Amazing what a little metal can do for a Chromebook

I received a Samsung Series 5 Chromebook today on a 30-day trial from CDW-G and my first reaction was “Wow!” I really like the Samsung Chromebook that I’ve used the past couple of weeks but there are differences in these two devices that make it easy to pay an extra $200 for the Series 5 Chromebook. Paying $250 seems like a great deal even if you are only getting a browser-based operating system but I think that the Series 5 Chromebook is worth the $200 and here is why:

1) Faster Processor – The ARM processor in the Samsung Chromebook is a good processor but the Intel processor in the Series 5 Chromebook is better. This ties into number two but speed is important whether you are running a resource hog like Windows or a light-weight like Chromebook. The faster the better.

2) More Memory – Every time you open a new browser tab or webapp you use a little more memory. People are always amazed at how many tabs I have open but I am constantly moving from site to site using them for research and writing. I noticed a definite lag when I had more than 5 tabs open. It was an annoying lag too.

3) Sturdier – The Samsung Chromebook is flimsy. It was made to be as cheap as possible. It is made of plastic and that isn’t terrible but if you twist the base just right you can make the touchpad act a bit flaky. When I opened the Series 5 Chromebook it reminded me of my Mac. It has a sleek gun-metal color, large touchpad, and a sturdy keyboard. When I balance it on my leg (like I’m doing now) it doesn’t bend.

An extra $200 for a 1:1 program seems like a lot of money. It could potentially mean an extra $200,000 investment. Our superintendent asked about iPads again because the price is getting closer to the iPad but cost is not swaying me. I still believe that the Chromebook is a better device for our 1:1 program.