If you're looking to buy a laptop below $500, you're generally better off buying a Chromebook than a Windows laptop. Chromebooks weigh less, have better battery life, are more secure, and are becoming increasingly powerful. However, given the number of Chromebooks on the market today, it's not always easy to know which model is best for you. This article will make your choice easier by delving into some of the most important differences between different Chromebook models.
Let's Talk About Price First
Although Chromebooks are inexpensive when compared to Windows laptops or Macs, there are still significant differences in price between different Chromebooks models. These differences matter when you're looking to buy in bulk or when you're reluctant to spend more than a few hundred dollars on a device.
For example, the CTL Chromebook J4+ comes in at $149 and still packs a powerful punch with its 4 GB of DDR RAM and a 1.8 GHz, Quad-Core ARM-Cortex-A17 processor. It weighs only 2.4 lbs and it has a colorful, anti-glare screen. That's good value for money, considering you're paying less than a pair of Apple AirPods.
There's Rugged and There's Rugged
While price is an important consideration, it's not the only one. Some people, young students in particular, require a device that's a bit more rugged, a device that's okay being jostled around. While Chromebooks are generally quite sturdy, some Chromebooks are built specifically with this type of user in mind.
The CTL Chromebook NL7X, for example, features an innovative pressure-resistant cover that also doubles as a whiteboard! The x-panel cover has been tested to allow the Chromebook to withstand up to 365 pounds of crushing force. It has been drop tested to 70cm, protecting the unit from drops from average desk heights. The CTL Chromebook NL7X includes a water-resistant keyboard that protects it against spills or rain and a retractable carrying handle which helps you to easily and safely carry it. With 4 GB DDR RAM and an Intel N3350 Celeron processor, it's also capable of handling most web browsing and document editing needs.
It's these types of Chromebooks that are ideal for outdoorsy work as well. You want to look for a high-definition, anti-glare screen and a sturdy 180-degree hinge to help you find the perfect viewing angle, so you can work wherever you are, regardless of the weather.
For the Note-Takers and the Creatives
Most laptops today don't accommodate for the people who like drawing or who prefer writing down information instead of typing it out. The laptops that do exist for these users are generally quite expensive. Some Chromebooks, however, provide a low-cost solution that's perfect for this type of user.
For example, the CTL Chromebook NL7TW-360 has a Wacom EMR pen and a 360-degree hinge that allows you to move your Chromebook into a tablet. With its 11.6" LCD touchscreen made of scratch-resistant Gorilla Glass, it's a great device for people who like drawing, annotating PDFs or slides, or digital note-taking.
Looking for something a little more portable? The CTL Chromebook Tab Tx1 is a great option for kids and professionals alike. Also featuring a Wacom EMR pen and scratch-resistant Gorilla Glass, this sturdy tablet makes a great learning tool for those who are in the early stages of development as well as those who need a versatile work device on-the-go. Starting at only $279, you can't beat the cost compared to competitors.
In Conclusion
The allure of a Chromebook does not just lie in its price. It lies in its versatility as well. There's a Chromebook for every type of user, whether that's someone who mainly works outside or someone who needs a sturdy device or someone who wants to be creative with their device. For a few hundred dollars max, a powerful Chromebook exists to accommodate your needs.
