Buying guide forBEST CHROMEBOOKS
Since they were first introduced in 2011, Chromebooks have slowly been redefining what laptops are — instead of being computers with local software and storage that cost an arm and a leg, Chromebooks run all of their applications a web-browser based operating system, Chrome OS, and they’re a lot more affordable than typical PCs or Macs. They’re designed for users who do most of their computing work online, and Google handles care-and-feeding tasks like security updates so users never have to bother.
Since they were first introduced in 2011, Chromebooks have slowly been redefining what laptops are — instead of being computers with local software and storage that cost an arm and a leg, Chromebooks run all of their applications a web-browser based operating system, Chrome OS, and they’re a lot more affordable than typical PCs or Macs. They’re designed for users who do most of their computing work online, and Google handles care-and-feeding tasks like security updates so users never have to bother.
Most Chromebooks are budget models — modest laptops that only cost a few hundred dollars — but there are plenty of them that are built to compete with high-end traditional laptops as well. Mid-level Chromebooks are the most popular, because they’re affordable without feeling underpowered. We prefer models with 8GB of RAM, so it’s easy to have a ton of tabs open, but models with 4GB of RAM are fine for most students and entry-level users.
The Chromebook market is pretty crowded, and it can be a challenge to differentiate the so-so models from the ones worth buying. Here’s everything you need to know to pick the right Chromebook for your needs.
WHAT IS A CHROMEBOOK?
First things first: What is a Chromebook and how is it different? Most laptops run on Windows, and those made by Apple run on MacOS, but Chromebooks run on Chrome OS.
Chrome OS is just another operating system, but if you’re used to Windows or MacOS, the look and feel will be different. Rather than programs, Chrome OS has apps, and it runs mostly online, with most of your documents stored online, in the cloud.
Let’s take a look at the good and the bad things about Chromebooks.
Chromebook strengths
Since Chromebooks rely on cloud storage, you can access your files from other computers and devices, as long as you have an internet connection.
Chrome OS is based on Google’s Chrome internet browser, so it’s super easy to learn and get used to.
Chromebooks are incredibly secure. Google provides frequent updates, and if a Chromebook is ever lost or stolen, you can remotely logout so your content can’t be accessed by anyone else (and getting setup on a new Chromebook is as easy as signing in to your Google account).
Due to their lightweight operating system and SSD hard drives, Chromebooks take as little as eight seconds from being switched on to being ready to use.
Chromebook flaws
Although some apps can be used offline, you need to be connected to the internet to get the most from your Chromebook. It’s not ideal if you like to use your laptop on the go in places with no Wi-Fi.
You can’t use your existing software – such as Photoshop or Microsoft Office – on a Chromebook, although you will find alternatives.
You’ll probably end up paying for cloud storage. Google gives all Chromebook owners a free 100GB of Google Drive storage, but only for two years. After that you’re downgraded to the usual 15GB free storage, unless you’re willing to pay for an upgrade.
“You can’t use the full Microsoft Office suite on a Chromebook, but you can access an online version of Office. However, Google has its own Office-like suite, which many users find just as good – and it’s free.”STAFFBestReviews
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