Chromebooks can include numerous totally different {hardware} inside, so it may be exhausting to determine precisely what you want. Thankfully, the Chromebook Plus program has made the jumble of specs simpler to parse. ChromeOS can also be mild sufficient that it doesn’t require extremely beefy specs to get an excellent expertise. Listed here are some common tips about what to look out for.
Processor: For the perfect expertise, it’s best to keep away from older Chromebooks with Intel Celeron processors. The Chromebook Plus specs provide an excellent baseline to ensure speedy efficiency, and I’d suggest 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 except 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 often discover Chromebooks utilizing ARM processors just like the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 within the Lenovo Chromebook Duet 3 above. These could be superb for very fundamental duties, however they received’t fare as nicely underneath sustained, intense hundreds (at the very least till one thing newer comes alongside).
RAM: All the time go for at the very least 8 GB of RAM for those who can afford it. You received’t discover 4 GB of RAM in something apart from fundamental, super-budget Chromebooks, however it severely limits your capacity to multitask. If you wish to keep away from slowdowns, 8 GB of RAM is the usual it’s best to purpose for.
Storage: Not like a Mac or Home windows PC, numerous your Chromebook work will dwell on the internet. This implies you’ll be able to usually get away with much less storage, however I wouldn’t suggest going under 128 GB. If you happen to can afford it, you’ll be way more comfy with at the very least 256 GB. You’ll get the perfect pace out of an NVMe strong state drive, so look out for that on the spec sheet while you’re evaluating fashions.
Display: The overwhelming majority of Chromebook shows you’ll discover will probably be IPS LCD panels, and that’s simply superb. Till OLED shows make extra of a dent within the Chromebook area, IPS LCD screens provide the perfect distinction and shade accuracy. If you happen to’re buying within the excessive finances vary, be careful for TN LCD panels, as they’re usually decrease high quality and provide worse viewing angles. For decision, a 1,920 x 1,080-pixel decision must be your customary. You’ll get crisp visuals at 13- and 14-inch display sizes and it’s satisfactory at 15 inches. Increased resolutions will look even higher, however be cautious of the battery life tradeoff you’ll see from pushing energy to extra pixels.
Ports: USB-C ports have change into commonplace on the most recent Chromebooks, so there’s not any excuse to purchase one with out them. Attempt to get one which expenses over USB-C so you’ll be able to recharge with a conveyable energy financial institution while you’re on the go. A microSD card slot will also be helpful in order for you a simple technique to broaden your storage on the fly. You’ll discover that some Chromebooks help Thunderbolt 4 over their USB-C ports as nicely. Whereas that’s a superb choice to have for those who plan to plug your Chromebook into some high-end displays, it isn’t vital for most individuals. As a substitute, you will get comparable exterior monitor help (and spend quite a bit much less) with an HDMI port or DisplayPort over USB-C help.