No matter what your budget allows, it always makes sense to ask around for the best Chromebooks. These superb Chrome OS laptops are no longer limited to the “very budget laptop” label but have taken their place in the computer market as truly essential tools for work.
Why choose a Chromebook
Impressive models, including the Acer Chromebook 315, Google Pixelbook Go, and Lenovo IdeaPad Duet Chromebook, prove that the best Chromebooks are portable devices capable of competing with some of the Windows 10 laptops. Though underrated, they remain efficient and multitasking devices with great specs, premium builds, and extremely long battery life.
To make them even more valuable, Chromebooks offer versatility. Most models offer:
- 2-in-1 form factor;
- Touchscreens;
- Stylus support.
The following device is right in the best spot of price balance with excellent build quality and performance. It’s portable, powerful, and probably exactly what you’re looking for.
Acer Chromebook Spin 15
One of the few Chromebooks with a 15-inch display, and it’s the only 2-in-1 in this form factor, making it a bit of a rarity. With a size and form factor closer to a premium 15-inch notebook than a budget netbook, the Acer Chromebook Spin 15 provides the same screen area as its much more expensive competitors. This display also flips, and while you won’t want to use it as a tablet in your hand — it’s too massive for that — you’ll love the multimedia mode for hyping Netflix in bed.
The Acer Chromebook Spin 15 is big enough to accommodate all the space you need for multitasking, instead of feeling cramped when you have two windows next to each other on one of the more advanced Chromebook offerings. In addition, the 2-in-1 features an Intel Pentium N4200 dual-core processor and 4GB of RAM, which provides increased multi-core performance and enough memory to provide multitasking without feeling like any serious system lag. This Chromebook is priced at $399.
The keyboard is comfortable and pleasant to use, offering enough movement, resistance, and key spacing for pleasant typing that isn’t tiring or too loud to distract the neighbors in the office. The upward-facing speakers – located on either side of the keyboard – though hollow, without bass and capable of boosting midrange frequencies, are loud enough for use alone or if you have a couple of friends.
The size of this laptop also gives you room to stretch. The smaller Chromebook is more portable, but it can also feel cramped, especially if you’re a big person with equally big hands. It even has a decent keyboard and touchpad, and it can last forever thanks to a substantial battery. This makes some problems — such as minor audio distortion, no dedicated video outputs, and an outdated design – a little easier to overlook. If size and power are what you’re looking for in your budget Chromebook, the Acer Chromebook Spin 15 is your best choice.