10 Best Chromebooks in the Philippines 2022 | Acer, Lenovo, Google, and More

Not a lot of people are bought to the idea of using a Chromebook, but there are other who prefer the portability and versatility that it brings to the table. As promised, below is the list of our recommended Chromebooks you could purchase online now.

**Prices may vary depending on the website and their campaign period**

Basically, a Chromebook is a computer that functions the same as any other computing device, but it uses Google's Chrome OS operating system. It is based on Linux and Chrome browser, developed via the open-source Chromium OS project. 

In essence, this is a lightweight operating system, so it uses less RAM and internal storage than other systems. Unlike other operating systems, a Chrome OS is designed to work with Google's online web services such as Drive, Docs, or web-based email. 

Its user-friendliness, maintenance-free, auto-updating, and immunity to most viruses are some of the best attributes of this system. As of writing, many Android applications on the Google Play Store, which were used on a smart device, can also run on this operating system.

Chromebooks should conform to a particular set of specifications as established by Google. While having its own applications, Google has already expanded the capabilities of Chrome OS with the development of the ability to run Android or Linux applications. 

Officially, all Android apps from the Google Play Store can work on the system. Some Chrome devices can install Linux apps, like software for developers or servers.

However, if you want to use Microsoft Office, this isn't possible. You cannot install Windows programs on a Chromebook, but you can settle with the online version, like Microsoft Office 365, or the Android version. 

There is a workaround for this scenario where a user can install CrossOver Chrome OS, yet, this is still in Beta version and could be quite slow with limited app support. 

Owning a Chromebook is synonymous with having a Google Account, as whatever you do on this device will revolve primarily on your login credentials to the Chrome universe. 

It is the main access to all of Google's online services and will be used to sync everything under the same user account. You could create a guest mode for friends or family, but it is only for access to the Chromebook, not to your personal account.

If you do most of your work or interaction via online, then you can benefit a lot from owning a Chromebook. This next section is a rundown of the items to take into account before your purchase.

A device's screen is the first thing to mull over since here is where all the interaction happens. Knowing the right size, resolution, quality, or feedback is crucial.

There are various screen sizes when it comes to Chromebooks, which can range from 10 - 15 inches. The screen size affects the resolution and aspect ratio. The most common sizes are 11.6, 13.3, and 15.6 inches that all have a 16:9 aspect ratio with 1366 x 768 or 1920 x 1080 resolution. 

Some models have a unique screen size of 12.3 inches with a 3:2 aspect ratio and high resolution at 2400 x 1600. Nonetheless, if you're into an extremely portable and budget version, you can choose an 11.6-inch model or a 13.3 inch if you want more screen room. If you don't mind the bulkiness, you can settle for a 15.6 inch Chromebook with a sharper and high-resolution display.

Chrome OS now supports multi-touch input, zooming, scrolling, and on-screen keyboards. You may want to shell out some extra cash for a touchscreen Chromebook if you find it more convenient. Some Android apps are optimized for touchscreen interfaces, so it's a must-have for other users.

Being able to jot down notes with the use of a stylus may be one of the best features to come to Chromebooks. This is very beneficial to students since it cuts down the effort of typing on a virtual keyboard, and they could keep notes on Google Keep.

Budget Chromebooks still come in traditional LCD screens, which are less expensive but don't have the best brightness setting, so-so viewing angle, and poor color gamut. On the other hand, an IPS screen may be expensive but will certainly compensate for its performance. It's the best screen overall, and the display quality doesn't suffer even if used outdoors.

Some Chromebook manufacturers prefer to have an anti-glare matte screen to keep light from reflecting off the display. If you happen to have a glossy finish, it will create a mirror-like effect, making it hard to discern what's on display. You will need to purchase a screen protector with a matte finish to resolve the problem.

Chromebooks currently use two brands of processors, Intel, and ARM. Everyone has probably heard of Intel since it dominated the industry in the past few decades. If you're a bit techie with some knowledge of how mobile devices work, you might have heard of the ARM processor. It has been the go-to processor for most mobile phone and tablet manufacturers for some time now.

Chrome OS can run on both architectures, so in terms of performance, there isn't a huge difference. But as of late, Intel's current generation of processors slightly edged ARM processors. This may be an opportunity for manufacturers to formulate their own combination of speed, battery life, and price on their Chromebook models.

Graphic processors on Chromebooks are already integrated or packaged to whichever processor brand is installed. This means that there is no option to add a dedicated graphics card. It can either be Intel or ARM GPU, but both are more than capable of handling all graphical tasks that a Chromebook may demand such as playing HD videos or playing basic 3D games. 

RAM, or Random Access Memory, is one of the factors to consider before purchasing a Chromebook. Using a web-based application will surely compel any user to open multiple apps or tabs on Chrome. 

Opening websites like Facebook or Google Docs requires memory too. This task alone eats up a lot of memory, and if you don't have enough, the system will lag, or worse, it can crash. Get a Chromebook with at least 4GB of RAM to be on the safe side. But if you can have a model with a higher RAM, then, by all means, go for it. 

Chromebooks have two types of internal storage: eMMC or SSD. Both are faster than common hard drives and could load or start programs in a flash. However, an eMMC (Embedded MultiMediaCard) can only handle smaller data transfer at a maximum of 400MB per second, while an SSD (Solid State Drive) could deliver larger files at a much faster rate than eMMC.

Between 16 and 64GB of internal storage is the common trend on Chromebooks, and most might wonder why. Aside from keeping the price lower, Chrome OS was designed to work with Google's cloud services. It expects that every user will store all their data and files on Google Drive instead of its internal storage. In reality, the only storage folder provided by Chrome OS is the "Downloads" folder for storing temporary files.

Almost all mobile or smart devices have Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connections—a Chromebook is not an exception. Out of the box, it has the standard Wi-Fi capability with faster radios to support speedy internet connectivity. File transfer or playing audio on wireless speakers won't be an issue since it has Bluetooth already installed. 

Some Chromebook models have broadband modems, so you could still use them even on the go, but these are more expensive than usual. Also, when connecting to a traditional wired Ethernet network, it will need a USB Ethernet adapter.

Every portable device will benefit from a good battery life. While Chromebooks are equipped with energy-efficient processors, the right battery size and capacity can ensure that it could power for hours. As a general rule, the higher the Watt-hours or Milliamp Hours, the better. 

Oftentimes, a manufacturer's combination of hardware performance dictates a battery's longevity. Finding out how long can a Chromebook's battery lasts need comprehensive testing, but lucky for us, there are user reviews online that can give us more information. 

With regular usage, the screen and keyboard of your Chromebook will surely be left with fingerprints, smudges, dust, and other small debris. Proper cleaning of your Chromebook must be done regularly to extend its service life. 

Materials:

• Isopropyl alcohol, preferably 70% 
• 2 Non-abrasive cloths (one for wiping and the other for drying)
• Compressed air

Steps:

1. Make sure that the device is completely shut off and unplugged from any power source. Disconnect any cables as well.
2. Put some alcohol on the cloth. The cloth must be slightly damped and not dripping.
3. Gently and completely wipe the screen. If there are fingerprints and smudges, you may apply only a little bit of pressure when wiping.
4. You may also wipe the keyboard or the whole body of the device.
5. Let dry and then wipe again using the other dry cloth.
6. To remove dust and other tiny debris from the keyboard and ports, use compressed air. 

Whether you're a businessman looking for a powerful computer or a gaming enthusiast that yearns for an awesome rig, there is always a device that will satisfy your needs. Check out the links below to find the articles that will provide what you're searching for.

It doesn't matter if you're an FB junkie or just need a decent device to check emails and work in Google apps, a Chromebook could be your best bud. It is inexpensive, user-friendly, and very convenient to stash into your backpack while on the go. And once you've found the right one, it doesn't hurt to look at some user reviews online before your purchase.

Author: Chafi Lacson

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