I was a bit skeptical about owning a Chromebook prior to me winning a bid on Ebay for a top of the line Yoga C630  for just under $300.

My original thoughts on owning a Chromebook is was its just a larger version of my Android device with an attached keyboard, which seemed a bit useless considering the fact that I could mirror my screen and connect a wired or wireless keyboard to my mobile device. This perception has greatly changed since owning a Lenovo Yoga C630.

Here is why.
I complete a ton of work that requires uploading pictures. Photos has become my best friend because the simplicity of uploading photos from my mobile device and completing the assignments on the Chromebook that has a larger, sharper, 4k display.

Google Drive- Before owning a Chromebook Google Drive was just another application of Google's. I never got use it much because of the dislike for the user interface in browsers. Owning a Chromebook has changed this because Google Drive is embedded into the file system, thus making it a legitimate extension of the device storage opacity. Since the Yoga C630 is an enterprise Chromebook, it comes with 1-year of Google One which means the Storage of Google Drive gets upgraded from 15GB to 100GB.


Simplicity of screen records and screen captures
On my Windows device I use the Windows Game Mode for screen records. In the past, I have has some issues with getting it to work. With Chrome OS, the screen record and screen captures are part of the core operating system, which makes it super easy to start a recording session or capture a screen. Another plus with the built in screen record is the simplicity of changing the save location for the Screen records and captures, for those that carry an interest in file management systems. These screen records and captures can be saved directly to Google Drive.

Linux
The built in Linux functionalities are amazing. Its really like having two pc's in one with the Chromebook, without the need to run additional memory draining applications. This is a huge plus for those that are new to programming. However, if you are wondering, you may still run Windows applications on your Chromebook using Linux.


As for the Lenovo Yoga C630, its the best Chromebook on the market even though its over 3 years old. it has an I7 8th gen processor that works flawlessly, 16GB of RAM, and 128GB of memory, expandable via microSD and Google Drive.

Its battery life is one of the best features. It charges fast and last a stunningly long time.

The 4k display makes wonders. I love zooming in-and-out using the touch pad. The downside of the 4k is that the ChromeOS does not have a magnifier setting, without reducing the resolution. this is important for using apps in Linux because the text can be very tiny on toolbars within applications. I will still select a 4k version because its so much more working space, plus, the resolution may be adjusted if you ever acquire the feel to change the settings. For Linux, there may be a way to install a magnifier and still keep the 4k resolution, I just have not the solution as of yet.

Touchscreen
The touch screen works as intended, and the ability to create a tablet experience with a complete 180 degree hinge. The lack of active stylus support is a bummer.

Overall I recommend the Lenovo Yoga C630 4K I7 to anyone considering giving ChromeOS a go if you are abe to find one.These are extremely rare on the market. 








 

QuoteConspicuously absent is any kind of connection for an external display. A Lenovo representative confirmed that neither USB Type-C port supports DisplayPort; as such, the only way to connect an external monitor would be via a USB adapter, which is not optimal.

Sorry, that's not true! My Eizo monitor has USB-C input, and the C630 works perfectly with the USB-C cable that came with the monitor (video, charging, and USB in one cable).

The C630 manual also confirms this (page 13: "you can use either of the two USB-C connectors to connect your Chromebook to an external display"). I wouldn't have bought the C630 if that weren't possible :)

Thanks,
Uwe

Excellent review!

I just got this Chromebook, and it's exceptional. It runs faster than my Pixelbook, although tablet mode is challenging because of the weight. Then again, using a Pixelbook to read Kindle books for long isn't practical. (Both would require a pillow.)

@J: I had confusion over connecting to an external display, but I can confirm, as can Robby from Chrome Unboxed, that you can connect USB-C out to HDMI to a 4K TV, for example, as is how I'm using it.

Are you 100% sure it doesn't support an external display or did I read that wrong? For these types of laptops you usually need a HDMI or display port adaptor from type-c, but it works. I've found lenovo docs that say it supports external monitor so I'm confused.

Review author here.

@K-Dog: It really comes down to a matter of opinion. I reviewed both the Yoga Chromebook and the Inspiron at the same time. I prefer the Dell because it feels more fluid, has better battery life, has a better screen in all characteristics expect resolution (e.g., contrast, color repro, brightness), and comes with an active stylus included.
That's not to say the Yoga is bad or slow. The Dell is just smoother.
I think the 4K screen on the Yoga is simply overkill. Chrome OS isn't optimized for 4K, and the hardware inside (esp. the UHD Graphics 620) has more trouble handling 4K than a traditional 1080p panel. The Yoga Chromebook is a good device, but I think it doesn't take full advantage of the 4K panel. The screen is ultimately a hindrance rather than a benefit to the device.

So would you say then that the DELL Inspiron Chromebook 14-2-1 is the better of the two devices to purchase. I have the Lenovo Yoga Chromebook and I love it. I'm wondering though if Dell is the better of the two. Please give me your opinion on that.

Thanks,
Kevin Wolfe