Affordable Chromebook Shopping? Avoid These Common Pitfalls!

[@brandondorsey7204]

Just bought my first Chromebooks this year. I returned the first one, and bought a more expensive one. One tip I have for anyone looking to buy one. If it has less than 8 GB of ram, and you plan to do anything even Slightly more complex than media consumption, then pay more for the 8 gigs, you won't regret it.

[@zt9233]

had that same experience before

[@rajshetty4820]

You do relaize you can buy good windows laptop in that

[@brandondorsey7204]

@@rajshetty4820 I bought a Windows laptop this year as well. Don't judge me, I spent way too much money on tech this year. 😂.

[@shasyendra]

Maybe your previous chromebook had Intel Celeron N4020 (the most common intel chip in chromebooks), but at same price now some chromebooks are offering Mediatek MT8183 , which is much better than Intel. So, one doesn't need to shell out more if a mediatek chip version is available.

[@RobotPorter]

I'd also add price comparison to the list. I purchased my 128 GB Duet for only $250 from Best Buy. That is $50 to $100 less than most retailers were charging. It made that purchase a no brainer.

[@scottdaniels4981]

A video about affordable chromebooks for writers would be good. Honestly I'm just looking for a glorified typewriter that would be portable. Your videos have been helpful in narrowing down my choices.

[@Tariphilip]

Sameee

[@MoChuang343]

Great video! Short and to the point without too much confusing jargon. Love it.

[@ccroy2001]

I have 2 Chromebooks a mid range and a sub $200 low end one. (My 1st CB) I keep the low end one in the car handy when I stop for coffee or if I am at work and need to take care of something personal I go out to the car and make a hotspot. One nice thing about low end specs is really great battery life. The thing to remember is Chrome OS runs much better on low end hardware than Windows does.

[@ImReadyAyu]

I've been shopping around for a Chromebook and I'm surprised I managed to avoid all the things you mentioned. I customized an HP14a on their website that came with an N4500 processor, 4GB of RAM, switched to the IPS display, and upgraded to 64GB of storage for a total of $321.54 after tax. Would've helped me find this configuration sooner if I had found your video sooner vs researching everything myself. Subbed!

[@Nearnface]

liking this comment just for the nyanko-sensei pfp.

[@Artbullmeister]

Your videos are fantastic! You really manage to pack a lot of useful information in a few minutes entertainment. Thank you!

[@alphatang2000]

I know this video is a year old but is one of THE MOST helpful videos I've seen now that I'm in the chromebook market. Thank you thank you!!!!!

[@techsamurai11]

Great video, I’ve really been enjoying your reviews. Buying a chromebook is a truly complicated process especially if it’s not a premium that ticks all the boxes. It’s hard to figure out each model’s strengths and weaknesses - they all seem to have some and you do a phenomenal job of pointing them out. I’m trying to buy replacements for my children’s’ Dell 3100 provided by the school which has a terrible TN screen. Students spend their entire day working on that and it’s a disaster. The display quality is therefore important as is the brightness and the Flex 713 really seems to tick the boxes. Is the 2021 Flex much better in terms of build than the 2020? The 2021 is on sale and is a steal for the specs but the 2020 model with a i3 10th gen is currently very affordable online and a true steal. You deserve a lot more subscribers and I’m sure you’ll be getting them. Keep up the awesome reviews coming!

[@HighVybeTribe]

I 3 version would be Fsst @!

[@ceelyn]

I appreciate the good information you shared! Straight forward and understandable!

[@cobaltblue5523]

Thank you my friend this is very helpful

[@timwilkins2008]

As always, great content. Thanks!

[@GaneshNayak]

Was checking against Lenovo Duet Chromebook.. checks all the boxes.. Mediatek processor, IPS display, 128GB storage and good build quality :-)

[@RickyG225]

I also just purchased the Lenovo Chromebook3 with what you have listed, however with 64GB and not 128GB. Is the IPS display suited to your liking?

[@TomEMullaney]

So useful for Chromebook buyers. Nicely done!

[@brachiator1]

Very helpful, practical video. Many chromebooks are good values, but consumers should probably avoid rock bottom low end deals.

[@ryzenoctavian]

Are you going to review some of the Chromebooks you featured in this video such as the Asus C423 you had?

[@PhilWood82]

Chrome Unboxed twice reviewed the Asus C423 back when it released in 2018: Robby's take - chromeunboxed.com/news/new-asus-chromebook-14-inch-C423 Gabriel's take - chromeunboxed.com/news/asus-chromebook-c423-14-inch-nono-edge-available-apollo-lake

[@adbaro3448]

I got an Acer Spin 311 with the Mediatek 8183 and it is surprisingly fast, I recommend it

[@JR-bw3tr]

thank you for this tutorial , so helpful

[@ionair1913]

I wish I had this when I was picking a chromebook

[@sab_1055]

Thank you for this research guide. This week, I've seen ads w/ false release dates & titles inconsistent w/ specs in details. I'm referring to sites people trust and shop daily.

[@Carlosta83]

Great concise video.

[@debbie_chooses_love9018]

This may have been the most helpful video I have ever watched! 🤷🏼‍♀️ Thank you!!

[@TheMaster001]

Thank you. Can you please mark the 3 best Chromebooks for 2021 at the present time. Thanks.

[@NurulShahrilMdIsa]

i've got my new budget chromebook after watching this vid.. and i am super glad with my choice of acer C733 with the support until june 2026.. thanks robbie! keep it up the good work as always! \m/

[@triplogger8968]

This a great video....I hope you can keep similar ones at different time intervals because the changes in chromebooks happen frequently and it is very hard to keep track of what is up to date and what is not. Also focusing on USI and which chromebooks support that technology is important as well.... thanks for the great content 👍.

[@LindaDSykes]

Thank you so much for the valuable information provided.

[@BigjohnZ06]

Awesome Video, I bought a Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 3 11.6” Touchscreen Chromebook last week at BestBuy for only $200 and I’m Really Enjoying it so far. It has a Surprisingly decent keyboard, trackpad, Good looking touchscreen, and Good build quality for such a cheap touchscreen Chromebook.

[@Alipooley]

^ THIS ^ is the Chrome Unboxed video we need, a video cutting the noise and giving us simple basic rules to follow to help make purchase decisions is brilliant! I'd love a follow up video which delved into processors in a bit more detail. Give us a video that compares N400 v Mediatek V AMD A4/6 so we can rank them would be brilliant!

[@mickiegardner3468]

This is the video that really helped me in finding the right Chromebook for myself. Such good information. I have switched from Windows to a Chromebook. I bought the Asus CX5 and I really like it.

[@TheGodzilla2201]

I just got the Acer 314 Spin 2 in 1 8gb ram 128gb storage 6000 Intel Celeron processor and I'm happy. I got it for $300 from Amazon on sale.

[@79Hokie]

Excellent Video. Thanks for sharing.

[@Jose_Jimenez]

I bought a $79 special from BestBuy and it works just fine. The Lenovo Chromebook 3 11.6" display with an N4020 processor. I mainly just do everything in the Chrome browser, and it handles it really well. Typing this comment on it right now.

[@lilypower]

Good video! Thanks! 👍🏻

[@ettoo]

Good solid advice - Thanx

[@kankantona9070]

May I ask why mtk is preferred to snapdragon, Intel and amd?

[@aliasgharkhoyee8911]

Possibly more affordable and reliable (though not the best) performance.

[@deanstyles2567]

Not many Snapdragons in low end Chromebooks. Also I suspect there'll be some Android app compatibility issues with x86 Chromebooks that won't be an issue with ARM powered Chromebooks.

[@sebiumeker]

Once aagin an excellent review. Great advice!

[@barrymelody4477]

This has helped me hugley, have had lots of dilemmas about which one to buy. Eventually letting my Asus c300 go, finally settled on a HP 14 Ryzen 3 8GB 128 GB, little more than what I really need but took the advice and will benefit in a few years. Shame there is no similar channel for UK viewers, but like the content of all the videos here on Chrome Unboxed.

[@coolstuffaboutlife]

I heard that the chromebook Duet is good so I ordered it

[@johndoe4683]

Thank You!!! Great video ! I subscribed :)

[@chalofree1315]

N4020 vs MT8183.. Is there a huge difference between them? Is MT8183 way too better than N4020?

[@RyanEmmett]

Thank you for a helpful video! The information on processors is especially appreciated - I think this is the most confusing area for me.

[@EEEBA1]

That's a nice chess book collection my friend.

[@esthrrflakis]

I need to get my son a laptop for school. We don't need much storage but do want something more affordable that's not too slow. Any recommendations?

[@thisone6965]

1. Thanks for this video, now sales people treat me like I know what I’m talking about- it’s my Cliff Notes 📝 2. I’ve watched this video about 30 times & “scotch tape & rubber bands” 😂 NEVER gets old

[@alonsofonsecap]

Awesome video. Thanks! Do you guys recommend buying a refurbished pc laptop for the specs and doing a Chrome OS install?

[@MoChuang343]

I've turned a couple of old laptops into Chromebooks using Cloud Ready. It works pretty great. The only downsides are often old laptops have bad battery life compared to a new Chromebook, and sometimes not all the features or ports work.

[@pascalkodytek9022]

this video was incedibly helpfull thank you

[@garyraymer]

My first ever Chromebook is the ACER 314, I am very happy with it, and who knew that ACER could have such a high quality chromebook.

[@aavv1818]

Great shopping info.

[@djo9277]

I love my acer 514 with the n3350. great screen and backlit keyboard.Can you elaborate why the n4000 is superior during real life use?

[@tmsala59]

Thanks Brian!

[@fernandocabanillas8133]

Cool video, I just need something to do some online courses with. Don’t want to break the bank on something that I’m literally going to use for about a year. Any suggestions? Thank you

[@kibummmm]

Incredibly helpful! Thinking about getting my mom a chromebook for xmas as her current computer is probably 5+ years old and slow as heck! She really only uses her PC for going on facebook and doing online shopping/banking, so I felt like a chromebook could be a good option but I know almost nothing about them. The info about processors was especially helpful! I'm between a Lenovo Flex 5 and a Lenovo Chromebook 3... I can tell the 5 is slightly better but it's also a good 80$ more expensive. Based on this video, either one seems like it would be a solid option!

[@alejandrorivera8377]

Hi! What about Orbic Chromebook 2023?

[@NateBraska]

Maybe I need to define affordable, I'd personally like a 1080p screen. I know 720 is fine, especially with single window use, but that's a personal upgrade I'd want. Bumping up to 8 GB is ideal to me too, but then we probably are not in the "affordable" line anymore. The last thing that I would prioritize is USB-C charging; I think that's pretty standard now, but if it's not then that would be a deal breaker for any model. For return policy, I did exactly that with the Acer 713 (not "affordable" range) and downgraded to an open box Pixelbook Go. Missing the better CPU and Acer screen, but much better battery life and build quality IMHO.

[@asher6657]

acer spin 713. no question. I have one and an older spin 13 If you get 'drop and spill' insurance, DO NOT get it from acer. They suck. Badly The Chromebook is perfect, their repair skills are horrible

[@NateBraska]

@@asher6657 yeah, I didn't care for the battery or speakers. Overall very good productivity machine though

[@NateBraska]

@Joseph Sakata yeah, the 3:2 and overall size. I think the resolution was a bit nicer, too, but PB Go is still good. I didn't like 3:2 previously (Samsung Chromebook Pro), but the Acer changed that for me.

[@asher6657]

@Joseph Sakata once you go 3:2 you never go back. You might never notice the difference until you go from a 3: 2 to a 16:9 and wonder if the 16:9 is REALLY a 13" laptop .... or is it an 11" and it was mislabeled.

[@KisameSempai]

chromebook was supposed to be budget friendly less powerful laptop alternatives but nowadays all recommendations suggest the premium chromebooks for you to have enjoyable experience and performance

[@youkee74]

great informative video. I am looking for a chromebook with decent speakers, I have been using acer 311 and the speakers are awful. can anyone recommend a chromebook with decent speakers.

[@sanjaylord]

HP Chromebooks with upward firing speakers sound pretty decent. I have the 14a and the speakers on that are very loud and would recommend it at that price range. Just make sure you get the model with IPS display. Or if you can stretch your budget even higher the Asus CX5 or the HP 14c convertible also offer good speakers.

[@youkee74]

@@sanjaylord excellent, thanks for the quick response !!!

[@ryzenoctavian]

I'd just suggest anything with front firing speakers

[@mini9503]

Asus Chromebook CM5 Detachable. Asus in well known for their speakers on Windows Laptops, should be decent in Chromebooks too.

[@Heisbig]

I'm looking for a sub 150ish Chromebook for streaming and lightweight gaming to add to the trio (PC/Kindle/android phone) and am willing to buy used or refurbished so long as it comes with a warranty..... your video helped so much I can tell the age on fx or Sandbridge just fine but no clue on Chromebooks.

[@dwanejeff196]

Shout out to you, and Thomas Midena! Thank's to your video's, I am typing this comment on my Acer Chromebook 517, which I got for $500 here in Canada! You both were instrumental in my purchase! Thank You ! Keep up, the good workk! I also amd saving up for a desktop Chrome, over time because I am not a tich man...but I get by!

[@Pixel_jones]

Is the M3 chip worth it or should I pay a lil more for the I series, also do you think there will be better spec-d convertibles like Lenovo duet coming out in the near future?

[@charlesdancause1971]

I have an Asus C434 with the m3 8100y chip and its still really fast after nearly 2 years.

[@ofcbob6391]

Can you link your android phone to this...to where you can get your text messages on it and text back and forth on it, instead of your android phone?

[@jefferyrye1821]

Great video considering all the parents needing to buy tech for their kids nowadays!

[@billandmike3684]

I bought a Samsung 500C ($125) when I was on a trip and needed a computer right away. I am really impressed with most of its build quality but it can be painfully slow with the celeron n3030 chip, even with 4GB of ram. The screen is weak and the touch pad is not very good. But if you want a laptop for anything web related and want something cheap, it is not a bad deal. Most of the Android apps (including Google apps) have problems, even when they are supposed to work. If you can afford $300-500 go with a mid range chromebook or a lowend iPad. If you are looking about .$750 or higher, go with either a Windows or Apple laptop unless absolutely everything you want to do can be done in a browser.

[@lavapop1900]

whew all these letters and numbers and whatchamacallit. I just need a list of recommended Chromebooks. That's it that's all

[@Emvkazama]

I totally love my TCL Chromebox. With he i7 processor and 16gb of RAM this thing can do anything.

[@blazing_mate]

You can install Windows and it will do alot more.

[@Emvkazama]

@@blazing_mate i was done with windows a long time ago around 5years maybe more. Always have to deal with glitches the infamous Blue screen and my PCs just keep stoped working out of the blues. I'm been with Chromebook since the first Samsung. Hahaha and that thing was cheap bad screen and small. I can't wait for Chromebooks to have more support and become a power house.

[@OpGaming-oh3yd]

Helpful

[@babismousikos]

very useful ,,lot of thanks ..I have a question : Is it possible to avoid the sign in procedure ? Thanks

[@VGTIMEDBS]

been almost a year. Still waiting on these mid-range to high-end mediatek chromebooks

[@MandoMTL]

Keep waiting.

[@adrienhunter2017]

Hi I love your content

[@batman_v.6.9]

Which chromebook are you holding in the pic?

[@thomassørensen2141]

Commodore 64

[@Arcynite]

What happens when a chromebook stops receiving updates? It will still function and everything and just not get new OS updates right?

[@jaywright9635]

Still usable..But not receiving security updates, is a Big Gamble, when using outdated software/chromebooks. Especially if doing important work, educational stuff, banking and personal info. Use caution, if one decides to go that route.

[@winendesertrose]

I think the average lifespan of a Chromebook is 4 years after the stops receiving updates it's sort of dies you get the black or blue screen of death. There are ways to reboot it but usually it's at the end of the line.

[@patmattiacci7265]

Thanks for a good video. Couple comments: You speak very clearly but very quickly. More on-screen names, numbers, etc that you are describing would be extremely helpful. Also, you don't mention RAM?

[@GonzaloArinCarrau]

Best chromebook for a web developer?

[@wmire31]

Would you say the HP 11.6 on sale for $99 at Best Buy worth it?

[@lawrencev.athill7502]

Thanks young man 👌

[@pintopinto9901]

Acer 311 vs Acer 511 which one should I get?

[@Geothy]

A chromebook duet has an mediatek helio p60t proccesor right?

[@leol9389]

yes it is just a diff name but the same processor as the MT8183

[@o_o6869]

I need good and cheap bigger than 12 inch Chromebook which one would be better.

[@ambroseabellair5306]

HP 14 inch chrome book for 139.00 at target, best buy on the market beats the hell out of lenovo, even on sale the best price for Lenovo was 159.00

[@H.M.Writer]

Summary: Different processors: • N4000 series Intel chips OVER Intel Celeron N3350 chips; • If Mediatek chip: MT-8183 OVER the MT-8173; • AVOID rock chip arm processors at all costs; • Choose A6 processor OVER A4; SCREENS: • (ips) screen over (nt) screens!! If ips is not listed in specs it's most likely an nt screen. STORAGE: • 64 gig OVER 32 gig; if buying 32 gig make sure device has SD expandable storage. Lastly, make use of the stores return policy. THANKS FOR THIS GREAT VIDEO, IT REALLY HELPED! 👏😄

[@Daimon12820]

Which one better? N4020 or A6-9220c?

[@romanop1951]

Hey, that was really great. But could be even better if you specifically identified some machines (in addition to the CTL and ASUS used in the video) as reference machines for "good" models, positive examples. No prices, just models. Thanks!

[@michal4736]

How about Dell 3100? I saw that is a really popular Chromebook

[@leol9389]

yup celeron N4020 is so good and snappy on chromebooks. Mediatek 8183 is comparable and for sure far better than the 8173C.

[@RickyG225]

I just purchased a Lenovo with MT 8183 today. It is listed as an 8 core processor, so I think it will perform well for multi-tasking. Do you agree?

[@leol9389]

@@RickyG225 yup! it'll handle multiple tasks just fine. i often multitask with my 8 core 8183 processory and have no issues or hiccups!

[@EppingForest304]

My Chromebook has 6.5 years of updates with intel i3 processor. Don’t know if the battery will be usable at 6 years old?

[@Jesadaa1]

Hello, and Thanks very much for this very useful video. I would like to know if a Chromebook with a Celeron N 4020 is worth buying? I am talking about the ChBk Acer SPIN 11?

[@Wimmle]

Still loving my Lenovo duet honestly one the best choices and Microsoft xcloud + Xbox one controller (50/20 is my speed) such a great experience

[@Shotis]

I'm about to purchase one as a secondary device for travel and school! What do you think of yours?

[@Wimmle]

@@Shotis love it with a android apps there's nothing I can't do so far, battery is great, video watching is quite good tho speakers could be louder only thing I wish it had two USB C ports but that's honestly my only complaint

[@Wimmle]

I'll just add I can have Netflix/KZbin and about 10chome tabs open and I experience no lag

[@Shotis]

@@Wimmle wow! I was worried about performance

[@Wimmle]

@@Shotis once I record something worth editing I'm going to throw final cut at it I'm really impressed and honestly I think the reviews under sell just how good it is for the price I can't find another device that's as good.

[@Oxide53115]

Beside price people also mostly only look at the size of the thing

[@GM-wf6el]

This may sound stupid. Is there a chromebook that has a SIM card slot/tray so it can function like an Android smartphone. Make/receive calls and access the internet? Thanks

[@lee.valley]

I'm completely new to chromebooks, I only wanted one for general daily personal use, I decided on the "Lenovo IdeaPad 3 Chromebook 14 Inch Full HD Laptop - (MediaTek MT8183, Integrated ARM Mali-G72 MP3 GPU, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD, ChromeOS) - Abyss Blue". seems cheap £269 or $323, it seems to be exclusive to amazon, release date Feb 2023, so no reviews yet, is it a good buy or bad???

[@ssclassof2000]

Is there a sub 200 model that doesn't have any of the pitfalls? I just need a Chromebook for internet and office programs. I would need to run a couple of Linux office apps. I want to have decent viewing angles for the screen but don't really need a touchscreen.

[@fabashirmurtaza5443]

Would u recommend HP Chromebook x360?

[@eldocdavis1681]

Hi i've a question ¿What is the best chromebook of 11 inch? Thanks

[@prateeksharma2669]

Should I go for mediatek 8183 or amd a4

[@RickyG225]

good question. I think the mediatek is the way to go.

[@lana8656]

I'm here because my kid's Acer Chromebook Spin11 (cp311-1hn-c6gv) with wacom pen had a change in the display panel.. there were bubbles & I could claim warranty. What's lifespan do you think ~ it has Intel celeron N3450

[@matthews8580]

Buying refurbished also a good idea. I just ordered lenovo 5i for just £200. 11th gen core i3 and 256gb ssd which is way more than needed on a chromebook. Mainly got it because I tried the keyboard in the store and liked it plus touchscreen is also nice. In the store its twice as much but refurbished on ebay from the SAME seller is half...

[@peterat100]

Great content as always. I bought a budget model that I'm happy with so far. I'd like to see a graduation video. I have had an S330 for a few years, and I'm ready to graduate, how high do I go?

[@ryzenoctavian]

If you can afford it I'd go for a Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 Chromebook or an Asus Chromebook C425/Flip C434 if they're on sale. The HP Chromebook 14b is also a very recent laptop which I'd highly suggest, with signature HP build quality, up to 16GB ram, and with a strong processor, the AMD Athlon Silver 3050C (the C just distinguishes it from the Windows and Chrome variant).

[@kajin2422]

@@ryzenoctavian hello! I’m actually about to buy a chromebook for school today. Do you know which chromebook would be better? I’m actually debating between the Asus Flip C434, and the Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5. I’m going to get one later today, and I really like the C434 as in design and and the bezels, but I heard the Lenovo Flex 5 is much stronger and faster and will last longer, although I am not a fan of the bulkiness and the bigger bezels. Which one would be better for a new University student like me?

[@ryzenoctavian]

@@kajin2422 I'd definitely recommend the Lenovo Chromebook Flip 5, as it has better processing power, it's got better build quality, a great screen and speakers and a good keyboard. I understand that the Lenovo looks a bit chunkier due to the large bottom bezel and I would agree. The C434 is also a great option too but ovbiously a bit weaker and slower, however does have the bigger screen (which I prefer) and I think looks better, but can be more expensive. I'd say you should take the Lenovo if your uni work is demanding, i.e any intensive rendering and such you need to do as the better processing power will definitely make you thankful, however if it is just regular documents then the C434 is also a great choice, but you can still do that with the Lenovo. All in all, both would be a great choice, if you need that extra screen real estate and design at the cost of some performance then go for the Asus, if you need more performance then go for the Lenovo. Hope this helps and good luck for uni! :)

[@kajin2422]

@@ryzenoctavian honestly I want the C434 much more but the Lenovo is looking much better. All I’m gonna be doing are essays and research but even so the wiser decision is always to get the stronger hardware even if I’m not a fan of the screen. TYSM for the feedback and I hope u have a great day :) also thanks I hope I do we in University too!

[@williamclarke2020]

Why do Chromebooks have such incredibly dull screens?

[@mariodilorenzo7473]

what about M3 Chip???

[@hoomalumalu]

the "connecting" circle keeps revolving................. now what?

[@ericyoung3183]

look out for the new Acer Chromebook 514. The battery backup and the power-efficient mediatek chip will not let you down

[@tytownsend8219]

Basically I'll be using my chromebook for KZbin or Netflix. Should I get a 16:9 or 3:2? PLEASE HELP ME OUT!!!🤯

[@malcontent_1]

I hope Lenovo releases an updated Chromebook Duet w/ a ~11" screen & larger keyboard, we shall see. It's encouraging Lenovo is releasing three new 11"-11.5" _Android_ tablets this year --> Lenovo Pad 11, Lenovo Pad Plus 11 & Lenovo Pad Pro.

[@lavapop1900]

is the Lenovo good?

[@malcontent_1]

@@lavapop1900 I really liked what I saw of the Lenovo Chromebook Duet when I saw it at my local Best Buy store. Please see Lenovo "Duet" reviews that the Chrome Unboxed crew have done. The newer, larger Lenovo _Android_ tablets give me hope that such hardware will be repurposed as an updated "Duet" Chromebook -- eventually.