Chromebooks are available in a bewildering array of configurations. Sometimes even making an attempt to determine which choices to get on a single mannequin may 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 below are some broad specs to bear in mind.
Processor:(*9*) Chromebooks use half a dozen totally different processors, most of which you’ve got in all probability by no means heard of. There’s a cause for that: These processors are sluggish, and so they do not present up in Windows laptops. After making an attempt out loads of Intel Celeron–primarily based machines (normally labeled N4000), 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 need 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:(*9*) Get 8 gigabytes of reminiscence if you happen to can afford it, particularly if you happen to plan to run any Android functions. When I’ve skilled extreme slowdowns and glitches, it is virtually all the time on a Chromebook with solely 4 gigs of RAM.
Screen:(*9*) Get an IPS LCD show. There are nonetheless just a few low-end fashions on the market with crappier TN LCD shows, and it is best to keep away from these. Your pixel decision is determined by the dimensions 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 after all a 1080p display will likely be a lot nicer.
Ports:(*9*) Most belongings 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 by 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 principally in mid- and higher-priced fashions. It additionally helps to have a MicroSD slot for expanded storage if it’s essential obtain numerous recordsdata throughout a typical day, however that choice can be not extensively obtainable.
