Samsung launches Chromebook 4 and 4+
Chromebooks used to be glorified web browsers running atop the Linux kernel, but these days, they are far more useful. If you need more than just web apps, you can now run Android apps and traditional desktop Linux programs on Chrome OS. Best of all, you can run them all side by side, making it all feel like a cohesive experience -- it doesn't feel like you are using a mixture of software intended for different platforms.
Today, Samsung launches its latest Chrome OS laptops -- the 11.6-inch Chromebook 4 and 15.6-inch Chromebook 4+. The former weighs just 2.6 pounds, while the latter is a heftier 3.75 pounds. Both laptops are powered by the same Intel Celeron N4000 CPU, and you can choose between 4GB and 6GB of RAM. Strangely, there is no option for 8GB of memory. Storage options are 32GB or 64GB, and sadly, regardless of capacity, you will get a sluggish eMMC drive. Both machines have USB-C and micro SD readers, which is cool, but the Wi-Fi is only 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) -- not the newer 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6).
"The Chromebook 4 line offers all the benefits of a Chromebook: create and collaborate with the Google ecosystem, fly through the web on Chrome, and take advantage of Google Play Store offerings just a download away. And with Samsung's hardware innovations bringing exceptional portability, power, and connectivity, plus a sleek and lightweight design, this is the Chromebook experience better than ever. And now, take your connection to Google vocal. The Chromebook 4 and 4+ come with the Google Assistant built-in. Whether you want to update your calendar or reply to a message, make a note or check the news, speak it into existence with Hey, Google," explains Samsung.
The company further explains, "Both devices have also undergone extensive durability testing to ensure they are as solid as sleek. Meeting eight military-grade standards, measuring resistance to extreme temperature, dust, and other shocks, these new entrants into the Chromebook lineup are built to withstand the bustle of everyday life and commutes. The Chromebook 4 and Chromebook 4+ also feature extended battery life, lasting 12.5 and 10.5 hours, respectively. So whether you're working, web-surfing, studying, or streaming, you can power through your day, without worrying about bringing along a charger."
Samsung shares specifications for both models below.
| Model Name | Samsung Chromebook 4 | Samsung Chromebook 4+ |
|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Chrome OS | Chrome OS |
| Processor / Chipset | Intel® Celeron® Processor N4000 (1.10 GHz up to 2.60 GHz 4 MB L2 Cache) | Intel® Celeron® Processor N4000 (1.10 GHz up to 2.60 GHz 4 MB L2 Cache) |
| Graphic | Intel® UHD Graphics 600 | Intel® UHD Graphics 600 |
| Display | 11.6" HD LED Display (1366 x 768), Anti-Reflective | 15.6" FHD LED Display (1920 x 1080), Anti-Reflective |
| Memory | 4GB / 6 GB LPDDR4 | 4GB / 6 GB LPDDR4 |
| Hard Drive | 32GB / 64GB eMMC | 32GB / 64GB eMMC |
| Color | Platinum Titan | Platinum Titan |
| Multimedia | Stereo Speakers (1.5 W x 2) Internal Digital Mic 720p HD Camera |
Stereo Speakers (1.5 W x 2) Internal Digital Mic 720p HD Camera |
| Network | Wi-Fi 5 (2x2) Bluetooth |
Wi-Fi 5 (2x2) Bluetooth |
| Ports | 1 USB-C | 2 USB-C |
| 1 USB3.0 | 1 USB3.0 | |
| 1 MicroSD Multi-media Card Reader | 1 MicroSD Multi-media Card Reader | |
| 1 Headphone out/Mic-in Combo | 1 Headphone out/Mic-in Combo | |
| Input | Island-type keyboard Touchpad |
Island-type keyboard Touchpad |
| Power | 39 Wh | 39 Wh |
| 30 W USB-C Adapter | 30 W USB-C Adapter | |
| Dimension | 11.33" x 7.96" x 0.66” (287.9 x 202.3 x 16.7 mm) | 14.16" x 9.64" x 0.65" (359.7 x 244.9 x 16.5 mm) |
| Weight | 2.60 lbs (1.18 kg) | 3.75 lbs (1.7 kg) |
| Security | Slim Security Slot TPM (Trusted Platform Module) |
Slim Security Slot TPM (Trusted Platform Module) |
| Energy Star | Yes | Yes |
Hardcore Chromebook users will likely turn up their noses at these laptops. After all, the Celeron processor and eMMc storage are hardly top of the line. With that said, Samsung is not targeting power users with these laptops. Instead, the company seems focused on affordability with Chromebook 4 line. Pricing for the Chromebook 4 starts at just $229.99, while the 4+ starts at just $70 more. Quite frankly, with costs below $300, these seem like an incredible value -- well balanced for average users. If you want one, you don't have to wait either -- both are available now. You can get the 4 here and the 4+ here.