Chromebooks are available a bewildering array of choices. Sometimes even attempting to determine which choices to get on a single mannequin may be overwhelming. I’ve to make use of a spreadsheet to maintain all of it straight, however you should not need to, so listed here are some broad specs to remember when selecting one.
Processor: Chromebooks use half a dozen totally different processors, most of which you’ve got most likely by no means heard of. There’s a cause for that: they’re gradual. After attempting out loads of Intel Celeron-based machines (normally labeled N4000), my advice is to go together 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 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 new Ryzen chips, and I’ve had expertise with them.
RAM: Get eight gigabytes should you can afford it, particularly should you plan to run any Android purposes. When I’ve skilled extreme slowdowns and glitches, it is virtually at all times on a Chromebook with solely four gigs of RAM.
Screen: Get an IPS LCD show. There are nonetheless a couple of low-end fashions on the market with crappier TN LCD shows it’s best to keep away from. Your pixel decision will depend on the scale. 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 in fact, a 1080p display screen will probably be a lot nicer.
Ports: Most stuff you do on a Chromebook are cloud-based, so you do not actually need to fret an excessive amount of about ports. You would possibly need one thing 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 sadly, USB-C is de facto solely out there in mid- and higher-priced fashions. It additionally helps to have a MicroSD slot for expanded storage, however that is additionally not extensively out there.
