Skip to main content

Samsung now offers a Chromebook Pro with a backlit keyboard for cave dwellers

Samsung Chromebook Pro review
Bill Roberson/Digital Trends

Samsung now offers a version of its Chromebook Pro with a backlit keyboard for the same price as the original model. To find it, just go to the company’s Computing/Chromebooks section on its website, where it lists all six Chromebooks Samsung has to offer. The only real difference between the two outside the illuminated keyboard aspect appears to be in the Bluetooth component, with the original packing Bluetooth 4.1 while the wireless keyboard version rolls back to Bluetooth 4.0 likely for cost balance reasons. 

Samsung introduced the Chromebook Pro on May 28, 2017, designed for professionals. It was one of the first to ship with Google Play right out of the box, providing owners with the cloud-based benefits of Chrome OS, but also support for locally installed Android apps. Both aspects are backed by a 12.3-inch screen and a 360-degree hinge supporting Laptop, Stand, Tent, and Tablet modes. 

Recommended Videos

Key Specs

 
  • Screen size: 12.3 inches
  • Resolution: 2400 x 1600
  • CPU:  Core m3-6Y30
  • Graphics: HD Graphics 515
  • Memory: 4GB
  • Storage: 32GB
  • Sound: 2x 1.5-watt speakers
  • Camera: 720p
  • Connectivity: Wireless AC, Bluetooth
  • Ports: 2x USB-C, more
  • Battery: 39WHr
  • Weight: 2.40 pounds
  • Color: Metallic Black
  • Accessory: Samsung Pen
  • Price: $599 

 

Please enable Javascript to view this content

Nearly a year later, the backlit version of Samsung’s Chromebook Pro still relies on Intel’s sixth-generation Core m3-6Y30 processor released in the third quarter of 2015. That said, the dual-core chip is showing its age given we’re knee-deep in Intel’s eighth generation, sporting a base speed of 900MHz and a maximum speed of 2.20GHz. Then again, Chrome OS isn’t a highly demanding operating system like Windows 10, so you really don’t need the latest, fastest chip on the planet designed just for mobile. 

As the list shows, Samsung’s Chromebook Pro includes 4GB of LPDDR3 (aka low-power memory), 32GB of flash-based storage, and a Micro SD card slot for additional storage. You’ll need that slot given the Chromebook supports Google Play, as Android apps will quickly consume your 32GB of internal space and you’ll need extra room for your downloaded media. 

Other notable features outside the backlit keyboard include a built-in 720p webcam, two USB-C 3.1 Gen1 ports, a headphone/microphone combo jack, Wireless AC connectivity up to 867Mbps (2×2), and Bluetooth 4.0. The audio aspect is provided by a Realtek component powering two 1.5-watt speakers. All of this is backed by a 39WHr batter promising up to nine hours on a single charge. 

“Samsung Chromebook Pro’s sleek and lightweight design with the rotating display lets you switch from tablet to notebook anytime and the built-in Pen is ergonomically designed to write or draw naturally, never needing a charge,” the company says. “Featuring a high-resolution Quad HD touchscreen display, users can experience vivid pictures and immersive viewing with bright videos.” 

As stated, the Chromebook Pro ships with a pen that slides into the Chromebook’s body. With this peripheral, you can doodle, sketch, edit photos, take screenshots, magnify the screen and more right on the Chromebook Pro’s touch-capable display. 

Samsung’s Chromebook Pro variant with a backlit keyboard is available now for $599 on Samsung’s website. Also, check out our review of the original model.

Kevin Parrish
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Kevin started taking PCs apart in the 90s when Quake was on the way and his PC lacked the required components. Since then…
Cursive note-taking app now on all compatible Chromebooks
The Chrome OS Cursive App on a sample chromebook.

ChromeOS version 102 is now available as an update for Chromebooks, bringing three new features, including the rollout of a new Cursive app, improvements for magnification, and some new alerts relating to USB-C cables.

If you're on a Chromebook that supports a stylus, the new Cursive app should be the biggest highlight for you. This app originally launched last year on select new Chromebooks, and now Google says it is rolling out to all Chromebooks with a stylus. Cursive makes it easier to capture, edit, and organize notes on your Chromebook, using a stylus with features like sketching drawings, pasting images, and sharing as PDF.

Read more
Google teases a true video editor for its Chromebooks
Luma Fusion Running on Chrome OS

Chromebooks might have better battery life, security, and performance when compared to MacBooks and Windows PCs, but video editing has always been their weakness. That might soon change, though, as Google recently teased a true video editor for Chrome OS during the annual I/O developer conference.

As mentioned at around the 18-minute mark in a "what's new in Chrome OS" video, Google says it is planning to bring LumaFusion to Chromebooks. This video editor is already quite popular on iOS, yet Google says it has worked closely with the developer of the app to create a "powerful multi-track video editing experience on Android optimized for large screens" on Chrome OS.

Read more
All the new Chromebook features quietly announced at Google I/O
A beta showing off Google's plans for Android and Chromebook app streaming.

At the annual Google I/O developer conference, Google announced several new features coming to Chrome OS later this year. The majority are designed to bring Android phones and Chromebooks closer together with cross-device synergies like communication and app streaming.

As discussed in a 23-minute-long breakout session video, one of the top talked-about features coming to Chrome OS soon is Camera Roll. With this one, you can open and share recent photos from your Android phone on your Chromebook. It will be coming "later this year" and will live in the Chrome OS Phone Hub. From there, you can simply drag and drop the listed photos as needed.

Read more