A Chromebook is a sleek laptop designed by Google that is a great budget-friendly device for anyone who needs to surf the web, stream media or do basic work and school tasks.

While the Chromebook operating system is simpler than the operating system on a Microsoft Windows laptop or Apple device, it still gives you the ability to hop on video calls, do word processing, handle spreadsheets and much more. Chrome OS Flex also makes Chrome OS available for PC and Mac users who prefer Chrome’s straightforward, easy-to-use interface.

Chrome OS is especially convenient for anyone who already uses Google Docs, Google Meet, Google Classroom, Gmail or any of Google’s many other programs and apps. Additionally, you can set your Google Chromebook screen to operate like a Google smart display. So, you may want a Chromebook laptop if you have Google smart devices around your house, like Nest home security and monitoring or a Nest smart thermostat.

Just like other laptop brands, Chromebooks offer a range of options in terms of storage capacity, RAM, display resolution and other specifications. To choose what’s right for you, think about how you normally use your laptop. You can even buy a versatile 2-in-1 Chromebook if you want to combine the abilities of a laptop and a tablet.

You might also enjoy looking at the various wireless and Bluetooth mice options for easier navigation. And if you are taking your Google Chromebook on the road, you will need to carry it in a laptop backpack or padded laptop sleeve to ensure it is kept safe and secure.

A Chromebook is a great option if you’re looking into how to choose the best laptop for school or if you are in need of a portable work computer. Just remember that, because Chrome OS is designed around Google’s many online programs, you will get the best performance from it with a strong Wi-Fi connection. There are offline options for your Chromebook, but it’s still a good idea to make sure you have solid Wi-Fi and networking solutions at home. And if you have a lot of space, consider mesh Wi-Fi, which provides Wi-Fi coverage throughout your entire home so you can enjoy everything your new Chromebook has to offer wherever you’d like.