“Chromebooks are dead.” Long live Google Books. That claim is an exaggeration, but Google appears to be positioning its new Googlebook laptops as the next step beyond Chromebooks. The company says standard Chromebooks will remain available for now, while some newer models will be eligible for updates to the Googlebook operating system. Google’s explanation is outlined in its Evolution from Chrome OS.
Googlebook is currently available in five models. After testing the laptops over several weeks—and Chromebooks for more than a decade—the conclusion is that buyers should not rush to upgrade. As with many first-generation products, the new laptops come with compromises. For additional recommendations, see the best laptops, best cheap laptops, best Android tablets and best Android phones.
Affordable Chromebooks worth considering
For shoppers in 2026, price is likely to remain one of the biggest reasons to choose a Chromebook. Chromebooks have long been promoted as less expensive alternatives to Windows PCs and MacBooks, and affordability remains their strongest advantage even as Googlebook arrives. The Acer Chromebook Plus 516 is therefore at the top of this list.
The Acer Chromebook Plus 516 often sells for less than $500, making it less expensive than the Windows laptops recommended for purchase. Its responsive, smooth-feeling touchpad is a major advantage for everyday tasks, including clicking, dragging and selecting text.
The laptop’s biggest weakness is its display, a common issue among inexpensive Chromebooks. Colors appear dull and desaturated, with an unpleasant green tint, while the 1920 × 1200 resolution is not especially sharp across the large 16-inch panel. Even so, the combination of an Intel Core i3 processor, 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage delivers good usability and performance. At a sale price of $350, the Acer Chromebook Plus 516 is a strong value.
Asus Chromebook CX14 and CX15
The Asus Chromebook CX14 and CX15 can sometimes be found for as little as $130. Unlike the Acer model, neither is a “Chromebook Plus” laptop, so the lineup includes configurations with less RAM, less storage and lower-power processors. The 8 GB versions are the better choice, but both models offer relatively attractive designs for their prices.
The CX14 and CX15 have relatively thin bezels and chassis, larger touchpads and comfortable keyboards. The CX15 is also available in a distinctive blue finish. However, neither the touchpad nor the display is a standout. Color reproduction is weak, brightness reaches only 250 nits and the 720p webcam makes video calls look rough, although those limitations are common among competing laptops in this price range.
Of the two, the CX14 is the preferable option. The CX15 lacks a number pad, while its touchpad is positioned off-center—two design choices that can make the laptop harder to use. Neither model is likely to inspire enthusiasm at a price below $200, but the Asus Chromebook CX14 can reduce some of the everyday frustrations associated with ultra-cheap laptops.
Source: www.wired.com