Dell Chromebook 13 vs Toshiba Chromebook 2 (2015)

[CHIP72]

I've been looking at possibly buying either the Dell Chromebook 13 (Celeron 4 GB) or the Toshiba Chromebook 2 (2015 model) C3300. It appears these are the top two models in fall 2015, and better than any other non-Pixel models that have been released previously. The big differences are 1) build quality (Dell much better), 2) cost (Toshiba $100 cheaper, $329 vs $429), 3) battery life (Toshiba solid, Dell spectacular), and 4) weight (Toshiba 2.97 lbs, Dell 3.23 lbs). If anyone has hands-on experience with both models, and better yet knows where I can get hands-on experience with both models, I'd love to hear your feedback. There are some useful comparison reviews out there, particularly JR Raphael's on ComputerWorld, but I'd definitely like even more feedback.

(Incidentally, I own the Toshiba Chromebook 2014 B3340 model with the 1080 HD IPS panel and also own the older Acer C720 and Samsung Series 3/XE303 chromebooks, so I'm already very familiar with and am a big fan of chromebooks.)

 

[dianehelen]

just curious, if you already have 3 fairly recent chromebooks, why are you looking into buying a fourth one?

 

[CHIP72]

Because I like chromebooks, find playing around with at least some computer technology fun, and have some disposable income to spend. Additionally, none of the chromebooks released before the two models mentioned above really hit the mid-range chromebook sweet spot; last year's Toshiba model came the closest but the processor was a bit underpowered. (Compared to comparably-priced Windows computers the 2014 Toshiba chromenook is fast, but you can also tell that with a more powerful, fanned processor, it would be noticeably faster.)

 

[B. Diddy]

Have you checked out the Acer CB5, with the 15" full HD screen, 4 GB RAM, and Celeron 3205U processor? I have one, and it's quite good. Screen is excellent, keyboard is high quality, speakers face up and are nice and loud. Processor performs admirably (I think Octane score is around 14000). The body is textured plastic, but it feels solid and well-built.

I got it refurb'd from the Acer eBay store for a ridiculous $179. Haven't had any issues with it so far.

 

[CHIP72]

I don't really want a super-large chromebook; I often do take a chromebook with me when I travel and want something fairly portable.

 

[B. Diddy]

Oh yeah, I see your point. I just replaced my Acer C720 with a C740, because the C720 was getting a bit pokey for my use (only had 2 GB). The C740 has 4 GB RAM and the same Celeron 3205U processor as the CB5, so it's nice and peppy. I like the 11.6" form factor as well for portability, but that line of Chromebooks has never won any awards for premium build or screen quality.:-\

 

[CHIP72]

Yeah, in many ways I prefer an 11.6" laptop form factor over a 13.3" laptop form factor. However, to my knowledge there haven't been any 11.6" chromebooks released with both a good processor and an IPS panel (1920 x 1080 resolution not as critical because of the smaller screen).

I have to say that using the 2014 model Toshiba Chromebook 2 (B3340) has spoiled me on using laptops with IPS panels. There's a big difference in screen quality and general viewing/use enjoyment between the 2014 Toshiba Chromebook and the 2013 Acer C720 and 2012 Samsung Series 3, both of which have much poorer TN panels (and lower resolution). My only quibble with higher resolution chromebooks is I need to adjust the view setting to 125% because the default 100% view setting is a little too small.

 

[Steve Adams]

I would go with the Toshiba if I were buying between those two. I like the monitor, and design of the Toshiba more. The dell looks too "business" like. The Toshiba has more of New style computer look.