What is really the best ‘first computer’ for less than 300 euros?

Let’s take a practical example, which coincides with my case from a few years ago: we enter university and we need a computer, so we go to a store and see the prices. Our budget is 300 euros, but there is a lot to choose from and we don’t have much of an idea: Windows or ChromeOS? How are they different?

You may base yourself on the size of the computer to have something more manageable and in the end you end up with a bad purchase (as happened to me), or you may prioritize another section that you are not really going to take advantage of, so today we are going to explain the key points of these two operating systems, as well as commenting on which cases (because there are) it is better to opt for a tablet.

Choose a Windows computer

Windows is one of the most widespread operating systems, so you can usually find it on computers sold in stores. It is quite useful for a wide variety of cases, especially in relation to the compatibility of applications such as those in the Microsoft 365 (Microsoft Office), which is only available to install on Windows, although the web version can be used on other operating systems.

While it is true that, for example, to play video games it is the favorite choice of users due to the performance that the most expensive computers usually offer, if we have a budget of 300 euros it may be the worst choice we can make. Because?

Many of the computers under 300 euros will come with very fair processors, such as the Intel Celeron. Continuing with the university example, it’s not that you won’t be able to use it, it’s that in a short time you will have a computer that works much worse than when you bought it.

It is also worth mentioning that Windows is a very complete operating system that incorporates functions and applications for a wide variety of uses. Many of them start in the background, even if we do not use them, which consume requirements of the computer itself and can lead to worse performance. Especially if the computer comes with the latest versions, such as Windows 11 Home or Windows 11 Pro.

Although there are not that many computers, some of them come with Windows 11Swhich aims to offer better performance at the cost of being more limited, such as the obligation to use Microsoft Edge or only allowing applications to be downloaded through the Microsoft Store. This means that if, for example, you want to install Chrome or Zoom outside of the Store, you will not be able to do so without exiting S mode.

Choose a computer with ChromeOS

ChromeOS is an operating system created by Google which is usually found in inexpensive computers called Chromebookso its appearance is quite similar to what we find in Chrome, the web browser. It is aimed primarily at environments in which good performance is required when browsing the Internet or writing text.

While it is true that over time compatibility with applications has expanded with options such as access to Google Play or the execution of apps based on GNU/Linux, it is below the compatibility we find in Windows. However, for its intended use, this should not be a problem.

Furthermore, one of the advantages that ChromeOS has over other operating systems such as Windows is that It’s “lighter”. It doesn’t have as many features, so if we compare two computers with the same components, the one with ChromeOS installed will have better performance.

As a tip, you may be much more familiar with Windows and might be hesitant to make the jump to ChromeOS. If you already have a computer at home, laptop or desktop, you can use ChromeOS Flex to see what the operating system is like and thus do your homework about what you can find on the computer you want to buy.

If you really don’t know what the performance of a Windows computer will be like, the idea is clear: a computer with ChromeOS may be more useful to you, because as it is an operating system that requires fewer resources, it will perform well, both at the beginning and over time.

Choose a tablet

If I want a computer, Why would I choose a tablet? You may be asking yourself this question, and it is normal. For years, tablets have served as a complement to a mobile phone, to watch multimedia content or play a video game. But currently we can find powerful models that can be very useful when studying.

Over the years we have seen increasingly powerful tablets arrive that in many cases even come with their own keyboards. And we cannot ignore that most tablets, at least with a price limit of 300 euros, can be smaller than laptops. If you value portability a lot, that it does not take up much space in your backpack and that it weighs little, this option may be attractive to you.

The main thing here is that If you are going to buy a tablet that includes a keyboard, that at least works correctly. To give another example of my own, a while ago I bought a tablet that included a keyboard, but the response time was so long that it is totally inadvisable to use it, especially if it is to take notes.

Of course, you have to know that since it is a tablet, you will only be able to connect external accessories (such as a keyboard or mouse) through its Bluetooth connectivity, unless you have a USB-C adapter at home or want to buy, although it is more advisable to go for the former.

The good and the bad of the three options, face to face

We do the math to see which one can compensate you more.

The three options have their advantages and disadvantages, so before opting for one of them it is advisable to know exactly how we want to use them.

If what you are looking for is a computer that allows you to download and install exclusive Windows applications, such as Microsoft 365, it can be useful in certain cases.

• Actual use: Let’s say you are going to use the computer occasionally because you already have another family member at home.
• The accounts: You spend approximately 300 euros to be able to take some notes in class using applications like Word.
• So? If this app is essential for you and you are really going to use the computer occasionally, it can last you a long time. On the other hand, if you are going to use it every week, it is very possible that its performance will drop sooner rather than later.

However, if you opt for a computer with ChromeOS because you need it to take notes almost every day, it may be cheaper in the long run because it will last longer.

• Actual use: You want to use the computer every (or almost every) day to take notes in class.
• The accounts: The computer will cost you approximately the same as another that comes with Windows.
• So? If you don’t need the exclusive Windows apps and can make do with those available for ChromeOS, the choice is clear because the latter computer will be able to last longer until you have to change it.

On the other hand, if you need a device with which you can write text and you also highly value portability, a tablet may be much more attractive to you.

• Actual use: You carry your tablet to class every day in a backpack in which you also carry many books.
• The accounts: A tablet with a budget of 300 euros can last you many years.
• So? You can use it daily without its performance completely declining.

In summary:

👉 Choose Windows Yeah: you need to install an app that is only found on this operating system.

👉 Choose ChromeOS Yeah: You want your computer to perform better and last much longer.

👉 Choose a tablet Yeah: You are looking for the most compact format to take to class.

Recommended models

Windows: Acer Aspire Lite

If you are going to buy a computer with Windows, our recommendation is to go for the Acer Aspire Lite because it comes with the Windows 11 S version, so this way you will have better performance. It is ideal for studying due to its 15.6-inch IPS screen, and although it is not really light, its weight of 1.6 kg is not exaggerated for its size either.

Of course, it is more designed to be used online, without installing too many apps, because it comes with 128 GB of storage. Furthermore, due to its Intel Celeron processor, it is aimed at basic use. If, for example, you have 15 tabs open, the computer chokes.

ChromeOS: Asus Chromebook

On the other hand, if you have decided to buy a computer with ChromeOS, our recommendation is the Asus Chromebook. Incorporates a anti-reflective screen 15.6 inches, which can be useful to avoid sun glare. Its processor is an Intel N50, it weighs 1.59 kg and in this case it comes with a wireless mouse and a protective case, as well as a three-month subscription to Google AI Pro with Gemini Pro and 2 TB of cloud storage.

Tablet: Lenovo Idea Tab

On the other hand, if you are looking for a more compact format and you are attracted by the possibility of using a tablet as an alternative to a computer, our recommendation is the Lenovo Idea Tab. Its screen is 11 inches and offers a 2.5K resolutionwhich means that you will be able to watch multimedia content with very good quality.

To this we must add that its processor is the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 and that it has 256 GB of internal storage compared to 128 GB for computers with Windows or ChromeOS. In addition, it not only includes a keyboard case, but also comes with a stylus with which you can write or draw.

Do you want to see more models?

If you are not convinced by any of the models we have proposed, you can consult our guides on the computers with the best quality-price ratio and the tablets with the best quality-price ratio.

Some of the links in this article are affiliated and may provide a benefit to Xataka. In case of non-availability, offers may vary.

Image | Ijeab and rawpixel in freepikMicrosoft, Google, Acer, Lenovo

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