With the Chromebook Pixel heading off into the tremendous high-resolution sundown — at the very least for now — one thing has to take its place as king of the Chromebook hill.
For lots of people, the Chromebook Pixel did not make any sense. Our firm stance right here at Android Central was that it was too costly and did not convey something extra to the desk than a whole lot of different fashions, so that you have been higher off passing. Personally, I feel it is the perfect rattling laptop computer I’ve ever had and well worth the cash. It is OK to have totally different opinions. In any case, none of that issues now that Google has stopped selling it and hasn’t introduced a alternative. It is Google Reader another time. Not likely.
I’m fairly sure one other Chromebook Pixel might be launched, however this provides us a chance to take a look at different tier-one degree fashions. These are the Chromebooks you’d purchase when you could not abdomen the worth tag however nonetheless needed one thing slightly extra “premium” than the typical low cost Chromebook.
Do not assume we’re bashing low cost Chromebooks, although. They’re the essential fashions as a result of a $200 Chromebook is ideal for loads of people. An affordable gateway to the web that is protected and straightforward. Loads of individuals are utilizing one thing just like the Acer C720 and nonetheless utterly glad as a result of it nonetheless does the issues they purchased it to do. However for those who’re somebody who needs to spend somewhat extra money for nicer hardware or simply need to go all in on the Chrome expertise, listed here are the most effective obtainable proper now.
The most effective Chromebook you should purchase: Dell Chromebook 13
The fully-specced Dell Chromebook 13 ticks most each field to be on the prime of the heap now. The $650 mannequin provides a stupendous 1080p contact display show, aluminum chassis, glass trackpad and an Intel Core i3 processor. It does not cease there, both. You could have USB three.zero onboard, 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth four.zero LE connectivity, a backlit keyboard and 32GB of storage. Within the coming weeks, the Dell Chromebook 13 can also be slated to get entry to Google Play and Android apps.
Truthfully, that is nonetheless a little bit of overkill for a lot of people. The Intel Celeron mannequin can also be a lot succesful and priced about $200 much less. You will have the identical premium construct, minus the touchscreen. It is nonetheless a really strong selection.
I really like the battery life and the way nicely the Chromebook 13 is put collectively, and every thing you need to do is responsive and satisfying — this factor is quick! It was all the time a real high-end laptop computer, however the Chromebook Pixel’s exit makes it the most effective Chromebook you should purchase in September 2016.
One thing a bit of lighter: Toshiba Chromebook 2 (2015)
Checking in at 2.9 kilos, the Toshiba Chromebook 2 can nonetheless ship a top-of-the line expertise with out the additional two kilos of the Dell hanging off of your shoulder. Anybody who has to hold their cellular workplace in a bag or satchel daily can recognize the load discount.
The perfect half is the Toshiba continues to be greater than capable of do all issues Chrome OS easily and fast. When in comparison with the Dell, the most important drawbacks are lack of a contact display and a most storage capability of solely 16GB. The Core i3 mannequin checks in round $450 whereas an Intel Celeron mode will prevent $150.
If the lighter weight is well worth the trade-off of dropping the contact display and chopping the storage in half — and for lots of us it is going to be — Toshiba has your high-end Chromebook wants coated.
A brand new participant seems: Acer Chromebook 14
In case you want one thing just a little greater however nonetheless need that high-end really feel and specs that ship, the Acer Chromebook 14 is for you.
The 1080p show has extra-wide viewing angles and makes use of a correct high-quality IPS panel. the Intel Celeron drives Chrome OS to its full potential and 32GB of area is an enormous plus when Android apps and Google Play seem this fall. You additionally get two USB three.zero ports and 802.11ac MIMO Wi-Fi — all for round $300.
The aluminum construct is not fairly as thick feeling because the Dell, which is why the bigger show Acer weighs about the identical because the 13-inch Dell. The trackpad is not fairly as clean and the keyboard lacks the backlighting, however you are additionally saving about $350.
A few of us need a Chromebook with a bigger display and the Acer Chromebook 14 is my decide for one of the best within the 14-inch class.