Samsung announced on Friday that it has a new 11.6-inch Chromebook 2 model with an Intel processor inside. The company is taking pre-orders now for a meager price of just $249.99, and it will begin shipping the laptop during the week of October 20, 2014.
The new Chromebook 2 features an Intel Celeron N2840 processor clocked at 2.58 GHz (1 MB L2 Cache), 2 GB of DDR3L 1333 MHz memory, Intel HD graphics, and 16 GB of internal storage. The screen is 11.6 inches and provides a 1366 x 768 resolution.
As for additional hardware, the new Chromebook 2 includes two 2 watt stereo speakers, a 720p HD webcam, and a battery promising up to 9 hours. The device measures 11.40 x 8.60 x 0.66 inches and weighs 2.65 pounds -- a rather thin and light form factor.
"The Chromebook 2 can effortlessly be carried anywhere," the press release said. "The build is nearly seamless, supported by a strong metal frame from top to bottom and covered with a leather-like case, giving the Chromebook 2 the look of an expensive briefcase. In addition to adding a premium design, this material adds functionality by making the device easier to grip and hold – especially important for students and children."
By comparison, the original Samsung Chromebook features a Samsung Exynos 5 Dual processor clocked at 1.7 GHz, 2 GB of DDR3L RAM, 16 GB of internal storage, two 1.5 watt speakers, and a 0.3MP webcam. There's also an 11.6-inch LED-lit screen with a 1366 x 768 resolution.
Samsung also offers the Chromebook 550, which includes an Intel Celeron 867 processor clocked at 1.3 GHz, 4 GB of DDR3 1333 MHz RAM, and 16 GB of internal storage. Other features include two 2 watt stereo speakers, a 1MP webcam, wireless networking connectivity, a 12.1-inch LED-lit screen with a 1280 x 800 resolution, and more.
There's also the Samsung Chromebook 2 SKU that runs on the company's Exynos 5 Octa 5420 clocked up to 1.9 GHz. This notebook also includes an 11.6-inch screen with a 1366 x 768 resolution, 4 GB of DDR3L 1600 MHz RAM, 16 GB of internal storage, Wireless AC and Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity, a microSD card slot and more.
Samsung is essentially launching a new version of its Chromebook 2 with an Intel chip inside; three are already available with the Exynos 5 processor. For more information about the company's Chromebooks, head here.
Follow Kevin Parrish @exfileme. Follow us @tomshardware, on Facebook and on Google+.
