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The Lenovo Chromebook Duet is the Chrome OS tablet we deserve

After years of half-hearted attempts, we finally got a Chrome OS tablet that can go all the way. Chrome OS has had a tablet mode for a really, really long time, but dedicated Chrome OS tablets have been few and far between. There have been some ugly, low-spec Chromebook tablets for the classroom, and then we had the HP X2 and the Google Pixel Slate. The X2 was a detachable, not really a tablet, but it worked well, and while the Slate was powerful, it was expensive, even more so once you added the kickstand case and keyboard you need to actually get work done at a reasonable speed. This might be why when the Lenovo Chromebook Duet debuted at CES 2020 — I know, it feels like a century ago — it drew a lot of attention because it seemed like someone finally got it right and gave us the Chromebook tablet we

Acer Chromebook Spin 311 review: The little Chromebook that could

A slim shell and a big battery help the Spin 311 make a big impression. 2020 has been the year of the best Chromebooks in more ways than I would have ever imagined back in January: the surge in distance learning and work from home have combined with supply shortages to create an unprecedented demand. As popular models sell out left and right, new models can fill the void and help buyers get a great Chromebook with a much better long-term value. Take the Acer Chromebook Spin 311. Previous generations of the Spin 311 like the CP311-2H are still regularly going for $370 or more on Amazon, so the new CP311-3H launching at $300 with eight years of support ahead of it mean you're getting a sweet deal on a brand new model, so long as the Chromebook holds up in everyday use. And after a month, I can say that the new Acer Chromebook Spin 311 definitely holds up. At a glance Acer Chromebook Spin 311 (CP311-3H) Bottom line : As a budget-minded Chromebook, the newest version of the

Turn your Chromebook into a smart display with Ambient Mode. Here's how!

The best Chromebooks are more than just lightweight laptops with speed and simplicity; they're adaptable devices that help us get through the day. While I don't spend all day chained to a desk with my Chromebook, whenever my Chromebook is plugged in and not actively used, it pulls double duty as a smart display. Because of the integrations with Google Assistant and Chromebook's Ambient Display feature, all it takes to turn this on is a thirty-second trip to the Settings app. How to turn on your Chromebook's Ambient Mode Open the Settings app from the app drawer or quick settings menu. Tap or scroll down to the Personalization section. Tap Screen saver . Tap the toggle to turn it on. Select the Background images you want to use. To edit which photos you see, tap the right arrow to the right side of the selected source. If you're using Google Photos, tap the folders you want Ambient Display to pull from. If you're using Art galler

AMD is about to upend the Chromebook market just like it did for PCs

Acer is doing Ryzen right with its new Chromebook Spin 514. It's the middle of the afternoon on a Friday and I'm typing this out on my back deck using a Chromebook . I love the darn things and any time I can get away from a desk during the workday I try to do it, and always with a Chromebook in tow. To me, a really well-built mid-range Chromebook with plenty of power and plenty of storage is just right. No one Chromebook is perfect for everyone. Of course, the best Chromebook for me might not be the best Chromebook for you. But if you're like me and want a modestly priced Chromebook that outperforms and out delivers, I think Acer has just what you're looking for in 2021 with the new Chromebook Spin 514 . It's not sleek and light as a feather. Not all of them have a backlit keyboard, nor do any have a glass-covered trackpad. But what it does have makes up for it — a beautiful 14-inch display, a very tough build of anodized aluminum, the best hinge system you&

Make your Chromebook more powerful with these docking stations

The best Chromebook docking stations can turn your laptop from on-the-go ready to comfortably cozy by plugging in a single USB-C cable. When you're home and want to use a clicky mechanical keyboard, an ergonomic mouse, or add a secondary display, docking stations are here to keep things tidy and organized. While you could maybe get by with some tiny USB-C hub , the cables are usually too short and leave your desk cluttered, while docking stations help keep things connected while staying out of your way. If you need to get your Chromebook connected, these are the best docking stations. Keep it tidy Pluggable USB Mini Docking Station Staff Pick This compact docking station won't take up much desk space, but it still has enough space for four USB-A peripherals, an HDMI monitor, Ethernet, and an audio jack for some speakers. It can also charge your Chromebook at full speed. $129 at Amazon Tall or flat, your choice Baseus 16-in-1 USB-C Dock Some folks prefer a standing d