Things to Consider before buying the Best Chromebook Are you considering buying a Chromebook but not sure where to start? Then you’re in luck because in this comprehensive buying guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know, from essential features like processing power and storage to understanding the Chrome OS ecosystem. Whether you're a student, professional, or just looking for a hassle-free device, this guide will empower you to make an informed decision and find the perfect Chromebook that suits your needs. Let's embark on your Chromebook journey together!
Screen Resolution Front and center, when you're looking at Chromebooks, the screen resolution is probably the most important factor to consider. The screen resolution is all about how sharp and clear the display looks, and that’s pretty much what you’ll be looking at for the majority of the time you’ll be using this device.
Most Chromebooks have a standard resolution of 1920 by 1080 pixels, which is also called full HD or 1080p. This resolution is great for Chromebooks with screen sizes between 13 and 15 inches. But be careful with cheaper Chromebooks, as they might have lower resolution, which can make the display look less sharp. For example, some entry-level models have a resolution of 1366 by 768 pixels, and on bigger screens like 13 inches or more, this resolution might not look very good.
So, if you're getting a midsize Chromebook between 13 and 15 inches, aim for a 1080p resolution for a better viewing experience. Avoid the lower resolution if possible, or if you can, take a look at the display in person before buying to see if it meets your expectations.
Processing Power The processor, or CPU, is like the brain of your Chromebook. If you mostly use your Chromebook for simple things like browsing the internet with a few tabs open, a low-end CPU like Intel Celeron, Pentium, or AMD A-Series will work just fine. These options are more budget-friendly. This is one of the beauties of owning a Chromebook. It may not be the most powerful machine in your arsenal, but it’s capable enough to do all the light browsing and document work that you’ll require when you’re on the go. This is also the reason why this category is considered less important than the resolution.
However, if you want to do more processor-heavy tasks all at once, like running multiple apps or programs smoothly, you might need a more powerful processor. Chromebooks with Intel Core or AMD Ryzen processors can handle multitasking better, but they may cost a bit more. A cool thing to know is that AMD offers special processors designed just for Chromebooks, called C-series Ryzen mobile processors.
For basic tasks, a Chromebook with 4GB of memory and an Intel Celeron processor should work fine and won't feel slow. But if you're a multitasker and like having many apps open simultaneously, consider going for a Chromebook with a Core or Ryzen processor and 8GB of memory. With something like that under the hood, you can expect to have a smoother experience.
So, depending on how you use your Chromebook, you can choose a processor that fits your needs and budget.
Storage When it comes to storage on a Chromebook, most of your files are saved in the cloud, which means you use the internet to store and access them. Because of this, many Chromebooks come with a small amount of local storage, like 32GB or 64GB, which is called eMMC flash-memory storage.
If you think you'll need more space to save files directly on your Chromebook, look for one that has an SD card slot. This slot allows you to insert a memory card to expand your storage and save more documents and files. Now, some Chromebooks are stepping up their game with larger and faster storage options. They have solid-state drives (SSDs) with 128GB or more space. These SSDs are not only faster but also give you more room to keep your stuff.
So, if you want extra space on your Chromebook, check if it has an SD card slot or look for one with a larger SSD. This way, you can make sure you have enough room for all your files and documents.
Ports and Connectivity When it comes to connecting your Chromebook to the internet and other devices, most of the time, you'll use wireless connections, like Wi-Fi. Wired Ethernet ports are not very common on Chromebooks, so you'll likely rely on Wi-Fi for internet access. For Wi-Fi, look for a Chromebook with support for 802.11ac, which is a common and fast Wi-Fi standard. In more premium or business-focused Chromebooks, you might find the even faster 802.11ax, also known as Wi-Fi 6.
If you need to give presentations using your Chromebook, however, then it would be handy to have an HDMI monitor port. This port lets you connect your Chromebook to a bigger screen without needing extra adapters. And remember, make sure your Chromebook has at least one USB port. This allows you to connect various peripherals, like a mouse, a flash drive, or other devices, to your Chromebook. Trust me, you don’t want to be the guy or gal who can’t do the most basic of file transfers just because you don’t have a USB port available on your device.
To sum up, most of the time, you'll use Wi-Fi to connect to the internet on your Chromebook. For presentations, an HDMI port is useful, and having USB ports lets you connect additional devices. Keep these features in mind when choosing the right Chromebook for your needs.
Touchscreens and Tablet Chromebooks Since their launch in 2011, Chromebooks have evolved from basic laptops to more sophisticated computers with some cool features. Some of the options today have sleek designs featuring a touch screen. What this means is that you can finally use your fingers to tap and interact with the screen, just like on a smartphone or tablet. This comes especially handy when using Android apps that are designed for touch input.
Another neat thing is that some Chromebooks can transform into different shapes, like a tablet or a presentation stand. These are called 2-in-1 convertibles, and they can flip and fold to suit different uses, similar to some popular Windows laptops like Lenovo's Yoga or HP's x360 systems.
So, if you're looking for more versatility, consider getting a touch-screen or 2-in-1 Chromebook. They offer a lot of flexibility and might even remind you of Windows tablets. The line between budget Windows laptops and Chromebooks has become quite blurred, so you might be pleasantly surprised by the awesome features you can get at a similar price. Happy exploring!
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