Samsung’s Galaxy Chromebook 2 360 offers a high-resolution screen for under $500

Image: Samsung

It has been over a year since the release of the shiny red Chromebook 2. Its next shot at this device is now available for purchase, and it is a bit different.

I can tell from the color of the new device that it is not nearly as red as the previous one. It is black and white. It's more affordable with a starting price of $429.99, and it also has a 360-degree hinge, making it a more practical purchase.

The display is the most interesting here. The Chromebook 16:10 has a good aspect ratio and comes with a large screen. It is going to be one of the highest-resolution screens you can get at a $430 price point.

This is still a small screen at just 12.4 inches, which is1-6556 than its predecessor which was a 13.3-incher. It should be able to show more than other screens of this size because of the aspect ratio and resolution. The extra vertical space will allow for more scrolling and multitasking space than you would get on a cheap Chromebooks, and the resolution will allow clearer text and pictures. Students with visual impairments or learning disabilities can benefit from larger and clearer text so a screen like this is one way for schools to invest in accessibility.

Image: Samsung

The Chromebook 2 is powered by a 45.5Wh battery and comes with either 64 or 128GB of eMMC storage. The extra storage is only $20 more. It's not a good idea to read about a Windows laptop powered by an Intel Celeron N4500 because it would be off-putting.

You have a combo audio jack, a security slot, a microSD slot, and an optional nano sim slot for ports. The more expensive Chromebook 2 doesn't have that, so it's a win for the 360.

Image: Samsung

This seems to be a _Galaxy_ Chromebook 2, in name only. It doesn't look like its predecessor. It looks a rung or so nicer than the typical devices that occupy school laptop carts, and almost certainly will deliver a better viewing experience, an area where schools should be investing. Durability is an important part of any student laptop, and while we can't determine from the pictures, previous Galaxy Chromebooks have been quite well-built.

This year is shaping up to be a year where PC-makers that are better known for premium devices take a stab at the education space. As laptops become more central to the classroom experience, it is creating some interesting options for schools. The era of the stereotypically ugly and slow school laptop cart is coming to a close, but that will depend on how many schools actually choose to buy these fancy-screened units.