"Built for everyday use and perfect for sharing with others (if you really have to)...Finally, a hassle-free computer. No annoying updates. Nothing complicated to learn. No expensive software to buy. Starts in seconds. And comes with all your favorite Google apps." This is how Google introduces it new Samsung-built Chromebook.So what exactly is a Chromebook?
Well, it is a laptop which runs Google Chrome Operating System - NOT ANDROID! (The Chromebook is currently in its third generation as of October, 2012)
Unlike other "regular" Microsoft Windows or IOS based laptop, a Chromebook is designed to be used MOSTLY while connected to the Internet. It means that while a regular laptop relies heavily on applications/programs that are installed and stored on it's local hard drive, the Chromebook relies heavily on web-based apps and services.
PROs:
- Very affordable
- Boots in under 10 seconds
- Very light/portable
- Very attractive - at least the ones that I have seen
- You have lots of apps to choose from
- You get 100GB of Google Drive cloud storage for 2 years - i'm not sure what happens after that.
CONs:
- The Chromebook is Internet-access dependent even though the newer models are able to do several things offline and sync when you are connected later. Now this is the real bummer, especially if you live in an area which experiences poor Internet service.
- Limited on-board storage space - presently 16GB at most is whats available
- You're not going to be able to install the same programs you would install on a Windows-based system
- Most of your work will be in "the cloud". Something most persons are not yet comfortable with.
Final Verdict:
Now I know you might be tempted to believe that because of the many pros as opposed to the fewer cons that I would strongly recommend the Chromebook, but you'd be wrong.
In reality i'm going to have to agree with Google; The Chromebook "Looks like a laptop, feels like a laptop but…" it isn't quite the laptop you'd expect it to be. Would I buy one? NO. To me it would make more sense to just go out and buy a Netbook and that not going to happen either.
In reality i'm going to have to agree with Google; The Chromebook "Looks like a laptop, feels like a laptop but…" it isn't quite the laptop you'd expect it to be. Would I buy one? NO. To me it would make more sense to just go out and buy a Netbook and that not going to happen either.
Although I won't buy a Netbook to use personally, I would recommend buying a good one over the Chromebook any day because of the same Internet thingie. The truth is Netbooks and Chromebooks have their target people, i'm just not one of them.
ReplyDeleteCool makes you think twice before purchasing, but I still see it being ideal for the not so tech savy. just check their emails look at shows, just the not so technical stuff.
ReplyDelete