Toshiba Chromebook 2 Review
/The Toshiba Chromebook 2 is a quite capable Chromebook where it counts. The Chromebook 2 comes in two variants; “Standard HD” screen (1366x768, priced $219 US) and “True HD” (1920x1080, priced $329 US). Both come with a well outfitted spec list which easily bests competitors in the price range. The list includes a Intel Celeron processor, 4GB RAM, 16 GB SSD, Dual Band Wireless-AC, Bluetooth 4, Skullcandy audio and last but not least an IPS display. Additionally, Google has sweetened the purchase of a Chromebook with 1TB of Google Drive space for two years (via Google Drive Blog), which is a $240 value as long as it is purchased by January 31, 2014. Is the Toshiba Chromebook 2 as good as it appears? Read on to find out.
“Chromebooks have become increasing popular in addressing the need for 1:1 solutions in the K-12 market. I am a proponent of their use and believe they provide a terrific low cost, manageable platform for education. However, when we as educators provide students with one device on which they access all of their course materials such as textbooks, assignments, etc. and on which to produce deliverables it must be of a quality that is comfortable to work and read for long periods of time. This is not an isolated issue with Chromebooks, almost all 1:1 laptop solutions on the market use downmarket TN display panels that are difficult to look at for the extended periods of time, yet we expect our students to use them. Reading text on screen is one of the most challenging aspects of computer use for the user’s eye. How do we expect our students to overcome the discomfort of eyestrain related issues while attempting to read and produce at the level we want them to when we provide them with such inferior tools?”
This review is based on the Toshiba Chromebook 2 with True HD. The two variants are identical in all aspects other than screen. The “True HD” variant has an 1920x1080 IPS display panel-this the best available on any Chromebook other than Google’s Chromebook Pixel (starting at $1,299). Neither variant of the Chromebook 2 are touch screen devices like some on the market from other manufacturers. Yet, at this point Chrome OS has not been designed/optimized for touch. The True HD screen is sharp, but what is displayed on it is tiny because Chrome OS is resolution dependent and does not scale as is found with Mac OS X on Apple’s retina display devices like the MacBook Pro. However, after some tweaking of settings the higher resolution True HD display is quite comfortable to work with (Settings > Advanced Settings > Web Content, set Font size to “Large” and Page zoom to “125%”). This does not change the Chrome OS icon and tool size which will remain small. Currently there is not a way to change the system defaults outside of changing the default screen resolution which would negate any benefit of having the True HD screen. Overall, the display is sharp with vibrant colors as are expected from a 1080p IPS display. It is important to note how good the screen experience is and for me it is one of the most important aspects when using and choosing a device. It is the window through which the one accesses all content other than audio and it must be comfortable to gaze upon for long periods of time. The Toshiba Chromebook 2 True HD with some tweaking of settings passes that test. Unfortunately, nearly all of Toshiba’s competitors in the Chromebook market can not pass the comfort test due to their reliance on downmarket TN (Twisted Nematic) display panels.
Audio on the Toshiba Chromebook 2 is surprisingly decent for the price. Toshiba toutes that it was tuned by Skullcandy, a company known more for its inexpensive and trendy fashion aesthetic than audio quality. There are no visible speakers on the device. The speakers reside on either side of the keyboard with produced audio vented through the keyboard. It does provide a decent audio experience. Yet, if one listens closely while typing, their hand position may slightly affect sound, such as when reaching for the “ESC” or “backspace” key. All in all, the Chromebook 2 has a good sound for a low-end laptop yet lacks the bass that many Skullcandy products produce.
Physically, the Toshiba Chromebook 2 is housed in an all plastic shell and weighs 2.95 lbs. The plastic is textured on top and bottom and is colored to resemble aluminum. The base of the Chromebook feels solid and provides a decent typing base in the lap. However, the sharp outer edges of the palm deck become quite uncomfortable under the wrists. The sharpness is particularly acute when typing in the lap, but not quite as apparent when using the device seated at a desk or table. Dissimilar to the base, the screen lid lacks rigidity and feels hollow, easily flexing when handled. The keyboard is well spaced yet feels slightly spongy, but better than most in this price range. While being acceptable, the slight spongyness of the keyboard does cause the user premature keyboard fatigue. Overall, the build quality is fairly good yet feels a bit chintzy while handling due to the flimsy nature of the screen lid and the overt overly sharp corners of the keyboard deck.
Performance of the Toshiba Chromebook 2 is quite good for knowledge work. I do consider myself a power user routinely having many windows open, listening to music either through a streaming service or youtube, typing in Google Docs and continuously switching tasks. There are many other available reviews with tested benchmarking available. Yet from an average workflow experience the Chromebook handled quite well without any noticeable lags in processing, graphic power, or network performance. It boots and wakes almost instantaneously. Performance wise it provides a pleasing Chromebook experience and lives up to expectations.
Verdict
Pros:
- Great screen with tweeks
- Decent sound
- Good performance as expected
- Well spaced keyboard
- 3lbs
Cons:
- Sharp outer edge of keyboard deck
- Slightly spongy keyboard
- Flimsy screen encasement and textured plastic case feels chintzy
There are aspects of the Toshiba Chromebook 2 that could be improved upon, but one has to step back and consider the budget nature of this chromebook. Currently priced at $329 for the “True HD” IPS display and solid performance, it is a reasonable package and quite easily the best chromebook available outside of the Google’s Pixel ($1,299).
