This video follows two parents, Linus and David, as they embark on a last-minute back-to-school shopping trip for Chromebooks for their children. Navigating a retail store, they discuss school requirements, personal preferences for build quality and performance, and a budget of $300-$400 CAD. They examine various models like the Lenovo Slim 3, HP X360, and Asus CX34, comparing features such as touchscreens, processors, keyboard layouts, and overall build quality. A key point of confusion arises with the "Chromebook Plus" branding and differing prices for old versus new models, exacerbated by stock shortages. Ultimately, Linus opts for a newer, higher-priced HP X360 for its glass screen durability, while David settles for an older, better-value Asus CX34. Unboxing and hands-on comparisons reveal differences in chargers, I/O, weight, keyboard flex, screen brightness, and speaker quality, with performance benchmarks showing the higher-priced HP as faster. The video concludes with a discussion on the discontinuation of Steam for Chrome OS, the current state and future of Chromebooks, and the alternative of Chrome OS Flex.
Choosing a Chromebook: Back-to-School Shopping and Comparisons
0:00 The Need for Chromebooks: The hosts, Linus and David, are compelled to buy Chromebooks for their children for school, reflecting a common parental experience.
1:19 Setting Guidelines and Budget: Linus outlines school requirements (which are low) and his own preferences for build quality, performance, and battery life, aiming for a price range of $300-$400 CAD.
2:41 Initial Disappointments: The desired Asus CX34 model isn't on display. Cheaper options are quickly dismissed due to anticipated poor processor performance.
2:58 Lenovo Slim 3 (14-inch) Review: While appreciating the touchscreen, concerns are raised about the MediaTek processor's performance in Chrome OS and the "unacceptable" bilingual Canadian keyboard layout.
3:37 HP X360 Evaluation: This model offers a better laptop feel, glass screen, and improved performance, but its initial $700 CAD price tag is deemed too high.
4:01 Chromebook Plus Mystery: Confusion arises from different prices for the HP X360, leading to the discovery of "Chromebook Plus" β a set of minimum specifications from Google promising better quality and features like AI.
5:08 Stock Shortages and Model Differences: It's revealed that the price discrepancy for the HP X360 is due to it being last year's vs. this year's model, with the newer one having a slightly brighter screen, more storage, but paradoxically, lower battery life. Both are out of stock.
5:51 David's Purchase Decision: David decides to sacrifice a touchscreen and convertible hinge to get a $349 IPS display model with the same performance, finding stock elsewhere.
6:06 Linus's Purchase Decision: Linus chooses this year's HP X360 at $599, valuing its glass screen for durability with children, despite questioning the value compared to David's choice.
7:31 Longer Update Support: A key takeaway for Linus's higher-priced, newer model is Google's guarantee of 10 years of updates from the release date, meaning longer support.
8:04 Build Quality: David's Asus CX34 feels surprisingly good for its price, though both laptops exhibit some keyboard flex.
9:25 Chargers: The Asus has a more compact and preferred 45W USB-C charger compared to the HP's bulkier design.
9:53 I/O Ports: Both offer essential ports (USB-A, USB-C, headphone jack), meeting school requirements for peripherals.
10:45 Weight: The weight difference is minimal (around 50g), not a deal-breaker for school children.
11:11 Performance (Speedometer 3.1): Linus's HP X360, with its theoretically better chip, scores significantly higher (21.2 vs. 13.7) in browser performance.
11:40 Screen & Speakers: Linus's HP has a brighter screen, but David prefers the Asus's color temperature. Both have convenient hardware webcam covers. A blind test reveals the Asus speakers are notably better.
15:30 Steam for Chrome OS Discontinuation: A significant announcement is made: Steam for Chrome OS will stop receiving updates next year, impacting gaming on these devices and disappointing hopes for Linux gaming adoption.
16:45 The Future of Chromebooks: Despite market stagnation and Google's habit of abandoning products, the hosts believe Chromebooks will remain due to market penetration and long-term support commitments.
17:07 Chrome OS Flex as an Alternative: The video highlights Chrome OS Flex as a viable option for installing Chrome OS on older Windows and Mac laptops.
20:10 Call to Action: Viewers are encouraged to share their experiences with Chrome OS Flex and their opinions on the chosen Chromebooks.