When choosing a new laptop, the choice often comes down to “Should I choose a PC or a Mac?” “. However, there is a third way: that of Chromebooks.
Behind the term Chromebook hides a family of machines specially designed to host ChromeOS, the operating system created by Google. Released over a decade ago, Chromebooks remain relatively unknown to the general public, despite offering particularly interesting features. Boulanger has understood this well and regularly highlights these machines in his shop, in particular thanks to a dedicated space that is full of tutorials of all kinds.
Our selection of Chromebooks:
What is a Chromebook and ChromeOS?
The name Chromebook designates a type of laptop specially created to meet the requirements of Google and its internal operating system: ChromeOS. The latter, strongly inspired by Android, is distinguished by greater ease of use as it works through a system of applications distributed on the Google Play Store.
Another strong point of ChromeOS: its lightness. It consumes few resources, can run on computers with modest configurations, and works great with ARM chips, for example. Chromebooks are generally priced lower than the competition without underperforming. What makes them excellent machines for the tightest budgets.
What are the benefits of a Chromebook?
Choosing a Chromebook means choosing a machine that is all about efficiency. Thanks to ChromeOS, the system is able to start up very quickly, in about ten seconds on average, so you can use your computer as soon as it’s open. Another benefit linked to ChromeOS and its lightness: gains in autonomy. Chromebooks are energy-saving machines that are especially suitable for working on the go.
Beyond the purely material advantages, Chromebooks also have many advantages at the software level thanks to the power of the ecosystem created by Google. Beyond Chrome, the entire Google office suite is available to you, even for offline work. However, it is possible to resort to third-party applications present in the Play Store or on the web, such as the web applications of the Microsoft Office suite.
The Play Store also gives Chromebooks great versatility by giving you a plethora of different apps, even in terms of entertainment. Thousands of games await you, as well as great classics such as Netflix, YouTube, Disney+ and other VoD platforms.
Last asset up the sleeve of Chromebooks: security. ChromeOS obviously has a built-in antivirus to protect your machine from external threats. Also, since most files are stored online instead of directly on your machine, the risk of losing your data in the event of a failure is greatly reduced.
Discover the Chromebooks of the moment in Boulanger
The HP Chromebook 14 student pack at 499 euros
If you are looking to equip yourself with an efficient laptop that accompanies you in all aspects of your student life, this HP pack is perfect for you. First, because it packs a 14-inch Chromebook built around an 11th-gen Intel Core i3 paired with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, which is more than enough to handle your daily tasks.
Its 14-inch Full HD touch screen is extremely practical for work and play, offering intuitive and fluid navigation. Otherwise, HP kept to the essentials by including a webcam as well as all the necessary connections (two USB 2.0 ports, two USB Type-C 2.0 ports, and even an HDMI port).
The little extra of this student package: the presence of a transport case for your Chromebook and, above all, a Google Nest Audio. A small connected speaker equipped with the Google Assistant that received a good 9/10 during Frandroid’s test. Boulanger currently offers this package at 499 euros.
The 128 GB Lenovo Duet Chromebook at 249 euros
The Lenovo Duet 128 GB, for its part, is ideal if you are looking for a cheap machine for day to day. Extremely compact with its 10.1-inch screen, this Chromebook is also highly versatile thanks to its 360-degree hinge that allows it to transform into a tablet in no time.
Enough to make the most of the touch capabilities of your screen for your leisure time, or to easily present your work during a meeting. Hardware-wise, there’s a MediaTek Helio P630T processor, 4GB of RAM, and a 128GB SSD to power this machine. A webcam, a microphone and a USB 3.2 Gen 1 port complete the range of this compact and practical computer.
The 128 GB Lenovo Duet Chromebook is offered by Boulanger at 249 euros.
The Lenovo Duet 5 CB Chromebook at 499 euros
Currently offered for less than €500 thanks to a €100 discount, the Lenovo Duet 5 is an excellent Chromebook that stands out thanks to the presence of a 13-inch Full HD OLED screen. A panel of excellent craftsmanship that not only allows you to work, but also to enjoy all the video content in the best conditions.
Is it a little extra? The ability to transform into a tablet in seconds thanks to its touch capabilities and a removable keyboard. Which offers you some versatility, whether it is for work or fun, the Play Store that contains thousands of games.
In terms of performance, this Chromebook can count on the combination of a Qualcomm Snapdragon SC7180 SoC and 8 GB of RAM. A configuration that offers good performance, while being energy efficient. The Lenovo Duet 5 also has a built-in webcam, microphone, two USB 3.0 ports, and supports Bluetooth 5.1 and Wi-Fi 6.