In case you’ve been living under a rock for the past few years, Chromebooks have shaken up the budget laptop scene. Defined as any laptop toting Google’s lightweight Chrome OS, the best Chromebooks are known for their responsiveness (even on low-end hardware) and interoperability with the cloud.
- We've also rounded up the best laptops across every genre
The Chromebook’s identity has shifted in the years following the initial launch of the Samsung Series 5 and its coconspirator, the Acer AC700, however. Today, you can expect most of the top Chromebooks to run Android apps found in Google Play in addition to the entire suite of applications found in the Chrome Web Store.
Generally, Chromebooks range from around $199 (about £154, AU$266) if you’re on the prowl for, say, an HP Chromebook 14 to roughly $499 (around £388, AU$668) for the uniquely versatile, 2-in-1 Asus Chromebook Flip. And, soon enough, the latter is going to get even more appealing thanks to a more touch-friendly design being tested.
To help you sort through the options, we’ve formulated a list below of only the top Chromebooks you can buy in 2017:
- Asus Chromebook Flip
- Samsung Chromebook Pro
- Dell Chromebook 11
- Acer Chromebook 15
- Acer Chromebook R11
- HP Chromebook 14
- Hp Chromebook 13
Before the Asus Chromebook Flip came around, pickings were slim when it came to affordable Chromebooks sporting full-on Intel Core processors and full HD 1080p displays. Touchscreens, backlit keyboards and USB-C ports were also an anomaly. But, of course, the Asus Chromebook Flip brought all of these facets to life. Compared to what’s offered by the competition, the Asus Chromebook Flip’s value is unparalleled, and that’s without getting into its pristine tablet mode, which blows other hybrids completely out of the water.
Read the full review: Asus Chromebook Flip
The Samsung Chromebook Pro is the result of Google’s efforts in converging Android and Chrome OS. With the Google Play Store now supported on every new Chromebook that comes out, it only makes sense to design a Chromebook with a 12.3-inch QHD touchscreen, a 360-degree hinge and stylus support to boot. It may have a keyboard that’s too compressed for comfort, but the Samsung Chromebook Pro more than makes up for it doubling as a tablet that puts most Android slates to shame. It’s even mastered stylus input on the first go, which is more than can be said for even some of the loftier Windows laptops.
Read the full review: Samsung Chromebook Pro
- This product is only available in the US as of this writing. UK and Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the Asus Chromebook Flip.
On the Dell Chromebook 11, you'll find a 180-degree reinforced hinge, sturdy design, sealed keyboard and trackpad and a punchy typing experience accompanying a perfectly portable package. Not only adequately suited for school and work, the Dell Chromebook 11 even packs a set of loud stereo speakers that light up the room while listening to music or watching videos. Everyone else will appreciate the Dell Chromebook 11’s ability to lay flat using a 180-degree barrel hinge, an effective inclusion for touch-based activities. Don’t worry about dinging it, either. This device remains the most rugged Chromebook on our list.
Read the full review: Dell Chromebook 11
- This product is only available in the US as of this writing. UK and Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the Asus Chromebook Flip.
Rather than “Think Different,” Acer's spin on Apple’s catchphrase would be “Think Bigger.” Unlike most in its class, this Chromebook is blessed with a 15.6-inch Full HD screen made better only by its optional Intel Core i5 processor. You probably won't need all that power on a Chromebook (luckily, there’s a newer, even cheaper model that’s been available since October), but it sure is nice to have the option. When it comes to larger Chromebooks, there isn’t much selection, but Acer has come out with a unique exception to this limited trend. Even if it’s packing a few extra pounds, the Acer Chromebook 15 is ace.
Read the full review: Acer Chromebook 15
- This product is only available in the US as of this writing. UK and Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the HP Chromebook 14.
The Acer Chromebook R11 won’t be winning any fashion shows any time soon, what with its ordinary plain white plastic chassis, but it’s won our hearts over if only for keeping it classy. What's more, behind that plain shell is a surprisingly fit laptop destined to endure an entire day's work. Among the first Chromebooks to support Android apps by way of the Google Play Store, the Chromebook R11 even pioneered a whole world of additional functionality for Chrome OS. Exhibiting an all-day battery life, top-notch performance and a 360-degree hinge with a touchscreen, the Acer Chromebook R11 is worth writing home about – and it won’t break the bank either, thereby making its flaws that much easier to swallow.
Read the full review: Acer Chromebook R11
- This product is only available in the US as of this writing. UK and Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the Asus Chromebook Flip.
The HP Chromebook 14 is practically the posterchild for Chromebooks. Its rock-bottom starting price and zippy interpretation of Chrome OS only begin to exemplify its utility. While Acer's Chromebook 15 serves up similar components (save for SSD storage rather than eMMC), HPs' 14-incher is a bit more compact and better looking to boot. Embellished with a bright blue finish and a screen devised to surprise, this machine boasts the best value out of every Chromebook you could buy. Albeit average in both battery life and performance, the HP Chromebook 14 remains a sublime offering considering the cost.
Read the full review: HP Chromebook 14
The HP Chromebook 13 goes above and beyond what any of us would expect from a Chromebook. You’re guaranteed at least a 1440p screen, two USB-C ports and, if you're willing to shell out just a bit more cash, you can also snatch yourself an Intel Core-M processor rather than a Pentium. All of this is complemented by incredible style and a metallic design that exudes Pixel influence. Given that Google discontinued its own Chromebook earlier in the year, the HP Chromebook 13 is one of the few remaining alternatives. Though it retails for but a fraction of the price that the Chromebook Pixel did before it, don’t be deceived – the HP Chromebook 13 makes no compromises.
Read the full review: HP Chromebook 13
Juan Martinez and Gabe Carey have also contributed to this article.
from TechRadar - All the latest technology news http://www.techradar.com/news/mobile-computing/laptops/best-chromebooks-top-5-chromebooks-in-the-us-1233696
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