Performance: Performance was very good. Speed was above average for productivity and Web-based tasks such as word processing, Web browsing, and online game play. Since there are few instances where you will be working on multiple tasks simultaneously, you may rarely see the increased performance.
Portability: This Chromebook is a very good choice for traveling. Battery life lasted 11.25 hours in a light load of web browsing tests, and 8 hours in a heavier load of 4K video playback tests. Results could get you through a typical workday, under a workload of mixed use. At 3.2 lbs, weight was typical for a Chromebook this size and light enough to carry for long periods of time.
Ergonomics: The keyboard and case were well-designed, making it comfortable and convenient to use. The keyboard has large keys and was comfortably sized. Its high contrast letters were easy to read, and the backlighting can be useful in dark rooms. The power button was well-labeled and conveniently located. The touchpad was among the largest of those tested, and provides ample space for different touch gestures. The touchscreen is smooth enough for fast swipes, and fingerprints clean off easily.
Display: The display quality was good overall. Colors were less accurately reproduced compared to better displays. The display was anti-reflective, so there was little or no glare when viewing in a brightly lit room or outdoors. The display has a wide viewing angle, especially important if more than one person needs to see the screen at a time, say, for a video or presentation. Its display produces a smaller array of colors than on most other tested Chromebooks.
Useful features and attributes on this model include: Its storage space of 256GB is larger than most other Chromebooks, good for storing local backup files. This Chromebook has a full-size HDMI port and supports DisplayPort over USB-C for connecting to an HDTV or monitor. The power supply and chassis are lighter than the average weight of a chromebook and power supply. This model still has most of its lifespan remaining during which Google will continue to update the OS.
Downsides: There is no memory-card reader, so you'll need to buy an external reader or connect your digital camera directly to this laptop to transfer photos.
