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Chromebooks ROCK and these six machines are the best of the bunch for 2016…
Richard Goodwin
14:33, 15 Aug 2016
Google’s Chromebooks have been something of a quiet revolution in the computing space. A lot of people still don’t know about Chromebooks, preferring to use Apple and Microsoft for their laptop and desktop needs. However, more and more people are waking up to a third way — the ChromeOS way.
The reasons for this are myriad; but the two most prominent reasons why people LOVE Chromebooks are price and choice. Like Android phones, Chromebooks come in all shapes and sizes from a variety of manufacturers. You have high end machines like the Pixel and entry-level models that can be picked up for $200.
"Chromebook market size was estimated to witness 5.3 million unit sales in 2014 and is anticipated to exceed 17 million units by 2023. Education sector alone accumulated 72% of the overall industry share in 2014. Growing demand for these systems in education sector is likely to drive the industry growth over the forecast period. As of 2014, North America accounted for 84% of the overall industry share which was numbered at 4.8 million units with U.S. chromebook market was the largest single share holder, with over 60% demand from the education sector. Other business accounted for 1.1% share and consumers accounted for 38.6% chromebook market share in the region." reports Global Market Insights.
Basically, there’s a Chromebook for everyone.
I’ve been using Chromebooks for years now. I’d never go back to Apple. Or Microsoft. Sure, I use an iMac as my desktop computer, which I do the majority of my work on. But when I am out of the house, working remotely, I only ever use my Pixel. It does everything I need and for this reason I would never pony-up $1000+ for a MacBook ever again.
Businesses, students and normal, everyday people are now using ChromeOS as their go-to computing platform. Is it time you joined them? If you’re looking to update your laptop, but do not want to spend a ton of money, then, yes, it is time you had a serious look at Google’s awesome line-up of Chromebooks.
For your viewing pleasure, here are six of my current favourite Chromebook machines as of right now:
Google Pixel – $1000
The BIG BOY. The DON. The Best of the BEST. Google’s Chromebook is the posterboy for Chrome OS, the machine that, when money is not an option, all Chromebook enthusiasts would own.
It is pricy at over $1000, but it has EVERYTHING you could ever want from a premium-grade ChromeOS machine, including one of the best displays in the business. It also looks amazing as well.
Google Pixel Specs: CPU: Intel Core i5 – i7 | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 5500 | RAM: 8GB – 16GB | Screen: 12.85-inch 2,560 x 1,700 IPS touch | Storage: 32GB – 64GB SSD
Acer Chromebook R11 – $279
The Acer Chromebook R11 might not be the most interesting looking machine in the world, but is offers exceptional value for money and is a serious workhorse when pushed to its limits.
The battery life, which lasts ALL day, is utterly superb and it features a useful 360º hinge which means you can use it like a tablet in your lap while on the move or around the home.
There are concessions — the display is a bit pants and the trackpad is a little squiffy — but overall this is a pretty solid machine that, for just over £200, offers up plenty of performance and not much outlay.
Dell Chromebook 11 – $199.99
In a bid to create a versatile machine, Dell has stuffed its Chromebook 11 with tons of specs and hardware. This makes it one of the most compelling options on this list.
The design is rugged as hell, meaning it will withstand bumps and bangs inside your bag. The display is an 11in 1366 x 768 touchscreen panel that also features a 180º hinge. It also packs in plenty of performance thanks to its great spec and hardware line-up and some of the LOUDEST speakers I’ve ever experienced!
Dell Chromebook 11 Specs: CPU: Intel Celeron N2840 | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics | RAM: 2GB – 4GB | Screen: 11.6-inch HD, 1366 x 768 touchscreen |Storage: 16GB SSD
HP Chromebook 14 – $199
This is quite an eye-catching Chromebook, one that will certainly stand out in the coffee shop, if that’s your thing. The HP Chromebook 14 has a large HD display, very decent specs and a surprisingly low price tag.
It also has an awesome keyboard and trackpad. Like, one of the best on this list by quite a margin. If you’re going to be using your Chromebook a lot, then you need to take a serious look at the HP Chromebook 14.
Then battery life could be better, if we’re being critical, but is a point that is easily forgiven when you factor in all of its additional pros — design, display, specs, utility and overall size.
HP Chromebook 14 Specs: CPU: Intel Celeron N2840 – N2940 | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics | RAM: 2GB – 4GB | Screen: 14-inch, HD (1,366 x 768) BrightView | Storage: 16GB eMMC
Acer Chromebook 15 – $219
This is one of the biggest Chromebooks on this list, so if size is important then this could well be the Chromebook you’ve been looking for. A solid performer, the Acer Chromebook 15 is a popular choice for tons of people and once you factor in its overall design and specs it is pretty easy to see why!
Acer Chromebook 15 Specs: CPU: Intel Celeron – Core i5 | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics – HD Graphics 5500 | RAM: 2GB – 4GB | Screen: 15.6-inch HD (1,366 x 768) – FHD (1,920 x 1,080) | Storage: 16GB – 32GB SSD
Lenovo N20p Chromebook – $249.95
With its 360º hinge and great specs and hardware, the Lenovo N20p Chromebook is easily one of the finest machines of its kind.
An ideal choice for those that are looking for an all-round performer, the Lenovo N20p Chromebook is a great multi-media machine, but also one that can handle serious workloads, making it a great choice for those that like to work flexibly and on the move.
It is also an absolute STUNNER in the design department.
Lenovo N20p Chromebook Specs: CPU: Intel Celeron N2830 – N2930 | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics | RAM: 2GB | Screen: 11.6-inch HD (1,366 x 768) multi-touch | Storage: 16GB SSD
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