Chromebooks come in a bewildering array of configurations. From time to time even attempting to determine which alternatives to get on a solitary model can be too much to handle. As a solution tester, I have to use a spreadsheet to hold it all straight. But you should not have to do that, so here are some broad specs to hold in intellect when picking out a single.
Processor: Chromebooks use half a dozen distinctive processors, most of which you’ve most likely never listened to of. You will find a reason for that: these processors are slow, and they never clearly show up in Home windows laptops. Right after attempting out a good deal of Intel Celeron-based mostly devices (commonly labeled N4000), my advice is to go with some thing more powerful if you can find the money for it. The future action up from the Celeron is the Core m3, which is the greatest preference for most individuals. If you want a more powerful, future-proof machine, get an i3 or i5 chip.
We are starting up to see more ARM-based mostly Chromebooks, like the Lenovo Duet previously mentioned. I have not had any troubles making use of ARM Chromebooks, but they are not very as speedy as the Intel Core chips. There are some newer Chromebooks making use of AMD’s new Ryzen chips, and I’ve had fantastic encounters with them.
RAM: Get 8 gigabytes of memory if you can find the money for it, specifically if you strategy to run any Android apps. When I’ve expert serious slowdowns and glitches, it is really practically normally on a Chromebook with only four gigs of RAM.
Display: Get an IPS Lcd display. There are however a number of very low-conclusion models out there with crappier TN Lcd shows, and you should avoid all those. Your pixel resolution relies upon on the measurement of the monitor. I have employed (and advise) some 11-inch Chromebooks that have 720p shows. For the reason that all those screens are squeezed into a smaller sort element, I come across them acceptably sharp, but of training course, a 1080p monitor will be a great deal nicer.
Ports: Most things you do on a Chromebook are cloud-based mostly, so you never actually want to get worried also a great deal about ports. You may possibly want a computer that costs through a USB-C port if you would like to be capable to run your Chromebook off a portable battery/charger, but regrettably, USB-C is actually only available in mid- and larger-priced models. It also helps to have a MicroSD slot for expanded storage if you want to obtain a large amount of documents throughout a typical day, but that alternative is also not greatly available.