Image: Amazon
Chromebook deals are often about compromise. But there are two Chromebooks on sale for Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days that I don’t think entail any tradeoffs at all: They’re both solid Chromebooks for less than $200.
I found two, both on Amazon: the Lenovo IdeaPad 3i for $199.99, and the slightly cheaper Asus Chromebook CX1 for $189.99.
[ Today is Amazon Prime Big Deal Days! Our editorial team lists the best tech deals here.
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If you’ve followed my Chromebook deal coverage over the years, you know my philosophy: I look for a “good” processor, but I zero in on 8GB of RAM and at least a 1080p screen. I find that most processors handle web pages just fine, but the amount of memory your Chromebook has determines how quickly it needs to cycle back and forth between tabs, slowing your experience down. I also distrust 768p screens, because the coarse resolution can cause you to squint. These two Chromebooks check those boxes. They should also receive updates for years to come.
I also look for sales to push prices down around $200, which can be a tough ask outside of sale days. Here, the sale prices of these two Chromebooks are actually cheaper than some budget models in our Prime Day Chromebook deals roundup! I love that, and that tells me that these deals are legit. Both are also highly rated on Amazon, another endorsement.
Both Chromebooks are very similar, with large, comfortable 15.6-inch screens. The Lenovo offers a touchscreen, however, and the Asus does not. Lenovo claims to offer 10 hours of battery life, while Asus promises 11 hours. I tend to like Lenovo keyboards a bit more as well, though that’s a personal preference.
The bottom line: I think you’ll be more than happy with either, and the low price should seal the deal. Many Prime Day sales don’t meet my threshold. These do. Grab ’em!
Get the Lenovo IdeaPad Chromebook for $199.99Buy now on AmazonGet the Asus Chromebook CX1 for $189.99Buy now on Amazon
Author: Mark Hachman, Senior Editor, PCWorld
Mark has written for PCWorld for the last decade, with 30 years of experience covering technology. He has authored over 3,500 articles for PCWorld alone, covering PC microprocessors, peripherals, and Microsoft Windows, among other topics. Mark has written for publications including PC Magazine, Byte, eWEEK, Popular Science and Electronic Buyers’ News, where he shared a Jesse H. Neal Award for breaking news. He recently handed over a collection of several dozen Thunderbolt docks and USB-C hubs because his office simply has no more room.
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