Why the Samsung Chromebook Plus Is a Cut Above the Chrome OS Crowd

Samsung is now offering a Chromebook designed for business and home users who want a few more features than they typically would find in a Chrome OS notebook computer. The Chromebook Plus is a two-in-one hybrid that comes with both a touch-screen and support for Samsung’s S Pen stylus, which enables users to write on screen, take notes and sign documents digitally. Inside the Chromebook Plus is a fairly powerful hexa-core processor, and the device sports two USB-C ports that allow users to charge the device, plug in an external monitor and more. Because the computer is based on Chrome OS, users have access to millions of apps through its support for Android apps sold through the Google Play marketplace. From its software to hardware, the Chromebook Plus appears to be a worthwhile buy for businesses and consumers.

Google’s Chrome OS is a cloud-based operating system has proven popular among consumers and companies looking for a lightweight platform and cheap computer and don’t need all the power of other devices.

The Chromebook Plus is a two-in-one hybrid, so it can be used either as a tablet or a notebook. Given the increasing popularity of hybrids, the Chromebook Plus likely will appeal to consumers and enterprise users looking for flexibility.

Samsung’s Chromebook Plus ships with the company’s S Pen stylus, a feature typically found in its Galaxy Note line of smartphones. With the stylus, users can digitally write on the screen, sign documents and more. It’s also another way to interact with the computer’s software.

Chrome OS is compatible with the Google Play marketplace, giving users access to the more than 2 million Android apps available through Google’s store. Google Play offers everything from productivity apps to utilities to games. And it’s critical to the Chromebook Plus experience.

According to Samsung, the Chromebook Plus will ship with a hexa-core processor in a “big.LITTLE” configuration that allows it to deliver power without using too much battery life. The computer also comes with 4GB of memory.

The Chromebook Plus has a 12.3-inch touch-screen display with a 2,400-by-1,600-pixel resolution. It also features 400nit brightness, allowing users to see the screen in direct sunlight. According to Samsung, the computer has 234 pixels per inch, which is a lot for an inexpensive Chromebook.

The Samsung Chromebook Plus is highly portable, weighing just 2.4 pounds and measuring 0.51 inches at its thickest point. Despite the computer’s size, it has a full-size keyboard and trackpad.

Chromebooks are not known for their onboard storage and the Chromebook Plus is no different. But 32GB of storage should be sufficient for an operating system that’s designed for cloud storage first.

Samsung’s Chromebook Plus comes with just two USB Type-C ports. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing. The ports allow for data transfer speeds up to 5Gbps and offer 4K display out for external monitor support. The ports also can be used to charge the Chromebook Plus.

The Samsung Chromebook Plus is shipping now from Samsung’s website. It also is available from other retailers including Best Buy and B&H Photo. The Chromebook Plus retails for $450.