ASUS 17 inch Chromebook CX1700CKA 17.3" HD+ Laptop (Intel Celeron N4500, 4GB RAM, 128GB SSD, Chrome OS), Silver

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Even the entry-level 12th-gen Core i3 configuration still packs some seriously solid specs that would make a lot of other Windows and macOS laptops blush. The first objective benchmarks we use are Principled Technologies' CrXPRT 2 (a suite of simulated Chrome OS productivity apps) and WebXPRT 3 (a browser-based test of HTML and JavaScript throughput). Featuring an anti-glare coating and narrow bezels, the immersive display and two upward facing speakers let you get work done quicker and experience your entertainment in all of its glory. There is an audience for the Chromebook 317, and it’s targeted at large-handed folks who are tired of feeling as if they’re typing with thick, meaty sausage links. With speedy performance, robust security and convenient features, ASUS Chromebook CX1 is perfect for learning or working from anywhere!

You care more about performance than aesthetic: Not that this looks hideous, but it certainly doesn't have the fancy trimmings of something like the HP Dragonfly Pro Chromebook.It’s worth considering, then, even if you can’t help wishing that it had the grunt to match its mighty size. No, the Chromebook 317 doesn’t have the brightest display, the most powerful processor, nor the longest battery life, but it’s adequate for those who’d sacrifice those perks for an intact bank account and a spacious Chromebook with a massive display.

But, if you look hard enough, you’ll find plenty of affordable yet capable and premium-feeling choices as well – case in point, the Acer Chromebook Spin 514 (2022).However, it’s stingy with ports, its battery life is shorter and it looks puny compared to the Chromebook 317’s giant footprint. I wouldn’t put them above the Pixelbook Go or ASUS CX5, but they are really nice and provide great stereo separation. The disparity is hugely noticeable when comparing the benchmark numbers against a much higher-powered Chromebook, such as Acer’s Chromebook Spin 713 with a Core i5-1135G7 processor, like in the model I reviewed. The resolution remains capped at 1920 by 1080, so while everything is indeed bigger, it is not scaled up for size.