When it comes to portable devices, screen size often dictates usability. But what if you could have the perfect balance of portability and productivity? The XE340XDA-KA2US model offers just that with its unique 14″ display, a rarity in the Chromebook market. This device is designed to meet the needs of students and professionals alike, combining functionality with affordability.
Weighing just 3.2 lbs, this lightweight device is easy to carry, making it ideal for back-to-school or on-the-go use. It’s built to last with military-grade durability, ensuring it can handle daily wear and tear. Plus, with a 12-hour battery life and Wi-Fi 6 support, staying connected has never been easier.
So, is this the ultimate portable solution? Let’s dive deeper into its features and find out.
Key Takeaways
- Unique 14″ screen size for enhanced productivity.
- Lightweight design at just 3.2 lbs for easy portability.
- Military-grade durability for long-lasting use.
- 12-hour battery life for all-day performance.
- Wi-Fi 6 support for faster and reliable connectivity.
Introduction to the Samsung 14″ Galaxy Chromebook Go
For students and professionals seeking a budget-friendly productivity tool, this device stands out. Its 14-inch screen offers a perfect balance between portability and usability, making it ideal for schoolwork or on-the-go tasks. The samsung galaxy chromebook is designed to meet the needs of modern users, combining affordability with functionality.
One of its standout features is ChromeOS, which excels in cloud-based workflows. Students can easily access Google Classroom, Docs, and other tools without hassle. With 64GB of storage, offline document access is also a breeze, ensuring productivity even without an internet connection.
However, the $350 price has sparked some debate. While it offers solid features, there are cheaper alternatives available. TechRadar notes that this model might not be the most cost-effective choice for everyone. Additionally, its 4G LTE connectivity is locked to AT&T, which could limit its appeal for users on other carriers.
Here’s a quick comparison of its key features:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Operating System | ChromeOS |
| Storage | 64GB |
| Connectivity | 4G LTE (AT&T only) |
| Price | $350 |
Despite these limitations, the galaxy chromebook remains a strong contender for students and professionals. Its lightweight design, reliable battery life, and cloud-focused features make it a practical choice for everyday use.
Design and Build Quality
The balance between style and durability is crucial for any portable device. This model excels in both areas, offering a sleek design that’s built to last. Its textured black interior contrasts beautifully with the silver exterior, giving it a premium look. At just 12.88 x 8.88 x 0.63 inches, it’s compact enough to fit easily into a backpack, making it perfect for students and professionals on the move.
Slim and Lightweight Design
Weighing only 3.2 lbs, this device is incredibly lightweight. Its slim profile ensures it doesn’t add bulk to your bag. The 180° hinge allows for flexible viewing angles, whether you’re typing or watching content. However, TechRadar notes that the thick bezels around the screen might feel outdated to some users.
Military-Grade Durability
This device undergoes MIL-STD-810G testing, ensuring it can withstand accidental drops and shocks. The spill-resistant keyboard adds an extra layer of protection, making it ideal for busy environments. While the keyboard deck shows slight flexibility during typing, it doesn’t compromise the overall durability.
When it comes to connectivity, the device offers two USB-C ports and a microSD slot. Unfortunately, it lacks an HDMI port, which might be a drawback for some users. Here’s a quick breakdown of its design features:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 12.88 x 8.88 x 0.63 inches |
| Weight | 3.2 lbs |
| Ports | 2x USB-C, microSD |
| Durability | MIL-STD-810G tested |
In summary, this device combines a stylish design with robust build quality. Its lightweight frame and military-grade durability make it a reliable choice for everyday use.
Performance and Specifications
Performance is a critical factor when choosing a device for everyday tasks. The Intel Celeron N4500 processor powers this model, offering clock speeds ranging from 1.1GHz to 2.8GHz. While it handles basic tasks efficiently, heavy multitasking may push its limits.
With 4GB of memory, the device performs well for light browsing and document editing. However, opening multiple Chrome tabs or running demanding apps can slow it down. For users who need more, upgrading to a device with higher RAM is recommended.
Storage and App Compatibility
The 64GB eMMC storage provides enough space for essential files and applications. While it’s not as fast as an SSD, it’s sufficient for everyday use. The device supports Android apps, and testing with Asphalt 8 showed smooth gameplay, making it suitable for casual gaming.
One standout feature is its compatibility with ChromeOS, Linux, and Android. This flexibility allows users to switch between platforms seamlessly. The fanless design ensures quiet operation, though it may struggle with thermal management during prolonged use.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Celeron N4500 (1.1-2.8GHz) |
| Memory | 4GB RAM |
| Storage | 64GB eMMC |
| App Support | ChromeOS, Linux, Android |
In summary, this device delivers reliable performance for everyday tasks. While it has some limitations, its versatility and compatibility make it a practical choice for casual users.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery performance is a key factor for users who rely on their devices throughout the day. The battery life of this model is advertised as lasting up to 12 hours, but real-world usage tells a different story. According to TechRadar’s test, the device lasted 11 hours and 18 minutes during video playback, which is impressive but falls short of the claimed 12 hours.
All-Day Battery Life
While the 12-hour claim is optimistic, streaming content reduces the battery runtime to around 6 hours. This discrepancy is partly due to the 6W TDP processor, which balances power efficiency but struggles with demanding tasks. For users who prioritize time away from the charger, this is something to consider.
Brightness settings also play a significant role. Higher brightness levels can drain the battery faster, so adjusting this can help extend usage. Compared to ARM-based alternatives, this model still holds an advantage in overall battery life, making it a solid choice for casual users.
Fast Charging Capabilities
When it comes to recharging, the 45W USB-C charger is a standout feature. It can take the device from 0% to 100% in just 2 hours, ensuring minimal downtime. This is particularly useful for users who need a quick boost before heading out.
Here’s a quick comparison of the advertised and real-world battery performance:
| Metric | Advertised | Real-World |
|---|---|---|
| Video Playback | 12 hours | 11h 18m |
| Streaming | N/A | 6 hours |
| Charging Time | 2 hours | 2 hours |
In summary, while the device doesn’t always meet its advertised battery life, it still offers reliable performance for everyday use. Fast charging and efficient power management make it a practical choice for users on the go.
Connectivity and Integration
Staying connected is essential in today’s fast-paced world, and this device delivers. With advanced features like Wi-Fi 6 and seamless device integration, it ensures smooth workflows and reliable communication. Whether you’re transferring files or managing notifications, this model keeps you in sync.
3X Faster Wi-Fi
One of the standout features is Wi-Fi 6, offering theoretical speeds of up to 2.4Gbps. This means faster downloads, smoother streaming, and lag-free browsing. According to TechRadar, this technology is a game-changer for users who rely on stable internet connections.
Wi-Fi 6 also improves performance in crowded networks, making it ideal for busy environments like offices or schools. With this feature, you can enjoy uninterrupted connectivity, even when multiple devices are connected.
Seamless Device Integration
The Phone Hub feature allows you to manage notifications and messages directly from your device. This integration ensures you never miss important updates, even when your phone is out of reach.
For file transfers, Quick Share offers impressive speeds, making it easy to move data between devices. However, the LTE connectivity is limited to AT&T, and the lack of 5G support might be a drawback for some users.
Bluetooth 5.1 ensures reliable connections with peripherals like headphones and keyboards. This enhances the overall user experience, especially for those who rely on multiple devices.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Wi-Fi 6 Speeds | Up to 2.4Gbps |
| Phone Hub | Notification Management |
| Quick Share | Fast File Transfers |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 for Peripherals |
In summary, this device excels in connectivity and integration, making it a reliable choice for users who value seamless communication and fast data transfers.
User Experience and Usability
A device’s usability often hinges on its ability to balance functionality and comfort. This model aims to deliver a seamless experience, but how well does it succeed? Let’s explore its keyboard, trackpad, and display quality to find out.
Keyboard and Trackpad
The keyboard layout is compact, which may feel cramped for users with larger hands. While typing is comfortable for short sessions, prolonged use can lead to fatigue. The trackpad, however, is responsive and supports multi-touch gestures, making navigation smooth during tasks like Linux use.
Display Quality
The screen features a 1366×768 TN panel with a pixel density of 112 PPI. While this resolution is adequate for basic tasks, it falls short compared to higher-end competitors. The display offers 250-nit brightness, which is lower than the 300-nit standard, affecting visibility in bright environments.
An anti-glare coating helps reduce reflections, improving usability in various lighting conditions. However, the contrast ratio could be better, as darker scenes appear washed out. The 720p webcam performs decently in Zoom calls, though it lacks the sharpness of higher-resolution cameras.
In summary, this device provides a functional user experience but has room for improvement in display clarity and keyboard comfort. Its trackpad and anti-glare coating are standout features, making it a practical choice for everyday use.
Conclusion: Is the Samsung 14″ Galaxy Chromebook Go Worth It?
Choosing the right device for daily tasks can be challenging, especially when balancing budget and performance. The samsung galaxy chromebook is a solid option for LTE-dependent students who need affordability and connectivity. Its durability and lightweight design make it a practical choice for on-the-go use.
However, the galaxy chromebook may not be ideal for media consumption due to its screen limitations. For users seeking better performance, alternatives like the Acer Swift 1 offer more power at a similar price point.
In conclusion, this device is a best buy for students prioritizing durability and LTE connectivity. While it has some tradeoffs, its value at $250 makes it a worthy consideration for budget-conscious users.