Are you a freelancer who’s struggling in the current pandemic-hit economy and looking to buy a light but inexpensive laptop? If yes then a Chromebook just might tick all of your boxes. In this article, we’re mainly going to talk about the best Chromebooks for freelancers or remote workers. However, we should always do some research before spending our hard-earned cash on a product or service.
So, first, we’d like to talk about the difference between Chromebooks and other laptops. If you already know what you’re getting into or have previously worked on Chromebooks, skip the next section to read about our top picks.
Chromebooks vs other laptops
If there is one thing that potential customers should know about Chromebooks, it’s how different they are from Windows 10 laptops and MacBooks. Both software and hardware need to be taken into consideration.
Let’s talk about the software first. Chromebooks run on an operating system called Chrome OS. Its very lightweight when compared with Windows 10 and macOS. This is because the OS is mainly based around the Chrome and web-based apps. You can’t install third-party software on a Chromebook -- only apps downloaded from Google Play Store can be used. This is where things get tricky because it can be seen as both a pro and a con.
I’m sure most Windows 10 users are ticked off by the amount of Windows junk programs filling up their storage space. With Chrome OS, you don’t have to worry about that. This is also why Chrome OS is faster than Windows and macOS -- it isn’t handling dozens of background processes. However, every rose has its thorn. You won’t be able to run some of your favourite Windows or macOS programs on a Chromebook.
As for the hardware, Chromebooks have steadily been improving it over the past few years. Today, there are lots of sturdy Chromebooks to choose from. They still can’t match the quality of premium Windows laptops and MacBooks, but they are progressing fast. It’s no longer a matter of if, but when Chromebooks will catch up.
Now that you know what Chromebooks are all about, let’s discuss some of the best Chromebooks for freelancers.
Specs
Processor | Intel Core M7-6Y75 / 1.2 GHz |
Display | 12.5-inch Full HD Touchscreen Display (1920 x 1080) Resolution |
RAM | 16 GB |
Storage | 64 GB SSD |
Graphics | Integrated Intel HD 515 Graphics |
Operating System | Chrome OS |
Asus Chromebooks have been some of the best all-round Chromebooks for the past few years. Their Chromebook Flip C302 proved to be a big hit among consumers and is still one of the best Chrome OS devices on the market. Its Full HD 12.5-inch display, 2-in-1 design, backlit keyboard, and dual Type-C ports were especially appreciated by freelancers.
The C302 initially had an Intel Core m3 CPU and 4 GB RAM, which performed very well on the Chrome OS, but didn’t have enough power for many users. For those who want more horsepower from their Chromebooks, Asus released the C302 with an Intel Core m7 CPU and 16 GB RAM.
In short, those who want a step up from m3 and m5, this laptop is the ideal choice. Its performance completely blows its predecessors out of the water. We can confidently say that this Chromebook will accompany you for years without feeling constrained by the hardware.
Specs
Processor | Intel Core i3-8130U / 2.20 GHz |
Display | 15.6-inch Full HD Display (1920 x 1080) Resolution |
RAM | 4 GB |
Storage | 64 GB eMMC |
Graphics | Integrated Intel UHD 620 Graphics |
Operating System | Chrome OS |
The Lenovo Chromebook C340 has a 15-inch display that’s going to attract a lot of freelancers who would like a bigger screen to work with. This Chromebook is especially useful for people who regularly need to work on spreadsheets. Why you may ask? Well, that’s because there is a dedicated number pad to the right of the keyboard. There’s also an option for keyboard backlight. In short, its keyboard offers features that you won’t find on many laptops in this price range.
The Chrome OS hasn’t stayed still, as many had predicted. In fact, it gained a lot of features in recent years. This includes the ability to run lots of apps designed for Chrome as well as software originally made for the Android operating system running on various smartphones and tablets. This upgrade in software has made the Chromebook C340 a viable alternative for Windows 10 users. It’s no longer being seen as just an affordable large-screen laptop.
Lenovo estimates that the Chromebook C340 will last for up to 10 hours.
Freelancers will be happy to know that the Chromebook C340 lasts for up to 10 hours. But that’s not all. Its connectivity is pretty great as well. We’ve got most of the modern I/O ports here, including two USB Type-C ports that can also double as connectors for the charging cable, a USB 3.1 Gen1 Type-A connector, a microSD card reader, and an audio combo jack. For wireless connections, there’s a built-in 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2.
All in all, the Chromebook C340 is the type of laptop that will satisfy all kinds of consumers.
Specs
Processor | Intel Core i5 8200Y / 1.3GHz |
Display | 14-inch Touchscreen Full HD Display (1920 x 1080) Resolution |
RAM | 8 GB |
Storage | 64 GB eMMC |
Graphics | Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 615 |
Operating System | Chrome OS |
After spending a week or so with the Asus Chromebook Flip C434, we can confidently say it has one of the best mixes of power and portability we’ve seen in a laptop. The Chrome OS already runs great on average hardware, so when you add a great processor and lots of RAM, you get a super-fast computer that can handle almost everything in style.
This Chromebook Flip C4343 has 8 GB RAM and 64 GB storage. This is more than enough for 30-tab sessions. For those who would like more storage, there’s a MicroSD slot to load up all those movies and music. Its 14-inch screen is 1080p and bright enough for outdoor use. You’ll hardly need to charge the battery during the day as it’ll last for up to 11 hours.
All freelancers dream of an affordable laptop with top-notch performance, screen, and battery life. With the Chromebook Flip C434, they have a chance to make their dreams a reality.
Conclusion
We hope that this article was able to help you choose the best Chromebook for all of your freelancing needs. If you would like to see more Chromebooks before making a final decision, click on this link to view our stock. Good luck!
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