Is a convertible Chromebook a viable alternative to a laptop and a tablet?

[StewartR]

I need some reasonably priced mobile computing capability. I'm not sure that I want the size and weight (and expense) of a Windows laptop, but I think there would be times when a keyboard would be useful, so I'm not sure that a tablet would be adequate.

I like the idea of a convertible Chromebook - something like the Acer Spin:
https://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/compu...l-celeron-32-gb-emmc-silver-10184914-pdt.html

Is that a good idea or a bad one? Does this sort of device represent the best of both worlds or the worst of both worlds?

 

[Nod]

For a few quid more, you can get a Windows 10 convertible laptop. https://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/compu...tel-pentium-128-gb-ssd-blue-10193437-pdt.html
400g or so heavier but IMO the extra screen size is worth the energy - far nicer to watch films etc. than the smaller screen.

 

[steve_lyt]

Depends what you want to do. A tablet is limited to what can be done on them. If they do what you want , then that’s ok. I use a laptop I can do most anything I want to away from my home pc

 

[sanadsaad]

If it’s web surfing, document editing, media consumption etc, chrome book is fine. If you need it for photo editing or something cpu intensive, get a laptop.

 

[andrewc]

Can you use a Chromebook without a connection to the internet? My understanding was that most documents were stored in the cloud.

 

[LongLensPhotography]

MS Surface tablets are perfect for you. I am sure you can find reasonably priced clearance version.

Even android tablet with bluetooth keyboard would be better than chromebook. I presume this is only for some document and emails or web...

 

[jeff127]

I have a 13" Macbook Pro at home, use a very beefy PC at work and yet adore my chromebook: snappy, fantastic battery life, light and has aged really well. It brings me a surprising amount of joy every time I use it. Admittedly it's not a convertible like you're looking at, but I don't think they're a bad shout.

I bought mine almost 3 years to the day ago and it's an Acer Chromebook 14 CB3-431 14 inch Notebook (Celeron N3060, 2 GB RAM, 16 GB Storage, Chrome OS) - Silver, bought refurbished (with warranty) for the grand total of £148.79. Ultimately it depends what you're trying to do with it but for that kind of price I'm so pleased with it.

 

[StewartR]

Thanks to everybody who's taken the time to respond. The diversity of opinions doesn't guide me to an easy solution, but it has pointed out some factors that I need to take account of in my decision. So thanks.