As the array of available Chrome OS devices has increased over the years, the number of plausible use cases has too. Here they are! There are tons of games present on the Play Store to download and play. Like the Lenovo C340-15, the 715 comes with a Numpad on its keyboard, another benefit for number-crunchers and teachers with dozens of grades to enter. The hinge flips 360-degrees, which lets you set the Chromebook up in traditional, "tent", and tablet modes — hence the Flip in the name — all in a body under three pounds. You can bend your Chromebook back to more angles when working in awkwardly-lit offices with weird light glare or propped in your lap at a ballgame because you didn't forget those quarterly expense reports that were due tomorrow and refuse to skip the game for that. With a channeled, spill-resistant keyboard, dropping a drink on it shouldn't immediately send you to a repair store, just to the kitchen for a cloth. There are more powerful gadgets available for those who need to get more serious work done too. You may have noticed that list did not include a microSD slot, a rarity for a Chromebook in this price range, and yeah it's weird that we don't have one. Even better, ASUS has thought of every use case, adding a rubberized grip to the edges of the C214, ensuring that clumsy hands won't drop it while toting it around the classroom, and the anti-scratch coating should keep it from looking too scuffed after months and years of constant attention. Acer’s second entry in our list is a device that’s built with students in mind but will serve just about anybody. I beg to differ, especially when Android apps are thrown into the mix. Since there's no microSD slot for expanding the internal storage, do yourself a favor and buy the 128GB version if you're intending to download lots of videos and comics for those holiday trips home to see the family. This 13.5-inch 2-in-1 outdoes the rest of the current Project Athena crop in ports, durability, and value, giving you a robust laptop for hundreds less than its competitors. 11.6-inch Chromebooks are 10-inch Chromebook tablets dominate the space, with slightly older/lower specs to help offset their robust requirements and cut-throat pricing. Acer has pushed itself back to the top of the stack when it comes to the best Chromebooks around. Even with dozens of tabs open and a couple of Android apps, this Chromebook keeps chugging along, though the fan may kick on from time to time — yes, an Intel Core i3, i5, or i7 requires a fan to keep it cool once you really get it going. The Samsung Galaxy Chromebook is not only beautiful, but it's also powerful, with a 10th Gen i5 processor and 256GB SSD storage. Acer slimmed down the sides of the 311 and pared down on ports while it was at it, but you still get a USB-C port for 45W Power Delivery charging as well as using hubs, adapters, and external monitors, a USB-A port for legacy peripherals like wired keyboards and old flash drives, and a 3.5mm audio combo jack. Productivity-minded users should also pay special mind to the port configurations on their prospective Chromebooks, as USB-C starts to replace most other ports on more premium Chromebooks like the Pixelbook while more grounded models keep USB-A ports around alongside new USB-C charging ports. Like many of the newer Chromebooks on this list, the Flex 5 comes with two USB 3.1 Type-C ports and a single legacy USB-A port, as well as a microSD slot for expandable storage and a headphone jack. Maybe in the next version. Because Google controls the software look and update schedule for every Chromebook model, a Chromebook built by Lenovo should act the same as a Chromebook from Dell or Samsung. Setting aside internal specs, there's less reason to worry about ruining that investment here too — small, though that investment is. When you look at Chromebooks on Amazon you'll notice that many of the top listings don't have a price next to them. Best Google Chromebooks – Updated December 2020. You might not use Slack, but you The sole drawback is that its thin design equates to a smaller battery than competitors. The main draw here, though, is how portable the laptop is: it can fit in the smallest of backpacks, making it perfect for kids starting out bringing a laptop to school. It combines a number of features into a compact body that will appeal to almost all Chromebook users, from novices to experts, students to professionals. With the development of the best android emulator for pc, life has become easier as you can now download android apps pc. If you want an 8GB Chromebook that looks fabulous and won't break the bank, grab the Acer Chromebook Spin 713, which will run you a little more money but comes with a brighter 2K screen in a 3:2 aspect ratio. That aspect ratio isn't as fun for watching movies, but it's great for seeing more data on your screen at a time, especially while split-screening, and the 2K resolution gives you a more crisp image. That touchscreen comes in even handier on 2-in-1s, the best form factor I've seen for Chromebooks yet. Chrome OS is based around cloud storage — Google Drive is integrated directly into the Files app — but local storage is still essential for things like Android apps from Google Play, offline documents, and downloaded music/movies for those horrible Wi-Fi-less flights. The most recent entry in the family is the Chromebook Flip C436. Display size: 14-inch 1920x1080px IPS touchscreen | CPU: Intel Pentium Gold / Intel Core i3 / Intel Core i5 | RAM: 4-8GB | Storage: 64-128GB | Battery life: 13.5 hours | Ports: 2x USB-C, 1x USB-A, microSD slot, audio combo jack | Weight: 3.6 lbs | Colors: Mineral Grey | Other features: Wi-Fi 6, BT 5.0, backlit keyboard, fingerprint sensor, USI stylus support | Auto Update Expiration date: June 2028. Dual speakers and a microSD card slot round things out for this touch-enabled 2-in-1 but a slightly more expensive model begins adding in the features users love, beginning with a backlit keyboard. Sign up to receive the latest Android News every weekday: Independent, Expert Android News You Can Trust, Since 2010. Display size: 13.3-inch 1080p IPS touchscreen | CPU: Intel Celeron 5205U / Intel Core i3 | RAM: 4GB | Storage: 32-128GB | Battery life: 10 hours | Ports: 2x USB-C, 1x USB-A, microSD, audio combo jack | Weight: 3 lbs | Colors: Graphite Grey | Other features: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, 720p camera, 45W charger | Auto Update Expiration date: June 2028. The Pixelbook Go also has two colors — Not Pink and Just Black — quiet keys that are among the best we've ever typed on, and a lightweight magnesium body similar to that used by the Microsoft Surface line. Google placed an 8-megapixel camera sensor at both the front and back. The latter spec stays the same across the board. This laptop, despite a spacious 13.3-inch display, only weighs 2.3 pounds. The Duet finally gives us the kind of Google tablet we've wanted for a decade. They're perfect for students, grandparents, and anyone looking for a trouble-free laptop with long battery life. Since the Spin 713 is Project Athena certified, it's going to be one of the Chromebooks with the best chance to actually take real advantage of it once Google and Steam have things where they want it. Chrome OS is developed, managed, and updated by Google for all Chromebooks, but Google doesn't want to be stuck supporting every random budget chipset and driver set forever, so each Chromebook has a shelf life and an expiration date, just like the milk in your fridge! Dominus is one of the best Chromebook games that are also available for Android. If you're looking to be more productive with a multitude of open tabs and multi-window screens, you might want a 3:2 display that's more suited to split-screening and a more powerful processor/memory configuration. But if you want a system with just as much speed, and a bigger display, check out our review of the 15-inch Lenovo Yoga Chromebook C630 (4K), which packs the sharpest screen on a Chrome OS laptop to date. All rights reserved. Chrome OS is almost entirely the same on every device from a software perspective, which means that standout hardware features become paramount, and figuring out which of those features you want or need in a machine can help narrow the field and steer you to your perfect Chromebook. Not only is the 10.1-inch device powered by a relatively paltry MediaTek P60T processor instead of Intel. Credit: Joe Hindy / Android Authority For this purposes of this list, we tried to only include games … Especially paired with this device's Intel Core i5 10th Gen chip. Bottom line: If you need performance and power in your Chromebook, you'll want to look at a Project Athena Chromebook so that you know it's powerful, fast, and secure. Similarly, if you don't plan to move it from a desk and would prefer a big, beautiful display and plenty of CPU power to back it up, there are lots of options for you, too. Google includes all the ports that could be needed and a Titan C security chip, rounding out the package. Two USB-A and USB-C ports, rugged body, and a keyboard that can withstand 12 ounces of liquid, and configurations available for 8GB of RAM or 64GB of storage make this a pricier Chromebook, but one that's built to last. iRobot is synonomous with robot vacuums. The specs say the battery lasts 10 hours, but I've averaged 10-12 hours on an average charge. We highly recommend purchasing the 64GB configuration due to the lack of microSD slot. Bottom line: If you want a big screen for less, Acer offers up an understated Chromebook with an i3 processor and plenty of storage and a 15-inch touchscreen without breaking the bank. Some Android apps that have permission to see your location might also access Bluetooth on your Chromebook. So how much RAM do I need? If your Chromebook is still running decently at that time, you're a champ, and with a teeny bit of know-how, you can reformat it to run one of a dozen Linux distros instead. Regardless of which model is purchased, users are also given a backlit keyboard and every input/output port imaginable. Firstly, you actually have more than the USB-C ports; there's a USB-A port and an HDMI port on the 713, which means that you aren't scrambling for a USB-C hub immediately. While the 3:2 form factor of the original Pixelbook certainly had its fans, I'm pleased as punch that the Go uses a far more sensible 16:9 aspect ratio, which is better for split-screening and better for in-flight movies. Best Android apps for your Chromebook A few Chromebooks already have Android apps through Google Play. The Chromebook gaming library is now better than ever thanks to Android. A touchscreen on a clamshell laptop may seem superfluous, but I'm happy it's here. Ambient light sensors, a backlit Hush Keys keyboard, and an etched glass trackpad are part of the build too. And each of the gadgets packs a 2-in-1 build with a 13.5-inch 2K screen in an aluminum lid. It’s still pretty popular and you can go ahead, download it from the Play Store. The starting cost of $499 for the more budget-friendly but still quite capable models isn’t bad either, despite featuring a slightly lower resolution than others listed here — 1,366 x 912. That's universal stylus compatible for even more productivity on the go at a slightly higher cost. When I initially agreed to review the Flex 5, it didn't seem all that amazing on paper, especially compared to the Project Athena Chromebooks that have come out this year. The Lenovo Chromebook Duet has a battery that goes on and on and on, especially if you're just doing some reading and casual games, and the screen is nice and bright for videos and comics. On the storage front, that's going to be aided by support for up to 2TB expansion via micro SD card and up to 512GB via UFS card. The other reason I recommend the C434 over the C436 is that the C434 has a more consistent battery life — though the C436's battery has improved after the launch bugs were quashed — and the price. Here are the best games for Chromebooks on Google Play and the Chrome Web Store. Having trouble finding a good gift for that special someone in your life that uses a Chromebook all day? Top 10 Best Chromebooks 2020 Summary As the array of available Chrome OS devices has increased over the years, the number of plausible use cases has too. You can follow her on Twitter at @arawagco. I'm grateful for that rigidity; the lid wouldn't flop flat or slam shut when I pick it up off my lap the way some 2-in-1s do. While the Acer Chromebook 715 is "just okay" in a few areas — the screen is adequate but not stellar, speakers are tinny at times — it adds up to a reliable option if you want a big screen but not a big price. ASUS’s continuation of the Chromebook Flip lineup has been among the most popular series and that’s not without good reason. It's used by your computer's processor(s) to hold your current tabs, apps, and execute the commands, clicks, and operations that make your Chromebook work. And a 1080p 60fps webcam for video chatting or conferencing. It's a beautiful thing to be able to tap on the screen when scrolling through Amazon, and after playing Solitaire on a touchscreen, you'll never go back to using a mouse. Display size: 11.6-inch 1366x768px touchscreen | CPU: Intel Celeron N4000 | RAM: 4GB | Storage: 32GB | Battery life: 12 hours | Ports: 2x USB-C, 1x USB-A, microSD, Audio combo jack | Weight: 2.6 lbs | Colors: Black | Other features: 720p camera, 45W charger, optional built-in stylus | Auto Update Expiration date: June 2026. This is the Auto Update Expiration date, and it can be found for every single model on this handy dandy support page, which I have bookmarked because I am a freak and you should check often while you're shopping for Chromebooks. The ASUS Chromebook Flip C434 packs in up to an Intel Core i7-8500Y chipset, coupled with 8GB of memory and 128 GB for files and apps. Millions of more people realized that old and aging laptops were too weak to handle sustained video conferencing in this work from home era, and so they set out to find a lightweight, affordable laptop to fit their needs. These are Chromebooks that Amazon has temporarily sold out of, but don't worry, there are still great Chromebooks to be bought without giving resellers the satisfaction of paying overinflated prices. In part, that comes down to value. Nine times out of ten, the game downloaded from the Play Store will feature improved graphics over something playable within Chrome itself, which can lead to better experiences overall. If Alto's Odyssey isn't your cup of tea, the best Chromebook game for you could be Injustice 2, which is a good pick for gamers who prefer a faster pace. Bottom line: With a powerful 10th Gen Intel Core i3 chip, a beautiful 13-inch 1080p touchscreen, backlit keyboard, and remarkably reasonable price, the Flex 5 is a great Chromebook for just about everyone. Best Android Games for Chromebook 1) PUBG Mobile If you haven’t heard of PUBG Mobile before, you’ve likely been living under a rock. Build quality is solid on the powerful but understated Acer Chromebook 715, which makes it great for office work but a bit big for travel. Our buyer's guide will help you find the perfect Chrome OS laptop or tablet if you're switching from a Windows or Mac, or if you're buying your first laptop entirely. It also allows us to make an attempt at making the process of choosing a lot easier. Shop all of Amazon's Holiday Deals starting now. Battery is likewise. The bezels to either side of the 1,920 x 1,080 resolution touchscreen too, providing for a lot more display in a relatively small, lightweight package. The difference in cost between the two models is around $20. The search giant also bumps things up from a Full HD display panel to a 4K screen. You can also expand the storage on many Chromebooks with an SD or microSD card, but there's no beating proper local storage to start with. For now, the 8GB RAM and 256GB PCI-e storage should prove more than ample. 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