Chromebook: highest screen resolutions - options?

[CHIP72]

I saw the same review on Computer World by JR Raphael (who may be the most pro-chromebook tech blogger on the internet), and I was really disappointed by the performance and battery life of Samsung's new eight-core processor in the 13.3" version of the Samsung Chromebook 2. The non-IPS display also was a negative. I really, really wanted to buy this, but I think I'm going to pass. (Incidentally, I'm the guy named "CLM3Chip" in the comments for Computer World review article.)

You'd think it would be easy for OEMs to manufacture a true mid-level chromebook that has no or at least minimal compromises on about 7-8 key features (screen resolution, display, sound, battery life, real world speed, weight, and keyboard/trackpad quality), but you'd be wrong. As I noted in the review comments for the Computer World article, whoever manufactures the first true mid-level chromebook will clean up.

 

[iknownothing]

The resolution isn't the most important thing to me. I would really just like Intel hardware and an ips display. Is that so difficult? 1600x900 at 13" would be great, but I'd be happy with 1366x768 if it were ips.

I've been considering picking up a cheap Zenbook from Craigslist and changing the os. Just waiting for the right one.

Posted via Android Central App

 

[Algus]

I wish they'd bring back 16:10 aspect ratios and go with a 1440x900 resolution. This resolution looked ~great~ and provided ample opportunity for work. AFAIK Apple is one of the only vendors that still provides 16:10. For me it would be an acceptable alternative to 1080p.

The only chromebook outside of the Pixel with halfway decent screen technology is the HP Chromebook 11 which has an IPS display, again 1366x768 and a paltry 11'' - with two year old internals. I believe chromebook vendors are missing the boat by not pushing out some more luxury minded chromebooks but I suppose they will come. The platform has really picked up Steam and there are tons of devices hitting this year. Either the whole thing will blow up or vendors will start trying to release some more premium devices in order to differentiate themselves.

I'm hoping for the latter since I love Chrome OS.

Of the devices that are at market now, the HP Chromebook 14 4 GB model with 4G T-Mobile is one of the better models. Again bad screen resolution and technology (terrible viewing angles!) but the physical build of the machine is decent, with a nice molded plastic cover that is good for gripping (great for me since my hands are all jacked up from diabetes), and a nice 14'' display. In terms of raw performance it has better power than the Samsung 2 though the 2 hasn't really been on the street long enough for better real world comparisons.

If you're a power user like me and are looking to load up Linux and so forth on your Chromebook, the HP 14 is where it's at for now. The one "fault" is the relatively modest 16 GB SSD though the drive is user-replacable and the procedure can be googled on the net.

If you want a true media machine though and not just a streaming box that doubles as a laptop, you might do well to look at a Wintel or Apple machine.

 

[oscarnyc]

My guess is that we won't see broad adoption of higher res screens until after apple upgrades the MBA. That will then become the standard against which other machines are judged.

Posted via Android Central App

 

[chenks]

another chromebook 2 review, this time by this website.
Samsung Chromebook 2 (13-inch) hands-on and first impressions | Android Central
gives a slightly more positive review.

i also just read one on engadget which agrees with the poor display from the other review.
wondering if the androidpolice reviewer was looking at it using special glasses or something.

 

[NotablePDF]

Yeah, outside of the Pixel and Samsung's upcoming 1080p chromebook, 1366x768 is the best you'll get. You might consider docking to an external monitor. I've docked my chromebook to a 1080p LED and it is pretty gorgeous.

Careful about connecting it to an external monitor since it can mean a reduction in graphical performance.

 

[chenks]

well another pretty scathing review for the chromebook 2, so i think i'll be dropping that idea.