Samsung’s series of affordable notebooks that run on Google Chrome OS is getting a makeover. The new Samsung Chromebook 2 series also offers performance boosts and better productivity.
The second-gen series introduces two new additions to the company’s Chromebook portfolio. First, we have the 11.6-inch model that offers an HD (1366×768) LED display and up to eight hours of battery life. It measures 11.40 x 8.06 x 0.66in and weighs 2.43lbs. The larger 13.3-inch model features a higher resolution (1080 by 1920 or Full HD) and bigger battery (30-minute longer battery life). It’s also larger and heavier at 12.72 x 8.80 in and 3.09lbs, but manages to be slightly thinner at 0.65 inch.
Both Samsung Chromebook 2 models are powered by the company’s new Exynos 5 Octa processor but with different clock speeds. They also both feature 4GB of RAM, 16GB of internal flash drive, and a 720p HD web camera. Available ports are 1x HDMI, 1x USB 3.0 and 1x USB2.0, along with a multi-card reader and headphone jack.
Those new hardware specs altogether make the Samsung Chromebook 2 faster and more efficient in productivity that the first generation. Similar with its Galaxy Note Pro devices, the company also freely bundles software worth more than $100. These include Wunderlist Pro, Air Droid Premium, and education-oriented apps. The stitched faux leather design we first saw in the Galaxy Note 3 has also made its way into the Samsung Chromebook 2 series.
The Samsung Chromebook 2 series will start selling in April 2014. The 11.6-inch model will be available in jet black and classic white color configurations, while the 13.3 model will only come in gray.
[Source: Samsung]