Instead of running Microsoft Windows or Mac OS X, Chromebooks support Google's Chrome operating system (OS), meaning that these machines are entirely internet and cloud-based.
Good for those familiar with the Chrome web browser and the Google productivity suite (Docs, Sheets, Slides), not so good for those wanting to perform heavy duty tasks with external applications.
But keep an open mind, if you're looking for a cheap laptop to perform internet-based tasks, such as emails or web browsing, the Chromebook could be a viable option or a great option for a second machine.
Read on to find out the best Chromebooks for business...
Read next: Best laptops for business 2017
1. Best Chromebooks for business 2017: Should I buy a Chromebook?
Like with any hardware purchases, there is a list of things that need to be considered, including, price, specs, design and battery life (to name a few).
What's great about Chromebooks is that they will only set you back around £200, so whether you're looking to buy a whole fleet of laptops or just one for business use, it's totally affordable.
What's not so great, is that it runs primarily on internet apps, which might be a big problem for those expecting the machine to cope with the same amount of work as a Windows laptop or Macbook.
Chromebooks are ideal for those with a constant internet connection, and will fit in well with Google-based offices. Those expecting the same specs as a standard laptop should probably just buy a MacBook or Windows laptop, but if you've got an open mind, a Chromebook could be cheap alternative to a £500 plus machine.
2. Best Chromebooks for business 2017: Dell
In terms of laptops, Dell offers countless models ranging dramatically in price and features. When considering a Chromebook, Dell knows what it is doing, and its Chromebook 11 (3120) is proof of this.
The Dell Chromebook 11 might not be the most exciting in terms of design, but it really blows others away when it comes to speed and durability. The Chromebook 11 offers a long battery life and a reliable service, which let's face it, is what you want from a laptop.
You'd think that there were some major downsides or sacrifices to be made in order to create a model with solid speed and all round specs, but that's where you'd be wrong. This machine really is a trustworthy piece of kit.
The Dell Chromebook 11 comes with an 11.6-inch screen, which for most is plenty, but if you're looking for a bigger screen Dell's 3380 model is a great alternative and comes with a 13.3-inch screen and similar specs.
3. Best Chromebooks for business 2017: Acer
There is a lot to like about Acer's Chromebooks. Its most notable models are the Acer Chromebook 14 and the Acer Chromebook R11, with both offering light and well-priced devices. Although in terms of specs and performance, they differ greatly.
The Acer Chromebook 14 is definitely the superior of the two, but this is shown in its £30 increase in price. The Chromebook includes an excellent battery life, looks great and has a larger than normal screen. The 14 is really trying hard to not let the fact that it's a Chromebook stop it.
The Acer Chromebook 14 is let down sadly by its memory allocation. This machine offers 2GB of RAM, meaning its performance can be noticeably sluggish when coping with multiple tasks.
The Acer Chromebook R11 is a good choice, but only for those wanting to do minimal work on it, as it can be slow and sluggish if overwhelmed. However, the design of the R11 really is its greatest feature, with Acer opting to make this Chromebook touch screen with a flip function to turn it into a tablet. And with some shops offering the R11 for under £100, this could be an excellent choice for a second machine.
4. Best Chromebooks for business 2017: Asus
Like Acer, Asus offers a couple of Chromebooks housing very different capabilities, the Chromebook Flip C100PA and the C300M both come in at around £250 and are pretty striking in terms of design.
The Asus Chromebook Flip C100PA is arguably the better of the two offering a fantastic battery life and lightweight chassis, not to mention its convertible properties meaning that this Chromebook can be easily transformed into a tablet, albeit a bulky one.
Depending on your needs, this Chromebook could be a little small in the screen department, but for most people the size would be totally acceptable for the price.
Alternatively, the Asus C300M provides a highly portable and well-designed piece of kit, with the only major problem being its speed, which for those expecting high speeds could be a bit of an anticlimax.
Interestingly, this Chromebook offers an unusually large screen, addressing one of the downsides with its sister model. And while its brightly coloured exterior won't be for everyone, for those wanting a cheap Chromebook with a large display, the C300M shouldn't be ignored.
5. Best Chromebooks for business 2017: HP
HP's Chromebooks do cost a little more than the others listed, with its Chromebook 14 coming in at around £310 and its Chromebook 13 costing up to £500. At this price, the debate for prospective buyers will centre on whether it's worth paying a bit more for a standard laptop or sticking with the Chromebook, and this will obviously come down to specs.
The HP Chromebook 13 offers a business-focused laptop, perhaps made obvious by the amount of ports and jacks found on the machine. What's more, it provides 4GB of RAM, a Quad HD screen and a well-made but durable chassis.
This HP Chromebook really does feel like a laptop, and looking at the price, some may argue that an internet-dependant laptop might not be worth it. But the specs really do speak for themselves, so if a Chromebook is what you're after and you have the cash to do it, this could be a good option.
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