Best Chromebooks for Designers in 2024
The growth of the Chromebook market in recent years has significantly expanded the range of options available, making it challenging to choose the best one to suit individual needs. The continuous improvement in software updates, coupled with manufacturers producing laptops with increased power, enhanced build quality, and extended battery life, has resulted in a wide variety of high-performing Chrome OS machines ideal for everyday use.
With that, we listed some of the best Chromebooks for you to start your design journey.
List of Chromebooks for Designers
Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook stands out as an appealing option for those in search of an affordable, reliable laptop. Priced under $300, it offers a combination of decent performance, excellent battery life, and a lightweight design that makes it highly portable. The Chromebook is powered by a MediaTek Kompanio 520 CPU paired with an ARM Mali-G52 2EE MC2 GPU, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of eMMC storage. While these specifications may not seem particularly impressive on paper, they are more than sufficient for everyday tasks such as web browsing, document editing, and media consumption.
One of the most notable features of the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook is its battery life. The 47 watt-hour battery provides an impressive 16 hours of usage on a single charge, ensuring that you can rely on the device throughout a long work or school day without needing to recharge. Weighing just under three pounds, the Chromebook is also highly portable, making it an excellent choice for travelers or students who need a lightweight device to carry around.
The Chromebook’s design includes a 1080p touch display, which is a significant advantage given its budget-friendly price. The display offers clear and vibrant visuals, enhancing the user experience when streaming videos, browsing the web, or engaging in other multimedia activities. However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. The device comes with only 4GB of RAM, which might limit its performance when running multiple applications simultaneously or handling more demanding tasks. Additionally, the 720p webcam may not meet the expectations of those who require high-quality video for meetings or virtual classes.
Price:
$239.98
Specifications:
Screen Size: 14 Inches
Hard Disk Size: 128 GB
CPU Model: MediaTek Helio
Ram Memory Installed Size: 4 GB
Operating System: Chrome OS
Special Features: HD Audio, Touchscreen, Anti Glare Coating
Graphics Card Description: Integrated
Acer Chromebook Spin 314
The Acer Chromebook Spin 314 (2023) presents an appealing option for those seeking an affordable yet functional laptop experience. It distinguishes itself from other budget-level ChromeOS models with a 14-inch 1080p display, providing a clear and vibrant visual experience.
In terms of performance, the Chromebook Spin 314 handled day-to-day tasks efficiently during testing. Powered by an Intel Pentium chip and equipped with 4GB of RAM, it manages routine activities well, although it may struggle with more demanding applications or multitasking. One notable limitation is its 128GB of storage, which, while sufficient for basic use, may be restrictive for users who require more space for files and applications. Additionally, the device can become somewhat warm when pushed to its limits, which is a common compromise at this price point.
Portability is a significant advantage of the Acer Chromebook Spin 314. Weighing just under three and a half pounds, it is lightweight and easy to carry in a backpack or messenger bag, making it an excellent choice for students or professionals who need a reliable device on the go. The Chromebook also offers a solid typing experience and good battery life, allowing users to work comfortably for extended periods without needing to recharge frequently.
One of the standout features of the Chromebook Spin 314 is its 2-in-1 form factor, which adds versatility by allowing the device to function as both a laptop and a tablet. This flexibility can enhance productivity and usability, particularly for tasks that benefit from touchscreen interaction.
Price:
$399.00
Specifications:
Screen Size: 14 Inches
Hard Disk Size: 128 GB
CPU Model: Pentium
Ram Memory Installed Size: 8 GB
Operating System: Chrome OS
Graphics Card Description: Integrated
Acer Chromebook Plus 515
The Acer Chromebook Plus 515 manages to balance affordability and performance, making it a compelling choice for budget-conscious users who still need strong capabilities. Equipped with a 12th-gen Intel Core i3 processor and 8GB of RAM, it offers ample power for a variety of tasks, ensuring smooth performance for everyday use and even more demanding applications.
During testing, the Chromebook Plus 515 excelled at handling routine tasks effortlessly. It also demonstrated sufficient power to run Adobe Photoshop, now available on ChromeOS, which opens up possibilities for users needing to perform more intensive graphic work. Additionally, the inclusion of Nvidia GeForce Experience support suggests that this Chromebook can handle some forms of gaming, expanding its utility beyond typical productivity functions.
However, one downside noted during testing is the battery life. The Chromebook Plus 515 fell short of its advertised ten-hour battery life, delivering only about five hours in our tests. While this is underwhelming for a Chromebook, the quick recharge time—less than an hour—helps mitigate this issue, allowing users to get back to work with minimal downtime.
Other aspects of the Acer Chromebook Plus 515 are decidedly positive. The 15.6-inch 1080p touch display provides ample screen real estate, enhancing both productivity and entertainment experiences. The keyboard and touchpad offer a satisfying user experience, with comfortable typing and responsive navigation, which is crucial for prolonged use.
For environmentally conscious consumers, the Chromebook Plus 515 includes materials made from recycled sources, reflecting a commitment to sustainability without compromising on quality or performance.
Price:
$799.99
Specifications:
Screen Size: 15.6 Inches
CPU Model: Core i3
Ram Memory Installed Size: 8 GB
Operating System: Chrome OS
Special Feature: HD Audio
Graphics Card Description: Dedicated
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 Chromebook
The Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5i boasts a larger and taller 14-inch touchscreen display with a resolution of 1920 x 1200, providing ample vertical screen real estate compared to standard 1080p displays. This upgrade enhances the user experience, particularly for tasks that benefit from additional space.
Under the hood, the Chromebook features a 13th-generation Intel Core i3 processor, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage, meeting the recommended specifications for Chromebook Plus. This configuration represents a significant improvement over the previous year’s model, offering enhanced performance and storage capacity.
However, one area where the Chromebook Flex 5i falls short is its battery life, which is relatively mediocre. In typical usage scenarios involving multiple Chrome tabs, web apps, and occasional video calls, the device provides approximately six hours of battery life. While this may suffice for some users, those with more demanding workflows may find it lacking. Nevertheless, considering the device’s price point, the battery performance is acceptable.
On the positive side, the Chromebook Flex 5i features a backlit keyboard and trackpad of excellent quality, exceeding expectations for a relatively affordable machine. The keys offer satisfying travel, while the trackpad is spacious and responsive, enhancing usability and comfort during extended use. Despite sporting a 1080p webcam, the video quality in video calls may not be exceptional, serving its purpose adequately but lacking in standout performance.
The Chromebook Flex 5i offers a range of connectivity options, including both USB-C and USB-A ports, a microSD card slot, and a security lock. While it may not be the lightest or slimmest option available, weighing 3.5 pounds and measuring 0.78 inches thick, its functional design ensures durability and functionality. Additionally, the device benefits from long-term support, receiving software and security updates until June 2032, ensuring longevity and peace of mind for users.
Price:
$449.00
Specifications:
Screen Size: 14 Inches
Hard Disk Size: 128 GB
CPU Model: Core i3
Ram Memory Installed Size: 8 GB
Operating System: Chrome OS
Special Feature: Backlit Keyboard
Graphics Card Description: Integrated
Google Pixelbook Go
The Google Pixelbook Go stands out for its sleek and minimalist design, featuring a matte black frame that displays sophistication. Weighing just over a kilogram, it offers excellent portability, making it an ideal choice for users on the go.
Equipped with an eighth-gen Intel Core i5 processor and 128GB of storage, the mid-tier model delivers speedy performance tailored for ChromeOS. However, the Pixelbook Go faces limitations due to the software it runs. Despite its premium exterior, the ChromeOS operating system may not fully utilize the hardware capabilities, potentially making it a mismatch for users seeking high-performance tasks.
While a 4K model is available for those willing to invest, the 1080p panel of our sample provides crisp colors and responsive touch input, making it perfectly functional for day-to-day usage. However, if a top-tier display is a priority, alternatives like the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook with its 4K OLED panel may be more appealing.
One standout feature of the Pixelbook Go is its impressive battery life. During testing, it lasted nearly 12 hours, offering ample endurance for a full day’s work with some juice to spare. This stellar battery performance further enhances the device’s suitability for users who value mobility and long-lasting power.
Price:
$998.00
Specifications:
Screen Size: 12.3 Inches
Hard Disk Size: 128 GB
CPU Model: Core i7
Ram Memory Installed Size: 8 GB
Operating System: Chrome OS
Graphics Card Description: Integrated
Acer Chromebook Spin 714
The Acer Chromebook Spin 714 (2023) embodies the essence of what a Chromebook should be: straightforward, portable, and speedy. While it may not be the most budget-friendly option, investing in this device promises satisfaction.
Although it may not boast the most refined or eye-catching design, the Chromebook Spin 714 (2023) prioritizes functionality over aesthetics. Its focus is on efficiency and getting the job done, making it a reliable companion for productivity tasks. Powered by the 12th Gen Intel Core i5-1235U processor and 8GB of RAM, this Chromebook effortlessly handles any workload you throw at it. With ample processing power, you can comfortably juggle multiple Chrome tabs and multitask with ease.
Despite featuring only a Full HD panel, the 14-inch display impresses with generous color reproduction and slim bezels, offering an immersive viewing experience. The keyboard adds to the overall enjoyment, providing surprising tactility and good key travel, making typing a joyous experience.
Price:
$569.77
Specifications:
Screen Size: 14 Inches
Hard Disk Size: 128 GB
CPU Model: Core i5
Ram Memory Installed Size: 8 GB
Operating System: Chrome OS
Special Feature: Backlit Keyboard
Graphics Card Description: Integrated
HP Chromebook x360
The HP Chromebook x360 14c 2-in-1 laptop is a versatile and powerful device designed to meet the needs of both students and home users. With its 14-inch Full HD touchscreen, this Chromebook offers a crisp and clear display that is perfect for watching videos, browsing the web, and working on documents. The touchscreen functionality, combined with the 360-degree hinge, allows the device to be used in various modes, such as laptop, tent, stand, and tablet, providing flexibility for different tasks and environments.
Powered by the Intel Core i3-1115G4 processor, the HP Chromebook x360 14c delivers strong performance for everyday computing tasks. This dual-core processor, coupled with 8GB of RAM, ensures smooth multitasking and efficient operation, allowing you to run multiple applications and browser tabs simultaneously without any significant slowdown. Whether you’re working on a school project, streaming videos, or participating in video conferences, this Chromebook handles it all with ease.
Storage is another highlight of this model, featuring a combination of a 128GB SSD and a 128GB SD card, providing a total of 256GB of storage space. The SSD offers fast boot times and quick access to your files and applications, while the additional SD card slot provides expandable storage, making it easy to store more files, photos, and videos. This combination of storage options ensures that you have ample space for your needs while maintaining quick access speeds.
The backlit keyboard on the HP Chromebook x360 14c enhances usability in low-light conditions, allowing you to type comfortably in any environment. Additionally, the fingerprint reader adds an extra layer of security, enabling quick and secure access to your device without the need for passwords. The integrated webcam is perfect for video conferencing and online classes, providing clear video quality for virtual meetings and calls.
Connectivity options on this Chromebook are great, including multiple USB-C and USB-A ports, a headphone/microphone combo jack, and a microSD card reader. These ports ensure that you can easily connect a variety of peripherals, such as external drives, monitors, and keyboards, enhancing the device’s versatility. Wireless connectivity features like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth ensure stable connections for internet access and wireless peripherals.
Running on Chrome OS, the HP Chromebook x360 14c offers a user-friendly and secure operating system with access to a wide range of apps through the Google Play Store. Chrome OS is known for its efficiency, with regular updates that enhance security and performance. The integration with Google services makes it easy to sync your work across different devices and platforms, ensuring that you stay productive and organized.
The sleek silver design of the HP Chromebook x360 14c adds a touch of elegance, making it a stylish choice for students and home users alike. Its lightweight and portable form factor make it easy to carry around, while the strong battery life ensures that you can work or play for extended periods without needing to recharge.
Price:
$449.98
Specifications:
Screen Size: 14 Inches
Hard Disk Size: 128 GB
CPU Model: Core i3
Ram Memory Installed Size: 8 GB
Operating System: Chrome OS
Special Features: Backlit Keyboard, Fingerprint Reader
Graphics Card Description: Integrated
Wrap Up
The Chromebook market in 2024 offers a wide range of options suitable for designers, ranging from budget-friendly models like the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook and Acer Chromebook Spin 314 to premium choices like the HP Dragonfly Pro Chromebook.
Designers can find Chromebooks tailored to their needs, balancing performance, portability, and affordability, with features such as touchscreen displays, versatile form factors, and long-lasting battery life.
So, what are you waiting for? Don’t hesitate and start your graphic design journey right away!
