Chromebooks are available a bewildering array of configurations. Sometimes even making an attempt to resolve which choices to get on a single mannequin might be overwhelming. As a product tester, I exploit a spreadsheet to maintain all of it straight. But you should not have to try this, so listed here are some broad specs to bear in mind.
Processor: Chromebooks use half a dozen completely different processors, most of which you have in all probability by no means heard of. There’s a motive for that: These processors are gradual, and so they do not present up in Windows laptops. After making an attempt out loads of Intel Celeron–based mostly machines, my advice is to go along with one thing extra highly effective when you can afford it. The subsequent step up from the Celeron is the Core m3, which is the only option for most individuals. If you desire 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 never 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 when you can afford it, particularly when you plan to run any Android functions. When I’ve skilled extreme slowdowns and glitches, it is nearly all the time on a Chromebook with solely 4-GB of RAM.
Screen: Get an IPS LCD show. There are nonetheless a couple of low-end fashions on the market with crappier TN LCD shows, and it’s best to keep away from these. Your pixel decision is dependent upon the scale of the display. I’ve used (and suggest) some 11-inch Chromebooks which have 720p shows. Because these screens are squeezed right into a small kind 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 really want to fret an excessive amount of about ports. You would possibly need a pc that fees via 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 out there largely in mid- and higher-priced fashions. It additionally helps to have a MicroSD slot for expanded storage if it is advisable to obtain plenty of recordsdata throughout a typical day, however that choice can be not broadly accessible.
