Review
Roderick Scott 0

Ahh the Chromebook.  Google's cloud-based laptops have been around for quite some time now.    Time has passed and Google has continued to evolve their web-based platform.  While they haven't been in everyone's homes, they have been in education markets.  So much that Microsoft took notice to create their own version of it w/ their Windows Stream laptops.   

Coming from the CR-48 to the slew of them we have out from Acer, ASUS, HP, and Toshiba.The last company we mentioned is back w/ the Chromebook 2 as it is offering more features + specs than the previous models.  We have been testing the higher end model for a few months now and we're ready to tell you all about it - the good, the bad, and should you buy it.  Green light - Go!



 toshiba chromebook 2

toshiba chromebook 2

Display

Coming 2K displays on smartphones and laptops, it can be a little difficult reverting back to a 1080p display for certain devices.  Thankfully, that is not really the case here.  Handling all of your visuals is a 13.3inch 1080p LED IPS display.  It has a matte finish so the colors don't really pop as on an Apple machine but you do get great clarity thanks to Toshiba upping the nits to 340. 

Performance/Battery Life

The model we tested was the higher-end model priced at $329.  It is equipped w/ a dual-core 2.5GHz Intel Celeron CPU, 4GB of RAM, and a 16GB of solid state storage.  You really notice a difference w/ an more powerful Intel chip and the more RAM inside.  I own the Samsung Chromebook 550 + the HP Chromebook 11.  After plenty of tabs open it would get severely sluggish where it required closing them out and a reboot.  This was a much-needed upgrade and it pays off.  

Toshiba made a Chromebook for the modern times. 

Toshiba claims up to 9 hours of battery life w/ this.   Throughout my time w/ it, it actually excelled as I've gotten over 11 hours before having to grab the charger.  This is thanks to the battery working hand-in-hand w/ the low-power consuming Celeron CPU.  This is streaming music via Google Play, watching YouTube videos, and my atypical 18-20 Chrome tabs open.   That is using it sparingly, but on a more consistent usage will get me around 7 hours.  Finally a Chromebook w/ great battery life.  
 
toshiba chromebook 2

toshiba chromebook 2

Sound

Toshiba decided to outsource resources to offer a better audio experience as they went to SkullCandy.  Easily the best sound on a Chromebook.  Great sound for listening to audio + other forms of media.  It doesn't have that tinny sound that usually comes out of laptop audio but its missing a big bass sound as well.  Not that big of a deal when it makes up for it in clarity.  It also has dual-mics on-board to help you take advantage of Google Search via Google Now.  Love this booming system.  

 toshiba chromebook 2 review grade

The Chromebook 2 is leaps and bounds ahead of previous models in every way.

TG 2 Cents

Toshiba crafted a great Chromebook that is wayyy better than damn-near all of the 1st-gen Chromebooks outside of Google.  It has an industrial & modest design w/ plenty of goodies and such under the hood.  From an Intel chip, 2.4GHz + 5GHz Wi-FI, USB 2.0 + 3.0, SD card slot, & HDMI ports.  Only real weak point exist due to more so of the platform.  Network printing via Google Cloud Printing exists but don't function as it should.  You're better off printing from your smartphone.  Despite the highs + lows this is how you should make a Chromebook.  Good job, Toshiba.   

To Buy Or Not To Buy

If you're into Chromebooks (cause they're not for everyone), you definitely want to look into this one.  Its an inexpensive way to stay online and get things done.  If you grab this one, shoot for the $329 model w/ the 1080p display.  You won't be disappointed.  
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Author: Roderick Scott

Father. Husband. Creative. Mild foodie. Batman in my dreams.