Samsung Chromebook Plus

The Samsung Chromebook Plus, first announced at CES 2017, is a hybrid laptop capable of flipping round to become a handheld tablet. There are a number of reasons to get interested in this new device, for example the compact slim line design or the class leading screen but the real breakthrough is the out of the box support for Android applications.

Chromebooks have built up a steady following over the years but they have always ended up in a certain niche. The always online cloud based approach is good for security and collaboration but also somewhat limiting in what you can really usefully do. By introducing Android application compatibility the Chromebook world has got a whole lot more interesting.

There is an alternative version featuring an Intel M3 processor, check out the Pro model here.

Build Quality

The Chromebook Plus has been getting some welcome attention thanks to it’s compact and lightweight design. The thin premium build makes it stand out from the competition right now, but this does come at a price. Some people find the shape a little off putting, the screen is an unusual 3:2 ratio making it a squarer shape. Whilst this is surprises some expecting a more normal 16:9 laptop type screen ratio it actually makes sense when you remember this is designed to work as a tablet with full access to Android tablet applications.

Samsung Chromebook Plus Review

The Chromebook Plus has had some mixed feedback. Most reviewers seem to like the overall design and feel, citing the top quality screen and general premium feel. There has been some critiscm of the price given the power of the ARM chip, serious users might need a little more oomph! The introduction of Android compatibility has understandably garnered much attention but we need to acknowledge Google still have work to do to improve this, too many apps are having strange problems. I have no doubt this will improve, Chromebooks have a reputation for getting better and faster as time passes (the opposite of Windows machines!).