[ If there is one thing I have learned through my life in computers it is that I cannot recommend any product at all. This can only come back to haunt you as inevitably something goes wrong that they do not like. And... of course, it is my fault. The same holds true for fixing computers. JUST SAY NO. :) Inevitably some computer genius nephew has had a hand in it and guess what, HE couldn't fix. And he works in some computer defense project in Kentucky. And often I suspect that nephew of breaking the computer in the first place because all of the spyware toolbars indicate that while he may work on Drones he doesn't have a clue about Internet capitalism or his uncle's laptop. :) A scenario like this is inevitable. So, if you will keep my feelings about this in mind, here is another review of the Samsung Chromebook, my favorite computing device ever, a great value for money product that fits my particular needs exactly. Oh, but you have been warned. While I think this review is spot on perfect, I do not recommend the device. It wasn't me. But you know...sometimes I wonder if I am ever mentioned as that computer genius librarian who couldn't fix it. :) ]
Samsung Chromebook: Best $249 you can spend (review)
Summary: I tested one months ago and just bought my own Samsung Chromebook. This cheap laptop is a great value for such a low cost.
I purchased the model with wi-fi, choosing to pass on the 3G-enabled Chromebook with its slightly higher price. I have become spoiled by LTE and have no desire to drop back to 3G speeds.
Hardware specs
- Model Number: XE303C12
- Display Size: 11.6-inches
- Display: 1366x768 resolution; 200nit brightness
- Weight: 2.43 lbs (1.1.kg)
- Less than 0.8 inches thick (17.5 mm)
- Battery Life: over 6.5 hours
- Processor: Samsung Exynos 5250
- Memory: 2GB
- Storage: 16GB SSD (Google is including 100GB free online storage)
- Webcam
- Ports: 1 USB 3.0, 1 USB 2.0, combo headphone/mic jack, secure digital memory slot
- HDMI Port
- Bluetooth 3.0™ Compatible
- Speaker: 1.5W speaker X 2
- Keyboard: Full-size Chrome keyboard
- Wireless: 802.11 abg/n 2x2
The performance of the Samsung Chromebook is so good I forget it's not an Intel processor inside, which says a lot. Playing 1080p video shows lags at times, but all other video plays just fine. I have no complaints about the user experience offered by the ARM processor.
The buttonless trackpad is also good and complements the keyboard nicely. Operating the Chromebook by trackpad is smooth and I find it almost as good as the standard, the Apple MacBook.
The display is not the brightest out there (200 nits); I admit I am totally spoiled by Retina Displays and the Chromebook Pixel screen. This one is just fine, however, and I can use it all day with no issues.
Battery life is a decent 7+ hours due to the ARM processor. That's impressive for the thin, light casing which limits how big the sealed battery can be. The Samsung Chromebook can easily handle a full day of work for me.
Conclusion
This is one of the most portable laptops with an 11.6-inch display, weighing only 2.4lbs and as thin as the MacBook Air. Samsung has created a very nice Chromebook for just $249. This could easily be the best $249 you spend this year.
