When the first Samsung and Acer Chromebooks came out in 2011, people weren’t exactly sure what to make of them. A laptop completely reliant on internet connection and cloud-based services seemed way ahead of its time and perhaps unsustainable.
But more than a decade later, we’re looking at the latest Chromebook edition from Samsung, and the many fans of the Chrome OS are excited.
As of April 15, 2022, Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 360 is available worldwide, making it the newest Chromebook at the time of this writing. So, what does the latest Chromebook version bring to the table? Let’s check out the most important features and discuss the price to value ratio.
Meet the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 360
Right off the bat, it’s vital to point out that Samsung has designed this Chromebook with the clear intention to market it to students.
It’s touted as the device that will add “swagger to school days” and was first presented at the British Education Training and Technology conference, BETT 2022.
The “360” in the name stands for the 360-degree convertible touchscreen, allowing you to go from laptop to tablet and vice versa in a heartbeat.
Like all previous Chromebook versions, this one is also optimized for productivity and portability. But it also comes with a bit of ruggedness that will prevent the device from getting damaged from being moved around too much. It’s pretty sturdy, shock-resistant, and will tolerate hours of consecutive use without issues.
Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 360 Specifications
Apart from the 12.4-inch screen, which will fit into most student backpacks, this Chromebook comes with a slimmer bezel and a wide mousepad.
This innovation is precisely what most users want – more space to work with and easier screen access. The screen also comes with more than 350 nits and more pixels, allowing higher brightness levels and clearer images than previous Samsung Chromebooks.
Like all Chromebooks, the Galaxy 2 360 comes with excellent battery life. Most standard laptops can’t support up to 12 hours without a single charge. This Chromebook can, so going about your day will likely not be a problem if you forget your charger.
The newest Chromebook also comes with a high-resolution webcam which makes it an excellent choice for those who need a reliable device for video calls. The device also features 128GB of storage, allowing you to store many files and photos with ease.
The Galaxy Chromebook 2 360 has the Intel Celeron N4500 processor and either 4 or 8GB RAM, which might not be ideal for the standard laptop, but for a Chromebook that relies on cloud services, this is a pretty good deal.
If you’d like your Chromebook to provide cellular connectivity, you can opt for a version with the Nano-SIM slot, but that costs extra. All editions of the Galaxy Chromebook 2 360 have two USB-C ports and one USB 3.2 port. They also come with a micro SD slot and the standard headphone jack.
Finally, it’s vital to emphasize that with 2.8 pounds, the newest Chromebook is pretty lightweight, which is a major plus, especially for young students.
Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 360 Price
One of the Chromebook’s most appealing features has always been the price tag. It was designed as a more affordable yet super-efficient alternative to more expensive laptops.
The Galaxy Chromebook 2 360 starting price is $430, but the price tag can significantly increase if you choose to include the available accessories. Still, this price puts the newest Chromebook in the mid-range price category, as it doesn’t add too much variety in terms of specifications and features.
Still, the 2-in-1 design offers a lot to the average user, especially those who are unsure whether to buy a table or a laptop and perhaps don’t want to spend money on both.
Samsung has definitely invested in a high-quality hinge that can put up with constant 360-degree screen movement, and this design is the main selling point for the newest Chromebook.
Other Benefits of Using Chromebook
We’ve touched on some of the perks of using the Chromebook, such as long battery life and affordability, but there are other benefits to consider.
Google’s proprietary Chrome OS comes with a built-in antivirus that updates regularly and automatically. You never have to worry about malware or your system crashing because you’ve opened the wrong file.
Furthermore, Chrome OS is fast, stable, and reliable, which allows you to quickly boot up your device in a meeting or if you’re late for a class.
However, it’s important to note that there are a few downsides to all Chromebooks, including the Samsung Galaxy 2 360. They’re not very useful offline, but most users are already aware of this fact before making the purchase. Also, printing is somewhat complicated, as not all printers are compatible with Chrome OS.
Is the Newest Chromebook the Right Choice for You?
If you’re on the hunt for a new laptop or tablet, perhaps you can combine the best of both and opt for the Galaxy Chromebook 2 360.
It has a responsive touchscreen, compact and lightweight design, and remarkable battery life. Even though it’s primarily advertised to students, it’s an excellent option for business owners and anyone who wants a fast and reliable device.
The value to price ratio is decent, and Samsung is a reliable brand. However, there are no significant innovative features apart from the 360-degree hinge design. It’s an upgrade for sure, while still providing everything you might already expect from Chromebooks.
Are you intrigued by the newest Chromebook? Let us know in the comments section below.
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