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 | Hardware ID | CPU Core | Configurations (Display, CPU, RAM/Disk) | Upgradable? | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acer Chromebook 15 (CB5-571) / C910 | YUNA | Broadwell | 15.6" 1366x768, Celeron 3205U, 2GB/16GB 15.6" 1920x1080, Celeron 3205U, 2-4GB,16-32GB |
X RAM soldered [] SSD, m.2 |
• great performance • excellent display |
| Dell Chromebook 13 | LULU | Broadwell | 13.3" Non-Touch 13.3" Non-Touch 1920x1080 Celeron Core i3 4GB/16GB 8GB/32GB |
X RAM soldered [] SSD, m.2 |
• great performance • excellent display |
| Toshiba Chromebook 2 CB35 | GANDOF | Broadwell | 13.3" 1920x1080 Celeron Core i3 4GB/32GB 2GB/16GB |
X RAM soldered [] SSD, m.2 |
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
Many (not all) models have removable, upgradable SSDs.
- MyDigitalSSD:
- Transcend: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KLTPUG4
Low-profile USB drives
These drives are very fast, 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.
- SanDisk: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BGTG2A0
- Samsung: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B017DH3O5A
Fast SD cards
SD cards are generally not as fast as USB devices. 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 tiny percentage of the sale price will go to the GalliumOS Project. Any funds so collected will be used in accordance with the purposes outlined on our Donations Page. Thank you for your patronage!
