31 Aug The Best Chromebooks You Can Buy Right Now
Chromebooks are continuing to take the market by storm. Chromebooks have managed to make a category for themselves in the portable computer space, standing against the massive demand for tablets and traditional laptops. These machines are in high demand due to many consumers opting for a Chrome OS laptop over a Windows OS laptop.
The need for a traditional computer is no longer crucial. Tablets and phones are more often than not sufficient for laid-back users. Chrome OS devices offer bigger screens and a proper keyboard. All the while keeping the experience light and portable. We’re here to answer commonly asked questions like what is a Chromebook. How are Chromebooks and laptops different, and which ones are the best to buy right now?
What is a Chromebook?
You may be accustomed to choosing between Windows and Apple’s macOS when shopping for a new computer, whether it be for a laptop or a desktop. However, Chromebooks have offered a third option ever since they were created in 2011. But what is a Chromebook? Chromebooks don’t run macOS or Windows operating systems. Instead, they run on Linux-based Chrome OS.
Chromebooks are very portable and light computers running on Chrome OS that were designed to run activities that generally run in a browser. However, that doesn’t mean they can’t run apps. Chromebooks actually have a lot of app support, but they’re not meant for heavy activities. Generally, a Chrome OS machine will work for you if the work resides mainly in a web browser.
Chromebooks vs. Laptops
Chromebooks aren’t that different from laptops when you look at them from a hardware perspective. They’re portable computing device that is pretty similar to laptops in terms of essential hardware and design. Some of them also share similarities with tablets. The significant difference between the two is the operating systems. For Chromebooks, it’s Chrome OS, macOS on MacBooks, and Windows on traditional laptops.
Another significant difference is the built-in storage. Since Chrome OS is a light operating system, and most apps are web-based, most Chrome OS laptops come with restricted internal storage. We would like to note that most Chromebook users don’t need a lot of storage. Additionally, external HDDs/SSDs are always an option.
Is a Chromebook right for you?
For a lot of people, a Chromebook can do just about everything they need. This is ideal because Chromebooks are often cheaper than traditional laptops. However, this doesn’t mean a Chromebook is perfect for everyone.
Another limitation is that because Chromebooks use Chrome OS, you can’t install traditional software found on Windows like Adobe Photoshop or Microsoft Office. So if you like playing the most recent games on your computer or use a lot of third-party software, a Chromebook will most likely not be able to do everything you need.
The Best Chromebooks You Can Buy Right Now
Here are some of the best Chromebooks you can purchase today.
Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2
The Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 is the successor to the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook. The original Samsung Galaxy Chromebook had a 4K display, but that has been changed to a QLED display. This is probably the best thing Samsung could have done. Now it’s way more affordable, but still sports a great-looking display and longer battery life. It’s also going to sound great and be very speedy, thanks to its Core i3 configuration.
I would like to mention that the vertical travel on this keyboard isn’t great; it’s a bit shallow. This shallow vertical travel does create a slight learning curve, but you’ll find that you’ll adapt to it in no time. One thing we love about this Chromebook is the color. Many Chromebooks are made in silver, while this comes in a wonderful Fiesta Red color option. This Chromebook comes in under $450, making it a pretty good value.
Lenovo Chromebook Duet
The Lenovo Chromebook Duet is a 10-inch Chromebook that has a detachable screen. The detachable screen can be used as a tablet. However, this Chromebook’s smaller size slightly limits the OS in comparison to other devices. Fortunately, you can connect to an external display via the USB-C port. The Lenovo Duet is the ideal pick for those looking for an affordable Chromebook. Its small size might be an issue, depending on your needs, but the portability and efficiency it offers are worth considering.
We wouldn’t say it’s the absolute best Chromebook on the market today, but for its convenience and cost, it’s a decent choice. There is an updated version of this Chromebook, the Chromebook Duet 3. It features a 2K-resolution 11-inch touchscreen, faster processors, and an improved keyboard. However, it is more expensive, starting at $400.
Asus Chromebook Detachable CM3
The CM3 is Asus’s version of the Lenovo Chromebook Duet. It’s understandable why Asus would try to recreate the Duet since it’s one of the highest-rated Chromebooks. The Asus Chromebook Detachable CM3 is a 16:10 Chrome OS, 10.5-inch tablet with a kickstand, fabric cover, and a detachable keyboard. We would like to note that it’s slightly more expensive than the Lenovo Chromebook Duet, but it does have a few more features.
One unique perk to this Chromebook is its kickstand. The kickstand folds in various ways so you can achieve a variety of different viewing angles. We’re not sure how practical this actually is for the average user, but it’s definitely something that stands out and is something to keep in mind.
The CM3 also comes with roomy keys and a built-in stylus. As a result, the keys have an unexpected amount of travel. But the thing we liked the most about this Chromebook was the battery life. The average lifespan is close to 13 hours when the work is continuous.
The Asus Chromebook Detachable CM3 won’t be the best choice for everyone. It only has two ports, one audio jack, and one USB-C. Additionally, the MediaTek processor is a little sluggish when compared to more expensive options. But if you’re looking for a convertible Chrome OS device, the CM3 is definitely an option to consider.