The Dell Chromebook 13 ($799.99 as tested) is a business-class chromebook featuring better-than-typical build quality and faster hardware than the majority of its Chrome OS contemporaries. Its superior hardware, specifically an Intel Core i5 processor, results in a snappier system that doesn't struggle with multitasking, but the price is also much higher than most chromebooks, and there are similarly equipped alternatives for the same price or less that provide access to full access to Windows. The Asus Chromebook Flip (C100PA-DB02) remains our Editors' Choice for chromebooks given its affordable price and quick performance, while the Lenovo ThinkPad E450 is a slightly less-expensive Windows solution.

Design and Features

The aluminum frame that houses the Chromebook 13 measures 0.51 by 12.93 by 9 inches (HWD) and weighs 3.23 pounds. The lid is made of carbon fiber, and the overall, the chromebook feels well made and sturdy It could stand to be a bit slimmer and lighter, however, especially compared with the Asus Chromebook Flip, which weighs just 1.96 pounds and measures 0.61 by 10.35 by 7.18 inches. But it stacks up well against other 13-inch systems like the Windows-equipped HP Stream 13 (13-c020nr), which weighs 3.33 pounds. Even the slick Google Chromebook Pixel measures 0.6 by 11.7 by 8.8 inches and weighs 3.3 pounds.

The 13.3-inch display has a full-HD (1,920-by-1,080) resolution, which is higher than most chromebooks. The Asus Chromebook Flip, the Lenovo 100S Chromebook, and the Dell Chromebook 11 Non-Touch—all 11-inch models—have screen resolutions of 1,366 by 768 or lower, though they do cost hundreds of dollars less. The Chromebook 13's larger, higher-resolution display means more screen real estate, which is particularly useful for multitaskers. The Toshiba CB35-B3340 Chromebook 2 is one of the few chromebooks with a 13-inch full HD screen, but it uses a less-powerful (and less-expensive) Intel Celeron processor. The Acer Chromebook 15 (CB5-571-C09S) offers the largest screen size at 15.6 inches, also at full HD resolution. Only the $1,000 Google Chromebook Pixel offers a sharper, 2,560-by-1,700-resolution display.

The spacious, backlit keyboard is nice to type on, and the keys have good travel. The touchpad's glass surface is very smooth, responsive, and feels good to use. The speaker volume isn't tremendous, but the sound quality is decent, which, combined with the high-resolution screen, means you can watch movies on the laptop without a problem.

Chrome OS is well-suited to basic work and entertainment, with Chrome Web apps like Docs and Sheets serving as able replacements for the Windows programs like Word and Excel. While this may be incompatible with some business environments, these and other Internet-based Chrome OS alternatives for those who need to work mostly online, watch videos, and do simpler photo or video editing will get the job done. Also, your IT folks can use Google's Chromebook Management Console to control your users' access, manage network settings, and keep track of inventory.