2014 has seen the take-off of many devices. Android Wear has grown massively this year. Another product which has had a very good year is Chromebooks. Their cheap price but fast functionality has attracted great attention this year and a real alternatively to the lower end laptop market. As a result, we have seen a number of Chromebooks hitting the market from all the big names. Asus was of those names with the release of their C200 and C300 Chromebooks earlier on in the year. The only real issue (although it’s debatable how much of an issue it is) is that Chromebooks rely heavily on an internet connection. If you don’t have one then some functionality is lost.
As the Chromebook market increases then so does the solution for the ‘Chromebook without connection’ issue. One route to the solution has come from Google making an increasing number of apps available for use offline. Another solution has come in the means of LTE Chromebooks. In short, a Chromebook with a connection. It now seems Asus have launched an LTE variant of their popular C300 Chromebook. Asus have not officially announced the launch of the LTE C300 but in spite of this the LTE C300 is already available to purchase at Best Buy.
The LTE variant is pretty much the same as the standard version offering a 13.3″ display. Inside the LTE C300 comes with 2GB RAM (which is expandable to 4GB) and a 2.16GHz Intel Celeron Processor. In terms of storage the LTE variant again does not differ offering 16GB internally. Additional features on offer include a webcam, mic, 2 USB ports (2.0 and 3.0), WiFi and Bluetooth. In terms of price. the LTE variant is up for $299.99 straight out. Of course, as this is an LTE you can opt for a connected account. If you do via Best Buy then the LTE C300 is available with $100 off at $1999.99. this will involve two year contract with Verizon. If you are in the market for a cheap connected Chromebook then this might be the option for you. If you don’t mind a reconditioned unit then you should probably also check out a refurbed HP Chromebook which is up for 229.99 and comes with 200MB data free every month and not requiring any further charges.
