A friend asks, what is currently the best Chromebook to buy? My answer is the Acer Chromebook Spin 13 CP713-1WN-53NF
.
I [last revisited this topic](https://writing.frankmcpherson.net/computers/2018/10/31/time-for-new-computer.html) in October 2018 when I was planning to buy a new computer. At that time I decided to buy the Pixelbook due to an end of year discount. At that time the only model of the Spin 13 being sold was the low end version that had an i3 processor, 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of storage for $699. Compared against that model, I believe my Pixelbook is better.
The model that I now (as of June 27, 2019) recommend has an 8th gen i5 processor, 8 GB of RAM, 128 GB of storage, and a 13.5-inch monitor, and this is the high end model for $744 on Amazon. An additional 8 GB of RAM will cost nearly $200 more for the highest end model, which I don't think is worth [the price](https://www.amazon.com/Acer-13-5-Ci58250U-128GB-Chrom/dp/B07JZ8DYPR).
As of July 25, 2019 Acer began selling a model of the Spin 13 that has an 8th gen i7 processor, 16 GB of RAM, and 128 GB of storage
for $1569. Previously Acer had a 16 GB version of the Spin 13 for near this price that had an i5 processor. The combination of i7 and 16 GB or RAM make this a more favorable option if you are willing to spend that amount of money. I would keep an eye on the price as it is likely to drop over time. We have also seen discounts on the i5/8GB model and frankly I think its a non-brainer purchase at near $500.
Reviews
Yes, it’s cheaper and better than the Pixelbook in many ways, but not quite as good in a few. I’ve been using the Spin 13 as my daily driver for over week, and here’s what I think: Despite a few small flaws, the Acer Chromebook Spin 13 should be near the top of the list for any heavy-duty or enterprise Chromebook user. About Chromebooks ![]()
See Chrome Unboxed's video review Chrome Unboxed ![]()
The Spin 13’s most visible feature is its screen, a 13.5-inch display that features a resolution of 2,256 by 1,504 pixels. (This is the same size screen, though at a lower resolution, that the Microsoft Surface Book 2 features.) The size is a throwback to the laptops of yesteryear, before widescreen (a 16:9 or 16:10 aspect ratio) became popular. The Spin 13’s aspect ratio of 3:2 means it’s much taller than the typical laptop, and when combined with the bezels around the screen, the machine looks like a square rather than the more traditional rectangle. Forbes ![]()
### What About The Lenovo C630?
On paper the Lenovo has the best specs, particularly if you desire a computer with a 4K display. I am turned off by its size and the fact that you have to buy direct from Lenovo in order to insure you get the model with a backlit keyboard. If these items don't bother you then you may want to consider this computer. See Chrome Unboxed's review: page ![]()
## What About The ASUS Chromebook Flip C434?
The question is, which is the best Chromebook and in my opinion the C434's m3 processor knocks it out of contention for such consideration. However, if the price of the Spin 13 is a little too high, consider [the 4 GB/64 GB storage model](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Q2RB6BY/). I would not buy the 8 GB model given that its price is near the same as the Spin 13 that I recommend. See Chrome Unboxed's review: page ![]()
## What About The Next Pixelbook? First, it is not currently available and we don't know when it will be released. More significantly, [speculation](https://www.aboutchromebooks.com/news/atlas-pixelbook-processors-acer-chromebook-13-lenovo-yoga-c630-hp-360/) is that the processor will be the same as the one used in the Spin 13. Consequently, it appears there will not be much technical benefit in a near future Pixelbook beyond being made by Google, design aesthetics not withstanding.