Chromebook vs x220 vs ???

[PointandClick]

I've been looking for a small/light Linux machine to use for basic web browsing, remote management, ssh, etc. I don't want to spend a whole lot because I really don't need another machine, and I want something I can toss around without feeling bad about it.

A Chromebook was my first thought since it's about the only cheap machine you can get that's not going to be a brick. 4gigs of ram is a minimum, and since I want to put Linux on it, I would prefer Intel. I think an 11" screen would be too small for me. This pretty much leaves me with the Toshiba Chromebook 2. While the 1080p screen would be great, I just can't help but think that $300 is a bit much for what you get.

My next thought is you can find used/refurb x220's for about $200. Even if I had to buy a new battery, I would probably still come out less than the Toshiba and have a way more capable machine. I have some small SSD's I could slap in it. The tradeoff here is weight and a crappy display, although to be honest 1080 on a 13" screen may be a little too small anyway.

Other thought is to wait and see if we see any Broadwell Chromebooks or MS's supposed competitors.

Any other suggestions to look at?

 

[CEpeep]

I have an Acer Chromebook and it's great. I run Ubuntu on it. I paid about $150 for it. I could have gotten a refurb or something for the same price, but it gets 9 hours of battery life, which isn't something I'd ever be able to get if I went with used or older-generation hardware. If long battery life is attractive to you, check out a Chromebook. If build quality and upgradability are more important, go with the x220 for sure.