Do you dream of a laptop that’s super light, easy to use, and doesn’t cost a fortune? Maybe you’ve heard about Chromebooks, but you’re wondering if a *small* one is the right fit for you. It’s true, picking out a new gadget can feel like a puzzle! There are so many choices, and it’s tough to know which one will actually make your life easier.
Many people find themselves overwhelmed when looking for a smaller Chromebook. They worry about getting enough power for schoolwork or their favorite games, or if it will be too small to type comfortably. You want a laptop that’s just right – not too big, not too small, and ready for whatever you throw at it. That’s where this guide comes in!
By reading on, you’ll discover exactly what makes a small Chromebook a great choice for students, travelers, or anyone who loves simplicity. We’ll break down what to look for, so you can find the perfect little powerhouse that fits your needs and your budget. Get ready to find your ideal digital companion!
Our Top 5 Small Chromebook Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Small Chromebook Detailed Reviews
1. ASUS Chromebook CR11 Ruggedized Laptop
Rating: 8.5/10
Meet the ASUS Chromebook CR11, a tough and smart laptop built for learning and everyday use. This Chromebook runs on ChromeOS, giving you access to all your favorite Google apps. You can easily work with Microsoft Office files using Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides. It’s designed to be durable and safe, making it a great choice for students or anyone needing a reliable device.
What We Like:
- It’s built tough with a ruggedized body and rubber edges that meet US military-grade durability standards. This means it can handle bumps and drops.
- The spill-resistant keyboard protects against accidental spills, which is perfect for busy environments.
- ASUS Antimicrobial Guard helps keep the laptop cleaner by stopping bacteria growth.
- You get a clear view with the anti-glare HD display, which reduces reflections.
- It comes with a free 3-month Google One AI Premium plan, including Gemini Advanced and 2TB of storage.
- The HD webcam with AI noise-canceling makes video calls clear and smooth.
- It runs on ChromeOS, which is known for being virus-free.
- It offers fast memory and wireless connectivity with Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3.
- There are plenty of ports for connecting your accessories.
What Could Be Improved:
- With 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage, it might feel a bit slow if you try to run many demanding apps at once or store a lot of large files.
- The 11.6-inch display might feel small for users who prefer a larger screen for multitasking or detailed work.
The ASUS Chromebook CR11 is a solid, dependable laptop that offers great value for its durability and features. It’s a smart pick for those who need a device that can withstand daily wear and tear.
2. Dell Chromebook 11 3100 11.6″” Touchscreen Chromebook – HD – 1366 x 768 – Celeron – 4GB RAM – 32GB Flash Memory
Rating: 8.9/10
The Dell Chromebook 11 3100 is a handy and affordable laptop for schoolwork and everyday tasks. It has a bright 11.6-inch touchscreen that makes it easy to navigate. This Chromebook runs on Chrome OS, which is super simple to use. It’s also renewed, meaning it’s been checked and restored to work like new. This is a great option if you need a reliable computer without spending a lot of money.
What We Like:
- The touchscreen is responsive and makes using apps fun.
- It’s lightweight, so you can easily carry it to class or around the house.
- The battery lasts a long time, so you don’t have to charge it often.
- It boots up really fast, getting you to work or play in seconds.
- The price is a big plus, making it easy on your wallet.
What Could Be Improved:
- The Celeron processor is good for basic tasks but might be slow for really demanding programs.
- 32GB of storage is enough for Chrome OS and apps, but you might need to rely on cloud storage for lots of files.
- The 1366 x 768 screen resolution is standard but not as sharp as higher-resolution displays.
This renewed Dell Chromebook 11 3100 offers a lot of value for its price. It’s a solid choice for students or anyone needing a simple, reliable device.
3. Dell Chromebook 11 3100 11.6″ Chromebook – 1366 x 768 – Celeron N4020-4 GB RAM – 16 GB Flash Memory – Chrome OS – Intel HD Graphics – English (US) Keyboard – Bluetooth (Renewed)
Rating: 8.7/10
Looking for a budget-friendly laptop for school or everyday tasks? The Dell Chromebook 11 3100 is a solid option. This renewed Chromebook comes with an 11.6-inch screen, perfect for browsing the web, checking emails, and working on documents. It runs on Chrome OS, which is super simple to use and keeps things running smoothly. You get 16GB of flash memory for storing your important files and apps.
What We Like:
- It’s very lightweight and easy to carry around.
- The design is tough, so it can handle being bumped around a bit.
- Chrome OS is really straightforward to learn and use.
- The price is a big plus for anyone on a budget.
- It connects easily to other devices with Bluetooth.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 16GB of storage is quite limited; you might need to rely on cloud storage.
- The Celeron N4020 processor is good for basic tasks but might struggle with more demanding programs.
- The 1366 x 768 screen resolution is standard but not the sharpest.
- Being a renewed product, availability might be limited.
This Dell Chromebook 11 3100 offers a great value for its price, especially for students or those needing a reliable device for simple computing needs. It’s a practical choice for getting things done without breaking the bank.
4. HP Chromebook 14 Laptop
Rating: 9.2/10
Meet the HP Chromebook 14 Laptop (14a-na0226nr, 2022, Mineral Silver), a versatile machine designed for everything you do. Whether you’re hitting the books, tackling work projects, or just relaxing with some entertainment, this Chromebook is ready. Its sleek, thin design makes it easy to carry, and the vibrant 14-inch HD display brings your content to life. Plus, with its long-lasting battery, you can keep going all day without needing to find an outlet.
What We Like:
- It’s great for home, work, and school, handling assignments and entertainment with ease.
- The 14-inch HD display is clear and bright, perfect for viewing details.
- Its thin and lightweight design makes it super portable for taking anywhere.
- The Intel Celeron N4120 processor offers good performance for everyday tasks.
- It can smoothly stream 4K content and play games thanks to Intel UHD Graphics 600.
- With 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of storage, it handles multitasking and saving files well.
- The battery lasts up to 14 hours, and HP Fast Charge gets you back up quickly.
- Chrome OS is always secure and updated, with access to the Google Play Store.
- The Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity are strong and reliable.
- The multi-touch touchpad supports easy navigation with four-finger gestures.
- It features a sustainable design, being ENERGY STAR certified and EPEAT Silver registered.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 64 GB of eMMC storage might feel limited for users who store a lot of large files directly on the device.
- While the Intel Celeron N4120 is good for basic tasks, it might struggle with very demanding applications or heavy multitasking.
- The 1366 x 768 HD display resolution is standard but not as sharp as Full HD (1080p) or higher resolutions.
This HP Chromebook offers a solid, budget-friendly option for those who need a reliable and portable laptop for everyday computing needs.
5. HP Chromebook 11A G8 Education Edition AMD A4-9120C 4GB DDR4-1866 SDRAM
Rating: 9.2/10
The HP Chromebook 11A G8 Education Edition is a budget-friendly laptop designed for learning and everyday tasks. It runs on Chrome OS, which is known for its simplicity and speed. This renewed model offers a great way to get a functional laptop without spending a lot of money. Its compact size makes it easy to carry around, and it’s built to withstand the bumps and spills that can happen in school or at home.
What We Like:
- Durable and spill-resistant design is great for students.
- Lightweight and portable for easy carrying.
- Simple and easy-to-use Chrome OS.
- Good battery life for a full day of use.
- Affordable price, especially for a renewed unit.
- Built-in HD webcam is useful for online classes.
What Could Be Improved:
- The AMD A4 processor is basic and might struggle with very demanding tasks.
- 32GB of storage is limited, so cloud storage is important.
- The screen resolution is standard HD, not Full HD.
This HP Chromebook is a solid option for students or anyone needing a simple device for web browsing, email, and schoolwork. It provides a reliable and affordable computing experience.
Your Guide to Finding the Perfect Small Chromebook
So, you’re looking for a small Chromebook? Great choice! These little laptops are awesome for school, browsing the web, and getting work done on the go. But with so many options, how do you pick the right one? This guide will help you find the perfect fit.
What to Look For: Key Features to Make Your Chromebook Shine
When you’re shopping for a small Chromebook, keep these important features in mind. They’ll make a big difference in how well your Chromebook works for you.
1. Screen Size and Resolution
- Size: Small Chromebooks usually have screens between 11 and 12 inches. This makes them super portable.
- Resolution: Look for at least a 1366 x 768 resolution. This means your pictures and text will look clear. A higher resolution, like Full HD (1920 x 1080), makes everything even sharper.
2. Processor (The Brains of the Operation)
- Chromebooks use processors like Intel Celeron, Pentium, or MediaTek. For everyday tasks like browsing and email, these are usually enough.
- If you plan to do more, like editing documents or having many tabs open, a slightly more powerful processor will help.
3. RAM (Memory for Multitasking)
- 4GB of RAM is the minimum for a smooth experience. It lets you run a few apps at once.
- 8GB of RAM is even better. It makes switching between apps and having lots of browser tabs open much faster and smoother.
5. Storage (Where Your Files Live)
- Chromebooks don’t need a lot of storage because most things are saved online (in Google Drive).
- 32GB or 64GB of eMMC storage is typical. This is enough for your operating system, apps, and a few offline files. You can always use an SD card or USB drive for more space.
6. Battery Life (Power On the Go)
- Look for a Chromebook that promises 8 hours or more of battery life. This means you can use it all day without needing to charge.
What’s Inside Matters: Important Materials
The materials used in a Chromebook affect how it feels and how long it lasts.
- Plastic: Most small Chromebooks use plastic. Good quality plastic feels sturdy and not cheap. Some have a matte finish that resists fingerprints.
- Metal: Some higher-end small Chromebooks might have metal lids or bodies. This makes them feel more premium and durable, but also a bit heavier.
Making the Grade: Factors That Affect Quality
Some things make a Chromebook great, while others can make it less than ideal.
Quality Boosters:
- Build Quality: A solid build means the laptop doesn’t creak or bend easily. Hinges that feel strong are also a good sign.
- Keyboard and Trackpad: A comfortable keyboard makes typing a breeze. A responsive trackpad makes navigation smooth.
- Screen Brightness and Colors: A bright screen is easier to see outdoors. Good color accuracy makes images look vibrant.
Quality Reducers:
- Flimsy Plastic: If the plastic feels cheap and bends easily, it might not last long.
- Slow Processor: If the Chromebook struggles to open apps or feels laggy, it will frustrate you.
- Poor Screen: A dim screen or one with washed-out colors can make using the Chromebook unpleasant.
Who Needs a Small Chromebook? User Experience and Use Cases
Small Chromebooks are perfect for a variety of people and tasks.
- Students: They’re lightweight for carrying to class, have great battery life for long school days, and are perfect for online learning and writing papers.
- Web Surfers: If you spend most of your time online, checking email, social media, and reading news, a small Chromebook is ideal.
- Casual Users: For basic tasks at home, like browsing recipes or watching videos, a small Chromebook is an easy and affordable option.
- Travelers: Their small size and light weight make them great companions for trips. You can easily work or entertain yourself on the go.
The key is that small Chromebooks are designed for cloud-based work. They excel at running web apps and Android apps. They are not meant for heavy-duty software like professional video editing or complex gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions About Small Chromebooks
Q: Are small Chromebooks good for school?
A: Yes! Small Chromebooks are excellent for school. They are lightweight, have long battery life, and are perfect for online learning, writing papers, and using Google Workspace apps.
Q: What is the difference between RAM and storage on a Chromebook?
A: RAM is like your computer’s short-term memory. It helps your Chromebook run apps smoothly. Storage is where your files and apps are saved long-term.
Q: Can I play games on a small Chromebook?
A: You can play many Android games available on the Google Play Store. However, they are not designed for demanding PC games.
Q: Do I need internet to use a Chromebook?
A: While Chromebooks work best with an internet connection, you can still do some things offline. You can write documents, view saved files, and use certain Android apps without being online.
Q: How much should I expect to spend on a good small Chromebook?
A: You can find good small Chromebooks for anywhere from $200 to $400. More premium models might cost a bit more.
Q: Are small Chromebooks easy to use?
A: Yes, Chromebooks are known for being very easy to use. Their operating system, Chrome OS, is simple and intuitive.
Q: Can I connect a mouse and keyboard to a small Chromebook?
A: Absolutely! Most Chromebooks have USB ports, allowing you to easily connect external mice, keyboards, and other devices.
Q: How long does the battery usually last on a small Chromebook?
A: Most small Chromebooks offer excellent battery life, often lasting 8 to 10 hours on a single charge. Some can even go longer.
Q: What are the main advantages of choosing a Chromebook over a Windows laptop?
A: Chromebooks are generally more affordable, boot up much faster, have simpler security, and require less maintenance. They are also great for cloud-based tasks.
Q: Can I install Microsoft Office on a Chromebook?
A: You can use the web versions of Microsoft Office apps (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) through your browser. There are also Android app versions available.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hello, I’m Muzammil Siddiqui, the mind behind ChairsFly.com.. With a deep passion for chairs and a wealth of expertise, I created this platform to share my insights, experiences, and knowledge about everything chair-related. From ergonomic solutions to stylish designs, my goal is to guide you in finding the perfect seat for your needs. Let’s embark on this journey of comfort and elegance together!