The Toshiba Chromebook 2 (CB35-C3350) ($429.99 as tested) offers more power than most of its lower-price counterparts, settling into a middle ground between budget Chrome OS-based laptops and high-end chromebooks like the Google Chromebook Pixel and the Dell Chromebook 13. With an Intel Core i3 processor and a brilliant 1080p In-Plane Switching (IPS) display, the Chromebook 2 can tackle work, as well as entertain, thanks to its sharp screen. However, its battery life was fairly short in our rundown test, and Chrome OS is still best-suited to Web browsing and simple tasks, so the extra processing power might not be necessary. The Asus Chromebook Flip (C100PA-DB02) remains our Editors' Choice chromebook for its lower price and aluminum build, but if you're set on Chrome OS and want more power and a nicer, larger screen, the Toshiba Chromebook 2 might be right for you.

Design and Features

The Chromebook 2 is made of silver-colored plastic, with a raised dot pattern covering the lid and base. The texture provides a good grip, though I can't help but think it would look and feel a bit sleeker with a smooth lid. The laptop measures 0.76 by 12.6 by 8.4 inches (HWD) and weighs 2.9 pounds. It feels nice and light to hold, even in the crook of your arm. The Asus Chromebook Flip measures 0.61 by 10.35 by 7.18 inches and weighs 1.96 pounds, though its slimmer height and weight can be attributed to its 10.6-inch size, compared with the Chromebook 2's 13.3-inch display. Systems closer in size to the Toshiba model include the Dell Chromebook 13, which measures 0.51 by 12.93 by 9 inches and weighs 3.23 pounds, and the HP Stream 13, which measures 0.77 by 13.25 by 9 inches and weighs 3.33 pounds.

The 13.3-inch display features a full-HD (1,920-by-1,080) resolution, just like the older Toshiba CB35-B3340 Chromebook 2, and IPS technology for wide viewing angles, allowing you to see a clear picture even if you're looking at it off-center. It's not uncommon for systems at this price to offer a 720p-resolution screen or leave out IPS technology—the Dell Chromebook 13 does the latter (and comes in at a higher price, too), while the Asus Chromebook Flip offers only a 1,280-by-800 resolution IPS display. Similarly priced laptops like the Acer Chromebook 15 (CB5-571-C09S) and the Toshiba Satellite C55DT-C5245 are missing IPS or 1080p resolution, respectively. Less-expensive systems like the CTL Chromebook J2 and the HP Stream 13 use 1,366-by-768 screens.

The keyboard features white LED backlighting, which looks nice against the silver frame, while the keys offer a bit of resistance. Whether or not that feels good while typing will depend on your personal preference, though I like a bit more travel. The trackpad is responsive, but it has a slight bumpy texture to it, which can be a little irritating on your finger.

The 16GB of solid-state eMMC flash memory is standard for chromebooks. Even the Dell Chromebook 13, a business-oriented system that costs almost twice as much, gives you just 32GB, as does the $1,000 Google Chromebook Pixel. The reason for the limited local storage is the expectation that you, as a Chrome OS user, will use cloud storage and Web-based Chrome apps. Google offers 100GB of free Google Drive storage for two years, after which you'll have to pay a monthly fee. Reliance on Web-based services is part of the Chrome OS ecosystem, especially since Windows programs like Word and Excel are not compatible with the platform, so keep that in mind if they are essential to your business or projects. Online apps like Google Docs and Sheets are your alternatives, and can almost always get the job done. Microsoft's online service, Office 365, offers similar Web-based alternatives that are closer to traditional Office programs, but it still doesn't provide the full experience.