However, that’s begun to change in recent years, with Chromebooks expanding into mid-range and even premium markets. For many people, they’ll now be the best option – regardless of price. Discounts are available on Chromebooks all year round, and following the advice in this article will ensure you’re getting a great deal. If you’re based in the US or UK, here’s everything you need to know.
What are the best Chromebooks right now?
Many of the leading Chromebook makers appear in our best Chromebook chart. For each of the 10 entries, an in-depth review highlighting its strengths and weaknesses is available. Acer, Asus, Google, Lenovo and HP all make an appearance, but this list regularly changes as new models are reviewed. But it’s also worth considering what you’re looking for from a Chromebook. Display, performance and battery life play a big role, but your first decision should be around design. There are three core form factors that’ll you’ll find Chrome OS running on – regular clamshell laptop, convertible laptop with 360° hinge or tablet with detachable keyboard. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses, but choosing one will help guide you towards the best deals.
Where to find the best deals on Chromebooks
Chromebooks are usually sold at all the major electronics retailers. With that in mind, here are the key places to consider in the US: In the UK, check out the following: It’s also worth going direct to manufacturer websites – this is sometimes where you’ll find the best deals. Popular Chromebook makers include:
Acer Asus HP Lenovo Samsung
How to know if a Chromebook deal is good
Chromebooks often have a low starting price, making knowing if a deal is genuinely good more difficult. If you’re unsure, check the original RRP or sites such as ShopSavvy (US), PriceSpy (UK) or Google Shopping to see how other retailers are pricing it. If those methods aren’t working for you, it’s worth heading direct to the manufacturers website to see how much it is there. Third-party retailers sometimes market a new price as a deal, when in reality the product is now widely available at that price. Another option is to check trustworthy review sites such as Tech Advisor. Not only will this give you a good indication of how good the Surface device really is, reviews are usually published shortly after the product is released. That means the prices quoted tend reflect how much it cost at launch.
Should I buy refurbished?
While deals come and go, one place you’ll consistently find low prices is on refurbished tech. This typically means it’s either been used as a demonstration model or returned by a customer, meaning it can no longer be sold as new. In all situations, the companies selling them will fix any faults and give the device a full refresh before it’s marked as refurbished. That means it’ll be in excellent condition by the time it reaches the customer, perhaps even as good as new. That’s the big difference when compared to used tech, which may be damaged in some way or have reduced battery life. See more in our comparison guide. Chromebooks are the focus of this article, but there are also some great discounts on Windows devices – check out our separate roundups on the best laptop deals and best budget laptop deals if that’s something you’d prefer. As the resident expert on Windows, Senior Staff Writer Anyron’s main focus is PCs and laptops. Much of the rest of his time is split between smartphones, tablets and audio, with a particular focus on Android devices.
