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You can almost always get a Chromebook for under $150.
Photo: Best BuyYou can almost always get a Chromebook for under $150.
You can almost always get a Chromebook for under $150.
You can almost always get a Chromebook for under $150.
Computer shopping goes one of two ways: either you love customizing your PC or Mac from scratch, or you don’t care what your computer is made of, so long as it works. No matter which camp you’re in, there’s one question you’re probably not asking: Do you need a computer at all?
Okay, fine: You probably need something with a keyboard and a screen, since 21st century life involve emails and websites and phones aren’t always a viable option. But you might be able to manage with only a Chromebook — which range in price from $139 to $369, instead of the $1,000 and up you can expect to spend on a full-blown computer.
In fact, we’re willing to bet most people would be fine with a Chromebook. If you can’t remember the last time you used your computer for something other than Facebook, email, or Netflix, than you’re probably one of them. But let’s get down to the details.
What a Chromebook can’t do
If anything on this list is a must-have for you, then a Chromebook won’t pack enough punch for you:
- It can’t run Photoshop, Final Cut, or other creative design programs.
- It can’t play video games aside from simple browser games.
- It can’t be used as a powerhouse, meaning you can’t have 500 browser tabs open and expect your 1 TB file to download instantly.
While that is somewhat limiting. There's plenty more to...
What a Chromebook can do
…and do extremely well:
- It can load your email.
- It can check Facebook.
- It can check Twitter.
- It can check Instagram, Reddit, and all your other social media sites.
- It can run Youtube.
- It can run Netflix, Disney+, and all the other streaming sites.
- It can browse the entire internet, in fact. Every inch.
- It can run Slack and other chat clients, and basically anything that can be loaded into Chrome.
- It has an amazing battery life (with some models lasting 15 hours between charges).
- It is lighter than almost any other laptop.
- It can come with all the high-tech conveniences you’re used to, like touchscreens.
Of course, this isn’t an all-or-nothing deal. Speaking personally, I use my iMac for video editing, meaning I stuffed it full of the fastest processor Apple offered and then manually installed my own RAM (since Apple RAM is absurdly overpriced). But when I’m traveling, I use my my Acer Chromebook: The battery life is incredible, it’s light, sturdy enough to survive all the times I’ve dropped it, and it’s lasted me four years so far (that link might actually go to a newer model, though it looks identical to mine).
If this all sounds good to you, a few are on sale today on the Best Buy website (As a bonus, these Chromebooks all come with three free months of Disney+):
The Lenovo 100e 11.6 -- $139.00
This Chromebook’s 11.6-inch screen won’t seem as small on its compact frame, and the 32GB of flash memory is likely more than you’ll need (you have to learn to think small with these things). Lenovo’s once-great customer service has slipped noticeably over the years, but if all you’re looking for is a portable support computer, this one comes at a bargain.
Acer 15.6” Chromebook -- $229
I’m usually a big fan of Acer’s designs, and this one is no exception. I can also attest to their durability, having personally dropkicked one of their computers across my apartment only to continue using it two years later. I recommend this computer, and since the product reviews on Best Buy’s website say much the same thing, I’ll also recommend you forgo the protection plan (if you don’t know to do that already).
HP - 2-in-1 14” Touch-Screen Chromebook -- $369
This HP has a high pricepoint for a Chromebook (though still noticeably lower than anything other than a second-hand laptop) and that’s reflected in two features not found in the above models: First, this HP has touchscreen capabilities, which is particularly useful in a small computer. Second, it has a 360-degree flip-and-fold design, meaning you can swing the keyboard around back and use the device as a tablet whenever you want. If you’ve got a bit more to spend and want extra power and flexibility, this is a great option. We can think of no slicker way to get acquainted with Baby Yoda.
SFGATE participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites.
Joshua Sargent is an editor for Hearst Newspapers. Email him at josh.sargent@hearst.com.
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