Laptops & Chromebooks

Memory-card reader

At least one flash memory-card slot (CF, SD, XD, MS, etc.)

Built-in webcam

A built-in webcam for videoconferencing.

Multitouch touchpad

The touchpad supports use of multiple-finger gestures to zoom and scroll.

Processor

Also known as the CPU (Central Processing Unit), the processor is responsible for running commands and handling data. Processors come in different speeds and may have two or more cores (ex. dual-core), which let you more quickly process multiple complex tasks.

Memory

Also known as RAM, memory is a temporary storage area for data. Its size is an important factor for performance.

Storage

The amount of storage, a permanent area for the operating system, programs and data such as documents, music, and media files. Storage can be a hard drive, an SSD (solid state drive), or hybrid drive.

LCD resolution

The number of picture elements ("pixels") across the horizontal and vertical dimension of the screen. The higher the resolution within a given size screen, the finer the detail that can be displayed.

Native resolution

The number of picture elements ("pixels") across the horizontal and vertical dimension of the screen. The higher the resolution within a given size screen, the finer the detail that can be displayed. No scaling is needed to view a picture or movie of this size, or to match the display resolution with the native resolution, sometimes called Default or Recommended.

Video adapter

Also known as the video card, the video adapter processes all the data that you see on your screen. They come in different speeds and may be integrated (most common, but is slower and uses up memory) or discrete (which is faster and has its own dedicated memory).

Width

The width of the Chromebook while closed.

Height

The height from the table, or thickness, of the Chromebook while closed.

Depth

The depth, from the front edge to the back hinge, of the Chromebook while closed.

Thin and light

Based on weight and thickness. This includes Chromebooks that may be labeled "Ultrabook," "Sleekbook," "Thin and light," and "Ultrathin," among other terms.

Operating system (as tested)

The operating system that was installed on the computer at the time it was tested. The operating system is the software that controls the basic operation of the computer.

Warranty length

The length in months of the manufacturer's standard warranty.

Tech support length

The length in months of the manufacturer's free technical support by telephone.

Battery capacity

The total energy contained in the battery, expressed in Watt-hours. A larger capacity battery will deliver longer battery life, but will add weight and sometimes will extend beyond the edge of the Chromebook.

Energy star

Qualified by the U.S. government's Energy Star program for low power consumption.

EPEAT level

EPEAT (Electronic Product Environment Assessment Tool) certification, based on environmental attributes such as the types of materials used and power consumption. There are three levels (in increasing order of environmental performance): bronze, silver, and gold. Products without an EPEAT level either do not meet EPEAT's minimum requirements or have not yet been tested by EPEAT.

Auto update expiration date

Assigned by Google, the expiration date is when this Chromebook will stop receiving system updates. Depending on its hardware, each model receives a date about 6.5 years from the date of initial release. This is one way to encourage updated hardware from both manufacturers and consumers, and ensure system security and stability.

WiFi

The type of built-in 802.11 wireless networking supported. Chromebooks with 802.11n also support 802.11g routers. Some models with 802.11n also support the 5GHz "high band," a standard suitable for apartments and other crowded areas. 802.11ac is the newest, fastest type.

Gigabit Ethernet

Support for 1000 Mb/s networking.

Number of USB ports

Number of USB ports for printers, flash drives, or other peripherals.

HDMI output

An HDMI out port for sending a digital video/audio signal to a computer monitor or HDTV.