Chromebooks are available a bewildering array of configurations. Typically even making an attempt 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 try this, so listed below are some broad specs to bear in mind.
Processor: Chromebooks use half a dozen totally different processors, most of which you’ve got most likely by no means heard of. There is a motive for that: These processors are gradual, and so they do not present up in Home windows laptops. After making an attempt out loads of Intel Celeron–based mostly machines, my suggestion is to go along with one thing extra highly effective if you happen to can afford it. The following step up from the Celeron is the Core m3, which is the only option for most individuals. In order for you 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 if you happen to can afford it, particularly if you happen to plan to run any Android functions. After I’ve skilled extreme slowdowns and glitches, it is virtually all the time on a Chromebook with solely 4-GB of RAM.
Display: Get an IPS LCD show. There are nonetheless a couple of low-end fashions on the market with crappier TN LCD shows, and it is best to keep away from these. Your pixel decision depends upon the dimensions of the display screen. 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 type issue, I discover them acceptably sharp, however a 1080p display screen might 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 prices by way of 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 obtainable largely in mid- and higher-priced fashions. It additionally helps to have a MicroSD slot for expanded storage if that you must obtain lots of recordsdata throughout a typical day, however that choice can be not broadly out there.
