So we’ve narrowed down the options between going balls-in on a cell phone that can do everything or a normal-ass laptop. Let’s look at the options for laptops to see if there is anything compelling.
1. Google Pixelbook
| Spec | Points | |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | i5 | △ |
| RAM | 8GB | 〇 |
| Storage | 256GB | 〇 |
| Screen Size | 12.3 in | 〇 |
| Resolution | 2400 x 1600 | 〇 |
| Arrow Keys | T-Style | 〇 |
| Charger | USB-C | 〇 |
2. Samsung Chromebook Plus V2
| Spec | Points | |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Celeron | △ |
| RAM | 4GB | △ |
| Storage | 64GB | △ |
| Screen Size | 12.2 in | 〇 |
| Resolution | 1900*1200 | △ |
| Arrow Keys | T-Style | 〇 |
| Charger | USB-C | 〇 |
3. Lenovo Flex 14
| Spec | Points | |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Ryzen 5 3500U | 〇 |
| RAM | 12GB | 〇 |
| Storage | 256GB | 〇 |
| Screen Size | 14 in | 〇 |
| Resolution | 1920×1080 | △ |
| Arrow Keys | Fat-Style | × |
| Charger | Barrel | × |
5. Lenovo Thinkpad e495
| Spec | Points | |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Ryzen 5 3500U | 〇 |
| RAM | 8GB | 〇 |
| Storage | 256GB | 〇 |
| Screen Size | 14 in | 〇 |
| Resolution | 1920×1080 | △ |
| Arrow Keys | T-Style | 〇 |
| Charger | USB-C | 〇 |
Summary:
So we can start by eliminating the lower scoring options. First the Lenovo Flex 14 is a spec improvement over what I have, but barrel jack power, same resolution and then fat keys means that it doesn’t offer any benefit in the key areas I’m looking to improve on. Next is the Samsung Chromebook. I can overlook the general low specs with the Celeron/4GB/64GB if the laptop can make up for it else where, which it almost does with the pen and USB-C input. The main place where this computer falls short is the resolution with 1900×1200 which does not seem like enough for my use. But this computer is compelling so I might take another look at it.
The main comparison comes down to the Thinkpad e495 versus the Pixelbook. And the main difference is screen resolution versus specs. As while they appear similar on the surface I think the Thinkpad has the advantage with ddr4 and nvme drive. But the main upgrade I’m looking for in resolution. So the specs almost make up for it, but I think I would go with the Pixelbook over the Thinkpad, but I would go with the Thinkpad if it had the option to upgrade to 1440p post-market. But there are three really compelling options here. So I might have to look at the Chromebook options a little bit more to see which ones support coreboot.
