Toshiba Refreshes Chromebook 2 Models With More Power, Battery Life

Fifth-generation Intel CPUs, improved displays and backlit keyboards are added to Toshiba’s Chromebook 2 laptops, giving users more power and improved usability.

In a key upgrade, Toshiba in October will offer its Chromebook 2 laptops with faster fifth-generation Intel Core i3 or Celeron processors, replacing the fourth-generation Intel processors of previous Chromebook 2 devices.

The upcoming Chromebook 2 gets an improved, higher resolution 13.3-inch diagonal Full HD (1,920-by-1,080) display that includes IPS technology, allowing it to be read from an angle by users. The display is engineered to fit into the machine’s 12-inch chassis.

The new Toshiba Chromebook 2 machines will be available with up to 4GB of RAM and will include LED backlit keyboards for easier use in dark places. Each Chromebook 2 weighs about 2.9 pounds.

The upgraded Chromebooks also get front-facing stereo speakers from Skullcandy as well as dual array microphones and an HD Webcam.

The Chromebook 2 machines feature 802.11ac WiFi, as well as a USB 3.0 port, a USB 2.0 port, an HDMI output, an SD card slot and a security lock slot.

With an estimated battery life of 8.5 hours on a charge, the Chromebook 2 offers users daylong performance when they can’t be near a wall socket.

The Chromebook 2 will be priced at $329.99 with an Intel Celeron processor or $429.99 with and an Intel Core i3 processor. Google has been promoting Chromebooks since the first one was unveiled in June 2011, two years after the company introduced the Chrome OS.