Google’s Chromebook line of computers has seen an increase in popularity lately, and there are many reasons why this is happening.
Some schools now require students to use Chromebooks instead of computers running Microsoft Windows or Apple OS X operating systems.
Still, plenty of other people also purchase Chromebooks to get the most out of their computing experience.
Google Chromebooks are some of the most affordable laptops available today, but that doesn’t mean you should buy one just because it’s cheap.
In fact, if you’re considering Chromebooks for your business, you need to ensure they fit your specific needs and don’t cause problems in other areas of your business operations before you commit to them.
Fortunately, there are plenty of good reasons to buy Chromebooks if they suit your needs and situations where they might not be the best choice.
You’ve heard the hype, Chromebooks are the wave of the future. But are you aware of them? What are they used for? Are where Chromebooks good for? What are the Pros & Cons of Chromebooks? Who should buy Chromebook, and who should not buy them?
In this article, we will discuss everything about Chromebooks that makes your decision easier whether you should buy them or not.
So, let’s get started.
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What is Chromebook:
A Chromebook is a laptop running Google’s Chrome OS as an operating system (OS).
Chromebook is designed to work in conjunction with applications and services available via the web, but it’s also capable of running certain Android apps and offline-accessible documents.
A typical laptop or desktop is loaded with an operating system (OS) like Windows 10, which allows you to download various applications. Using a web browser, such as Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox, to access online services is often more efficient than installing an app.
That’s because software updates are done seamlessly in most cases. And all your data emails, calendar events, and so on can be accessed from any connected device or service wherever there’s an internet connection.
Chromebooks are extremely easy to use since the entire interface revolves around the Chrome web browser and its associated extensions, but they have their downsides, too.
How Does A Chromebook Work?
It’s an operating system that exists in the cloud. Instead of buying and installing software, it works with web-based apps and programs.
This makes it fast and simple to use but also pretty limited compared to traditional laptops.
A Chromebook is designed to be used almost entirely while connected to Wi-Fi.
If your internet connection goes down, it will cease functioning entirely (so keep an eye on that).
Still, there are some great options out there, many with long battery life and other conveniences, and they’re worth checking out if all you need is something basic.
What Is The Main Purpose Of Chromebook:
If you’re not sure what Chromebooks are or if they’re even worth considering, let us take a moment to explain. Their main purpose is to help you to get things done faster.
They are fast and secure and can support multiple users, while traditional laptops/computers like Apple, Lenovo, Dell, HP, Asus, etc., do not support this feature.
Chromebooks were created as an alternative to laptops; it is one of several types of cloud computing devices.
What does that mean? It means your data, everything from settings to documents, will be stored online in Google Drive, Dropbox (or another cloud provider).
This takes some getting used to if you’ve always been on PCs and Macs, but it also means less fuss: no need to install updates, anti-virus software, malware scans, or other maintenance tasks.
What’s The Difference Between Chromebook And Laptop:
Operating System is the main difference between laptops and Chromebook. Laptops run on Windows or Mac Operating systems, while Chromebooks run on Chrome OS, a web-based Operating System.
Chrome OS is the skinned version of the Chrome browser with some additional functionalities.
A laptop is typically more expensive than a Chromebook. While a laptop requires an external keyboard and mouse, in most cases, users can connect their Chromebooks to both devices.
If you’re using your computer for business purposes or need to use software that isn’t yet available on a Chromebook, it might be worth investing in another device.
However, if what you need is an inexpensive way to browse webpages and write documents and emails (you probably don’t even want Microsoft Office on your laptop), it might make sense to get a Chromebook.
Are Chromebook Good For School/College Students:
If you’re wondering whether or not college students should purchase one of these laptops, don’t be surprised if they show up with one in tow.
Google claims that 75 percent of schools that have adopted its Google Apps suite have also purchased Chromebooks to use alongside it. But what are they good for, and is a Chromebook an ideal laptop option?
Whether for personal use or as part of a classroom, there are many different uses for your Chromebook. As it can easily be carried from place to place, students can take notes in class and access their work from anywhere.
Read More: Are Chromebooks Good For Students?
Teachers can utilize Google Classroom, which integrates with all of Google’s online apps.
Teachers can access student projects and homework assignments using cloud storage through any browser-enabled device.
And because it can easily connect to Wi-Fi at school or home, students don’t have to worry about running out of data mid-semester! Whether in high school or college, having your own Chromebook is an affordable way to study smarter while saving time and energy on technology that may not be available at school.
Are Chromebooks Good For Gaming?
One of the first questions that often comes up when discussing Chromebooks is whether or not they’re capable of gaming.
The short answer to this question is yes, with some caution; because many games rely on advanced features like anti-aliasing and complex visual effects, it’s fair to say that these titles are designed with PCs in mind and may look worse on a Chromebook.
That said, if all you want to do is experience modern video games with your friends over Google Hangouts, there’s no reason why you can’t run classics like Rocket League or Fortnite in medium settings.
Additionally, Google recently unveiled its Stadia streaming service; whether or not it pans out remains to be seen, but it could make owning an expensive gaming PC obsolete.
As Chromebooks do not support some heavy games, if you want to play heavier games on your laptop, then Razer is a well-known brand for gaming laptops that you can consider for gaming.
Which Is Better, Chromebook Or Laptop:
Both Chromebook and laptops have their features and functionalities. Chromebooks are cheaper than laptops and are very secure compared to laptops because they run on Chrome OS, have a very long battery life, and are lightweight.
Laptops are much more powerful than Chromebooks and can run more programs than Chromebooks.
So, it depends on what you want from your system; if you want to do just web surfing, watch movies, or use Google apps for school and college, then Chromebook is a better option for you, but if you want to run some heavy software like video editing, graphic designing, Solidworks or any other than a laptop is the best option for you as they are more appropriate for this purpose.
What Are The Best Chromebooks For School/College Students:
Here are some of the best Chromebooks you can use for your school/college, web surfing, watching movies, and doing any online task. Their price ranges from $300 to $900, and all have their specification.
1: Lenovo Chromebook Duet: This is an affordable Chromebook for everyone. Their price is $299. It has 4GB ram and 128GB storage with 10.1 Inches display and is ultra-portable with 2 in 1 device. It has a detachable keyboard and kickstand cover.
2: Acer Chromebook Spin 713: The best option for buying a Chromebook in 2022. It has an Intel Core i5 CPU, Intel UHD ram with 128GB storage, and 13.5 Inches display size. It is very lightweight, has only 3 pounds weight and is easy to carry. Their price is $699.
3: Asus Chromebook Detachable CM3: Like Lenovo Chromebook Duet, it is also detachable with 10.1 Inches display Intel Core m3-8100Y CPU, with 4GB ram and 128GB storage weight is only 2 pounds. It has a price of $329, which is very affordable.
4: Google Pixelbook Go: If you want a Chromebook with longer battery life, this is the best option. It has a slim design with a beautiful color display.
It has an Intel Core i5-8200Y CPU with 8GB ram and 128GB SSD storage, and 13.3 Inches display, and has only 2.3 pounds weight.
5: Lenovo C13 Yoga Chromebook: This Chromebook is a part of Lenovo’s renowned ThinkPad business line.
This Chromebook has all sorts of ThinkPad benefits, including red Trackpoint, a discreet touchpad click the button, a fingerprint sensor, a webcam shutter, and an aluminum design.
It has AMD Ryzen 5 Pro 3500C CPU with 8GB ram and 128GB SSD storage. It has 13 Inches display size with 3.2 pounds weight, and its price is $349.
Which Brand Is Best For Chromebook:
Too many brands provide Chromebooks, like Google, Samsung, Lenovo, Asus, Acer, Microsoft, etc.
All have their specifications; it depends on your budget and how much ram, storage, and battery life you want in your Chromebook.
Among all the brands, Lenovo, Acer, and Samsung are the best.
Who Should Buy Chromebook?
A Chromebook, specifically Google’s Chrome OS, is perfect for students, people who travel often, and anyone who needs to be online most of their day.
Most of Google’s apps, including Drive and Docs, are cloud-based, meaning all your files are safely stored online and can be accessed from any computer or mobile device with an internet connection.
Who Should Not Buy Chromebook?
If you work in an industry that relies heavily on specialized software or equipment, Chromebooks are not ideal.
You should still be able to do basic things like write documents and search online, but more advanced operations might not be possible.
For example, companies working in engineering or animation should stick with Windows laptops; many programs aren’t available for Chrome OS. If your company uses business-specific software like enterprise resource planning (ERP) applications, a Windows 10 laptop like Dell, HP, Lenovo, and Asus will generally be your best bet.
What Is The Pricing Of Chromebook?
The pricing of Chromebook depends on the model, ram, storage, processor, battery, and other factors, but their prices are very low compared to laptops or PCs.
Like Samsung Series 5 Chromebook’s price is $109, it has 16GB storage, 2GB ram, and 11.6 Inches display with a Dual-core processor.
Chromebook prices range from a minimum of $100 to a maximum of $1400, but premium Chromebooks start from $600 or up. They have good ram, storage, processor, and display in them.
Why Chromebooks Are So Cheap:
Until recently, laptops have mostly been sold on Microsoft’s Windows operating system, but more and more people have moved to use Google’s Chrome OS over time.
The low price of Chromebooks is one of their most compelling features. A Google Pixelbook costs about $1,000, similar to other premium laptops that run Windows but a $300 laptop running Chrome OS offers similar performance.
The biggest difference between a premium laptop and an Acer C720 or Asus Chromebit can be in build quality and software variety.
If your work involves typing up documents and surfing the web, you might want to save money with an affordable Chrome OS laptop.
Pros & Cons of Chromebook:
Chromebooks have been very popular among students and educators since their launch in 2011.
Chromebooks have a wide range of advantages over Windows and Mac OS-based laptops, but they also have some disadvantages, so we cannot say that they are the best option for every use.
Let’s discuss its Pros & Cons:
Problems With Android Apps On Chrome OS:
The biggest issue is that Android apps have been built to work with touch-based interfaces.
So, while they will run on Chrome OS devices, they often don’t make as much sense or use every feature of a Chromebook.
Many are also poorly optimized, forcing your machine to process them slowly.
If you want an app that works as it does on an Android tablet or phone, check its Google Play Store listing to see if it says Designed for phones and tablets in parenthesis next to its name; if it doesn’t, that means it was designed for larger screen sizes and could work awkwardly on your small screen.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Are Chromebooks Good For College Students?
Yes, Chromebooks are made especially for School/College students; some schools/colleges now require their students to use Chromebook instead of Windows or Mac OS laptops.
If you are a student, then Chromebook is your best option. However, Chromebook has some limitations in it, which we mentioned above.
If your school/college doesn’t need heavy software, you can go with a Chromebook.
Is Chromebook Good For Online Classes?
Yes, Chromebooks are specially made for students, teachers, and all those people whose work is mostly over the Internet.
As in Chromebook, everything is on the cloud, so students can easily take classes through different platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Team, etc.
How To Use The Zoom App On Chromebook?
You can use the Zoom app on Chromebook through PWA(Progressive Web Application).
You can install Zoom PWA from Google Play Store, and here you can use the Zoom app on your Chromebook after installing it from Google Play Store.
Can You Run Microsoft Office On Chromebook?
As we mentioned earlier, you cannot install Microsoft Office Setup locally on your Chromebook because Microsoft Setup runs only on Windows OS.
But you can use Microsoft Office on your Chromebook; the best option for running Microsoft Office is through Microsoft Office 365 App over the browser.
You can use Microsoft Office via browser and create, edit, and collaborate with your files on Chromebook.
You can also use Google Docs(Word, Powerpoint, Excel, Forms), which are Google Products.
Does Chromebooks Have A Camera?
Almost all the latest Chromebooks have a built-in camera installed, which you can use for taking pictures or video conferencing.
Some Chromebooks have a good-quality camera, but some have low quality; in case your Chromebook camera is not quite good, you can use an external webcam.
Does Chromebooks Have A USB Port?
Yes, all Chromebooks support USB C and traditional USB A ports. You can find a USB port alongside the microSD card reader or an HDMI input port.
Are Chromebook Touch Screens?
Almost all the latest Chromebooks from the past few years are touchscreen(2 in 1 laptop). Almost all the brands, like HP, Microsoft, Lenovo, Asus, etc., produce Chromebooks that are touch screens.
Final Thoughts On What Chromebooks Are Good For:
The popularity of Chromebooks is undeniable. With their lightweight design, big hard drives, and low price tags, it’s easy to see why they’re quickly becoming a must-have.
We have answered completely what Chromebooks are good for. Who should use it, and who should not?
Now, we hope all your doubts are clear, and you can easily decide whether you need a Chromebook.
They are best for students, writers, teachers, and all those who aim to use their laptops over the cloud system.
Chromebooks are highly affordable and versatile. Whether it’s done out of practicality or necessity, many people can’t afford to pay more than $200 (or so) for a laptop; however, they still want something that can do what other computers can.