Buyer's Guide
Choosing a Chromebook can be confusing. There are dozens of models, and a variety of configuration options for most of them.
GalliumOS is supported on most Chromebook models (see Hardware Compatibility), but we've prepared this guide to help you choose the model that best fits your needs. Here are a few of our favorites, along with the specs that make them interesting.
Contents
Chromebooks
| Model | HWID | CPU Core | Configurations (Display, CPU, RAM, Disk) | Upgradable? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acer Chromebook 15 CB5-571 / C910 |
YUNA | Broadwell |
• 15.6" 1366x768, Celeron 3205U, 2GB, 16GB |
✘ RAM |
|
| Dell Chromebook 13 |
LULU | Broadwell |
• 13.3" 1920x1080, Celeron 3205U/3215U, 4GB, 16GB |
✘ RAM |
|
| Toshiba Chromebook 2 CB35 |
GANDOF | Broadwell |
• 13.3" 1920x1080 Intel Celeron 3215U |
✘ RAM |
Many manufacturers also sell refurbished models at significant discounts from MSRP. These should be as good as new, but generally have a much shorter 30-day warranty (typical retail warranty is 1-year).
Storage Upgrades
Replacement SSDs
Some models have removable, upgradable SSDs: All (known) Haswells except LEON, and all Broadwells except SAMUS.
- MyDigitalSSD: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NY4VIPA
- Transcend: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KLTPUG4
- ZTC: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00YDHKIMG
Low-profile USB drives
These drives are very fast (be sure to use a USB3.0 port if possible), very small (almost unnoticeable), and can be left installed permanently. They can get fairly warm on continuous access (due to speed and small size), but this is considered normal.
- Samsung: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B017DH3O5A
- Lexar: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B012PKV7RC
- SanDisk: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BGTG2A0
Some interesting comparison data here: http://www.everythingusb.com/mini-drives.html
Fast SD cards
SD cards are generally not as fast as USB devices on Chromebooks, because the card reader is on a USB2.0 bus instead of USB3.0 (some exceptions in newer models). On some models, a fully-inserted SD card still extends outside the body of the machine, which is inconvenient (and fragile) and not preferred for "permanent" installation. Check to see if this applies to your model before making a decision.
Disclosures
We have no relationships with any manufacturers or vendors that might influence our recommendations, or any content on this (or any other) page. Some links on this page are might, in the future, be affiliate links. If you purchase a Chromebook by following an affiliate link, a small percentage (generally 4%) of the purchase price will go to the GalliumOS Project. This does not affect your purchase price in any way. Any funds so collected will be used in accordance with the purposes outlined on our Donations Page. Thank you for your patronage!
