Tweet
header/headerpChromebooks are budget laptops that are both odd and brilliant, low-impact and potent. They focus on what computing has been all about since the late '90s, the web browser, through Google's Chrome operating system. The search giant's OS and mobile computer spec are just a few years old, and already companies like HP, Samsung and Acer have released several models./ppWhat should you look out for in a Chromebook? The majority of these Google laptops use either the same or similar low-power components. This is largely what is behind the unquestionable affordability of these mobile rigs – most of which start under $300./ppWith low-impact processors and barely HD screens starting at 1366 x 768 resolution, most of these machines are also designed to last. Almost every Chromebook claims between 7 and 9 hours of battery life and comes within a few hours of that range, based on our testing./ppHowever, Google-powered laptops rely on tiny amounts of onboard solid-state storage to keep costs down, starting with 16GB SSDs. To offset the loss, every version of the browser-bound notebook comes with at least 100GB of Google Drive space for two years./ppAt that point, it all comes down to size (and price), with Chromebooks available as small as 11.6 inches and as large (so far) as 14 inches. Always updated, here are our top-ranking Chromebook reviews:/ph3Toshiba Chromebook - $279/h3pfigureimg src=http://cdn2.mos.techradar.futurecdn.net//art/laptops/Toshiba/Toshiba%20Chromebook/Review/toshibachromebookpress-1-580-90.jpg width=580 alt=Best Chromebooks: top Chromebook reviews//figure/ppimg class=lft src=http://cdn4.mos.techradar.futurecdn.net//art/techradar/Awards%20Logos%202014/Great_value_2014/tr_great_value_2014-120-100.jpg alt=Best Chromebooks: top Chromebook reviews//ppThis laptop isn't super stylish, nor is it the portable powerhouse you're looking for. But what Toshiba managed to accomplish in style and build for under $300 is undoubtedly impressive./ppEven for such a low-power system, 6 to 7 hours of endurance is longer than most Windows laptops can claim. Another plus is how quickly the Toshiba Chromebook charges, meaning less time tethered to an outlet overall./ppThis is the perfect Baby Boomer laptop, not to mention the mileage students would get out of this machine. Looking for an incredibly affordable mobile computer that does, well, what you do most on the computer? This Chromebook is a wise choice./ph3Acer C720P Chromebook - $299/h3pfigureimg src=http://cdn2.mos.techradar.futurecdn.net//art/laptops/Acer/Acer%20C720P%20(White)/acer-chromebook-c720p-white_1-580-90.jpg width=580 alt=Best Chromebooks: top Chromebook reviews//figure/ppEven at $299, the Acer C720P Chromebook costs way less than most budget laptops, and looks as good as a notebook twice its price. As an affordable laptop, the C720P has a lot to offer: A thin and light design, a snappy keyboard and touchpad, and impressive lasting power./ppThe notebook's dual-core processor provides more than enough oomph for heavy browsing. Plus, you can browse, write and stream to your heart's content, thanks to a seven-hour battery life. If you want a laptop with a touchscreen and don't use your computer for more than streaming movies, composing documents and browsing the web, the C720P is a fine choice./ph3HP Chromebook 11 - $279/h3pfigureimg src=http://cdn3.mos.techradar.futurecdn.net//art/laptops/HP/HP%20Chromebook%2011/review/Chromebook11%20-%20screen-580-90.jpg width=580 alt=Best Chromebooks: top Chromebook reviews//figure/ppimg class=lft src=http://cdn4.mos.techradar.futurecdn.net//art/techradar/Awards%20logos%202013/tr_recommended_2013-120-100.jpg alt=Best Chromebooks: top Chromebook reviews//ppThe HP Chromebook 11 is smooth and usable. While Chrome OS is limited by definition, between us growing more comfortable in web apps and those apps growing in power – and Chrome OS maturing – we're bumping into those limitations far less often./ppThis laptop is punchy enough to make the experience slick, cheap enough for anyone on a budget (or an impulse buy for the well-off), but something that still feels solid. It is a delight to own and use./ppApple and the other premium manufacturers should look at this little gem of a computer and applaud what has been achieved. The Chromebook 11 shows that it's possible to create a product with a little bit of the magic and joy you get from an Apple laptop without charging four figures for it./ph3Acer C720 Chromebook - $199/h3pfigureimg src=http://cdn2.mos.techradar.futurecdn.net//art/laptops/Acer/Acer%20C720/official/c720%20front%20angled-580-90.jpg width=580 alt=Best Chromebooks: top Chromebook reviews//figure/ppimg class=lft src=http://cdn4.mos.techradar.futurecdn.net//art/techradar/Awards%20logos%202013/tr_recommended_2013-120-100.jpg alt=Best Chromebooks: top Chromebook reviews//ppIn terms of power and endurance, you can't argue with the Acer C720 Chromebook. When you just want to get on the web quickly to answer emails or look something up, the C720 is ideal. For parents, it's also a perfect homework machine, as long as you can get a printer hooked up./ppThis is a true web appliance, a fine system for families. The Google account log-in gives each user a personalized interface, and just a few keystrokes completely wipe the system. That limits the risk substantially in sharing the system with others./ppOne key criterion we use in evaluating a device is whether we'd actually want to use it every day. Even taking this laptop's flaws into account, it's something we definitely would want to use, for the price./ph3Samsung Chromebook - $249/h3pfigureimg src=http://cdn4.mos.techradar.futurecdn.net//art/laptops/Samsung/Samsung%20Chromebook%20XE303C12%20Wi-Fi/Press%20shots/MAIN-580-90.jpg width=580 alt=Best Chromebooks: top Chromebook reviews//figure/ppimg class=lft src=http://cdn4.mos.techradar.futurecdn.net//art/techradar/Awards%20logos%202013/tr_recommended_2013-120-100.jpg alt=Best Chromebooks: top Chromebook reviews//ppIt takes a few days for you to really get the Chromebook experience. Though, likely sooner if you're a Google nut who uses Gmail, Drive, Calendar et al all the time anyway. But once you get it, it's under your skin. The simplicity and security of it – a nice cross between the iPad and, say, the complexity of a traditional computer – is refreshing./ppThe Samsung Chromebook is also affordable, light, simple, silent, reasonably well-constructed, innovative and, generally, a pleasure to use. For lots of people, this model would be perfectly sufficient as a primary computer./ppSamsung's first Google-powered laptop is an accessible machine for students (so long as your campus has Wi-Fi), and not in a patronizing way. If your primary computer is a bulging desktop, all-in-one or even just a bulky, hefty laptop, this is a great go-to-Starbucks-and-get-work-done machine./p
