Samsung - 11.6" Chromebook - Intel Celeron - 4GB Memory - 32GB eMMC Flash Memory - Night Charcoal

This was my first Chromebook. I needed something that would "just work", but I wanted at least 4GB RAM, 32GB local storage, and an SD slot to expand storage. The Samsung 3 fits the bill, especially on sale. I'm using the Micro-SD slot to increase storage by 128GB (not that I've really needed it yet). Besides typical Chrome usage, I've installed several Android apps that all work pretty well. The screen is okay if the brightness is turned up, but it tends to flicker (almost like an interlaced CRT screen) on lower brightness. Even on inexpensive laptops, I've not experienced such a "cheap" feeling screen. It's a super cheap machine, though, so I can accept that trade-off. The resolution is fine, and for casual usage it's not an issue. The keys are large, and the lettering on them is very large; I almost feel like I'm using a device meant for someone with vision problems -- like the TV remote controls with the super large numbers -- but functionally it's great. Better that, than a tiny squished keyboard. I've used it on battery for 5-7 hours without charge, on w/ screen on & at mid-brightness, before feeling as though I needed to plug it in (I typically get the itch to plug in anytime I fall under 40%, particularly around 30%); I've closed it and left it on the coffee table for several days, picked it up, opened it, and had over half the battery still left. It's not going to last as long as, say, an iPad, which is a shame... but it's certainly an acceptable battery life. Pros: - Lightweight; - Simple to use, once you become familiar with ChromeOS; - Powerful enough most of the time (see last "con" bullet point); - Battery life is good (not great, but good); - The speakers are surprisingly decent. Cons: - Screen flickers when brightness is down (increasing brightness seems to reduce the effect, but it also drains the battery faster); - Feels very cheap and plastic-y, but, it's a sub-$200 system, so that's fine; - Sometimes the processor seems to struggle a bit upon first opening it up (especially if it's been hibernating/sleeping, vs fresh boot). I'd recommend closing any open Chrome tabs or doing a fresh reboot if you open it up and it's slow or hesitant to respond. I'd recommend this little Chromebook for the following: - Kids - it's cheap, doesn't need to be patched or run antivirus, will do pretty much anything short of bonafide gaming (web-based games and some Android games should be fine); - Anyone needing a casual, secondary device with a keyboard (it's not a touch screen) for light productivity or entertainment (YouTube, Netflix, etc). Not recommended for: - Full time "laptop"/productivity - if there's an option, spend a bit more and get something with higher quality materials; - Any sort of gaming or heavy entertainment use. I'm rating it 4 out of 5 stars. I've purchased $279 laptops before that have a better quality screen and more functionality (since they can run any OS & application you want), so the screen quality being a bit below par is worth deducting one star. I got the Chromebook during a sale for $159, but it's normally closer to $199; if its regular price was ~$159, I'd give it 5 stars, but for $200... I'd rather Samsung had put a bit more quality into the screen and charged $220 or $230, OR price this laptop no higher than $179 as a truly "budget" laptop. At $200 it seems just a bit too "cheap" for the money, but just barely. If you're shopping Chromebooks and your next option is over $100 difference, and you're on a strict budget, don't be afraid to buy this. It'll get the job done. If you can afford higher quality materials, and/or want to use it extensively, look at something with better quality hardware. (My background: IT professional for 20+ years; extensive experience with PC's, laptops, Mac's (MacBooks, iPad's, Mini's, etc), iPads & mobile devices.)

This is my first experience with the Chromebook. I purchased a lap top with Windows 10, and I have to say I wish window 7 is still around. That's the main reason why I was looking into a Chromebook and I love google. I use everything Google, including google docs. I need this Chromebook specifically for school so I don't need anything fancy, just something portable and would last me a long time. This one fits the bill. The non-touch screen is nice for me because that throws off my kiddos who are used to the touch screen to stay away from it. It's a perfect size, slightly on the heavy size ( more than I expected but not a deal breaker because my co-worker has a pixel and weigh about the same.), long-lasting battery. The only thing that would make it nicer if it has a backlit function on the keyboard.

Was very pleased with my purchase, especially at the price point. Starts up instantly, perfect for your most basic needs. Though Chromebooks serve different purposes than windows based operating system, for those who are familiar with google chrome browser and all other google related products it is great at what it does. The perfect computer to take to a coffee shop and do some writing or basic projects via apps like google docs etc. I got this one as a replacement to my older Chromebook (which I had fallen in love with) and was equally as smitten with this one. I personally give it 5 stars.

my first chrome book and I liked it - I found myself grabbing for this over my windows laptop almost always - due to the startup time being within like 2 seconds - and really all I want is to get online / read / or watch netflix or hulu - this is perfect for all that - I wasn't sure about a 11" laptop and have realized the screen and keyboard are too small for a adult man - I'll either return it or give it to one of my kids (maybe :) ) - the performance of this is really good - the quality of the materials (the feel) is on par with the cost

We bought this as a beginner laptop for our daughter we recommend it for anyone who needs it for students PRO - very inexpensive - lightweight - long battery life - works with google apps - Chromebook won’t get viruses underpowered cpu as expected so it just just perfect for kids homework but not for games Con - Can’t play Minecraft which was a big ask from the kids - plastic (but expected at this price) Summary: great as a beginner laptop for kids but not great if you/your kids want to play games

Picked this up on sale for my son to do homework on (5th grade.) Fantastic little chromebook, browses the internet with no problem. Can stream Netflix and other streaming services. Best thing, battery life is exceptional. Can last upwards of 8-10 hours with average to heavy use. Love this thing. Well worth the $$$. Only reason I'm not giving it 5 stars is because I'm deducting 1 star because it's not a touchscreen.

This really is a great Chromebook. We switched from some Windows laptops to the Google Chromebooks, Google Drive, and Google apps and have had no issues. Much faster start up, no frequent and long, annoying updates, like Windows. Just a much better experience for our needs. Linked with our android cell phone Google apps and it's been great! Battery life is so much better than any laptop we've ever had. Highly recommended!

I bought the Chromebook to supplement my electronic family - laptop, Samsung phone and tablet. I wanted a lighter weight device with a decent size screen on which I could stream various programs. To my dismay, I discovered that I much prefer a touch screen device. However, my less than stellar rating reflects my disappointment in the sound quality of the Chromebook. At full volume, it is difficult to hear!