The worth for Chromebooks can vary wildly, from $150 as much as $800, and subsequently the specs can fluctuate.
Processor: For the very best expertise, it’s best to keep away from older Chromebooks with Intel Celeron processors. The Chromebook Plus specs supply an excellent baseline to ensure speedy efficiency, and I’d suggest going with no less than an Intel Core i3, Core i5, or AMD Ryzen 3 7000 processor. Simply be careful for overspending on configurations with Intel Core i7 processors until you want the additional horsepower for multitasking, Android video games, Linux apps, and dozens of Chrome tabs. Whereas Intel and AMD dominate the processor scene, you’ll often discover Chromebooks utilizing ARM processors just like the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c Gen 2. These will be positive for very fundamental duties, however they received’t fare as effectively underneath sustained, intense hundreds. That stated, a brand new technology of ARM chips are on the best way, just like the MediaTek Kompanio Extremely 910 powering the Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14.
RAM: All the time go for no less than 8 GB of RAM in the event you can afford it. You received’t discover 4 GB of RAM in something apart from fundamental, super-budget Chromebooks, however it severely limits your potential to multitask. If you wish to keep away from slowdowns, 8 GB of RAM is the usual it’s best to intention for, although in the event you’re finances is underneath $300, which may be tough.
Storage: Not like a Mac or Home windows PC, a lot of your Chromebook work will likely be saved on the internet. This implies you may usually get away with much less storage, however I wouldn’t suggest going beneath 128 GB. Should you can afford it, you’ll be far more comfy with no less than 256 GB. You’ll get the very best pace out of an NVMe strong state drive, so look out for that on the spec sheet whenever you’re evaluating fashions.
Display screen: The overwhelming majority of Chromebook shows you’ll discover will likely be IPS LCD panels, and that’s simply positive. OLED shows are lastly beginning to present up on Chromebooks, although IPS LCD screens are extra frequent and supply an excellent stability of brightness, distinction, and colour accuracy. Should you’re procuring within the excessive finances vary, be careful for TN LCD panels, as they’re typically decrease high quality and supply worse viewing angles. For decision, a 1920 x 1080-pixel decision (or 1200p for 16:10 side ratio) must be your commonplace. You’ll get crisp visuals at 13- and 14-inch display sizes, and it’s satisfactory at 15 inches. Greater resolutions will look even higher, however they’re pretty unusual in Chromebooks.
Ports: USB-C ports have develop into commonplace on Chromebooks, so there’s not any excuse to purchase one with out them. Attempt to get one which fees over USB-C so you may recharge with a conveyable energy financial institution whenever you’re on the go. A microSD card slot can be useful if you’d like a straightforward option to broaden your storage on the fly. You’ll discover that some Chromebooks assist Thunderbolt 4 over their USB-C ports as effectively. Whereas that’s a superb choice to have in the event you plan to plug your Chromebook into some high-end displays, it isn’t needed for most individuals. As a substitute, you will get comparable exterior monitor assist (and spend so much much less) with an HDMI port or DisplayPort over USB-C assist.
