When choosing a new laptop, the choice often comes down to, “Should I choose a PC or a Mac?” “. However, there is a third way: that of Chromebooks.
Behind the term Chromebook hides a family of machines specially designed to host ChromeOS, the operating system created by Google. Launched more than a decade ago, Chromebooks still remain relatively unknown to the general public even though they offer particularly interesting features. Boulanger has understood this well, and regularly highlights these machines on his shop, in particular thanks to a dedicated space which is full of tutorials of all kinds.
Our selection of Chromebooks:
What is a Chromebook and ChromeOS?
The name Chromebook designates a type of laptop specially created to meet the requirements of Google and its in-house operating system: ChromeOS. The latter, strongly inspired by Android, is distinguished by greater ease of use since it works via a system of applications distributed on the Google Play Store.
Another strong point of ChromeOS: its lightness. It consumes little resources, it is able to run on computers with modest configurations, and works wonders with ARM chips for example. Chromebooks have a price positioning that is generally lower than the competition without offering lower performance. Which makes them excellent machines for the tightest budgets.
What are the benefits of a Chromebook?
Choosing a Chromebook means choosing a machine that is all about efficiency. Thanks to ChromeOS, the system is able to start very quickly, in about ten seconds on average, so that you can use your computer as soon as it is open. Another benefit linked to ChromeOS and its lightness: gains in autonomy. Chromebooks are energy efficient machines, and are particularly suitable for working while roaming.
Beyond the purely material advantages, Chromebooks also have many advantages on the software level thanks to the power of the ecosystem created by Google. Beyond Chrome, the entire Google office suite is available to you, including for working offline. However, it is possible to turn to third-party applications present on the Play Store or on the web, such as the web applications of the Microsoft Office suite.
The Play Store also offers Chromebooks great versatility by providing you with a plethora of different applications, including in terms of leisure. Thousands of games await you, as well as great classics like Netflix, YouTube, Disney+ and other VoD platforms.
Last asset in the sleeve of Chromebooks: security. ChromeOS obviously has an integrated antivirus to protect your machine from external threats. In addition, since most files are stored online rather than directly on your machine, the risk of losing your data in the event of a glitch is greatly reduced.
Discover the Chromebooks of the moment at Boulanger
The HP Chromebook 14 student pack at 499 euros
If you are looking to equip yourself with an efficient laptop to accompany you in all aspects of your student life, this HP pack is perfect for you. First, because it includes a 14-inch Chromebook built around an 11th Gen Intel Core i3 accompanied by 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, which is more than enough to handle your tasks from daily.
Its 14-inch Full HD touch screen is extremely practical for work and leisure, offering intuitive and fluid navigation. For the rest, HP went to the essentials by including a webcam as well as all the necessary connections (two USB 2.0 ports, two USB Type-C 2.0 ports and even an HDMI port).
The little extra of this student pack: the presence of a carrying case for your Chromebook and above all, a Google Nest Audio. A small connected speaker equipped with the Google Assistant which received a nice 9/10 during the Frandroid test. This pack is currently offered at 499 euros by Boulanger.
The Lenovo Duet 128 GB Chromebook at 249 euros
The Lenovo Duet 128 GB, for its part, is ideal if you are looking for an inexpensive machine for everyday use. Extremely compact with its 10.1-inch screen, this Chromebook is also very versatile thanks to its 360-degree hinge which allows it to be transformed into a tablet in a jiffy.
Enough to take full advantage of the tactile capabilities of its screen for your leisure time, or to present your work easily during a meeting. On the hardware side, there is a MediaTek Helio P630T processor, 4 GB of RAM and a 128 GB SSD to power this machine. A webcam, a microphone and a USB 3.2 Gen 1 port complete the range of this computer as compact as it is practical.
The Lenovo Duet 128 GB Chromebook is offered at 249 euros by Boulanger.
The Lenovo Duet 5 CB Chromebook at 499 euros
Currently offered at less than 500 euros thanks to a reduction of 100 euros, the Lenovo Duet 5 is an excellent Chromebook that stands out thanks to the presence of a 13-inch Full HD OLED screen. A panel of excellent craftsmanship that not only allows you to work, but also to enjoy all the video content in the best conditions.
Its little extra? The possibility of transforming into a tablet in seconds thanks to its touch capabilities and a removable keyboard. What offer him a certain versatility, whether for work or for fun, the Play Store containing thousands of games.
In terms of performance, this Chromebook can count on the combination of a Qualcomm Snapdragon SC7180 SoC and 8 GB of RAM. A configuration that offers good performance, while being energy efficient. The Lenovo Duet 5 also has a webcam, a microphone, two USB 3.0 ports on board and is compatible with Bluetooth 5.1 and Wi-Fi 6.