The Best Cheap Laptops
Today, we’re diving into a comparison of three great laptops under 300 euros: the Acer Chromebook 314, the Acer Chromebook 315, and the Lenovo Chromebook IdeaPad 3. If you’re on a budget but still want a laptop that delivers good performance, style, and value, these Chromebooks might just be what you’re looking for. Stick with me as I break down the features, pros, and cons of each, so you can choose the one that’s perfect for you!
Acer Chromebook 314
The Acer Chromebook 314 is the most affordable option among the three laptops we’re reviewing today. With a 14-inch display and an Intel Celeron processor, it offers decent performance for basic tasks. Additionally, it comes with 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of storage, making it ideal for internet browsing, emailing, text editing, and streaming movies or series. Moreover, the Intel UHD Graphics video card ensures smooth visuals for everyday use. Meanwhile, its anti-glare feature and IPS panel provide Full HD sharpness, a 60 Hz refresh rate, and a screen brightness of up to 250 cd/m2.
Furthermore, the Chromebook 314 has a turbo speed of 2.8 GHz and 4 MB of cache memory, which helps with multitasking. Although it runs on Google ChromeOS, this operating system might lack compatibility with some specialised software. However, it stands out for its lightweight design, weighing just 1.45 kg, making it easy to carry around. Finally, with a battery life of 8 hours, it’s a reliable choice for a full day of work or study.
Acer Chromebook 315
The Acer Chromebook 315 might sound like a newer and improved version of the Acer Chromebook 314, but that’s not entirely true. While it does offer a bigger screen with its 15.6-inch display, there are no other specs that make this the better option of the three laptops. Since it shares many features with the Chromebook 314, we’ll only focus on what sets it apart. Unlike its sibling, the Chromebook 315 has a glossy screen, which might be less suitable for outdoor use. Additionally, it weighs slightly more at 1.6 kg and has a shorter battery life of 4.5 hours.
Meanwhile, the larger screen size could make it a better choice for users who prefer a bigger display for streaming or multitasking.
The Lenovo Chromebook IdeaPad 3 stands out with its MediaTek Kompanio 520 processor offering a reliable performance for basic tasks. Equipped with a 14-inch display, featuring an anti-glare TN panel which is considered the least impressive among LCD options. Unlike the other laptops, it boasts the best webcam of the three, providing Full HD quality for video calls. Additionally, its 12-hour battery life makes it the longest-lasting option in this comparison. Furthermore, it is the lightest laptop of the three, weighing just 1.3 kg, making it perfect for portability.
However, its Octa-Core 8 processor ensures a high clock speed of 2 GHz, which is great for multitasking. On the downside, it only has two USB ports, whereas the other laptops come with four. Still, its lightweight design and extended battery life make it a strong contender. Ultimately, the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 is a great choice for those prioritising mobility and webcam quality.
Overview
| Acer Chromebook 314 Buy at Coolblue Buy at Bol.com | Acer Chromebook 315 Buy at Coolblue Buy at Bol.com | Lenovo Chromebook IdeaPad 3 Buy at Coolblue Buy at Bol.com | |
| Inch | 14 inch | 15.6 inch | 14 inch |
| Display | IPS | IPS | TN |
| Processor | Google ChromeOS | Google ChromeOS | Google ChromeOS |
| RAM | 4 GB | 4 GB | 4 GB |
| Memory | 64 GB | 64 GB | 64 GB |
| Weight in kilograms | 1.45 kg | 1.6 kg | 1.3 kg |
| Hz | 60 | 60 | 60 |
| cd/m2 | 250 | 250 | 250 |
| Gigahertz | 1.1 | 1.1 | 2.0 |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Lenovo Chromebook IdeaPad 3 takes the top spot in this comparison, offering excellent features for its price. While its TN panel may not be the best, its Full HD webcam, 12-hour battery life, and lightweight design make it the most practical choice. Additionally, the Octa-Core 8 processor ensures smooth performance for everyday tasks, even with its fewer USB ports. Meanwhile, the Acer Chromebook 314 is a solid runner-up, with a bright Full HD screen and longer battery life compared to the 315. Lastly, the Acer Chromebook 315, despite its larger screen, falls short due to its shorter battery life and heavier build.
Overall, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly Chromebook, the Lenovo Chromebook IdeaPad 3 delivers the best mix of performance, portability, and value.
