Samsung Chromebook 2
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Which Chromebooks are worth buying?
Seven years ago, netbooks were all the rage with consumers, providing a cheap and easy way to get online and carry out other basic computing tasks. They died out as cellphones and tablets became popular, with some companies even forecasting the death of the laptop entirely. But it turns out that people still need notebooks for some things, and it helps if the device is cheap -- but most people still want a little more oomph than the standard low-power netbook. That's where Chromebooks step in. Small, lightweight and running Chrome OS, Chromebooks have exploded in popularity the past few years. As such, we've found ourselves reviewing quite a number of models in recent months. But which one should you buy? We've recommended a few devices in our buyer's guides before, but it's never one-size-fits-all. So we took a look at some recent releases, peeping at our own reviews as well as those of other trusted critics to make your buying decision a little easier.
Chromebook 2 review (11-inch, late 2014): Samsung's entry-level laptop returns with longer battery life
Just what the world needed, right? Another Chromebook. And yet, here I am, reviewing my sixth one in about as many months. Still, there's a reason I'm testing Samsung's newest model, the 11-inch Chromebook 2. It's because it replaces what for the longest time was our favorite Chromebook -- the one Samsung released all the way back in 2012. This new edition costs the same, at $250, but it's purportedly better in almost every way: The battery life is longer; the design is nicer; and the performance should be stronger, thanks to a new Intel Celeron processor. As we know, though, two years is a long time, and indeed, Samsung now has much more competition than it used to. For $250, you could get Sammy's new entry-level Chromebook, or you could also go with models from Acer, ASUS and HP, just to name a few. Is Samsung's still the best after all these years?
Check out our laptop buyer's guide for the best in portable PCs
Tablets are great, but if you're really looking to get some work done, a laptop is still one of the best for the job, especially if you need flexibility and portability. With the variety of Chromebooks, Ultrabooks and slimmed-down gaming laptops on offer, you don't even have to weigh yourself down anymore. So if you're looking for an upgrade, it's definitely worth checking out the laptop section in our buyer's guide or the gallery below for a few suggestions. We'll also be adding new items in the months to come, so let us know (in the comments below) if there's something you'd like to see listed.
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