Chromebook - Samsung vs Acer

Condiering a Chromebook? But should you choose the Samsung Series 5 or the Acer Cromia? We'll take you through the features so you can make the right choice for you.

Why would you want a Chromebook?

A Chromebook is a laptop running google ChromeOS, a very lightweight operating system that allows you to access the web and applications running on the web.

As more of what I do moves online, ChromeOS becomes very appealing. I really want a laptop that starts in 10 seconds and stores data in the cloud.

The Chromebooks are coming out later in June 2011.

Samsung Chromebook Series 5 Demo

Chromebook Samsung and Acer

First let's look at what's pretty much the same for the Acer and Samsung Chromebooks. These won't be the features that help you decide. They both have a dual-core processor, 2GB of system memory and a 16GB solid state drive for storage. So the same basic setup.

Both laptops claim a speedy start-up time of 10 seconds. We like that.

Samsung vs Acer: Screen, Size and Weight

Bigger screen or smaller size?

Does the size of the screen make a difference to you? The Samsung has a 12.1" screen. While the Acer has a smaller 11.6" screen. This makes the Acer smaller, but it's deeper. It's also slightly lighter, we've seen different figures reported. The Samsung is slimmer that the Acer.

	Samsung	Acer
Screen Size	12.1"	11.6"
Weight	3.3lb	3.2lb or 2.95lbs?
Dimensions	11.6 x 8.6 x 0.8 inches	11.2 x 8.1 x 1 inches

We say the Samsung wins this round. You get a larger screen for a little additional weight and the slim depth makes it look very sleek. Yeah, looks are important!

Acer® Cromia AC761-1099 11.6" HD Chromebook - Matte Black

Acer AC700-1099 Chromebook (Wi-Fi)

Acer

Samsung Series 5 Wi-Fi Chromebook (Arctic White)

Samsung IT

Chromebook Samsung Versus Acer

At time of writing the cheapest Acer is cheaper that the cheapest Samsung. Check the current prices below the pictures above - they are updated dynamically. So if price is your most important concern then you'll probably favor the Acer.

Both the Acer and the Samsung offer a cheaper Wi-Fi option and a more expensive 3G option.

Samsung Series 5 3G Chromebook (Arctic White)

Samsung IT

Only $79.0

Samsung Series 5 3G Chromebook (Titan Silver)

Samsung IT

Only $499.99

Choice of colors

The Samsung Series 5 comes in Titan Silver or Artic White. The Acer Cromia comes in black, black or well, black.

I think both Samsung colors are gorgeous though for me the white has the edge. So Samsung wins this round.

Samsung Series 5 Wi-Fi Chromebook (Titan Silver)

Samsung IT

Acer® Cromia AC761-1529 11.6" HD Chromebook (3G) - Matte Black

Acer AC700-1529 Chromebook (3G)

Acer

Chromebook Samsung vs Cromia: Battery life

Battery life is one of the most important factors for a Chromebook for me. I like to use my laptop out in the garden and while traveling and I don't want to be tied to a power cord.

The Samsung Chromebook Series 5 claims a battery life of 8.5 hours. The Acer Cromia Chromebook claims a battery life of up to 6 hours.

	Samsung	Acer
Battery Life	8.5 hours	6 hours

The Samsung Chromebook is the clear winner on battery life.

Samsung Series 5 vs Acer Cromia: Video Out

The Samsung only has VGA video output whereas the Acer Cromia has high-def HDMI output. That is rather nice, but I don't think I'd make much use of it. But you might.

Which Chromebook is Best?

Samsung or Acer

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Samsung

spirituality on 06/16/2011

Battery life would be an important consideration for me, so would the looks of the laptop. on both those issues Samsung scores better.
And yes, whichever it is, it needs to be 3G - a Chromebook is literally nothing without an internet connection. Wifi just isn't enough. They're mad to even bring them on the market without 3G.