Samsung Electronics XE500C13 Chromebook 3 2GB RAM 16GB SSD Laptop, 11.6"

Up until now, I've only ever used Windows computers - desktop and laptop varieties. I was always under the assumption I wouldn't like Chromebooks because I wouldn't be able to download things, but I'm happy to say I'm now a Chromebook fan.Who should buy this?: People looking to mainly use a web-browser and do light-duty activities; somebody needing a lightweight, portable device for on-the-go and don't want to lug around a heavy laptop; anybody on a budget who wants a basic computer.Who SHOULDN'T buy this?: Anybody needing to do heavier tasks such as gaming, video editing, etc.; Those needing to download specialty programs; anybody expecting high-res graphics and the functionality of a Windows PC.Why did I buy it?: I needed a portable laptop for writing and was on a small budget. i also wanted to buy a brand I'm familiar with.Verdict?: I'll definitely buy a more powerful Chromebook in the future now that I know I like this OS. I'm happy I took a shot with this little device and plan to use it for as long as it lasts.Extra Info: You do have access to the Play Store. Not all apps work, but I believe that's with Chromebooks in general and not just this device. Although, more powerful apps such as the larger games might not run (I haven't really tried.) You cannot download external programs outside of Play Store. The display is good, but not great (not high res). Battery life is good. You have to use a Google account to sign in, but you can sign up for one during set-up.Definitely buy if you're unsure about Chromebooks, need a budget computer to do basic web-based tasks, want something that's lightweight and portable.

I bought this computer for my daughter who is a secondary student. She was asking for a similar Chromebook that's comparable to the ones they use at school. As a devout Apple user, I was hesitant. For one, my kid decided to trade in her kindles and iPad to get a good upgrade. I would recommend this to parents because it provides a significant discount. After that, my daughter utilized the Amazon prime day getting a super great deal on the Samsung Chromebook. I think she paid under $50 total after trade-in and discounts.For the functioning of the Chromebook, I am impressed with its ability to work. My daughter is an aspiring writer and photographer. This computer has kept up with the artistic demands as long as the user stays within the capacity of apps. Through the google suite, my kid has edited beautiful photos that won awards recently. I also like that she doesn't have to be on wifi to write, once connected to a wifi the files update and save to the drive. There was no additional expense in-app purchases or software which I appreciate. I can say this little Chromebook is doing the work that is needed. Keep in mind we aren't gamers or major digital content people. It gets the job done at a quality rate for my student. She has even created a few vlogs for youtube without issue. If you're on a budget I recommend this computer. My daughter tells me for her commute for school and photoshoots, with her camera and jobypod, the computer is a tad heavier than what she likes. For her school backpack, the Samsung Chromebook is lighter weight but not comparable to the Mac air lightness.I recommend!

This is perfect for what I need: a lightweight, on the go, portable computer with the capacity to run word processing software and stream videos. The screen quality is a bit more pixelated then I thought it would be but it's still very vibrant and easy to read. Main con is the adapter. I saw a previous review stating the same thing, but the port attachment on the adapter is very weak and doesn't "clasp" into the computer and simply falls out or stops charging if it's not lodged next to a solid object, like a book or wall. Other than that, it's a decent buy. I liken it to a tablet with a keyboard attached. The battery life isn't bad either. The less you do, the longer it lasts. Streaming will kill the battery faster but if your only using it to write or do internet searches, it's pretty good (5 to 7hr).

I’ve had this for two days and so far so good! Arrived on time. User friendly for those less tech savvy like me. Step by step instructions when I first opened it were easy to understand. I was nervous going from Apple products to Google because I’m so familiar with my iPhone and old MacBook Air, but it’s been an easy transition. Weight and size are perfect if you need something easily portable; it can fit in my purse! Everything is loading at high speeds. I downloaded my Spotify and worked on my online classes simultaneously. The apps downloaded instantly. Google docs, gmail, etc already preloaded on the desktop. No glitches or slow internet or issues with the keyboard not typing like my old dell. I searched high and low for an affordable, quality laptop and I’m hopeful this is it. I’ve had bad luck with both my MacBook and dell crashing. At $143, it was definitely cheaper to buy this chromebook than to fix them. My only complaint is that I can’t find a caps lock button on the keyboard....

I'm new to Chromebook so far I'm loving this thing. I work for United Airlines and travel twice a week due to my job and this little thing is very light so my backpack doesn't feel like I'm getting ready to climb Everest as my other laptop does. The size also fits perfectly on the airline tray-table giving you a little more room than a fuller size laptop. This is a really perfect travel-sized device and I just can't get over the lightweight feeling of this. For the price, you can't beat this thing which brings me to the next topic and that is theft. I live in airports and there are predators that will scoop these things up very quickly as I've had so many people approach me as an employee telling me they just had their laptops or digital cameras were stolen. Leave the expensive gear at home and bring this, just makes logical sense to have these in public places instead of the $1000 device. Highly recommend.