Samsung's new Chromebook Pro hybrid can run a universe of Android apps
[MUSIC]
A Chromebook's not a real computer, right?
That's what I used to think when these budget laptops running Google's Chrome OS first showed up.
They were basically just web browsers in a box, good for surfing, but that's about it.
But a few years makes a big difference, and this new Samsung Chromebook Pro is probably one of the first laptops I'd tell you to look at if you were looking to spend around 500 bucks on a new computer.
Sure, there are plenty of Windows laptops in that price range, or less, but none that I can think of offer this combination of a decent design Mostly metal construction, lag-free performance, long battery life, a better than HD touchscreen, a hybrid hinge that transforms the system into a tablet, and a built-in stylus.
On top of that, this is one of the first Chromebooks to offer access to the Google Play store, and with it millions of Android apps.
I got Instagram up and running right away and the Amazon Alexa app, both usually only accessible on phones or tablets.
A few didn't work like Snapchat or Uber but Microsoft Office and Photoshop Express were great.
You also get access to a lot of Android games and there's even an accelerometer that works in some but again a few I wanted to try came up as not compatible.
Bill, this is my new budget go to, because it feels faster and more responsive than budget Windows laptop.
I'd love slightly nicer keyboard and touchpad, but using the built in stylus, which sits in a little spot on the side, made it feel like a much more expensive device.
[MUSIC]
Microsoft Surface Pro 10, Surface Laptop 6 Are Here
Up Next
Microsoft Surface Pro 10, Surface Laptop 6 Are Here
Apple Has Big AI Plans for Mac — and iPhone, Too
Apple Has Big AI Plans for Mac — and iPhone, Too
M3 MacBook Air Review: A Better Reason to Upgrade?
M3 MacBook Air Review: A Better Reason to Upgrade?
Apple Updates 13- and 15-Inch MacBook Air With M3 Chips
Apple Updates 13- and 15-Inch MacBook Air With M3 Chips
Best Laptops of CES 2024
Best Laptops of CES 2024
Best Laptops 2023: Budget Friendly
Best Laptops 2023: Budget Friendly
Apple MacBook Pro 16- and 14-Inch, M3 Series Review
Apple MacBook Pro 16- and 14-Inch, M3 Series Review
Apple's M3 Sparks a New Era of Mac vs. PC Battles
Apple's M3 Sparks a New Era of Mac vs. PC Battles
M3 MacBook Pro, iMac Reactions
M3 MacBook Pro, iMac Reactions
First Look: Microsoft Surface Studio 2 and Surface Go 3 Laptops
First Look: Microsoft Surface Studio 2 and Surface Go 3 Laptops
Tech Shows
Latest News
Bose SoundLink Max Review: How Does It Compare to the Cheaper SoundLink Flex?
Bose SoundLink Max Review: How Does It Compare to the Cheaper SoundLink Flex?
Hands-On With Huawei's Pura 70 Ultra
Hands-On With Huawei's Pura 70 Ultra
I Tried Three Fitness Apps to Help My Postpartum Recovery
I Tried Three Fitness Apps to Help My Postpartum Recovery
How Many Times Did Google Say AI at I/O 2024?
How Many Times Did Google Say AI at I/O 2024?
I Tried Google's Project Astra
I Tried Google's Project Astra
Everything Google Just Announced at I/O 2024
Everything Google Just Announced at I/O 2024
Google Introduces Gemini AI Upgrades to Gmail and Chat
Google Introduces Gemini AI Upgrades to Gmail and Chat
Google Brings Multistep Reasoning to Search
Google Brings Multistep Reasoning to Search
Project Astra Revealed at Google I/O
Project Astra Revealed at Google I/O
Ask Photos Uses AI to Search Your Google Gallery
Ask Photos Uses AI to Search Your Google Gallery
Bose SoundLink Max Review: How Does It Compare to the Cheaper SoundLink Flex?
Bose SoundLink Max Review: How Does It Compare to the Cheaper SoundLink Flex?
Hands-On With Huawei's Pura 70 Ultra
Hands-On With Huawei's Pura 70 Ultra
I Tried Three Fitness Apps to Help My Postpartum Recovery
I Tried Three Fitness Apps to Help My Postpartum Recovery
How Many Times Did Google Say AI at I/O 2024?
How Many Times Did Google Say AI at I/O 2024?
I Tried Google's Project Astra
I Tried Google's Project Astra
Everything Google Just Announced at I/O 2024
Everything Google Just Announced at I/O 2024
Google Introduces Gemini AI Upgrades to Gmail and Chat
Google Introduces Gemini AI Upgrades to Gmail and Chat
Google Brings Multistep Reasoning to Search
Google Brings Multistep Reasoning to Search
Project Astra Revealed at Google I/O
Project Astra Revealed at Google I/O
Ask Photos Uses AI to Search Your Google Gallery