There was a time Chromebooks were looked upon as novelty items; fancy to have, but not really something you can depend on for your typical daily computing needs. However, they have evolved from being just a browser to a full fledge laptop computer; so much so that they can replace your regular desktop computer or laptop.
It gets even better; typically Chromebooks comes cheaper than the regular computer. They are also lightweight and tend to give longer battery hours. All the key features for someone who is looking for convenient mobility, and they are increasingly becoming popular with hundreds of choice for users to choose from.
Do you need a Chromebook?
That Chromebook is versatile; long battery hour performance computer. However, just like when buying any other version of computers, you need to ask yourself if it is the right fit for you.
To know if it is the right fit for you, you must know what tasks do you need the machine. When it comes to Chromebooks, the right user will be the type of user who runs most of his work online. If you the type of users who spend over 95% of your time on the computer using the Chrome browser and online. Then Chromebook will be the right fit for you.
Then there is the little matter of peripheral devices integrations. Although you are unlikely to experience any trouble with peripheral devices such as printers and scanners, other tasks such as syncing your iPhone to your local drive will not be possible.
Without further ado, let us jump right into the best Chromebook you can buy for the year 2017.
Ø The ASUS Chromebook Flip C100 [$260]
If you are looking for a pocket-friendly Chromebook, then look no further than the ASUS Flip C100. It comes with the inexpensive yet powerful enough to get the job done processor, Rockchip. Coupled with 4GB RAM (there’s also a 2GB RAM variant at an even affordable price).
For its price, ASUS gives you a solid aluminum chassis with a very robust build. The only drawback on this Chromebook would be its 1280×800 display resolution 10.1-inch display. Such specs are not good for users with eye problems, especially if they are going to be using it for an extended period at a time. Nonetheless, you can buy the ASUS Flip C100 from Amazon now.
Ø The ASUS Flip C302 [$499]
Another device birthed at the recent CES 2017. The Asus Flip C302 is the bigger, more powerful brother of the Flip C100 mentioned above. Everything you love about the Flip C100; the aluminum build and its convertible design, but in a bigger 12.5-inch device. It comes in two variant, one powered by an Intel Core m3 and another m7 processor.
It also comes with 8GB and 128GB ROM. As far as the display quality goes, ASUS Flip C302 gives you the FHD (1920×1280) display resolution; though it has fewer pixels, it also means it gives you longer battery performance. The QHD panel seems like an overkill on this relatively smaller display.
The C302 has ambient light sensor; meaning just like your smartphone, this Chromebook detects the light brightness in its environment and adjust screen brightness automatically. The Flip C302 starts retailing at $499 for the Core m3 model with 4GB RAM, while for the m7 and 8GB RAM version, there has been no official announcement of the price yet. You can order the former here.
Ø Samsung Chromebook Plus/Pro [$449]
This Chromebook hot off the press; it was just recently unveiled at the recently concluded CES 2017. Both the Plus and Pro models come with nearly identical features including a 12.3-inched 2400×1600 resolution touch display, 4GB RAM, 32GB ROM and a stylus pen.
It is a hybrid computer; a laptop that can transform into a tablet. The main difference between the Plus and Pro variant is that the Plus comes with Samsung’s hexacore ARM chip, while the Pro has Intel Core m3 chip. The Plus retails at $449, but the price of the Pro has yet to be made public. That said, the Samsung Chromebook Plus is up for purchase right now here. We will let you know when the Chromebook Pro price has been announced.
Ø Acer Chromebook R11 [$199-299]
Acer R11 is particularly appealing to users looking for a convertible Chromebook with slightly bigger screen. With an 11.6-inch display, the Acer R11 can become a fully-fledged tablet, one with complete access to the Google Play Store for Android apps.
Although the chassis is a plastic shell and it does not quite look like a premium device. Underneath it does pack quite some powerful hardware underneath the hood. Intel Celeron N3150 processor powers it, so you can be sure you will experience no sluggishness.
The display has a 1366×768 touch display with some slight eye strain. The Acer R11 comes in two variants, the 2GB RAM, 16GB ROM and the 4GB RAM and 32GB ROM. The latter comes highly recommended and goes for just $190 on Amazon.
Ø The HP Chromebook 13 [$499]
It comes with QHD (3200X1800) resolution display and all models come with an aluminum body. The base model comes with Intel Pentium chip, while the high-end units come with the beastly Intel Core m5 chip. With such beefy specs, the HP Chromebook 13 is a letdown with its 4GB RAM. One would expect at least an 8GB RAM with such specs.
To make an order on the HP Chromebook 13, click here.
If you are still skeptical about taking the plunge into the Chrome-world, well consider this; Google is working on making Play Store accessible to Chromebooks just you would access it with your Android device. That means, in the near future, virtually anything you can do on your smartphone, you can do on your Chromebook.