Samsung Chromebook 550 review

Does the new Samsung Series 5 Chromebook overcome past problems?

Samsung Series 5 Chromebook
New Chromebook from Samsung

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While many of the specifications we've mentioned are great in theory, a lot of the Samsung Series 5 Chromebook's success relies on the new and improved Chrome OS. The revamp includes a more desktop-like experience, with icons for your favourite apps displayed on a desktop wallpaper of your choosing.

Samsung Series 5 Chromebook XE550C22 review

Chrome OS apps

It looks good and works well at helping users from traditional operating systems acclimatise to the Chromebook's way of doing things.

Samsung Series 5 Chromebook XE550C22 review

Chrome OS picture editing

As you'd expect from a Chromebook running a light operating system from a speedy solid state drive, the Samsung Series 5 Chromebook XE550C22 boots up in a matter of seconds, and after logging in you can dive straight into browsing the internet. The boosted hardware inside this Chromebook gives it a much sprightlier and smoother feel as you're browsing the web and running apps.

Samsung Series 5 Chromebook XE550C22 review

Chrome OS multiple windows

However, we still experienced playback problems when running high definition video, both from a USB stick and streaming it online. While a Chromebook isn't ever going to be an all singing, all dancing media machine, it's disheartening to see a product this new - and at this price (£379 in the UK or $499.99 in the US for the Wi-Fi-only model, or £429/$549.99 for the 3G version) - struggling with 1080p video.

Samsung Series 5 Chromebook XE550C22 review

Chrome OS presentation

Apart from that, things have certainly been tightened up. When we used the first generation of Chromebooks we were dismayed at the lack of support for certain file types. Not knowing if your Chromebook was able to open or play a file resulted in an extremely hit and miss, not to mention frustrating, experience.

Samsung Series 5 Chromebook XE550C22 review

Chrome OS remote desktop

Added support for most of the popular formats is a very welcome addition, and makes the Chromebook far more enjoyable to use.

Samsung Series 5 Chromebook XE550C22 review

Chrome OS games

Battery life is pretty decent, with about six hours of heavy use, although considering the specs we were hoping for quite a bit longer. It's slim, light, (25.5mm thick and 1.4kg) and looks great though, so you'd have no problem taking it around with you.

Samsung Series 5 Chromebook XE550C22 review

Chrome OS handling docs
Matt Hanson
Managing Editor, Core Tech

Matt is TechRadar's Managing Editor for Core Tech, looking after computing and mobile technology. Having written for a number of publications such as PC Plus, PC Format, T3 and Linux Format, there's no aspect of technology that Matt isn't passionate about, especially computing and PC gaming. Ever since he got an Amiga A500+ for Christmas in 1991, he's loved using (and playing on) computers, and will talk endlessly about how The Secret of Monkey Island is the best game ever made.