Best Chromebooks in 2024: our top picks
Introduction
In Saudi Arabia, if you're thinking to buy a Chromebook in 2024, then consider what you are going to use your device for. Most of these computers have constraints on performance when away from the internet. However, this makes them perfect for web browsing, online work, or gaming via streaming platforms at an affordable and light price, making them perfect for students and professionals alike.
Generally speaking, Chromebooks are more affordable and user-friendly compared to popular laptops running on Windows or macOS. This partially influencers the Chrome OS, a lean operating system that keeps the costs lower without sacrificing versatility.
After trying many laptops from different prominent brands including Chromebooks, my team and myself appreciate the fact that their simplicity makes them fairly cost-effective and efficient. That's why I regularly recommend the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 to anyone who asks for a good Chromebook: it has a brilliant screen and a great keyboard, and although its specs are getting a bit long in the tooth, it still runs Chrome OS with ease.
The Lenovo Chromebook Duet is a great value for those on a tight budget; if longevity and customization are also in view, the Framework Laptop Chromebook Edition will be ideal for this intent, considering how it can be easily repaired and upgraded.
Top Chromebook Picks for 2024
1. Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2:
The predecessor of the Chromebook, now called the Galaxy Chromebook 2, supports users in Saudi Arabia seeking a reliable product either for work or studying purposes. For about 1,687 SAR, this Chromebook strikes a balance between cheap and premium. The most exciting feature on this Chromebook would be the high-quality QLED touchscreen with bright colors, clear details, and a better view for general usage and multimedia consumption. The speakers come with good-enough speakers with clear audio, too.
While it may sport some of the older internal specifications, this Chrome OS device can still serve quite well for browsing, basic document editing, and other simple computing needs. The Fitzgerald-esque Fiesta Red hue makes it chicly stylish, too-much an accessory one would want to show off. All in all, the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 is a stylish, functional, reasonably priced option for both students and professionals alike.
2. Lenovo Chromebook Duet:
Available at the reasonable price of approximately 1,125 SAR, the Lenovo Chromebook Duet covers the basics, making it yet another brilliant budget option for consumers in Saudi Arabia. Although the firm classifies this device as a Chrome OS tablet, its motive is to put all such thoughts to rest with a detachable keyboard that comes free of charge, hence turning this device into a compact and efficient laptop.
That makes the Duet an excellent value proposition for those users who need only a device for web browsing, streaming, and light productivity tasks-like document editing. Its compact size and light weight make it very portable; it's ideal, in fact, for use on the go in a classroom, a coffee shop, or at home. The battery life is sufficient to get a person through a typical day of light usage in which the desire to remain productive isn't hampered by having to frequently recharge. If you're on the lookout for an entry-level Chromebook that balances portability with functionality, then your best bet is the Lenovo Chromebook Duet.
3. Acer Chromebook Spin 714:
The alternative that makes the Acer Chromebook Spin 714 is about the best of both worlds available to users in Saudi Arabia who need a clamshell and convertible Chromebook with perfect high performance, priced at around 2,730 SAR. With a 360-degree hinge, this 2-in-1 device can either function as a laptop or a tablet, depending on the user's needs: be it for typing or touchscreen tasks. Addition of a stylus and mouse to this versatile unit makes it a must-have gadget for creative professionals, students, and anybody who likes to enjoy gadget flexibility.
Inside the Spin 714, there is a robust internal specification to promise smooth performance for multitasking, streaming, and productivity software. The strong battery life will ensure such a device lasts all day at work or study without constant recharges. Though slightly more expensive compared to other similar Chromebooks, the Spin 714 justifies the price with great performance, flexibility, and premium features, especially for users who need their device to serve multiple functions.
4. Lenovo Chromebook Duet 3:
The Lenovo Chromebook Duet 3 is a well-designed Chrome OS tablet that serves as a great option for remote learning and light productivity tasks. This Chromebook sells at about 1,350 SAR in Saudi Arabia. It has a bright and clear display to unbelievably improve readability, hence very good in video and multimedia viewing.
It also has a good keyboard cover that magnetically snaps on and is indeed comfortable to type on—one that is good for students and professionals who are always on the move and, hence, require to carry the device for note-taking, browsing, or general document editing. Its light design and extensive battery provide an ability to use this device all the time, carry it everywhere without demanding frequent charging. In a union of portability, decent performance, and a moderate price, the Lenovo Chromebook Duet 3 can be a good choice for those who need it to be small and productive each day.
5. Acer Chromebook 516 GE:
Among those that have made their niches in the market as gaming Chromebooks, their cost in Saudi Arabia goes to around 3,000 SAR for each Acer Chromebook 516 GE.
It features a large 16-inch WQXGA 120Hz screen, good for game streaming, so fluent that it is to bring immersive quality to the display. With a heftier refresh rate and alert screen, it's just good for playing games, not that bad for viewing videos, not bad at multitasking with some applications opened together. This Chromebook is actually projected for an audience of fans of cloud gaming optimization, being in hardware and software environments to the maximum possible game-streaming service implementation.
Inside, the hardware's robust enough to ensure seamless performance while gaming and performing general multitasking. For a Chromebook, it's on the pricier side of things, but the Acer Chromebook 516 GE has reason to be: with its gaming and multimedia functions cementing it as one of the most differentiating and alluring options available for those looking at a Chromebook that moonlights as a computer for gaming.
6. Framework Laptop Chromebook Edition:
The Framework Laptop Chromebook Edition is one of the special offerings in the market, which costs about 3,750 SAR in Saudi Arabia. It's essentially tailored for clients who like easy hardware repairability or customization, with a modular design allowing users to easily switch out memory, storage, and even several ports.
This fact practically makes it a very good long-term investment since it is easy to update for changes in technology and user needs. First of all, this very device features a truly sustainable design in thought: it is supposed to be a neater, friendlier approach to tech consumption in relation to nature, completely bypassing the electronic waste and using renewable materials.
Apart from the innovative design, Framework Chromebook grants solid performance for everyday tasks and web-based applications, hence reliable for personal and professional use. Due to its focus on customization, longevity, and sustainability, the Framework Laptop Chromebook Edition is targeted at users who value flexibility and eco-consciousness when buying technology.
How to Choose the Best Chromebook for Your Needs
How to choose the perfect Chromebook depends, among other things:
• Touchscreen Requirement: Besides using Android apps from the Google Play Store, if you need use working with a touchscreen, then you may consider a 2-in-1 Chromebook. The devices may be a bit pricey but avail more capability in use, especially for entertainment and educational purposes.
• Screen Size: An 11-inch display may work well for you if you're younger or always on the go. Older students and professionals, however, will want the 13-inch size or larger. If the Chromebook is going to replace your home laptop, you may get the most out of a 14- or 15-inch screen.
• Performance Requirements: The particular Chromebook to be used entirely depends on the needs of the user regarding its processor and RAM requirements. For low usage, where one would use one application at a time, the Pentium or Celeron Chipset will be enough, with a maximum of 4GB RAM. However, a heavy machine use or multitasking will require an Intel Core i5 Processor leading with at least an 8GB RAM.
• Local vs. Cloud Storage: Chromebooks rely greatly on cloud storage; thus, it is not of priority to expect too much in local storage capacity. But if you plan to warehouse lots of data locally, consider models that have 64 GB or more of internal storage.
Battery Life Comparison
An important consideration while choosing Chromebooks is battery life, as users in Saudi Arabia can extend hours of device usage through their workdays or long periods of studying. Below are some quick comparisons with battery life for a few top Chromebook models:
• Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2: 7 hours and 50 minutes.
• Lenovo Chromebook Duet: 12 hours and 47 minutes.
• Acer Chromebook Spin 714: 10 hours and 45 minutes.
• Lenovo Chromebook Duet 3: 10 hours and 30 minutes.
• Acer Chromebook 516 GE: 7 hours and 40 minutes.
• Framework Laptop Chromebook Edition: 8 hours and 7 minutes.
Conclusion
In 2024, Chromebooks remain the jack-of-all-trades yet affordable options in Saudi Arabia for students, working professionals, and even the common man. From casual use and basic operations to the need for higher performance for multitasking, playing games, and the like, there is a Chromebook that can fit anyone's needs.
Think of your needs with screen size, performance, or battery life to choose your option, remembering how some options, like the Framework Laptop Chromebook Edition, come with unique advantages in repairability and customization.
FAQs
1. How much is Chromebook presently priced at in Saudi Arabia?
The prices of Chromebooks in Saudi Arabia range from budget buys like the Lenovo Chromebook Duet at 1,125 SAR, depending on the model and specifications, unto some higher models.
High-performance Chromebooks can easily surpass 3,750 SAR, such as the Framework Laptop Chromebook Edition. Price differences depend on a number of factors including processing power, screen quality, storage capacity, and build quality. It is therefore quite logical to compare the different models based on needs in terms of portability, operational performance, and use to which the device is put, so that the consumer secures the most value-for-money.
2. Are Chromebooks good for any gaming in Saudi Arabia?
Generally, Chromebooks are poorly suited for advanced gaming due to a hardware limitation compared with traditional laptops for gaming. However, some models, like the Acer Chromebook 516 GE, have been optimized for cloud gaming and, as such, can offer a good experience with game streaming services like Amazon Luna and GeForce Now.
With the introduction of feature upgrades like high-refresh-rate displays and including faster Wi-Fi, newer Chromebooks will handle game streaming with ease. As such, for gamers who focus on cloud gaming or casual lighter games, Chromebooks should be sufficient. For those seeking high-intensity gaming, other options exist.
3. Can a Chromebook work without the internet?
Chromebooks were basically designed to be used online, although they do have limited functionality while offline. Google Docs and Google Drive-not to mention other apps-like offer offline modes that allow for document creation and editing without an internet connection.
All edits are then synced once the Chromebook reconnects. Many of the Android apps available to Chromebooks also support the option of working in this way. Even with these capabilities, Chromebooks work optimally under Internet connectivity for a complete experience utilizing web-based applications dependent on cloud storage and connectivity.
4. Are Chromebooks user-serviceable or repairable?
Most Chromebooks are designed with portability and value in mind, which means they often don't get designed to be repairable or upgradable. Not so with the Framework Laptop Chromebook Edition. It features a modular architecture, specially designed for easy repairs and upgrades, such as replacing the battery, storage, or RAM. In this way, it will be perfect for users who value sustainability, which means the device will update in respect of changes with time. For the majority of the Chromebooks available, though, repairs might be best left to professionals or with specialized tools.
5. Clamshell vs. 2-in-1 Chromebook: Which is better?
Which one is better for you entirely depends on the needs and preferences that you have in regard to either style. Clamshell Chromebooks are in the traditional design of a laptop; being made for typing, web browsing, editing documents, and the like. Generally, they are cheaper and boast longer battery life.
On the other hand, Chromebooks come as 2-in-1 devices that offer substantially higher versatility; one can feel free using it either as a laptop or as a tab. The flexibility offered by this kind of device makes them perfectly fit for users who wish to engage in a wide range of activities like drawing, taking notes, and consuming all kinds of media.
