The worth for Chromebooks can vary wildly, from $150 as much as $800, and due to this fact the specs can range.
Processor: For one of the best expertise, it’s best to keep away from older Chromebooks with Intel Celeron processors. The Chromebook Plus specs supply a great baseline to ensure speedy efficiency, and I’d advocate going with at the very least 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 sometimes discover Chromebooks utilizing ARM processors just like the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c Gen 2. These might be fantastic for very primary duties, however they gained’t fare as nicely below sustained, intense hundreds. That stated, a brand new era of ARM chips are on the best way, just like the MediaTek Kompanio Extremely 910 powering the Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14.
RAM: At all times go for at the very least 8 GB of RAM in case you can afford it. You gained’t discover 4 GB of RAM in something aside from primary, super-budget Chromebooks, however it severely limits your skill 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 case you’re price range is below $300, that could be tough.
Storage: Not like a Mac or Home windows PC, a lot of your Chromebook work shall be saved on the internet. This implies you may usually get away with much less storage, however I wouldn’t advocate going beneath 128 GB. When you can afford it, you’ll be rather more snug with at the very least 256 GB. You’ll get one of the best velocity out of an NVMe strong state drive, so look out for that on the spec sheet once you’re evaluating fashions.
Display: The overwhelming majority of Chromebook shows you’ll discover shall be IPS LCD panels, and that’s simply fantastic. OLED shows are lastly beginning to present up on Chromebooks, although IPS LCD screens are extra frequent and supply a great stability of brightness, distinction, and shade accuracy. When you’re purchasing within the excessive price range 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) needs to be your customary. You’ll get crisp visuals at 13- and 14-inch display screen 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 change 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 once you’re on the go. A microSD card slot will also be useful if you would like a straightforward strategy to broaden your storage on the fly. You’ll discover that some Chromebooks assist Thunderbolt 4 over their USB-C ports as nicely. Whereas that’s a wonderful choice to have in case you plan to plug your Chromebook into some high-end displays, it isn’t essential for most individuals. As a substitute, you will get comparable exterior monitor assist (and spend loads much less) with an HDMI port or DisplayPort over USB-C assist.
