Best Chromebooks To Buy In Kenya And Their Prices For 2023

Chromebooks, these low-cost laptops that were once considered to be student-friendly netbooks, have advanced significantly over the past ten years. Modern Chromebooks are more powerful and well-constructed than earlier models. Beyond their frequently appealing price, Chrome OS, a quick, user-friendly, and virus-free operating system, is their greatest strength. Perfect for grandparents or kids, but not just them! Yes, Chromebooks make excellent computers for students.

Currently, they primarily employ entry-level Intel platforms. However, Apple's Apple M1 processor's rebuke of the market has led Google to rekindle its interest in ARM chips. This emerging trend has been made more evident by adopting MediaTek SoCs in several Acer models.

But if the technology has advanced, the software is where things have progressed. We have moved to a true OS from a glorified browser that couldn't run an offline word processor. Since it has been feasible for years to install Android applications on Google's Chromebooks, the company has surpassed Apple's market share. Google is expanding its ecosystem with Android 13, and Chrome OS is becoming more and more logical.

You may also find this range of Laptops to be appealing:

Best Acer Laptops To Buy In Kenya In 2023

Best Lenovo Laptops In Kenya And Their Prices For 2023

 Let us get started

 ACER CHROMEBOOK SPIN 514 2021 (CP514-1H)

Up until recently, the vast majority of Chromebooks had Intel processors, most frequently Pentiums with incredibly low power. It is therefore particularly intriguing to see models appear that feature the much more effective AMD Ryzen chips. This Acer Spin 514 has a very traditional design and a 14-inch screen with relatively thin edges. Even though the device is small, its weight (1.6 kg) prevents it from being used in tablet mode.

On the other hand, the manufacturing quality has us very pleasantly pleased; the metal chassis exudes robustness. Four USB ports, including two USB-C connectors, an HDMI jack, and a microSD card reader, round out the connection. Even though a Full HD IPS panel is present, it is not bright enough. Therefore, using this laptop outside in the sun is without a doubt.

But without a doubt, this device's AMD Ryzen 5 3500U processor is its main selling point. The chip provides excellent performance and, more importantly, ten hours of autonomy when paired with 8 GB of RAM. Enough to avoid the need for a recharge for the entire day. The latter is also in USB-C format, which is helpful if you want to bring the fewest cables possible.

 Key Specs

• Laptop Class       Chromebook, Convertible 2-in-1
• Processor            AMD Ryzen 5 3500C
• Processor Speed              2.1 GHz
• RAM      8 GB
• Boot Drive Type eMMC Flash Memory
• Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 128 GB
• Screen Size         14 inches
• Native Display Resolution             1920 by 1080
• Touch Screen     Yes
• Panel Technology             IPS
• Variable Refresh Support             None
• Screen Refresh Rate       60 Hz
• Graphics Processor         AMD Radeon Vega 8
• Wireless Networking      802.11ac, Bluetooth
• Dimensions (HWD)          0.68 by 12.7 by 8.9 inches
• Weight 3.64 lbs
• Operating System            Google Chrome OS
• Battery Life (Hours: Minutes)      10:50

 ACER CHROMEBOOK 314 2021 (CB314-1HT)

Again, if money is tight, you'll need to seek Acer, where you can find happiness in the form of the CB314. Even though it's priced below KSH 50,000, it nevertheless provides a technical sheet that isn't absurd. Thus, an Intel Pentium Silver N5030 processor and 8 GB of RAM are used in its construction. We hate that the internal storage is only a 64 GB SSD. This is not much for a machine primarily intended for cloud use.

Even though this computer is reasonably small for a 14-inch, the finish is not particularly memorable. Exceptionally soft and unpleasant to use is the keyboard. Four USB ports, including two in USB-C style, are available for connectivity, but we regret that subscribers lack access to an HDMI output. The picture is completed by a microSD reader, which is helpful if the SSD is a bit small.

Finally, the autonomy pleasantly surprises us: the CB314 can run for more than twelve hours on a single charge. Additionally, it has the good taste to use a USB-C socket, which enables you to replace the large block that is included with a smaller one.

 Key Specs

• CPU: Intel Celeron N4000 1.1Ghz (dual-core)
• Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 600
• RAM: 4GB
• Screen: 14-inch LED; high definition 1366 x 768 pixels
• Storage: 32GB eMMC
• Ports: 2 x USB-A; 2 x USB-C; MicroSD; Audio jack
• Connectivity: Wireless IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac; Bluetooth 5.0
• Cameras: HD webcam
• Weight: 3.75 pounds (1.7 kg)
• Size: 12.8 x 9.1 x 0.78 inches (32.5 x 23.1 x 2 cm; W x D x H)

 LENOVO IDEAPAD DUET CHROMEBOOK (2020)

 We make a minor modification. While most Chromebooks have a traditional laptop design, several hybrid variants are constructed around tablets. This is the case with Lenovo's surprise IdeaPad Duet, which depends on its flexible and portable nature. Despite being marketed for a relatively low price, this little device comes with a removable keyboard and a crutch-like protective cover. The IdeaPad Duet and its keyboard give a respectable finish, even though they obviously cannot compete with an iPad Pro and its Magic Keyboard in terms of quality. However, issues could arise due to the touchpad's and keyboard's small size. Therefore, please don't plan on writing the next Goncourt's name on it!

This computer's tablet design enables it to use Chrome OS's interoperability with Android apps fully. As soon as you put in the keyboard, the system immediately shifts between tablet and laptop modes. This tiny planet is propelled by a MediaTek P60 CPU within. While it may be adequate for simple office tasks, it soon reaches its limits when used in the most demanding applications. However, autonomy is reasonably good with more than 8 hours of use.

 Key Specs

•  CPU:  MediaTek P60T 8-core/8-thread 2.0GHz (boostable to 2.80GHz)
• GPU:  ARM G72 MP3 800GHz
• RAM: 4GB LPDDR4X (Soldered)
• Storage: 128GB eMMC
• Display: 10.1-inch, 1920x1200 IPS touchscreen, 400 nits
• Ports: USB Type-C x 1
• Camera: 8MP auto-focus (back), 2MP fixed-focus (front)
• Connectivity: 802.11 AC (2 x 2) wireless, Bluetooth 4.2
• OS: Chrome OS
• Battery: 7,180mAh/27.6Wh (max)/7,100mAh/0Wh (min)
• Size (W x D x H) - Tablet: 9.44 x 6.29 x 0.29 inches (239.8 x 159.8 x 7.35 milometers); With keyboard and cover: 9.64 x 6.66 x 0.71 inches (244.87 x 199.31 x 18.2 milometers)
• Weight - Tablet: 0.99 pounds (450 grams); With keyboard and cover: 2.03 pounds (920 grams)

 HP CHROMEBOOK X360 14

The HP Chromebook x360 is a Chromebook with a flexible hinge that is similar to the Acer model. It costs 429 euros in its base configuration and comes with an Intel Pentium processor. Of course, switching to an i3 can give it more power. Please be aware that it only has 128 GB of storage.

Touch-sensitive and Gorilla Glass-encased, its 14-inch Full HD screen is also full of features. As a result, using it in tablet mode on a table, for instance, to draw, will be very useful. With almost 1.5 kg on the scale, it is not the lightest in weight, but it is still simple to tuck into a bag. It partially compensates for this with its autonomy, which can last up to 11 hours, but especially with a very reasonable fast charge. In its most expensive models, it also has a fingerprint reader.

 Key Specs

•  Processor: Intel Core i3-1125G4 (up to 3.7 GHz, 8MB L3 cache, four cores, eight threads)
• Memory: 8GB DDR4-3200 MHz
• Storage: 128GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD
• Weight: 3.35 lbs
• Dimensions: 12.66 x 8.11 x 0.71 inches
• Battery: 3-cell, 58Wh
• Display: 14-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) touch IPS display, 250 nits
• Camera: HP Wide Vision 720p HD camera with integrated dual array digital microphones
• Wi-Fi: Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201 (2x2)
• Bluetooth: 5

Read Also: Best HP laptops in Kenya For 2023

 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT CHROMEBOOKS

CHROME OS: WHAT IS IT?

As implied by its name, Chrome OS is designed to work with the Google Chrome web browser and all of Google's web-based products, including the Google Docs suite. They may be utilized without an internet connection on a Chromebook. Because of the system's extreme sanity, it performs well on machines with a minimal technical sheet. Since most documents will be synchronized with Google Drive, you can also use a PC with little storage space: Offering 100 GB of extra storage with the purchase of a Chromebook.

 HOW DO I USE A CHROMEBOOK?

In a nutshell, Chromebooks are devices designed primarily for mobile office automation, such as word processing, spreadsheets, etc. While you won't be able to play standard PC games, you can access all of the online content via the browser, Netflix and other SVOD services, YouTube, etc.

 However, Chromebooks can now install most Android apps thanks to their compatibility with the Play Store, making them more adaptable than they were previously. Additionally, recently made available on Chrome OS, Google Assistant allows voice commands using the well-known "OK Google" command. Finally, some cloud gaming services, like Nvidia GeForce Now, are also accessible on ChromeOS.

 FOR MY CHROMEBOOK, WHAT UPDATES?

Chrome OS benefits from routine updates, just like any other operating system. However, the length of these updates will vary depending on when each device was released. Google promises eight years of updates beginning in 2020.

 Be cautious, as Chromebooks from before 2020 are frequently found in retail settings. The end of support date varies for these and maybe surprisingly soon. If unsure, look up the information on Google.

 CAN MICROSOFT OFFICE BE USED WITH CHROME OS?

If the Google office suite is more than sufficient for the vast majority of uses, you may need or prefer Microsoft Office. The latter's Android version had previously operated without problems, but Microsoft recently announced that support for Chrome OS would end.

 To take advantage of Office on Chrome OS, you will have to go through the Web version, which, unfortunately, loses some advanced functions.

 CAN ANY LAPTOP USE CHROME OS?

Consider using Chrome OS. This is possible thanks to CloudReady, a distribution based on Chromium OS, the open-source version of the operating system.

 The latter can work directly from a USB key or be installed on the hard drive. Enough to give a facelift to an old PC lying around in a corner.