Category: Technology

Budget electronics aren’t easy to find in 2026, but Qualcomm’s Snapdragon C might just make $300 laptops possible again with a mix of capable performance and strong efficiency. These new chips offer eight low-power cores, ample memory support, and strong connectivity features, which could make even the MacBook Neo look expensive.

Qualcomm first hinted at the Snapdragon C’s potential in May, and we got our first hands-on time with a Snapdragon C laptop in June. Now we have more details about what the chip at the heart of this design can do.

The Snapdragon C SoC includes a Qualcomm Kryo CPU with eight Arm cores. It has a single-core max boost frequency of 3GHz and an all-core boost clock of 2GHz. These are significantly lower than most modern processors, which often reach north of 5GHz, but this is a low-power, entry-level chip for similarly entry-level machines. Lower clock speeds also help maintain strong battery life.

I Just Got My First Look at a Snapdragon C Laptop

Alongside the CPU cores, the Snapdragon C chip has an integrated Adreno GPU with a 900MHz boost clock; no core counts were listed. It also has a Qualcomm Hexagon NPU for lightweight AI workloads, though no TOPS figures have been provided, making it tricky to compare it to its contemporaries.

To help cut costs and keep power consumption low, this chip is designed to work with LPDDR4X and LPDDR5X and up to 4,200 MT/s and 6,400 MT/s, respectively. That gives manufacturers a few options for memory, which will make up a large portion of any resulting device’s bill of materials. It can support up to 16GB, which is uncommon in these kinds of low-cost designs. If we do see $300 Snapdragon C laptops, expect 4-8GB of RAM at most, and likely 128GB or 256GB of storage.

(Credit: Qualcomm)

Indeed, the storage may well be UFS rather than NVMe SSD, too. Although the Snapdragon C does support PCIe 3 SSDs, it also supports UFS 2.2 and 3.1, which may be better suited to ultra-low-cost designs.

Connectivity may be strong, though, with the Snapdragon C chip sporting native support for Wi-Fi 6 and 6E, Bluetooth 6.0, and USB 3.1 over both USB-C and USB-A. Indeed, the early laptops we saw came with a decent selection of USB ports, as well as a 3.5mm audio jack, HDMI output, SIM card slot, and microSD card reader.

Qualcomm also released performance and efficiency numbers comparing the Snapdragon C to Intel’s N250, a similarly low-cost CPU with four cores and a 3.8GHz boost clock. They’re first-party numbers, so we’d like to test this ourselves before confirming, but Qualcomm claims a 24% advantage in multi-core workloads on GeekBench, and up to 44% faster in single-core workloads. It also claims to be more than twice as efficient, potentially unlocking some impressive battery life figures.

All of this will depend on how the chip is implemented in eventual laptops, but we’re going to get designs from Asus, Acer, HP, and Lenovo in due time. Watch this space.

About Our Expert

Jon Martindale

Contributor

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Experience

Jon Martindale is a tech journalist from the UK, with 20 years of experience covering all manner of PC components and associated gadgets. He’s written for a range of publications, including ExtremeTech, Digital Trends, Forbes, U.S. News & World Report, and Lifewire, among others. When not writing, he’s a big board gamer and reader, with a particular habit of speed-reading through long manga sagas. 

Jon covers the latest PC components, as well as how-to guides on everything from how to take a screenshot to how to set up your cryptocurrency wallet. He particularly enjoys the battles between the top tech giants in CPUs and GPUs, and tries his best not to take sides.

Jon’s gaming PC is built around the iconic 7950X3D CPU, with a 7900XTX backing it up. That’s all the power he needs to play lightweight indie and casual games, as well as more demanding sim titles like Kerbal Space Program. He uses a pair of Jabra Active 8 earbuds and a SteelSeries Arctis Pro wireless headset, and types all day on a Logitech G915 mechanical keyboard.

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Gamers have found a novel way to build their own custom Steam Machines: Repurposed crypto-mining hardware based on the PS5 APU. The BC-250 board includes everything you need to get a gaming system up and running, and with SteamOS and a few tweaks, you can get Steam-Machine-like performance for a lot less, as Tom’s Hardware reports.

The BC-250 is a slightly cut-down PS5 APU, with six Zen 2 cores (two of the original eight are disabled), and a 24 CU RDNA 2 graphics chip (16 of the original 40 are disabled), 16GB of shared GDDR5 memory, and support for a single NVMe PCIe 2 SSD. It has a DisplayPort 1.4 out (a real boon for an old mining rig), Gigabit Ethernet, and even a few USB-A ports for peripherals.

Gamers have been hooking these things up to old SSDs and installing Linux on them, and the performance is pretty solid. Not like a Steam Machine out of the box, but very playable across a range of games at 1080p.

The real fun, though, comes in tweaking the system to unlock its full potential. Modders have been able to unlock the two additional CPU cores, bringing the total to eight and massively improving overall performance. They’ve also managed to get the GPU’s full 40 CUs working, leading to a big increase in gaming performance.

In Tom’s Hardware’s testing, with the full GPU available (though not the additional CPU cores), they were able to get performance very close to that of the real Steam Machine. And that system costs over $1,000 even when it’s in stock.

(Credit: eBay)

In comparison, you can buy the BC-250 board by itself for around $300 on eBay, and there are even kits assembled with 3D-printed cases and compatible power supplies. You’ll usually need to provide your storage, which isn’t cheap in 2026, but an old PCIe 2.0 SSD isn’t going to be crazy money either.

The whole thing is very much a DIY project build, as is making a Steam Machine in general. But this has a few extra wrinkles because, as a mining rig, it wasn’t designed for gaming, even if the underlying APU was. It’s likely that even with everything in place, you might run into compatibility issues with certain games, weird performance quirks, and potentially long load times due to poor storage.

But if you like tweaking things, and especially if you want to build a very low-cost gaming PC in 2026, this might be one of the best ways to do it. Especially since you have a choice of SteamOS, Bazzite, or CatchyOS, offering a range of Linux platforms for affordable gaming.

About Our Expert

Jon Martindale

Contributor

---

Experience

Jon Martindale is a tech journalist from the UK, with 20 years of experience covering all manner of PC components and associated gadgets. He’s written for a range of publications, including ExtremeTech, Digital Trends, Forbes, U.S. News & World Report, and Lifewire, among others. When not writing, he’s a big board gamer and reader, with a particular habit of speed-reading through long manga sagas. 

Jon covers the latest PC components, as well as how-to guides on everything from how to take a screenshot to how to set up your cryptocurrency wallet. He particularly enjoys the battles between the top tech giants in CPUs and GPUs, and tries his best not to take sides.

Jon’s gaming PC is built around the iconic 7950X3D CPU, with a 7900XTX backing it up. That’s all the power he needs to play lightweight indie and casual games, as well as more demanding sim titles like Kerbal Space Program. He uses a pair of Jabra Active 8 earbuds and a SteelSeries Arctis Pro wireless headset, and types all day on a Logitech G915 mechanical keyboard.

Read Full Bio

An advertiser paid for editorial consideration of this deal. Our experts vetted the deal based on our independent expertise. Because we determined that the deal will save you money, we covered it.

It’s new phone season, and we’re dazzled by Samsung‘s latest trio of foldables. Instead of resting on its laurels, the company is pushing the envelope in multiple directions with the Galaxy Z Fold 8, Fold 8 Ultra, and Flip 8. The latest devices have new form factors, more powerful processors, wildly better battery life, and delightful screens. Samsung’s so confident that you’ll love them that it’s offering a huge trade-in deal on all three. You can get up to $1,000 off with an eligible device. Don’t have an old phone to swap? No stress, because there are Samsung gift certificates to give away as well. Read on for the details.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8

5.5-inch display, 7.6-inch display, 256GB storage, 50MP, 50MP, 10MP cameras

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$899.99
at Samsung

$1,899.99
Save $1,000.00

Get Deal

We were absolutely dazzled by the Galaxy Z Fold 8 in our review, giving the flagship phone an Editors’ Choice award and converting PCMag expert Kimberly Gedeon into a folding phone believer. She wrote that it “sets a new standard for book-style foldables,” solving all of the existing issues with the form factor and delivering exceptional performance, durability, and style. High points include the new 4:3 aspect ratio Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, which features a 1,848-by-2,448-pixel resolution when unfolded. It’s the best phone on the market for watching movies and TV shows, just for that. Battery life is also significantly improved, clocking in at almost 17 hours in our test, and the crease where you fold it is nearly invisible. You can get up to $1,000 back with an eligible trade-in at Samsung, or opt for a $200 Samsung e-certificate without trade-in.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra

6.5-inch display, 8-inch display, 256GB storage, 200MP, 50MP, 10MP cameras

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$1,099.99
at Samsung

$2,099.99
Save $1,000.00

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New to the Galaxy Z foldable line this year is the Fold 8 Ultra, which offers more traditional dimensions than the base Fold 8, resulting in a bigger overall screen that’s less optimized for video watching and more for productivity and other apps. We gave it an “Excellent” rating in our review, lauding its wickedly sharp and powerful cameras, exceptional performance, and longer-lasting battery. Unfolded, it measures 6.24 by 5.64 inches, giving you a tablet-class display that’s vibrant and colorful. It also uses the new Flex Titanium structure for better durability and a smoother fold. It benchmarked at the top of its class thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, dominating resource-heavy games and multitasking with ease. The Z Fold 8 Ultra is eligible for the same trade-in deal as the Fold: up to $1,000 off the purchase price, or a $200 Samsung e-certificate without a trade-in.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8

6.9-inch display, 4.1-inch display, 256GB storage, 50MP, 12MP, 10MP cameras

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$799.99
at Samsung

$1,199.99
Save $400.00

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For a more budget-conscious entry into the world of foldable phones, the Galaxy Z Flip 8 is a compact, portable device with a lot to recommend it. Unfolded, it resembles a standard cellphone, but flipping the almost undetectable hinge collapses it into a three-inch square. We gave it an “Excellent” rating in our review, with tester Eric Zeman calling it “Samsung’s most refined flip phone yet.” The big change over its predecessor is a lighter and thinner build that lets you use it more easily with one hand, but it also packs numerous improvements under the hood, most notably the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy CPU. We consider this chip the pinnacle of the mobile market, delivering buttery-smooth performance and plenty of useful on-device AI tools. The Flip 8 can be yours for up to $400 off with an applicable trade-in, or get you a $100 Samsung e-certificate without one.

Want even more ways to save tons on tech? Our deals page is the destination for discounts.

About Our Expert

K. Thor Jensen

Contributing Writer

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Experience

K. Thor Jensen is a writer and cartoonist living in the Pacific Northwest. He has contributed to dozens of prestigious outlets, including PCMag, Tested, Clickhole, and Newsweek. His second graphic novel, Cloud Stories, was released in 2017.

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This deal proves bigger is indeed better. Amazon has the Toshiba 75-inch Class M450 Series 4K smart TV on sale for $489.99, down from its regular $789.99 list price. This gives you a 38% discount on a giant home theater display featuring Regza QLED Color, the Regza AI Engine ZRi Gen3, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, and Fire TV with Alexa.

Bringing home a massive 75-inch smart television equipped with Regza Power Audio, HDR10+ Adaptive contrast, and low-latency gaming features for under $490 is an extraordinary value, making it easier to build an affordable living room theater.

This $300 price cut completely removes the financial tax usually tied to giant 75-inch screens, giving movie lovers, sports fans, and console gamers a rare opportunity to capture rich QLED color depth and AI scene optimization without the standard retail price strain. Add this to your cart now!

AMAZON DEAL ALERT

Toshiba 75-inch Class M450 Series 4K Smart TV

75-inch QLED 4K, REGZA AI engine, Dolby Vision/Atmos, HDR10+ adaptive, Fire TV, game mode VRR/ALLM

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$489.99
at Amazon

$789.99
Save $300.00

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The Toshiba 75-inch M450 TV elevates your home entertainment with Regza QLED Color and the Regza AI Engine ZRi Gen3. It uses Dolby Vision, HDR10+ Adaptive, and AI 4K Clarity upscaling, along with Regza Power Audio with Dolby Atmos sound, Game Mode with ALLM/VRR, and Fire TV streaming with Alexa, to transform your movie nights to the next level. But if you need more options, check out PCMag expert Will Greenwald’s list of the best 75-inches and above TVs for 2026.

The Toshiba 75-inch M450 Series sets a high benchmark for big-screen value, combining Regza QLED color depth with Fire TV smart convenience. At almost 40% off, it takes the cost out of 75-inch home cinema displays, and treats you with AI 4K upscaling, Dolby Atmos audio, and Alexa voice search. Your eyes will thank you for this.

However, if you’re looking for a smaller screen, then this 65-inch Hisense E7 Cinema Series 4K smart TV deal is available at 45% off.

If you’re in a field like construction or manufacturing, you’ll need a ruggedized laptop that’s durable and reliable. It has to be able to take the blows that come with sometimes accidentally being dropped or hit with something, and come out working just fine. That’s where the Asus Chromebook CR11 comes in! It’s now on sale over at Amazon for $189.99, down from its original $299.99 price. That’s $110 in savings!

Asus Chromebook CR11 Ruggedized Laptop

64GB storage, 4GB RAM, 11.6-inch display

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$189.99
at Amazon

$299.99
Save $110.00

Get Deal

As of August 11, the Asus Chromebook CR11 laptop is on sale for 37% off. According to CamelCamelCamel, this is the lowest price it’s been at since last year, so now’s the best time to grab it!

This laptop has been ruggedized with US military-grade durability, giving it unparalleled protection from drops and falls. You won’t have to worry about any internal components being damaged again! The spill-resistant keyboard is also able to shrug off any accidental spills or water splashes that come its way. The inside is just as strong too, as the security and privacy systems ensure that this chromebook will never get a virus. Plus, ChromeOS is efficient at running all the Google apps, including Docs, Sheets, and Slides, keeping you productive.

You’ll also get three months of Google One for free, as well as Gemini. So not only will you have a robust suite of work tools, but also an AI tool to help you work. The HD display has anti-glare so if you’re outdoors, you’ll still be able to see the screen clearly. This laptop also has a antimicrobial guard, which blocks bacteria growth by 99% over 24 hours.

If you’re looking for alternatives, check out the Durabook S141 or the Dell Pro Rugged 14.

Be sure to check out our other Amazon and chromebook coverage.

Eliminate your cleaning duties with this deal. Walmart has the Dreame C30 Plus robot vacuum and mop on sale for $239.99, down from its regular $329.99 list price. This limited-time promotion saves 27% on a value-packed cleaning system featuring 19,000Pa maximum suction, a dual anti-tangle system, 360-degree navigation with multifloor mapping, and a 40-liter auto-empty dock. Mop it up while the deal lasts!

Securing a two-in-one robotic vacuum and mop equipped with 360-degree navigation, app-based custom room control, and 120 days of autonomous dust collection for under $250 is an incredible value. It makes this flash promotion the ideal window to fully automate daily floor care.

This major price markdown gives busy parents and pet owners a rare opportunity to capture deep carpet cleaning and edge-to-corner mopping without the standard retail cost strain. Add to your cart now!

WALMART DEAL ALERT

Dreame C30 Plus Robot Vacuum and Mop

19,000pa suction, dual anti-tangle, LDS 360° mapping, smart carpet boost, 4L 120-day auto-empty

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$239.99
at Walmart

$329.99
Save $90.00

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The Dreame C30 Plus takes care of your daily floor maintenance with 19,000Pa suction power and a dual anti-tangle brush design. It uses 360-degree LiDAR mapping and multi-floor route support, smart carpet detection with automatic suction boosting, edge-to-corner coverage, and a 4-liter self-emptying dock that provides 120 days of hands-free upkeep for easy home floor care. But if you need something else, check out PCMag expert Andrew Gebhart’s list of the best robot vacuum and mops for 2026.

The Dreame C30 Plus sets a new standard for budget-friendly robotic floor care, combining 19,000Pa suction power with 120 days of self-emptying dock convenience. At over 25% off, you can add dual anti-tangle protection, smart carpet boosting, and LDS laser mapping straight into your household routine. Don’t let this deal gather dust.

However, if you’re looking for a more compact alternative, this iRobot Roomba 105 robot vacuum deal is currently available at almost half off.

Is that a human artist or an AI persona? Spotify will soon make that distinction clearer with new “AI Persona” labels.

The streamer introduced the label today and said that it will apply to artists’ profiles whose public identity, name, and imagery “represent photorealistic AI-generated identities.”

You will begin seeing the label in search, artist profiles, and playlists starting in mid-September. Once an artist has been marked as an “AI Persona,” Spotify won’t include their songs in any editorial or algorithmic recommendations unless you follow the AI Persona.

“Listeners have been clear in telling us that they don’t like seeing an artist profile that seems human, only to find out that the persona is AI-generated,” Spotify says. “The badge signals to listeners that an artist’s identity may be AI-generated and does not represent a real person.”

Artists can declare themselves as an AI Persona through the Spotify for Artists platform starting today. Spotify will also begin identifying and marking “Likely AI Personas” soon.

If Spotify applies the label, the account holder will be notified and allowed to make a self-disclosure. They will also be allowed to appeal the label if it was applied in error.

Spotify already has a Verified by Spotify badge for real, human artists, and an AI credits badge to indicate when part of a track is generated by AI. The new AI Persona label is meant to ensure that artists whose public image doesn’t suggest they are human are marked as such.

“This badge is about the artist’s public identity, not about how the music was made,” Spotify said. The streamer also noted that while “all artists have creative choice in determining how they present themselves, Spotify’s programming is focused on elevating music from authentic artists building careers in music.”

About Our Expert

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Experience

Jibin is a tech news writer based out of Ahmedabad, India. Previously, he served as the editor of iGeeksBlog and is a self-proclaimed tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex information for a broader audience.

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Updated Aug. 11: Laptop prices are pretty brutal right now, even with major manufacturers putting a new focus on ultra-budget machines. But smart shoppers know that the best value in the portable space is a Chromebook. These low-cost laptops use ChromeOS, Google’s operating system that’s built from the ground up to get peak performance out of underpowered hardware, with tons of security features and a user-friendly UI. These models get comparable performance to Windows machines that sell for hundreds more.

We’re the most trusted outlet in the world when it comes to testing laptops in the PC Labs, and we’ve and rated a ton of ChromeOS devices. They are power-efficient for long battery life and speedy charging, tough against malware and viruses, tuned for cloud applications, and receive frequent free system updates. Here are eight top Chromebook deals we found right now.

Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14 Deal

Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14

14-inch WUXGA display, MediaTek Kompanio Ultra 910 CPU, 16GB RAM, 256GB UFS storage

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$719.99
at Lenovo

$1,269.99
Save $550.00

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Leave it to Lenovo to class up the Chromebook in a whole new way, giving it a stunning OLED display, a luxe-feeling all-metal chassis made out of durable aluminum polycarbonate, and incredible AI performance. In our review, we couldn’t believe how competitive it was with Windows machines, noting that its MediaTek Kompanio 910 processor came equipped with an NPU capable of outputting 50 trillion operations per second (TOPS), more than enough to enable tons of on-device AI tasks like instant translation and image generation. It also ships with 12 months of the Google One AI Premium Plan, giving you access to Gemini’s most advanced features, integrations with Google Workspace apps, and 2TB of Google Drive cloud storage.

Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714

Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714

12.2-inch 2K display, Intel N100 CPU, 4GB RAM, 64GB eMMC storage

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$658.98
at Best Buy

$799.00
Save $140.02

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For a Chromebook that’ll go toe-to-toe with Windows laptops significantly more expensive, our top pick is the Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714. We gave this one an Editors’ Choice award in our review, with PCMag expert Brian Westover proclaiming that it was “a redefinition of what a Chromebook even is, as it injects AI capabilities into several of the most popular productivity tools, with many AI features conducted on-device.” Google’s Gemini AI is all over this machine, with text suggestions, image generation, and more here for you to play with. Physically, the 714 is a delight, with a colorful WUXGA screen, flattering QHD webcam, comfortable keyboard and good port selection. $140 off is a sizable discount.

HP Chromebook 14 Deal

HP Chromebook 14

14-inch HD display, Intel Celeron N4500, 4GB RAM, 64GB eMMC storage

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$219.00
at Best Buy

$399.00
Save $180.00

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On the other side of the Chromebook spectrum, we find mega-affordable models like HP’s 14-inch unit. Coming in at just a little bit above $200, this budget laptop is perfect for students and casual users, with a good-sized HD display and decent components. It’s exceptionally lightweight, and while the design isn’t anything to brag about, it feels sturdy in the hands. Connectivity is solid, with Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 coupled with one USB-C and two USB-A ports. Battery life is as epic as you’d think, and HP’s Fast Charger gets you from zero to 50% in just 45 minutes. While it isn’t a speed demon, this is a totally reliable daily driver that’ll get it done for less.

Lenovo 2-In-1 Chromebook Deal

Lenovo 2-In-1 Chromebook

14-inch WUXGA display, Intel N150, 4GB RAM, 128GB UFS storage

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$389.99
at Amazon

$449.99
Save $60.00

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Here’s a solid deal on a Lenovo Chromebook that’s perfect for students, so if you’re doing back-to-school shopping, check it out. The 14-inch WUXGA screen is bright and crisp, with solid touch responsiveness, and the 360-degree hinge is smooth and easy to use. Unlike many convertibles, it’s lightweight enough to use in tablet form for long periods, and its port selection is well considered, with two USB-C ports, two USB-A ports, and an HDMI port for an external monitor. The FHD webcam is reasonably clear, and a physical shutter provides added privacy. See how it compares on our rundown of the best Chromebooks.

Asus Vibe CX34 Gaming Chromebook Deal

Asus Vibe CX34 Gaming Chromebook

14-inch 1080p display, Intel Core i5-1235U CPU, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD

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$489.99
at Amazon

$799.00
Save $309.01

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A Chromebook for gaming? It’s more likely than you think. While the Asus Vibe CX34 isn’t tricked out with the latest Nvidia GPUs, it’s designed for entertainment in a different way: by linking up with cloud-based gaming services that outsource the processing to remote servers. While we don’t have a full review of this unit, we did preview it at CES and were dazzled by the budget portable’s best-in-class connectivity and flexible 2-in-1 design, along with the 16:10 touchscreen with a 144Hz refresh rate. A 39% price cut makes it even cooler.

Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus Deal

Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus

15.6-inch FHD display, Intel Core 3 100U CPU, 8GB RAM, 256GB UFS storage

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$599.99
at Best Buy

$749.99
Save $150.00

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Screen quality is often where budget laptops stumble, but Samsung’s Galaxy Chromebook Plus bucks the trend to deliver a stellar OLED display that rocked our world. We put this portable through its paces in our full review, with high points including the luxurious-feeling all-metal chassis, which is surprisingly lightweight and measures just half an inch thin when closed. Inside the chassis, you get a decent component loadout, with the Intel Core 3 processor and a generous 8GB of RAM ensuring smooth performance. Port selection is also a high point, with two USB Type-C ports, one USB Type-A port, an HDMI monitor output, a 3.5mm audio jack, and a microSD card reader. Snag a $150 price drop while you can.

Acer Chromebook 315 Deal

Acer Chromebook 315

15.6-inch FHD display, Intel Celeron N4500 CPU, 4GB RAM, 64GB eMMC storage

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$219.00
at Best Buy

$299.00
Save $80.00

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For a budget option, we’ve got a few choices depending on your brand loyalty. The Acer Chromebook 315 is a solid option at retail, but for $80 off it’s a big bargain, with a decent silicon loadout and good port selection. In our review, we noted that it was more than good enough for everyday tasks, although it didn’t blow us away with battery life. The full-sized keyboard has a dedicated number pad, which isn’t common, and we were impressed by the smooth, responsive OceanGlass touchpad. This bundle comes with a carrying case as well, which is a nice perk.

Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i Chromebook Deal

Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i Chromebook

14-inch FHD display, MediaTek Kompanio 520 CPU, 4GB RAM, 64GB eMMC storage

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$222.00
at Best Buy

$271.28
Save $49.28

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Another budget-minded Chromebook at a tasty price drop, the IdeaPad Slim 3i is lightweight and features epic battery life, clocking in at over 15 hours. The ARM-based processor works well with Chrome OS, and although the component loadout is pretty skimpy, for an ultra-budget laptop, it’s more than capable of getting the job done. Lenovo also always overdelivers when it comes to build quality, and the all-plastic case feels sturdy and durable. See how it compares on our list of the best Chromebooks we’ve reviewed.

Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 Deal

Asus Chromebook Plus CX34

14-inch FHD display, Intel Core i5 1335U CPU, 8GB RAM, 128GB storage

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$399.00
at Best Buy

$729.00
Save $330.00

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Let’s close out with a great deal on a potent Chromebook at a discount that drops it into the budget bracket. In our review of the Asus Chromebook Plus CX34, we gave it an Editors’ Choice award, noting that it led the pack in performance across numerous tests thanks to a very capable Intel processor coupled with a generous 8GB loadout of RAM. This model has a better processor than the one we tested, so we’d expect it to perform even better. The MIL-SPEC-certified design and antimicrobial coating make it a great choice for travel, and good port selection and connectivity are also present. This $330 price drop chops it down to a nice bracket.

If you ever wondered how we test laptops, wonder no more! We wrote a deep dive into our extensive process.

About Our Experts

K. Thor Jensen

Contributing Writer

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Experience

K. Thor Jensen is a writer and cartoonist living in the Pacific Northwest. He has contributed to dozens of prestigious outlets, including PCMag, Tested, Clickhole, and Newsweek. His second graphic novel, Cloud Stories, was released in 2017.

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Joe Osborne

Deputy Managing Editor, Hardware

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Experience

After starting my career at PCMag as an intern more than a decade ago, I’m back as one of its editors, focused on managing laptops, desktops, and components coverage. With 15 years of experience, I have been on staff and published in technology review publications, including PCMag (of course!), Laptop Magazine, Tom’s Guide, TechRadar, and IGN. Along the way, I’ve tested and reviewed hundreds of laptops and helped develop testing protocols. I have expertise in testing all forms of laptops and desktops using the latest tools. I’m also well-versed in video game hardware and software coverage.

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An array of UK businesses and institutions have announced bans on people wearing Meta’s smart glasses, citing privacy and moral concerns. The Guardian reports that UK courtrooms are now confiscating the devices from anyone trying to wear them in court, while pub chain Wetherspoons is no longer allowing them.

Meta’s smart glasses include a built-in camera for recording images and video, as well as integrating AI features, music listening, and phone calls. But it’s their potential for covert recording that has so many concerned. They’ve been used in harassment content on social media, and after months of public pushback, a number of UK venues are banning them outright.

Alongside Wetherspoons and its 800 pubs across the UK, London restaurateur Jeremy King told The Guardian that his Arlington, The Park, and Simpsons restaurants have all banned the glasses. ATG Theatres, which owns the Bristol Hippodrome and various theaters across London, doesn’t allow filming and will ask anyone wearing them to remove them.

Soho private members’ clubs have banned the glasses too, as has the UK’s promoter of major Comic-Con events. They go even further than others, claiming that if anyone is spotted wearing them, they may be asked to leave the event and forced to forfeit any pre-booked signings, photographs, or other events.

There has been some support for the glasses. Modern “glassholes” can still eat at Michelin chef Tom Kerridge’s restaurants and pubs, who said he has no problem with the devices.

Meta pushed back on the bans, noting that its glasses include a light that lets you know when you’re being recorded, and that it has improved anti-tamper measures. This comes after a report from journalist Joanna Stern, who found that modders are removing the indicator light for $100.

Still, the market for non-display smart glasses grew 167% year over year in Q1, according to June data from IDC. Meta held 69.2% of the overall smart glasses market, thanks largely to its Ray-Ban partnership with EssilorLuxottica, the world’s largest eyewear maker, “and a marketing machine that few hardware companies can replicate,” IDC says.

About Our Expert

Jon Martindale

Contributor

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Experience

Jon Martindale is a tech journalist from the UK, with 20 years of experience covering all manner of PC components and associated gadgets. He’s written for a range of publications, including ExtremeTech, Digital Trends, Forbes, U.S. News & World Report, and Lifewire, among others. When not writing, he’s a big board gamer and reader, with a particular habit of speed-reading through long manga sagas. 

Jon covers the latest PC components, as well as how-to guides on everything from how to take a screenshot to how to set up your cryptocurrency wallet. He particularly enjoys the battles between the top tech giants in CPUs and GPUs, and tries his best not to take sides.

Jon’s gaming PC is built around the iconic 7950X3D CPU, with a 7900XTX backing it up. That’s all the power he needs to play lightweight indie and casual games, as well as more demanding sim titles like Kerbal Space Program. He uses a pair of Jabra Active 8 earbuds and a SteelSeries Arctis Pro wireless headset, and types all day on a Logitech G915 mechanical keyboard.

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