There’s a new Toshiba Chromebook 2 in town
The new Toshiba Chromebook 2 2015 version adds more processing power and a backlit keyboard.
I called the Toshiba Chromebook 2 awesome in my review but the new model (same name but different model numbers) is even err… awesomer! Why? Because you get a better processor and a backlit keyboard.
Chrome OS is great for what it’s designed to do. Last year’s Toshiba CB2 works really well and in my opinion is excellent value for money.
If on the other hand you intend to buy the chromebook to install Linux on it, well then, that’s another story. Last year’s CB2 with Linux installed is more than capable of handling tasks that most users need to get done on a laptop.
Those users that need to do more resource intensive work should really go for the newer model. It’s a broadwell processor and comes in 2 flavours: the Intel Celeron 3215U version (model CB35-C3300) and the Intel Core i3-5015U version (model CB35-C3350).
For us in the UK, these chromebooks are not available yet with Amazon saying that they’re not sure when it will be back in stock. 🙁 Update: It appears these Chromebooks won’t ever be available in the UK since Toshiba announced they will soon stop making consumer laptops in favour of business laptops. These Toshiba models will also become harder to find as the stock runs out.
If you need help installing Linux on the new chromebook you can use my guide but I would also recommend reading this additional guide for more specific info on the newer model (Thanks Josh for your work on that).
Use the table below to make it easier to compare and decide which model is better for you:
| Toshiba Chromebook 2 (2014) | Toshiba Chromebook 2 (2015) | ||||
| Standard | HD | HD | HD | ||
| Model No. | CB35-B3330 | CB35-B3340 | CB35-C3300 | CB35-C3350 | |
| Processor | Intel Celeron N2840 | Intel Celeron N2840 | Intel Celeron 3215U | Intel Core i3-5015U | |
| Memory | 2GB | 4GB | 4GB | 4GB | |
| Screen | LED | Full HD IPS | Full HD IPS | Full HD IPS | |
| Resolution | 1366 x 768 pixels | 1920 x 1080 pixels | 1920 x 1080 pixels | 1920 x 1080 pixels | |
| Can Hard Drive be replaced? | No | No | Yes | Yes | |
Based on the ability to add a higher capacity hard drive, price and spec, I would recommend spending a little extra to buy the newer CB35-C3300 or the more powerful CB35-C3350 for more processing power.