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Apr 12, 2022 · But is a Chromebook right for you? Our Chromebook buying guide has the answers to these and other questions.
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By Cat Ellis
published 30 June 2021
Opting for a Chromebook could save you a lot of money, but is it right for you?
Should I buy a Chromebook?
Should I buy a Chromebook? Many have asked this question, wondering if these devices are just the affordable yet capable portable they’ve long been looking for.
Much like traditional laptops, not all Chromebooks boast the same features, capabilities, and price tags. Some are more powerful than others, a handful are more feature rich than the rest, and a small number even come with a premium price tag.
These days, there are Chromebooks that will set you back $1,000/£1,000/AU$1,300, even though they still won’t be able to run software from outside the Google Play and Google Chrome Stores. They just have higher specs and more premium builds. Some Google Chromebooks, like the Google Pixelbook, will set you back even more. Still, most Chromebooks are either cheap, making them excellent for students, or at least reasonably-priced at the very least.
The key difference between Chromebooks and other laptops is the operating system. These laptops come with Google Chrome OS installed instead of the traditional Windows or macOS.
ChromeOS is rather like a mobile phone operating system and can only run apps from the Chrome Web Store or the Google Play Store. That’s on top of heavily utilizing the Chrome browser for most tasks.
Although that sounds a tad restrictive, you’ll be happy to know that there are thousands of apps to choose from and all the basics are covered. For text documents, spreadsheets and presentations you have Google Docs, Sheets and Slides. For movies and TV, apps like Google Play Movies, Netflix and Amazon Prime Instant Video are on hand. There are even apps for quick photo editing including Adobe Photoshop Express.
However, Chromebooks work best when connected to the internet. Chrome OS will update silently in the background when you’re online, and your documents sync to your Google account so you can access them anywhere. But, thanks to these apps, you can now use Chromebooks while offline.
There are two types of Chromebook: traditional laptops and two-in-one devices that effortlessly turn into tablet-like computers. Many Chromebooks have touchscreens, but those that don’t won’t work as well with apps downloaded from the Google Play Store, since those apps are designed chiefly for mobile devices.
Chrome OS can run on less powerful hardware than Windows 10 or macOS, which means Chromebooks are often more affordable than other laptops. For example, the Lenovo IdeaPad Duet Chromebook is a great Chromebook that comes in at under $250/£200/AU$300 – ideal for a student budget.
Just remember that often, the cheaper the Chromebook is, the less storage space it’ll have – typically 32GB or 64GB. If you’re using Google Docs, Sheets and Slides for your work, this won’t be an issue as all your documents will be saved to the cloud rather than your device. It’s also not a problem if you’re streaming video and TV shows.
However, if you plan on keeping large files on your device like photos and videos, you’ll need to add an SD card. Luckily, most Chromebooks have a slot for one. And, if you’re looking for one that doesn’t have an SD card slot, you can always invest in an external HDD or a portable SSD.
There are also some premium Chromebooks with more storage, like the Google Pixelbook, if you have the budget for it. Just bear in mind that for that same price, you could get a Windows 10 laptop with equally good specifications.
Finally, there are limitations to the peripherals you can connect to a Chromebook. You can connect a printer, keyboard, mouse or even monitor as long as that accessory doesn’t require its own driver or software to work. Luckily, most peripherals these days are plug and play, and only really utilize their accompanying software for customizations.
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- Chromebooks are underpowered. This is a common misconception that dates back to the Chromebook's launch, when it was mainly used for accessing the internet via the Chrome browser.
- You can only use Chrome on Chromebooks. It's understandable -- yet incorrect -- to think that Chromebooks, which run on ChromeOS, can only use a Chrome browser.
- Chromebooks aren't safe to use. Chromebooks have multiple layers of protection to keep your data safe. For example, you'll get automatic updates from Google so your device always has the latest patches.
- Chromebooks don't work offline. While the first models were designed to be used online only, Google changed that long ago so that many Chromebook apps will work with or without an internet connection.
Mar 26, 2021 · If you're wondering, "What is a Chromebook?" here's all you need to know about what powers the device, its ecosystem, and if it's the right choice for you.
- Kevin Parrish
Not sure if a Chromebook is right for you? Start by making a list of exactly what you need to do on a computer. Include what you'd like to do, too. If everything on your list is done in a...
- Joshua Goldman
- Managing Editor / Advice
Jul 19, 2024 · A Chromebook can be a cheap alternative to a laptop, but should you buy one? Which? experts reveal the best Chromebooks, plus their advantages, disadvantages and features. We explain what you need to know about Chromebooks, and reveal the top Chromebooks from our extensive lab tests.
Nov 22, 2022 · Chromebooks aren't like regular computers — so are they right for your needs? These four questions will help you find the answer. Credit: JR Raphael, IDG. Google’s ChromeOS is one of the world’s...
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