4 min readBengaluruOct 5, 2023 08:19 AM IST
First published on: Oct 4, 2023 at 02:16 PM IST
The Chromebook lineup of notebooks powered by Google has empowered many by offering affordable and versatile computing devices. Google, in collaboration with HP, recently started manufacturing Chromebooks in India, which is likely to pave the way for more affordable Chrome OS-powered notebooks in the coming days.
If you are looking for a new affordable laptop in the market, especially a Chromebook, then here are a few things to consider, along with some of the best Chromebooks currently available in the market.
Things to look for while buying a Chromebook
At its core, Chromebook runs Chrome OS is nothing but an operating system built around the Chrome web browser, which is currently the number one web browser in the world. However, it isn’t devoid of issues and is known as a memory hog. This is why it is important to consider a Chromebook with the latest processor and at least 4 GB of RAM.
Most Chromebooks come in a typical laptop form factor. However, there is also an extensive range of Chromebooks that offer a bit more, with features like a 360-degree hinge, touch input support. Some Chromebooks also come with a detachable keyboard.
Chromebook Plus offer more power and performance (Image credit: Google)
Best High-Performance Chromebooks
The best part about a Chromebook is that, regardless of the price point, they all deliver a similar user experience with a very familiar UI. However, Google recently announced the Chromebook Plus, which is slightly more expensive and powerful, and they are mostly meant for those who want slightly more computing prowess. Acer Chromebook Plus 515 and the Asus Chromebook Plus C34 Flip are some of the models to consider. On the expensive side, there is the Samsung Chromebook Plus, which is priced around Rs 50,000.
Samsung’s Chromebook Plus has a premium design with touch support (Image credit: Samsung)
Best Chromebooks to run Android Apps
Chromebooks recently gained the capability to natively run Android apps. Since most Android apps are optimized for touch devices, we definitely recommend a Chromebook with touch input. The HP Chromebook x360 is currently one of the most affordable Chromebooks with support for touch input, and it is priced at around Rs 17,000. Similarly, the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 3, priced at Rs 24,990, is also a good device with touch input.
A Chromebook with a large 15.6-inch display (Image credit: Asus)
Best large-screen Chromebooks with large 1080p screen
Another key thing to keep in mind while buying a Chromebook is size. Unlike most Windows laptops or Macs, Chromebooks tend to be slightly smaller. In fact, there are a plethora of 11-inch Chromebooks in the market, which also happen to be a lot more affordable. Screen resolution is also another aspect to consider when buying a Chromebook; again, most budget Chromebooks offer a 720p resolution screen. If you are a movie buff, then we recommend a laptop with at least a 1080p resolution screen. The Asus Chromebook C523 features a large 15.6-inch 1080p screen. Despite the bigger screen, this notebook costs just Rs 22,499.
Best Chromebooks with more storage
Moreover, most Chromebooks also offer limited internal storage of 64/128 GB. If you are someone who saves a lot of data on your PC, we suggest you get a Chromebook with a large internal storage capacity or make sure to buy one with a microSD or an SSD slot for easy storage upgrade. The Asus Chromebook Flip C43 is one of the few Chromebooks that offers a whopping 512 GB of internal storage and a large 14-inch screen. However, it is also one of the most expensive Chromebooks, priced at Rs 143,034.
Almost all major PC brands offer affordable Chromebooks (Image Credit: Pixabay) 
Chromebook Plus offer more power and performance (Image credit: Google)
Samsung’s Chromebook Plus has a premium design with touch support (Image credit: Samsung)
A Chromebook with a large 15.6-inch display (Image credit: Asus)
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