Play Store. The Intel Core i5 model we have featured here is a bit pricier at $700 than the sold-out Core i3 model we’d normally recommend, but you’re still looking at a great Chrome OS machine for the price.
Display: 11.6” (1,366 x 768) HD Touchscreen Display ● CPU: Intel Celeron N4020 ● GPU: Intel UHD 600 ● RAM: 4GB ● Storage: 64GB eMMC ● Weight: 2.64 pounds ● Size: 11.41" x 8.18" x 0.7"
For under $300, you can grab a compact Chromebook that provides a handy display and keyboard when you’re on the move with the Lenovo Chromebook Flex 3i. This isn’t a machine with a lot of muscle, as it’s only offering an Intel Celeron N4020 dual-core processor with 4GB of RAM. But that should keep you up to speed when browsing websites and preparing Google Documents. Using programs that do work in the Cloud will also help make up for the Chromebook Flex 3i’s more modest internals. For the price, it’s nice to see 64GB of storage instead of the 32GB some models come with.
The Lenovo Chromebook Flex 3i also has some surprises in store for a model this small and affordable. As the Flex in the name suggests, this Chromebook can fold, letting you use it as a traditional laptop, folded open as a tablet, or half-folded in tent mode as a display. Lenovo has also packed a surprising number of ports on this machine with two USB-C ports, two USB-A ports, and a microSD card slot. It’s also great to see an IPS display at this price, as it provides easy visibility from different angles. One last feature that flies under the radar is the use of a Wi-Fi card with 2x2 MIMO, which can provide faster Wi-Fi speeds on supported routers.
Display: 11.6” (1,366 x 768) HD Touchscreen Display ● CPU: Intel Core Celeron N4000 ● GPU: Intel UHD Graphics 600 ● RAM: 4GB ● Storage: 32GB eMMC ● Weight: 2.6 pounds ● Size: 11.5" x 7.8" x 0.8"
The Asus Chromebook Flip C214 features mil-spec durability designed to survive the rigors of the classroom. Thanks to its rubberized edges and scratch-resistant finish, this laptop comes ready to shrug off being dropped and crushed by any child or clumsy adult.
Aside from its durability, the Flip C214 features a 11.6 inch (1,366 x 768) display, Intel Celeron N4000 processor, and all day battery life to help students get through their classes. If you’re looking for a Chromebook that’ll make it through the school year and a few more to come, this is it.
As a student, you need a machine that can go the distance, hold up against the occasional accident, and avoid weighing you down. The Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Go does all of that for just $300. This Chromebook comes offering a thin and light design that measures just 0.63 inches thick and weighs just over three pounds. Plus, Samsung has built it sturdy, with the toughness to withstand the occasional mishap and even small spills. And, with a 12-hour battery life, you can keep going all day.
The Galaxy Chromebook Go has modest specs overall, with an Intel Celeron N4500 processor and 4GB of LPDDR4x memory as well as a 14-inch HD display. But, Samsung has given this Chromebook a boon with updated connectivity. It supports Wi-Fi 6, which can improve its connection to the internet. So, if you use cloud services for more demanding tasks than the Galaxy Chromebook Go can handle on-device, that Wi-Fi 6 connection will seriously improve the experience.
While many Chromebooks have screens that flip over and turn themselves into makeshift tablets, the Lenovo Chromebook Duet is one of the few true Chrome OS tablets on the market. Pretty much exactly like a Microsoft Surface Go 2, the Chromebook Duet is a tablet with an integrated kickstand and magnetic keyboard.
Despite only featuring a 10-inch screen, the display presents a sharp Full HD (1920 x 1200) picture with some extra lines of vertical resolution for good measure. Its MediaTek Helio P60T processor might not sound as familiar as any of Intel or AMD’s chipsets, but this lesser-known CPU keeps this tablet running at a peppy pace and is more than capable of running all of your favorite Android apps too.
While you can find a lot of Chromebooks offering just a pittance of memory to feed a meager CPU all alongside a basic display in a ho-hum chassis, Samsung takes things to the max. The Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 is something special right from the metal design and optional Fiesta Red finish to the unique display.
Samsung offers a modest model with an Intel Celeron processor, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of storage or a beefier version with an Intel Core i3, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage. In either case, you'll be getting a machine that can slowly sip at its 45.5Wh battery for up to 13 hours so you can get a ton done away from the power outlet. When you're done working, you'll get a special treat for enjoying media with the Galaxy Chromebook 2's 13.3-inch 1080p display by way of its QLED technology, which lets the display offer a wide color gamut and excellent brightness. You can draw on that display as well using any USI pen.
Display: 13.3” (3,840 x 2,160) UHD AMOLED Touchscreen Display ● CPU: Intel Core i5-10210U ● GPU: Intel Integrated Graphics ● RAM: 8GB ● Storage: 256GB SSD ● Weight: 2.29 pounds ● Size: 11.92” x 8” x 0.39"
If you’re looking to buy a Chromebook for streaming 4K media and making Ultrabook owners envious, you’ll want to check out the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook. To date, this machine is the only Chromebook with a 4K display. What’s more, it uses an AMOLED screen for true blacks while also covering 100% of the Adobe RGB and DCI-P3 color spectrums. This cinema-quality screen even incorporates Ambient EQ technology to adapt the color temperature and brightness of the display just like Samsung’s smartphones.
Aside from incorporating a stunning display, this Chromebook runs on an Intel Core i5-10210U processor and 8GB of memory. Storage space meanwhile starts with a 256GB SSD, so you’ll never have to worry about not having enough power or space to run your Android apps. The cherry on top of this premium 4K Chromebook is the included, stowable S-Pen for one of the best digital writing experiences you can have on Chrome OS.
Display: 14” (1,920 x 1,080) Full HD Touchscreen Display ● CPU: Intel Core i3-10110U ● GPU: Intel Integrated Graphics ● RAM: 8GB ● Storage: 128GB SSD ● Weight: 2.58 pounds ● Size: 12.6" x 8.1" x 0.54"
If you're looking for the simplicity of a Chromebook but want the capabilities to enable creative work, then the Asus Chromebook Flip C436 is a strong option. This Chromebook comes kitted with a 14-inch, Full HD display that not only supports touch but also a USI stylus. That means you have a ton of options for styluses you can use with it, and you'll be able to enjoy the more nuanced input of an active stylus.
The Asus Chromebook Flip C436 helps you stay creative by offering internals that won't slow you down, like a recent Intel Core i3 processor and 8GB of RAM. You won't have to juggle files to find space for your creations either, as the Chromebook offers 128GB of internal storage. And, if you need to share your creations, the latest Wi-Fi 6 connectivity can help improve your upload speeds. All of this capability is packed into a thin and light magnesium alloy frame that weighs just 2.5 pounds.
Display: 12.2” (1,920 x 1,200) Full HD Touchscreen Display ● CPU: Intel Celeron 3965Y ● GPU: Intel HD Graphics 615 ● RAM: 4GB ● Storage: 32GB eMMC ● Weight: 2.98 pounds ● Size: 11.34" x 8.2" x 0.67"
Chromebooks are generally known for their simplicity and basic functionality, but with the Samsung Chromebook Plus V2, you get something a bit more versatile This 2-in-1 convertible Chromebook gives you the typical laptop experience with a complete keyboard and trackpad paired with a 12.2-inch display. On this model, Samsung offers a Full HD screen, so you'll get exceptionally sharp visuals at this display size. It also can last over 13 hours on a full charge, so it's ready for your longest days of work.
When you want to do even more, you can flip the Chromebook Plus V2 over into tent or tablet modes and use it with the touchscreen. Or, you can show off your artistic skills with Samsung's included stylus, which offers both fine pressure sensitivity as well as tilt recognition, so you get life-like control over your drafting. The stylus conveniently tucks away into the chassis of the Chromebook Plus V2 so you never lose it and never need to recharge it.
Many Chromebooks aren’t the most powerful workhorses, but they can make for a handy entertainment device for streaming your favorite shows and movies, and they can do a solid job with word processing, all assuming they’ve got a big enough screen. The Samsung Chromebook 4 delivers just that. This convertible Chromebook offers a 15.6-inch Full HD display, giving you plenty of space and clarity for productivity and entertainment alike.
Inside, the Samsung Chromebook 4 packs a dual-core Intel Celeron N4000 processor, enough for light work, and 4GB of LPDDR4 memory. These lower-power parts help the Chromebook muster up to 8 hours of battery life. Though the unit only comes with 32GB of built-in storage, a microSD card slot and high-speed USB ports offer a few ways to expand storage as needed. Samsung has packed this all into a compact design with a stylish aluminum lid. It also manages to be fairly light at under four pounds.
Kevin Lee is IGN's Hardware and Roundups Editor. Follow him on Twitter @baggingspam
Mark Knapp is a regular contributor to IGN and an irregular Tweeter on Twitter @Techn0Mark
Continue reading...
There’s a lot more to consider when buying a Chromebook, but we’ve been keeping our finger on the pulse of this developing Chrome OS world. Whether you’re looking for a good, all-around Chromebook, something that’ll survive the rigors of the classroom, or a high-end device that’ll make Ultrabook owners jealous, you’ll find a Chromebook for you in our picks below.
TL;DR – These are the Best Chromebooks:
- Lenovo Chromebook Flex 3i
- Asus Chromebook Flip C214
- Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Go
- Lenovo Chromebook Duet
- Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2
- Samsung Galaxy Chromebook
- Asus Chromebook Flip C436
- Samsung Chromebook Plus V2
- Samsung Chromebook 4+
1. Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5
Best Chromebook
Display: 13.3” (1,920 x 1,080) Full HD Touchscreen Display ● CPU: Intel Core i3-10110U ● GPU: Intel Integrated Graphics ● RAM: 4GB ● Storage: 64GB eMMC ● Weight: 2.97 pounds ● Size: 12.2" x 8.43" x 0.67"The Lenovo Flex 5 Chromebook is pretty much the perfect Chromebook. It combines everything you expect from a modern, quality Chrome OS device for a starting price of $410. The Flex 5 comes wrapped in a premium aluminum shell that’s paired with a sharp and vibrant 1080p IPS display plus capable Intel Core processors.
Better yet, this Chromebook is flexible – hence the name – and you’ll be able to flip the screen over the bottom of the laptop for a tablet-like experience for your Chrome apps and any Android apps from the Google Play Store. The Intel Core i5 model we have featured here is a bit pricier at $700 than the sold-out Core i3 model we’d normally recommend, but you’re still looking at a great Chrome OS machine for the price.
2. Lenovo Chromebook Flex 3i
Best Budget Chromebook
Display: 11.6” (1,366 x 768) HD Touchscreen Display ● CPU: Intel Celeron N4020 ● GPU: Intel UHD 600 ● RAM: 4GB ● Storage: 64GB eMMC ● Weight: 2.64 pounds ● Size: 11.41" x 8.18" x 0.7"
For under $300, you can grab a compact Chromebook that provides a handy display and keyboard when you’re on the move with the Lenovo Chromebook Flex 3i. This isn’t a machine with a lot of muscle, as it’s only offering an Intel Celeron N4020 dual-core processor with 4GB of RAM. But that should keep you up to speed when browsing websites and preparing Google Documents. Using programs that do work in the Cloud will also help make up for the Chromebook Flex 3i’s more modest internals. For the price, it’s nice to see 64GB of storage instead of the 32GB some models come with.
The Lenovo Chromebook Flex 3i also has some surprises in store for a model this small and affordable. As the Flex in the name suggests, this Chromebook can fold, letting you use it as a traditional laptop, folded open as a tablet, or half-folded in tent mode as a display. Lenovo has also packed a surprising number of ports on this machine with two USB-C ports, two USB-A ports, and a microSD card slot. It’s also great to see an IPS display at this price, as it provides easy visibility from different angles. One last feature that flies under the radar is the use of a Wi-Fi card with 2x2 MIMO, which can provide faster Wi-Fi speeds on supported routers.
3. Asus Chromebook Flip C214
Best Rugged Chromebook
Display: 11.6” (1,366 x 768) HD Touchscreen Display ● CPU: Intel Core Celeron N4000 ● GPU: Intel UHD Graphics 600 ● RAM: 4GB ● Storage: 32GB eMMC ● Weight: 2.6 pounds ● Size: 11.5" x 7.8" x 0.8"
The Asus Chromebook Flip C214 features mil-spec durability designed to survive the rigors of the classroom. Thanks to its rubberized edges and scratch-resistant finish, this laptop comes ready to shrug off being dropped and crushed by any child or clumsy adult.
Aside from its durability, the Flip C214 features a 11.6 inch (1,366 x 768) display, Intel Celeron N4000 processor, and all day battery life to help students get through their classes. If you’re looking for a Chromebook that’ll make it through the school year and a few more to come, this is it.
4. Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Go
Best Chromebook for Students
Display: 14” (1,366 x 768) HD Touchscreen Display ● CPU: Intel Celeron N4500 ● GPU: Intel Integrated Graphics ● RAM: 8GB ● Storage: 64GB SSD ● Weight: 3.2 pounds ● Size: 12.88" x 8.88" x 0.63"As a student, you need a machine that can go the distance, hold up against the occasional accident, and avoid weighing you down. The Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Go does all of that for just $300. This Chromebook comes offering a thin and light design that measures just 0.63 inches thick and weighs just over three pounds. Plus, Samsung has built it sturdy, with the toughness to withstand the occasional mishap and even small spills. And, with a 12-hour battery life, you can keep going all day.
The Galaxy Chromebook Go has modest specs overall, with an Intel Celeron N4500 processor and 4GB of LPDDR4x memory as well as a 14-inch HD display. But, Samsung has given this Chromebook a boon with updated connectivity. It supports Wi-Fi 6, which can improve its connection to the internet. So, if you use cloud services for more demanding tasks than the Galaxy Chromebook Go can handle on-device, that Wi-Fi 6 connection will seriously improve the experience.
5. Lenovo Chromebook Duet
Best Chrome Tablet
Display: 13.3” (1,920 x 1,200) Full HD IPS Touchscreen Display ● CPU: MediaTek Helio P60T ● RAM: 4GB LPDDR4x ● Storage: 64GB eMCP SSD ● Weight: 2.3 pounds ● Size: 9.64" x 6.66" x 0.71"While many Chromebooks have screens that flip over and turn themselves into makeshift tablets, the Lenovo Chromebook Duet is one of the few true Chrome OS tablets on the market. Pretty much exactly like a Microsoft Surface Go 2, the Chromebook Duet is a tablet with an integrated kickstand and magnetic keyboard.
Despite only featuring a 10-inch screen, the display presents a sharp Full HD (1920 x 1200) picture with some extra lines of vertical resolution for good measure. Its MediaTek Helio P60T processor might not sound as familiar as any of Intel or AMD’s chipsets, but this lesser-known CPU keeps this tablet running at a peppy pace and is more than capable of running all of your favorite Android apps too.
6. Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2
Best High-End Chromebook
Display: 13.3” (1,920 x 1,080) QLED Touchscreen Display ● CPU: Intel Celeron 5205U ● GPU: Intel Integrated Graphics ● RAM: 4GB ● Storage: 64GB SSD ● Weight: 2.1 pounds ● Size: 12" x 8" x 0.6"While you can find a lot of Chromebooks offering just a pittance of memory to feed a meager CPU all alongside a basic display in a ho-hum chassis, Samsung takes things to the max. The Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 is something special right from the metal design and optional Fiesta Red finish to the unique display.
Samsung offers a modest model with an Intel Celeron processor, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of storage or a beefier version with an Intel Core i3, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage. In either case, you'll be getting a machine that can slowly sip at its 45.5Wh battery for up to 13 hours so you can get a ton done away from the power outlet. When you're done working, you'll get a special treat for enjoying media with the Galaxy Chromebook 2's 13.3-inch 1080p display by way of its QLED technology, which lets the display offer a wide color gamut and excellent brightness. You can draw on that display as well using any USI pen.
7. Samsung Galaxy Chromebook
Best 4K Chromebook
Display: 13.3” (3,840 x 2,160) UHD AMOLED Touchscreen Display ● CPU: Intel Core i5-10210U ● GPU: Intel Integrated Graphics ● RAM: 8GB ● Storage: 256GB SSD ● Weight: 2.29 pounds ● Size: 11.92” x 8” x 0.39"
If you’re looking to buy a Chromebook for streaming 4K media and making Ultrabook owners envious, you’ll want to check out the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook. To date, this machine is the only Chromebook with a 4K display. What’s more, it uses an AMOLED screen for true blacks while also covering 100% of the Adobe RGB and DCI-P3 color spectrums. This cinema-quality screen even incorporates Ambient EQ technology to adapt the color temperature and brightness of the display just like Samsung’s smartphones.
Aside from incorporating a stunning display, this Chromebook runs on an Intel Core i5-10210U processor and 8GB of memory. Storage space meanwhile starts with a 256GB SSD, so you’ll never have to worry about not having enough power or space to run your Android apps. The cherry on top of this premium 4K Chromebook is the included, stowable S-Pen for one of the best digital writing experiences you can have on Chrome OS.
8. Asus Chromebook Flip C436
Best Chromebook for Creatives
Display: 14” (1,920 x 1,080) Full HD Touchscreen Display ● CPU: Intel Core i3-10110U ● GPU: Intel Integrated Graphics ● RAM: 8GB ● Storage: 128GB SSD ● Weight: 2.58 pounds ● Size: 12.6" x 8.1" x 0.54"
If you're looking for the simplicity of a Chromebook but want the capabilities to enable creative work, then the Asus Chromebook Flip C436 is a strong option. This Chromebook comes kitted with a 14-inch, Full HD display that not only supports touch but also a USI stylus. That means you have a ton of options for styluses you can use with it, and you'll be able to enjoy the more nuanced input of an active stylus.
The Asus Chromebook Flip C436 helps you stay creative by offering internals that won't slow you down, like a recent Intel Core i3 processor and 8GB of RAM. You won't have to juggle files to find space for your creations either, as the Chromebook offers 128GB of internal storage. And, if you need to share your creations, the latest Wi-Fi 6 connectivity can help improve your upload speeds. All of this capability is packed into a thin and light magnesium alloy frame that weighs just 2.5 pounds.
9. Samsung Chromebook Plus V2
Best Convertible Chromebook
Display: 12.2” (1,920 x 1,200) Full HD Touchscreen Display ● CPU: Intel Celeron 3965Y ● GPU: Intel HD Graphics 615 ● RAM: 4GB ● Storage: 32GB eMMC ● Weight: 2.98 pounds ● Size: 11.34" x 8.2" x 0.67"
Chromebooks are generally known for their simplicity and basic functionality, but with the Samsung Chromebook Plus V2, you get something a bit more versatile This 2-in-1 convertible Chromebook gives you the typical laptop experience with a complete keyboard and trackpad paired with a 12.2-inch display. On this model, Samsung offers a Full HD screen, so you'll get exceptionally sharp visuals at this display size. It also can last over 13 hours on a full charge, so it's ready for your longest days of work.
When you want to do even more, you can flip the Chromebook Plus V2 over into tent or tablet modes and use it with the touchscreen. Or, you can show off your artistic skills with Samsung's included stylus, which offers both fine pressure sensitivity as well as tilt recognition, so you get life-like control over your drafting. The stylus conveniently tucks away into the chassis of the Chromebook Plus V2 so you never lose it and never need to recharge it.
10. Samsung Chromebook 4+
Best 15-inch Chromebook
Display: 15.6” (1,920 x 1,080) Full HD Touchscreen Display ● CPU: Intel Celeron N4000 ● GPU: Intel Integrated Graphics ● RAM: 4GB LPDDR4 ● Storage: 32GB eMMC ● Weight: 3.8 pounds ● Size: 14.16" x 9.64" x 0.65"Many Chromebooks aren’t the most powerful workhorses, but they can make for a handy entertainment device for streaming your favorite shows and movies, and they can do a solid job with word processing, all assuming they’ve got a big enough screen. The Samsung Chromebook 4 delivers just that. This convertible Chromebook offers a 15.6-inch Full HD display, giving you plenty of space and clarity for productivity and entertainment alike.
Inside, the Samsung Chromebook 4 packs a dual-core Intel Celeron N4000 processor, enough for light work, and 4GB of LPDDR4 memory. These lower-power parts help the Chromebook muster up to 8 hours of battery life. Though the unit only comes with 32GB of built-in storage, a microSD card slot and high-speed USB ports offer a few ways to expand storage as needed. Samsung has packed this all into a compact design with a stylish aluminum lid. It also manages to be fairly light at under four pounds.
Kevin Lee is IGN's Hardware and Roundups Editor. Follow him on Twitter @baggingspam
Mark Knapp is a regular contributor to IGN and an irregular Tweeter on Twitter @Techn0Mark
Continue reading...
