The Samsung Chromebook Pro was one of the highlights from this year’s CES and is not yet available for pre-order. However, a mid-year launch is what most tech enthusiasts are expecting.
Thanks to the Android integration, this small laptop paves the way for a new generation of Chromebooks.
Following the lukewarm reception of prior devices which relied solely on Chrome Web Store apps, adding Android to the system is a step in the right direction.
Featuring a robust design, in literal terms, and updated connectivity, the Chromebook Pro could be one of the best-selling PCs in its category. Nevertheless, interested buyers will have to fork over $449 the piece, a somewhat steep price tag.
Internal specifications and features
Just as Samsung advertised last month, the Chromebook features an Intel Core M3-6Y30 processor with 4GB of LPDDR3 RAM, an Intel HD 515 Graphics GPU, and 32GB of storage.
The Pro also has a 12.3-inch display with a resolution of 2400 x 1600 LED Touch pixels, an accelerometer, gyroscope, 720p webcam, microSD card slot, and two USB-C ports supporting speeds of up to 5Gbps and 4K.
The Pro’s real new feature is the Play Store
With Android coming to the Chromebook, users have access to all of the compatible apps found in the Play Store. Opening them will make them appear on an individual window as opposed to Chrome apps that only work in-browser.
Some features of Android apps might not function as well on the Chrome OS. In fact, some reviewers are already citing problems with the display and app functioning.
However, users should remember that testers receive a beta version that will get some fixes by the time the laptop is finally on the market.
Design and performance
The Samsung Chromebook is thin and light. In fact, it is one of the thinnest Chromebooks yet. The choice of a 3:2 aspect ration for the screen allows more room for work into the actual display, according to most reviewers.
The hinges and built quality, however, maintain a firmness that will likely resist most short-distance falls and could help with scratches and overall wear.
Performance-wise, some reviewers note the laptop’s beefy resolution takes its toll on the processor, which might hiccup when several apps run at the same time. For the price, users can find many other options that will not present this problem, but they will not be Chromebooks.
Battery life has an average of eight to nine hours on a single charge, even more, if the user tweaks the brightness settings. The standard conclusion so far is that Samsung has developed a great looking machine with excellent graphic performance, but lacking in other departments.
Source: Ars Technica