Chrome OS

Overview

Chrome OS is an operating system built for use of web applications where data is stored in the cloud. This is in contrast to traditional computers (usually running Windows or OS X) that store applications and data on your hard drive.

Architecture

Chrome OS employs the Google Chrome web browser and shortcuts to web applications (usually those of Google's) in place of desktop programs. All of this runs on top of a GNU/Linux, specifically Gentoo, core. It is built to create minimal overhead and allow web applications to be the center of the user experience.

Hardware

Chromebooks are laptops with (usually) low-end hardware, due to the lightweight nature of Chrome OS. They also contain small storage devices to encourage users to use cloud-based services.

Avoid models with an Exynos CPU if you plan to run a GNU/Linux distribution. They won't be able to use most applications provided you decide to use a Linux distro on a Chromebook, and don't have the power or battery life of the regular Haswell-based models..

Model Name

'

CPU

'

GPU

'

RAM

'

Battery life

'

Screen

'

Storage

'

Price (USD)

Chromebook 11

Exynos 5250

Mali-T604

2GB

6 hours

11.6", 1366x768

16GB SSD

279

Acer C720

Celeron 2955U

Intel HD

2GB

8.5 hours

11.6" 1366x768

16/32GB SSD

199/249

Acer C720P

Celeron 2955U

Intel HD

2GB

7.5 hours

^ but with touch

32GB SSD

299

Chromebook 14

Celeron 2955U

Intel HD

2GB

9.5 hours

14" 1366x768

16GB SSD

299

Samsung Chrmbk

Exynos 5250

Mali-T604

2GB

6 hours

11.6", 1366x768

16GB SSD

249

Acer C710

Celeron 847

Intel HD

2GB

3 hours

11.6", 1366x768

16GB SSD

199

Pavillion Chrmbk

Celeron 847

Intel HD

2GB

4.25 hr

14" 1366x768

16GB SSD

329

Chrmbk Pixel

i5-3427u

HD 4000

4GB

4 hours

12.85 2560x1700

32/64GB SSD

1299/1449