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The very best Chromebooks accessible right now have come a great distance since their inception, they usually can be utilized for a variety of duties for a variety of customers. Chrome OS is greater than “only a browser” today. This cloud-focused working system now runs on every thing from tablets and laptops to All-in-One Chromebases and desktops. As mainly the one mainstream options to inconsistent Home windows laptops and ungodly costly MacBooks, Chromebooks have become the “it simply works” laptops for thousands and thousands of shoppers in addition to tens of thousands and thousands of scholars, educators, and enterprise customers.
Chromebooks could have began as budget-minded netbooks, however loads of highly effective, premium choices now exist. So whether or not you want a powerhouse to work on, an reasonably priced kid-proof laptop computer, or perhaps a Chrome OS pill as a longer-lasting different to the most effective Android tablets, we’ll make it easier to discover the most effective Chromebook to your wants.
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Supply: Lenovo
Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook (13″)
Greatest total
Our favourite Chromebooks in 2023
Supply: Lenovo
Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook (13″)
Greatest total
Excellent for work and play, for adults and college students alike
$388 $430 Save
$42
One of the vital widespread and beloved Chromebooks round, the Lenovo Flex 5i defies its low value and understated design to be a beautiful workhorse. After working exhausting, you may chill with up-firing audio system and faucet by way of your favourite net or Android video games on the 13.3-inch touchscreen.
- Stable jack-of-all-trades laptop computer
- Frequent offers on high of nice listing value
- 8GB RAM fashions a lot simpler to seek out this technology
- Pentium fashions are underpowered
- Hinge may very well be a little bit stronger
Lenovo’s Duet 5 could be stealing all of the limelight with that 400-nit touchscreen and the removable keyboard. That mentioned, when it’s essential get all the way down to enterprise, that is when the Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook shines with its energy and practicality. The two-in-1 convertible might not be as attractive as a removable, however it’s worlds higher to make use of on the sofa, the mattress, the bus, and anyplace you are not sitting instantly in entrance of a desk or desk. Higher stability and backlit keys enhance productiveness, additional spurred by its eleventh Gen Intel Core i3 processor and 8GB of RAM, making this the most effective Lenovo Chromebook on the market.
Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5i
We warmly welcome the reminiscence improve, as 8GB RAM fashions of its predecessor have been notoriously exhausting to seek out. The additional reminiscence is useful whenever you’re making an attempt to multitask throughout video calls or juggling a number of screens. Even with the additional efficiency of the eleventh Gen i3 CPU, battery life ought to final a full workday after which some. Whereas an i5 mannequin would have been good to see — and would’ve been eligible for the Steam on Chrome OS Alpha check — the i3 is greater than sufficient for many workloads. (Whereas we’re on the topic, please ignore any underpowered Pentium fashions you would possibly come throughout; the i3 fashions promote for about the identical value.)
Supply: Acer
Acer Chromebook Spin 714 (2023)
Premium decide
Newest and best from Acer
Acer’s 2023 Chromebook Spin 714 brings thirteenth Gen Intel Core CPUs, improved 2K webcam, and the identical sturdy and versatile convertible construct. It is comparatively costly, however there are nearly no compromises required when shopping for this Chromebook.
- thirteenth Gen Intel Core i5 CPU with 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD
- 14-inch contact show with FHD+ decision
- Sturdy and versatile convertible construct
- 2K webcam with privateness shutter
- Fairly costly
- No extra built-in stylus
The up to date Acer Chromebook Spin 714 for 2023 solely improves on the 2022 mannequin, which was our earlier premium decide. Whereas the bodily design actually hasn’t modified, the massive attraction is the swap to thirteenth Gen Intel Core processors for improved effectivity and efficiency. Acer lists Core i3, i5, and i7 choices, although the principle itemizing we have seen at Greatest Purchase sticks with the typical. The Core i5-1335U chip is joined by 8GB of RAM and a large 256GB SSD, supplying you with a ton of overhead efficiency potential. Acer claims about 10 hours of battery life from a cost, and it’s best to be capable to get about 4 hours of runtime from only a 30-minute cost for instances whenever you’re determined.
The 14-inch show hasn’t actually modified from the earlier technology, however that is OK. It has a 1920×1200 (FHD+) decision with 16:10 facet ratio and 100% sRGB protection, which is ideal for watching TV and flicks or for split-screening a number of home windows. Sadly, the garaged stylus has been scrapped for this technology. Nevertheless, the display comes with USI compatibility to be used with different pens. Above the show is an upgraded MIPI webcam with 2K decision and privateness shutter for high-quality video conferencing, and between the keyboard and display are top-firing audio system with a wise amp and DTS Audio tuning.
Acer Chromebook Spin 714 (2022)
Whereas we have not but had an opportunity to evaluation this 2023 mannequin, I did check and evaluation the 2022 mannequin. In my Acer Chromebook Spin 714 (2022) evaluation I famous that “[…] however professionals and energy customers who need loads of efficiency overhead and a high-quality construct ought to significantly think about this Chromebook.” That holds true for this newest 2023 mannequin, particularly due to the webcam and efficiency enhancements.
USB-C Thunderbolt 4 ports enable the Spin 714 to work with nearly any docking station, dongle, and accent. The built-in USI stylus permits you to navigate and work together with complicated Excel varieties or Android video games. (I confess I play far an excessive amount of Stardew Valley and Merge Dragons on my Chromebook.) Whereas $700 is pricey for a Chromebook, there actually aren’t many blind spots to cope with. It is a totally realized Chromebook that may just about do all of it.
Supply: Acer
Acer Chromebook Spin 311
Greatest worth
Greatest for youngsters and greatest for worldwide journey
Acer proves nice issues can are available in small packages with the Acer Chromebook Spin 311. Whereas it might not be highly effective, it could final a stable sawn-to-dusk day and nonetheless have battery left on the finish. It is good for informal computing or a backup laptop computer for anybody within the household.
- Broadly accessible and nearly all the time on sale
- Unbeatable battery life
- Extremely-portable
- Older, dimmer, lower-resolution touchscreen
- Restricted storage
The Acer Chromebook Spin 311 is not essentially the most cutting-edge gadget, however for teenagers you may not belief to maintain their issues — or should you’re simply clumsy like me — it does the job simply nice. Sure, the 11.6-inch touchscreen show at a 1366 x 768 decision is previous, and its bezels are chunky. Nevertheless, these beefy bezels come in useful whereas utilizing the 311 as a pill, which you’ll be able to feasibly do with this Chromebook as a result of it is sufficiently small and light-weight sufficient to not kill your hand after quarter-hour of holding it. And I’ve gotten over 15 hours of battery life on a single cost with it, so its battery claims aren’t any joke.
5 Acer Chromebook Spin 311 fashions are working round on the market — Acer, I really like you, however no less than use generations within the title — and we advocate the CP311-3H for these on the lookout for the most effective value doable whereas nonetheless getting the longest help life. For those who want additional kid-proofing, you may need the schooling version, the R722T, which often prices $100-$250 extra and is not fairly the worth the 3H is. Each use the efficiency-focused Mediatek MT8183, 4GB of RAM, and both 32GB or 64GB of inside storage, in addition to that includes the identical ports.
Supply: Lenovo
Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook (14″)
Greatest 14-inch convertible
A bigger different to our high decide
$350 $500 Save
$150
The 14-inch Flex 5i Chromebook is a worthy different to our high decide, with stronger twelfth Gen Intel Core CPUs and a bigger contact show with convertible performance. It is priced to promote, with frequent gross sales at Costco that convey the worth down even decrease than regular.
- twelfth Gen Intel Core efficiency
- 14-inch contact show at an FHD+ decision
- Sturdy and glossy convertible design
- Not accessible at many retailers
Lenovo’s 13-inch Flex 5i Chromebook would possibly nonetheless be our present high decide, however the 14-inch model launched with twelfth Gen Intel Core CPUs can also be nice. The primary downside is that it is a lot more durable to seek out, no less than until you are a Costco member. These with a membership can land this superior Chromebook for about $350 when on sale, making it one of many higher values round.
You get the standard Lenovo sturdiness and sensible design, with convertible hinges that enable the contact show to rotate round 360 levels. The 14-inch display has a 1920×1200 (FHD+) decision to match the 16:10 facet ratio, and it manages as much as 300 nits brightness to fight glare. The additional display area will notably come in useful for many who get pleasure from multitasking.
With a twelfth Gen Intel Core i3-1215U, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD, this Chromebook will be capable to sustain with just about something you throw its method. The 51Wh battery does job of providing a full workday of battery life. Ports are plentiful with twin USB-C, USB-A, microSD card reader, and three.5mm audio jack, and also you get Wi-Fi 6E with Bluetooth 5.1 for wi-fi connectivity.
HP Dragonfly Professional Chromebook
Enterprise-casual Chromebook
Excessive-end value, high-end specs
HP’s Dragonfly Professional Chromebook is a premium laptop computer with a shocking show, high quality audio system and digicam, and powerful efficiency {hardware}. It prices quite a bit, however it’s the proper selection for professionals and energy customers.
- Attractive 1200-nit show
- Loud Bang & Olufsen audio system
- Premium design with recycled materials
- Thunderbolt 4
- Followers can get loud
- Battery life may very well be higher
- Display screen viewing angles may very well be wider
Very similar to the HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook launched final 12 months, the most recent HP Dragonfly Professional Chromebook is constructed for fans and perfectionists. This time round, it is gone for extra of a business-casual pocket book look than a full formal convertible design. It additionally has a locked-in configuration with twelfth Gen Intel Core i5-1235U CPU, 16GB of LPDDR5-5200MHz RAM, 256GB M.2 PCIe SSD, and a 14-inch contact show with 2560×1600 decision, 1,200 nits brightness, and 100% sRGB coloration. Though extra reasonably priced than the Elite Dragonfly Chromebook, it is nonetheless a high-end laptop computer with quite a bit to like. Did we point out it has an RGB keyboard?
Our Dragonfly Professional Chromebook evaluation famous, “The HP Dragonfly Professional Chromebook was made with loads of care (the engineers instructed me how a lot) and is certainly an pleasant pc.” You may simply sort out productiveness work due to the robust efficiency; you may as well take care of color-sensitive work due to the beautiful contact show, and the audio system and digicam are top-notch. It can even deal with some gentle gaming and makes the minimize as among the finest gaming Chromebooks. Anticipate about six to seven hours of battery life when going about common work.
The Dragonfly Professional Chromebook has up to now seen a restricted launch on the official HP web site, and also you would possibly discover that some fashions are out of inventory. Nevertheless, proceed checking again, as this laptop computer continues to be contemporary and can obtain restocks.
Supply: Asus
Asus Chromebook CM34 Flip
Greatest Ryzen Chromebook
Killer AMD efficiency
The Asus Chromebook CM34 Flip options AMD’s Ryzen 7000 cell CPUs for glorious efficiency and lengthy battery life. The 14-inch contact show has an FHD+ decision, and its convertible hinges enable it to rotate round 360 levels. It is a best choice for execs on the lookout for a sturdy and speedy Chromebook.
- Sturdy efficiency from AMD Ryzen CPUs
- 14-inch contact show with FHD+ decision
- Sturdy convertible construct
- No Thunderbolt resulting from AMD platform
- On the expensive facet at full price
The Asus Chromebook CM34 Flip is a current launch, coming at you with trendy efficiency {hardware} and a ton of nice options. It is a convertible laptop computer with MIL-STD 810H sturdiness certification, and a few fashions also have a built-in stylus pen for straightforward inking. That is an non-obligatory function, so remember to verify the specs earlier than shopping for. The 14-inch show has a boosted 1920×1200 (FHD+) decision to match the 16:10 facet ratio, and it could hit as much as 300 nits brightness. Above the show is a 1080p webcam with privateness shutter, giving viewers a transparent image whereas video conferencing.
Asus actually centered on consolation right here, making the touchpad bigger and giving the keyboard keys a reasonably deep 1.4mm of key journey. There’s even a fingerprint reader embedded into the proper palm relaxation. Ports are plentiful, with twin USB-C 3.2 (Gen 2), USB-A 3.2 (Gen 2), HDMI 2.1, microSD card reader, and three.5mm audio jack. There is not any Thunderbolt as a result of AMD platform, however it’s best to nonetheless be capable to join most equipment. Wi-Fi 6 can also be on board for dependable wi-fi web.
The mannequin we’re specializing in right here, accessible at Greatest Purchase, comes with a contemporary AMD Ryzen 3 7320C CPU with 4 cores, eight threads, and a base clock of two.4GHz. Paired up with 8GB of RAM and a 128GB SSD, you should not have any downside reducing by way of any productiveness work you throw its method. Asus says it should run for as much as 13 hours on a single cost, and even when that comes down by 5 hours in common use you are still getting a full workday.
Supply: Lenovo
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 3i (Gen 8, 12.2″)
Greatest on a finances
Basic compact 2-in-1 will get a refresh
$279 $349 Save
$70
The refreshed Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 3i Chromebook has landed, and it is a best choice if you would like a well-built and versatile convertible with out overspending.
- Bigger 12.2-inch contact show with FHD+ decision
- Versatile and compact convertible design
- Quad-core Intel Atom CPU
- Sluggish eMMC storage
- Solely 4GB of RAM
Lenovo has stored its crowd among the many low-cost compact Chromebook marketplace for a number of years, first with the IdeaPad C330 and over half a dozen generations of the Flex 3 and Flex 3i Chromebooks. The eighth-generation Flex 3i Chromebook has now landed, and it lastly brings a show improve to 12.2 inches at 1080p. The laptop computer is about the identical measurement because the earlier technology regardless of the bigger display; that is helped by slimmer bezels that give it a extra trendy look. You additionally get a transparent image and the flexibility of contact management, made even higher by the convertible design.
The Flex 3i Chromebook (Gen 8) is powered by a quad-core Intel Atom N100 processor with a most 3.4GHz enhance clock velocity, 4GB of LPDDR5 RAM, built-in Intel UHD graphics, and 64GB of eMMC storage. This collectively will present snappy efficiency very best for productiveness work, net searching, and streaming, however do not anticipate it to do a lot heavy lifting.
Port choice is beneficiant regardless of the skinny construct. You get twin USB-A 3.2, one USB-C 3.2, HDMI, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and even a microSD card reader. The facet of the chassis additionally features a energy button and quantity rocker for simpler management when in pill mode. This Chromebook is constructed to final — as is anticipated from Lenovo — with a two-tone lid and in any other case Abyss Blue coloration.
Framework Laptop computer Chromebook Version
Most novel Chromebook
The dream of each DIY fan: A totally upgradeable laptop computer
From the motherboard to the reminiscence and past, Frameworks’s Laptop computer Chromebook Version brings its repairable and upgradeable imaginative and prescient to Chrome OS after its preliminary Home windows/Mac/Linux choices. Whereas this assuredly will not be everybody’s favourite, it undoubtedly fills a really particular area of interest.
- Extraordinarily upgradeable, from all the internals to the display and keyboard
- Alternative of ports, you may hot-swap to the ports you want at any time
- Underpowered
- Design generally would not measure as much as the worth
The Framework Laptop computer Chromebook Version is a singular gadget that provides modular ports and full upgradeability all the way down to the motherboard and CPU. Not solely does this versatility enable for a heavy dose of future-proofing, however you may as well decide and select the 4 ports on the gadget, whether or not you require an SD slot, a number of USB-C ports, or want to use an Ethernet port on the go. And you are not locked in after making these decisions since you may swap ports with the clicking of a button any time you want.
Video games and Apps Editor Matthew Sholtz reviewed the Framework Laptop computer Chromebook Version, saying, “All in all, I really like what Framework is doing by pushing for full upgradeability in laptops, and by extension, its new Chromebook mannequin is a breath of contemporary air in an extremely stagnant subject.” After all, having the ability to improve your laptop computer is extremely superior, however this comes at a value since not all parts are simply bought.
Positive, you may slap in additional RAM or improve the M.2 drive for extra storage anytime you want, and you should buy this {hardware} from many various shops. However the motherboard within the Framework Laptop computer Chromebook Version is one other story. If you wish to exchange it, you might be depending on Framework to provide one, so the alternatives are restricted and costly. Moreover, if Framework ever goes underneath, nicely, there goes your skill to improve your motherboard and CPU.
Nonetheless, what Framework has achieved with the Framework Laptop computer Chromebook Version and the remainder of its totally upgradeable laptops is fairly exceptional, as laptops have not often been identified for his or her improve paths. The Framework Laptop computer Chromebook Version is an extremely fascinating laptop computer, making it a stable contender as among the finest Chromebooks to be launched this 12 months.
Supply: Lenovo
Lenovo Chromebook Duet 5
Greatest Chromebook Pill
Sufficiently big to truly work on
$369 $499 Save
$130
One of many earliest arrivals on the Chrome OS pill scene, the Lenovo Duet 5 fastened the issues of its predecessor. The keyboard magnetizes shut correctly, the quad audio system sound nice, and the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c helps it preserve out full, lengthy days with out in search of out the charger.
- Good, shiny touchscreen
- Battery for days
- Greatest Chrome OS pill keyboard so far
- Qualcomm 7c feels underpowered at instances
The unique Lenovo Chromebook Duet stays among the finest tablets underneath $300 even nearly three years later. It will possibly run Android apps, has the total desktop model of Chrome, and shall be getting eight years of system updates. However it wasn’t all that highly effective; the audio system have been quiet, and the keyboard was uber-cramped, given the ultra-compact 10.1-inch measurement. Lenovo fastened each a type of complaints with the Lenovo Duet 5 Chromebook.
Sporting a 13.3-inch, 16:9 touchscreen with 1080p decision and 400 nits of brightness — and 4 a lot louder audio system — the Duet 5 is a good higher pill for content material consumption than its predecessor. As well as, the full-size keyboard now magnetizes to the display when closed as an alternative of flopping round. Plus, we’ve got the choice for 8GB of RAM as an alternative of being caught with 4GB, which is an actual boon for multitasking.
Whereas the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 compute platform might not be essentially the most highly effective processor, it is aware of how one can sip battery like 50-year-old whiskey. I’ve gone two gentle workdays on the Duet 5 earlier than, and on weekends of e-reading and solitaire, I’ve managed to eke it out to 2.5 days. You are able to do light-to-medium work on the Duet 5, however know upfront that the 7c Gen 2 won’t match an Intel Core i3 — and it is not making an attempt to. That is extra of a leisure/tertiary gadget that may double for a laptop computer in a pinch.
Asus Chromebook Vibe CX55 Flip
Greatest gaming
Convertible Chromebook with gaming {hardware}
Trying to get pleasure from some cloud or Steam gaming in your Chromebook? The Asus Chromebook Vibe CX55 Flip is a convertible laptop computer with the proper design, show, and efficiency {hardware} to simply deal with some enjoyable.
- As much as an eleventh Gen Intel Core i7 CPU
- Slick convertible construct
- 15.6-inch FHD show at 144Hz
- No Thunderbolt
- Display screen might use extra brightness
In relation to the most effective gaming Chromebooks available on the market right now, the Asus Chromebook Vibe CX55 is our premium decide and among the finest Asus Chromebooks round. It is a convertible laptop computer that may deal with native gaming (like with Steam) and cloud gaming, supplying you with the most effective of each worlds. Its 15.6-inch contact show has a 1920×1080 (FHD) decision, 16:9 facet ratio, and as much as 250 nits brightness. Having extra nits to work with can be good, however you may’t complain concerning the clean 144Hz refresh charge. This being a convertible, the display can rotate round 360 levels for tent, stand, and pill modes, which is especially helpful when having fun with Android video games designed for contact shows.
There is not any Ethernet port right here, so you may need to depend on Wi-Fi 6; this may be fastened with an ideal Chromebook dock linked to the laptop computer’s USB-C port. Pink highlights mark the WASD keys past the conventional backlighting, and 1.4mm key journey retains typing or gaming comfy even throughout lengthy periods. The laptop computer is powered by eleventh Gen Intel Core CPUs, Intel Iris Xe built-in graphics, as much as 16GB of LPDDR4x RAM, and as much as 512GB of space for storing.
Shopping for the proper Chromebook for you
The Chromebooks above are designed to go well with most customers, and it’s best to discover one thing you’re keen on. Nevertheless, when shopping for a brand new Chromebook, there are three important components to bear in mind that can assist you land the most suitable choice doable:
- 4GB RAM is barely acceptable for informal (not used primarily for work) Chromebooks underneath $300; 8GB is sweet, however 16GB is healthier (if you will discover it). That is particularly very important should you take loads of video calls or hoard Chrome tabs.
- Non-touch shows do not prevent a lot cash, and touchscreens are value each penny should you’re shopping for for a child or usually utilizing Android apps.
- Chromebooks have (Auto Replace) Expiration dates, after which Google not ensures updates. We listing the AUE date for each mannequin in our information, however do you have to be drawn to a different, please verify the AUE date, as that is the most effective litmus check of whether or not a Chromebook is new, sort of new, or previous.
As a bonus tip, know that an ideal deal on a Chromebook with a keyboard or touchpad that does not fit your fashion doesn’t suggest you are caught utilizing the built-in {hardware}. Our collections of the most effective keyboards for Chromebooks and greatest mice for Chromebooks will get you the most effective {hardware} to maximise productiveness and in the end make it easier to benefit from the laptop computer to its fullest every time you sit down. Once you want extra space to unfold issues out, you may hook most mid-range and Premium Chromebooks as much as an exterior display.
The very best Chromebooks stability value and energy
Whereas most Chromebooks right now are nonetheless budget-minded fashions just like the Acer Chromebook Spin 311 and Lenovo Flex 3 Chromebook, extra highly effective Chromebooks are additionally turning into extra competitively priced. Take the brand new 2023 Acer Chromebook Spin 714: its $700 listing value is half that of the HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook whereas sporting a more recent i5 processor and 8GB of RAM.
Issues get much more cutthroat within the $300-$500 vary: the Lenovo Flex 5i 13 is often $430, however more often than not, it hovers between $300 and $350, whereas the Acer Spin 514 and Lenovo Flex 5i 14 bob up and down with their very own reductions too, despite the fact that each serve totally different niches. Oh, and to anybody daunted by a 13.3-inch pill, have a look at the Duet 5 as a laptop computer with a detachable keyboard relatively than a standalone pill. It comes with a magnetic kickstand for a cause, and I’ve wasted many a weekend on the Duet enjoying informal Android video games and flicking by way of webcomics on it.
All of those Chromebooks will see Chrome OS updates till or past 2029, so should you deal with them nicely, they will final you to the top of the last decade, particularly the extra future-proofed HP Dragonfly Professional and Acer Spin 714. Each fashions are additionally a few of your greatest bets for gaming now that Steam on Chrome OS has lastly moved from Alpha to Beta and expanded to extra fashions.
For those who’re on a finances, the refreshed Lenovo Flex 3i (Gen 8) appears to be like fairly tempting. It is only a hair smaller than the previous mannequin, but it has a bigger contact show with slimmer bezel. A quad-core Intel Atom N100 CPU powers it, plus it has a sturdy convertible construct and begins at simply $349 earlier than any reductions.
Shopping for a Chromebook for teenagers and college students
For teenagers you belief can maintain their laptops or these in center/highschool, significantly think about the Lenovo Flex 5i over the 11-inch fashions. It is often lower than $100 extra, has a considerably higher display and processor, and is a stable Chromebook they’ll feasibly use all through center and highschool earlier than it stops getting system updates. (Assuming they do not break the display or the battery earlier than that.)
One ultimate tip: go away the in-box 45W charger at house and purchase a extra compact Chromebook charger; 45W Energy Supply chargers are used for every thing from Chromebooks to energy banks, telephones, and even wi-fi earbuds. You’ll find 65W two-port chargers that may cost your Chromebook and your cellphone concurrently, so you may deal with that ugly two-piece adapter as an in-case-of-emergency charger whereas utilizing one thing extra environment friendly and adaptable. And there are much more wonderful Chromebook equipment to enhance your new laptop computer.
Supply: Lenovo
Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook (13″)
Greatest total
Excellent for work and play, for adults and college students alike
$388 $430 Save
$42
One of the vital widespread and beloved Chromebooks round, the Lenovo Flex 5i defies its low value and understated design to be a beautiful workhorse. After working exhausting, you may chill with up-firing audio system and faucet by way of your favourite net or Android video games on the 13.3-inch touchscreen.