Chromebooks are available in a bewildering array of configurations. Generally even attempting to resolve which choices to get on a single mannequin could be overwhelming. As a product tester, I take advantage of a spreadsheet to maintain all of it straight. However you should not have to do this, so listed here are some broad specs to remember.
Processor: Chromebooks use half a dozen totally different processors, most of which you have in all probability by no means heard of. There is a cause for that: These processors are sluggish, they usually do not present up in Home windows laptops. After attempting out loads of Intel Celeron–primarily based machines, my advice is to go together with one thing extra highly effective in the event 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 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 not 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 in the event you can afford it, particularly in the event you plan to run any Android purposes. After I’ve skilled extreme slowdowns and glitches, it is nearly all the time on a Chromebook with solely 4-GB of RAM.
Display screen: Get an IPS LCD show. There are nonetheless a number of low-end fashions on the market with crappier TN LCD shows, and it’s best to keep away from these. Your pixel decision relies on the scale of the display. I’ve used (and suggest) some 11-inch Chromebooks which have 720p shows. As a result of these screens are squeezed right into a small kind issue, I discover them acceptably sharp, however a 1080p display can be a lot nicer.
Ports: Most belongings you do on a Chromebook are cloud-based, so you do not actually need to fret an excessive amount of about ports. You may want a pc that costs by 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 accessible largely in mid- and higher-priced fashions. It additionally helps to have a MicroSD slot for expanded storage if it is advisable to obtain a number of recordsdata throughout a typical day, however that choice can also be not broadly accessible.