The best Chromebooks these days go beyond simple laptops that run a few Google apps. A good Chrome OS laptop or two-in-one can be more useful than a mediocre Windows or MacOS laptop these days because Chromebooks can now handle a wide range of computing needs.
Manufacturers have heard that many consumers prefer high-quality Chromebooks over only inexpensive ones. Although there are good options in both the higher and lower price ranges, the majority are around $500 or $600. The extra cash goes a long way toward helping you purchase an item you’ll enjoy.
Having said that, the best Chromebooks make excellent laptops. Some of the best 2-in-1 laptops have touchscreens that are perfect for Android applications (which are not as good when used with a mouse and keyboard alone). Even though Chromebooks are typically associated with students, the category now boasts a number of stylish models that can serve as effective alternatives to business laptops. Even Steam games are starting to work on some Chromebooks.
Describe the Chromebook
However, what exactly is a Chromebook and how does it differ from other notebooks? The majority of the tasks carried out by this Linux-based operating system rely heavily on Google’s Chrome browser and Internet connectivity, so it uses less power and storage space.
It isn’t as reliable or complete as macOS or Windows 10/11. It can, however, handle all of its users’ daily multitasking requirements, including doing productivity work all day while streaming television shows and movies, finishing a ton of homework assignments.
Recently, it has even been enhanced to run Linux and Android apps without an internet connection, allowing its users to use other browsers besides Chrome. Last but not least, the best Chromebooks outperform conventional laptops in some crucial areas like portability and battery life thanks to the operating system’s light weight.
Which is more beneficial for students, a laptop or a Chromebook?
The answer to the question of whether a Chromebook or a laptop running a more conventional operating system, such as Windows or macOS, is best for you really depends on your needs and intended uses.
more conventional laptop if you do almost all of your work and play online using web apps like Google Docs, SalesForce, GeForce Now, or other comparable products.
You’ll find that Chromebooks can’t be used to run locally installed programs like Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop, or Steam. Although the Android apps offered through the Google Play store are excellent, they lack some features that are present in comparable desktop software. Most of the installable software you’d find on a Windows laptop or a MacBook simply won’t run on Chrome OS, making a Chromebook a poor choice for anyone hoping to use major flagship software offline.
The top student Chromebook
1. HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook
Not everyone is a good fit for the HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook, at least not the high-end models. Although this is the most expensive Chromebook we’ve ever seen, it does come in more affordable entry configurations, making it more appealing as a Chromebook for students as opposed to just the bosses and fleets of businesses.
It is without a doubt the most potent Chromebook we have ever tested, and even the base 12th-gen Core i3 configuration has some seriously impressive specs that would make many other Windows and macOS laptops blush.
This is the ideal lightweight and portable productivity Chromebook, but expect to pay a hefty price for the privilege. It has some of the best security features we’ve ever seen on a Chromebook and is the first Chromebook to ever be powered by Intel vPro.
2. Acer Chromebook 317
The 317, also known as a Chromebase, is essentially a mobile, all-in-one ChromeOS desktop. Multitasking is easy thanks to the large display. With no overlapping windows, you can watch a YouTube video in the background while working on a presentation, checking email, or chatting. Given that it is larger and heavier than all of the other Chromebooks we have here, it is not the best choice if mobility is a top concern.
However, it is definitely portable enough to move around the house, and my tests indicate that the battery life is greater than 10 hours, so you can work all day and still have time for a family video chat, gaming, or movie streaming. A Chromebook that satisfies our fundamental requirements costs less than $300, but the configuration we tested costs less than $400.
3. Lenovo Duet Chromebook
The awesome 11-inch ChromeOS tablet with a detachable keyboard and touchpad is called the Lenovo Duet Chromebook (also known as Chromebook Duet 3). Its performance and diminutive size make it unsuitable for continuous use. However, the Chromebook Duet 3 is a smart choice if you’re looking for a reasonably priced ultraportable computer to use for simple tasks like email, web browsing, gaming, reading, and streaming video. You can also use it to sketch or take notes in class.
4. Google Pixelbook Go
It should come as no surprise to anyone that Google produces one of the best Chromebooks available given that the search engine giant created the Chrome operating system from scratch. The newer Pixelbook Go is even better than the original Pixelbook, which previously held the top spot on our list, demonstrating unequivocally that Chromebooks can compete favorably with mainstream Windows laptops and MacBooks without sacrificing value or style.
The Pixelbook Go’s truly amazing battery life, which comfortably outlasts many rival laptops, is its distinguishing quality. This implies that you are able to use your device for a full day at work or school without ever having to charge it. Additionally, it retains charge admirably when not in use, allowing you to close the lid, store it in your bag for a few days, and then resume where you left off.
Additionally, it has a remarkable “Hush” keyboard that is quiet while typing and lives up to its name, even for fast typists. When we need to get some work done, we’ve even started choosing the Pixelbook Go over more powerful Windows laptops.
5. HP Chromebook x2 11
The HP Chromebook x2 11 is a great option if you occasionally need a device that can function as both a small laptop and a tablet. This 11-inch hybrid Chromebook, in contrast to many others, is actually quite small, more resembling an iPad or Amazon Fire tablet than a bulky laptop. It’s perfect for using in tablet mode for some leisurely streaming while working with the keyboard cover attached.
This tablet-style device is just as capable as the other mid-range options on this list, despite its compact size. It is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c processor, which is more than capable of handling any Chrome OS task you throw at it. On the x2 11, we used 20 Chrome tabs, five of which were streaming videos from different services, and we didn’t notice any noticeable lag.
The feature that really distinguishes it from the competition is the 1440p display. Despite having a smaller 11-inch form factor, the display’s fidelity is top notch, and all of your favorite Play Store games will look fantastic thanks to its native 2160×1440 resolution.
Conclusion
Although a Chromebook differs from a laptop in a few significant ways, it’s crucial to remember that Chromebooks are still laptops; they just perform various tasks differently. Whether you should purchase a Chromebook or something more potent with better processors and graphics cards depends on what you plan to use your laptop for.
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