Which Chromebook?
June 15, 2011 3:33 AM Subscribe
Which Chromebook should I get?
After spending a few months looking at different netbooks and other options, I am looking at getting a wifi only Chromebook. The big reasons are the SSD and the web-only usage (all of what I do on my computer anyway).
There are two versions available, one from Acer and one from Samsung. The differences seem to be primarily in the screen size (11.6 for Acer, 12.1 for Samsung) and the battery life (6ish for the Acer, 8ish for the Samsung). The difference in price isn't a huge concern.
Right now I am leaning toward the Acer for the slightly smaller screen size, equating to a slightly smaller computer. Does anyone have any particular experience with either brand that would help sway my opinion? Or is there something I missed in the specs that would make one a better choice over the other?
After spending a few months looking at different netbooks and other options, I am looking at getting a wifi only Chromebook. The big reasons are the SSD and the web-only usage (all of what I do on my computer anyway).
There are two versions available, one from Acer and one from Samsung. The differences seem to be primarily in the screen size (11.6 for Acer, 12.1 for Samsung) and the battery life (6ish for the Acer, 8ish for the Samsung). The difference in price isn't a huge concern.
Right now I am leaning toward the Acer for the slightly smaller screen size, equating to a slightly smaller computer. Does anyone have any particular experience with either brand that would help sway my opinion? Or is there something I missed in the specs that would make one a better choice over the other?
Best answer: Having lost an Acer laptop to an apparently unknowable and unsolvable power problem just one day after the warranty expired and getting shit customer service - they actually consulted an online telephone directory and stuck a digital pin into it to recommend another repair company - I say go with Samsung.
posted by likeso at 4:08 AM on June 15, 2011
posted by likeso at 4:08 AM on June 15, 2011
I have a Samsung netbook that is now two years old and still going strong, so I would happily recommend them in general (I don't have any experience of Acer, but have heard mixed things about them).
As for the Chromebooks specifically, as devnull has pointed out, the other difference between the two seems to be the anti-reflective screen, so that may be a factor to consider (I know it is something I would look for).
In terms of size, it is such a slight difference that I'm not sure it would matter - these are both small laptops. The weight seems similar (3.3lbs for the Acer, 3.26lbs for the Samsung).
posted by maybeandroid at 4:36 AM on June 15, 2011
As for the Chromebooks specifically, as devnull has pointed out, the other difference between the two seems to be the anti-reflective screen, so that may be a factor to consider (I know it is something I would look for).
In terms of size, it is such a slight difference that I'm not sure it would matter - these are both small laptops. The weight seems similar (3.3lbs for the Acer, 3.26lbs for the Samsung).
posted by maybeandroid at 4:36 AM on June 15, 2011
Best answer: Acert, IMHO, are unholy bastards from across the sea, come to destroy and burn. Everything they touch turns to evil or dies.
Soooo, Samsung.
posted by aramaic at 5:50 AM on June 15, 2011 [1 favorite]
Soooo, Samsung.
posted by aramaic at 5:50 AM on June 15, 2011 [1 favorite]
Acer laptops are pretty and tend to have a great price/value ratio--and their service is pretty good as long as you're still under warranty--but their manufacturing is just way too shoddy and the components are cheap. The LCD backlight in my Timeline 3820 failed three times in a row (as in, it was replaced and kept failing) in exactly the same way, apparently because it was vulnerable to the kind of pressure on the lid that is inevitable when you're actually carrying your laptop around. I never have that problem with the Sony I have now.
Based on the manufacturing of their phones, which is rock solid, I'd go with the Samsung.
posted by nasreddin at 6:51 AM on June 15, 2011
Based on the manufacturing of their phones, which is rock solid, I'd go with the Samsung.
posted by nasreddin at 6:51 AM on June 15, 2011
Response by poster: Well, this all sounds pretty convincing. Samsung it is!
posted by chiefthe at 8:58 AM on June 15, 2011
posted by chiefthe at 8:58 AM on June 15, 2011
Missus was a beta tester for the chromebooks, and based on your descriptions, it seems like she got a Samsung. She says the trackpad still drives her nutty, but otherwise, she's pretty pleased with it. The 8ish hour battery life is true, btw. It's also super light, and doesn't heat up like a laptop does.
posted by Gilbert at 12:04 PM on June 15, 2011
posted by Gilbert at 12:04 PM on June 15, 2011
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by devnull at 3:44 AM on June 15, 2011