I have used Chromebooks for the past 5 years or so, and have owned 3 different models. The previous two were very inexpensive Asus models, which I thought were good for the price.This is a different level of Chromebook, and improves on "budget" models in a number of ways. Of course, it costs almost twice as much, but depending on your needs it might be worth it.Here's what I'm liking about this model most:Solid construction: My previous cheap Chromebooks had a cheap, plasticy feel. This thing is solid metal, which makes me a little more confident in it lasting longer (the previous two died after being dropped from a short height, and having a TINY bit of water get on it.) This Dell is MUCH heavier though because of this, but I don't mind that because I'm not traveling with it much.Nicer screen: The biggest weakness of my previous two Asus Chromebooks was the screen: they were very washed out, limited viewing angle, muted colors, tiny (11-inch), etc. This screen is much nicer, brighter, better colors, etc. I had always been fine with my 11-inch screens for most tasks, but the 15-inch is really nice to have. Of course, this screen isn't at the level of my MacBook's, but for the price, it seems nice.Touchscreen/Tablet Mode: This wasn't a must-have feature for me, but it has been nice. When doing certain tasks (like when my kids are doing "learning" software), or watching a movie, flipping it into the tablet mode is nice. There's even a smartly stowed stylus. The touch screen is good, not great. I have to touch twice to register a tap sometimes, but it's not too bad.Here's what's okay:Performance is good. It seems to do better with video calls than my previous Chromebooks. I can't say I see a HUGE different with any particular task, but I also don't tax the system that much probably. Battery life also seems fine. The ports are also good. USB-C is definitely nice to have, especially since the charger can go on either side of the laptop now!Here is what I'm not liking as much so far:Trackpad: The trackpad is actually not as nice, functionality wise, as my cheapo Asus Chromebooks. It's not quite as sensitive, the click is louder, and it requires more pressure. I actually had to return the first one I ordered because the trackpad was loose/rattly. I will say, the trackpad does feel a little more "heavy" or "solid" overall, at least. So, it's not bad, just wish it was a little better.Keyboard: The keyboard is fine, and I like that it's backlit - never had that on my cheapo Chromebooks I'm a little worried about the space bar, though - it occasionally feels like there's something sticking underneath it, or that depressing it is not as "smooth" as it should be. This comes and goes. Hopefully it goes permanently at some point.Overall, I feel like the upgrades you get with this Chromebook are probably worth the extra couple hundred bucks. A cheapo Chromebook is still fine for some tasks, but the larger/nice screen, solid construction and touchscreen functionality are certainly nice to have. I would have given it 5-stars across the board if not for the trackpad and the troubling space bar, but maybe those issues will fade.