Chromebooks buying guide: all about laptops that use Android apps and recommended models

Although the most common when buying a laptop is that inside they have Windows or MacOS as operating systems, there is a whole world of Chromebooks: devices capable of using Android apps, in addition to those developed specifically for them.

We are going to tell you all the basics that should be known to understand what a Chromebook is, as well as recommended models, all of them at a low price. Our colleagues from Xataka have already told us how is the experience of using a Chromebook and the main keys to be successful when buying one, so it’s time to find out which ones are the best.

What is a Chromebook?

A Chromebook is a laptop that has ChromeOS inside it, the second most used operating system in the world. ChromeOS is an operating system based on Linux kernel, although it uses Chrome as the main interface. In other words, is a computer that bases its interface on Google Chrome, so it is intended for basic use.

The interface is quite sparse: we have a taskbar, a file explorer and the apps that we download. By entering our Google account, if we have Android, the apps on our phone can be synchronized with the Chromebook. ChromeOS is an operating system for browsing the internet and using basic apps, such as Google’s office suite.

A) Yes a Chromebook is a laptop that enjoys ChromeOS, has its native apps and Android applications: just enough for browsing, managing files, office automation and playing multimedia.

Best cheap Chromebooks

The advantage that Chromebooks have is that, being fairly basic devices at the hardware and software level, its price is usually quite low. We are going to give you a list of the best cheap Chromebooks, so that you have a reference on the models that are worth buying in 2021.

Acer Chromebook 314

For only 219.99 euros you got this Acer Chromebook, with a basic configuration, but sufficient for office automation use. It has 32 GB eMMc, 4 GB of RAM, MediaTek processor and an 11-inch panel with HD resolution. It is perfect for children, students or to play content at home, traveling or anywhere else without spending much money.

If you want a more powerful configuration, you have the 64 GB version, 14-inch screen and Intel Celeron N4020 processor for 299 euros, this way you get the most powerful version.

Lenovo IdeaPad 3

With the same Intel Celeron N4020, 64 GB of internal memory eMMC and 4 GB of RAM, the Full HD version of the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 only costs 249 euros. You take a Chromebook with 14 inches, a quite successful design and anti-glare screen. A good alternative for less than 250 euros.

Lenovo IdeaPad Flex

The flex version of the IdeaPad is priced at 349 euros. You get a Chromebook with the Intel Celeron N4020, 8 GB of RAM, 128 GB of internal memory and 11.6-inch panel. You can fold it to use it like a tablet and take it anywhere.

HP Chromebook 14a-na0005ns

Another budget proposition is the HP Chromebook 14 G6. It is a 14 inch device, with 8 GB of RAM Intel’s Celeron N4020. If what you are looking for is maximum power you can buy it with the Intel i5, although the price goes up quite a bit. If you want basic use, the 14-inch and Celeron version costs 349 euros.

Acer Chromebook Spin 514

Another good proposition for not too much money is the Acer Chromebook Spin 514, a Chromebook with an AMD Ryzen 3 3250C processor. It also has 8 GB of RAM and a 128 GB SSD hard drive. A whole beast for just 399 euros. The version with AMD Athlon Silver drops to 349.

Samsung Chromebook 4

If you want a Samsung brand Chromebook, you have the Chromebook 4 in its 5 + 64 GB version for just 280 euros. It is a computer designed without screws on its back, fairly clean and light. Its keys have a slight curvature to adapt to the finger and promises up to 24 hours of autonomy.

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Chromebooks buying guide: all about laptops that use Android apps and recommended models

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