Chromebooks are available in 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 take advantage of a spreadsheet to maintain all of it straight. But you should not have to do 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’ve got in all probability by no means heard of. There’s a purpose for that: These processors are gradual, they usually do not present up in Windows laptops. After making an attempt out loads of Intel Celeron–primarily based machines, my suggestion is to go along with one thing extra highly effective should 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 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 should you can afford it, particularly should you plan to run any Android functions. When I’ve skilled extreme slowdowns and glitches, it is virtually at all times on a Chromebook with solely 4-GB of RAM.
Screen: Get an IPS LCD show. There are nonetheless a number of low-end fashions on the market with crappier TN LCD shows, and you need to keep away from these. Your pixel decision will depend on the dimensions of the display screen. I’ve used (and advocate) some 11-inch Chromebooks which have 720p shows. Because these screens are squeezed right into a small type issue, I discover them acceptably sharp, however a 1080p display screen will probably 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 need a pc that expenses by means of 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 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 numerous recordsdata throughout a typical day, however that possibility can be not broadly accessible.
