Guessing you have noticed the very attractive prices of laptops called a Chromebook and maybe you are wondering ‘what’s the catch’
You may have no idea what a Chromebook is or maybe you have heard about them but don’t quite get it? Lets start off then with a basic definition.
A Chromebook is essentially a laptop (a computer that is portable and can sit in your lap) that runs Google’s own operating system based around the Chrome browser called Chrome OS hence the term ‘Chromebook’. In the same way that a laptop running windows could be called a ‘Windowsbook’ although I just made that term up – You get the idea!
What is Chrome OS and what is a Chromebook good for?
Now that we have got a basic definition of what a Chromebook is you need to know what it can do and if it will be a good candidate to replace your laptop (or not). Chromebooks are essentially any laptop computer (and it is only laptops at this stage) that run the Chrome OS operating system.
In much the same way that Windows laptops run Windows and Macbooks run Mac OS, a Chromebook runs Chrome OS.
At some point I will do a deep dive into all the bells and whistles of Chrome OS but essentially Chrome OS is Google’s own operating system and its ‘open source’ meaning its free to use and license (which is one of the reasons for competitive prices of Chromebooks).
Google realised that most people utilise various types of web based platforms to do common tasks these days and even traditional programs like Word have online versions so Google built an operating system that is built around the Chrome web browser with the added benefit of a desktop style environment.
This is the essence of Chromebook – A more powerful Chrome browser with the ability to store data offline (although Chromebooks work best when connected to the internet).
Being a Google product Chromebooks are integrated into the Google Play store app store (the same app store that Android phones use) so most apps stored in the Google Play store can be installed on a Chromebook. Need Microsoft Teams? No problem! Need to access word docs – You got it welcome Google Docs!
If you want to check your email then email providers like Exchange Online (Microsoft 365), Gmail, Hotmail etc have very well polished online versions that can easily be accessed by a Chrome browser tab.
Given that most processes completed on a Chromebook revolve around the Chrome browser, which when updated is very secure, then security is very good. ‘Traditional’ computer viruses are geared towards the main player in the computing sector which is to say Microsoft Windows and as such its very rare (although not impossible) for a Chromebook to get a virus.
Side Note – In fact its a common myth that Windows is ‘less secure’ that Mac / Chrome and this is just not true. The reason why most viruses are found on Windows devices is because Windows is the most common operating system (75% of computers run Windows) so that the system that virus creators aim for when creating malware/viruses etc.
Also because Chromebooks are geared around the Chrome browser without the need for the additional complexity of a traditional operating system they generally run for longer on more wallet friendly components.
Battery life tends to be 30% or more compared to a laptop running Windows or Mac OS and to get the sort of typical performance you would expect from a £700 Windows laptop you would only need to spend maybe £300 for a Chromebook.
So for everyday use – Browsing the web , watching Netflix, sending emails, twitter and maybe a bit of word processing a Chromebook makes a lot of sense. Can they be used by a power user and/or business users? Depends…. Read below
What is a Chromebook not good for?
So lots of good reasons to consider a Chromebook – Stylish , long battery, CHEAP, unlikely to get a virus etc. Do they have any downsides? Well yes.
If you are a business user, power user or gamer then you are likely going to need either very high end performance and/or access to business specific applications such as Sage Accounts / Microsoft Outlook / Steam etc.
Being based around a Chrome browser a Chromebook does not have support for many traditional ‘installed’ applications such as Sage Accounts 50 or Microsoft Outlook.
Many business users have already transitioned to online versions of these programs (Sage Cloud for example) however for those that still need the traditional installed offline version of certain programs or indeed need very high spec devices (to run Adobe Premier or Steam games for example) then a Chromebook is likely not for you.
There is also an element of user familiarisation required. Its a different operating system so it takes a little getting used too however being based on the Chrome browser most people will soon figure it out and if not we are on hand to help
Which ones are best ?
So if you are convinced that Chromebook is for you then check out some of our top picks
Why not start with a Chromebook made by Google themselves. at £549 for the 16GB/128GB option its a bit more than some others but still way less than a equivalent spec/speed Windows device. You get stunning looks, either a Full HD or 4K TOUCHSCREEN display, 1080p Webcam, 128GB of storage and up to 15 hours of battery life from a single charge!
£200 gets you a 2-1 Acer convertible 12″ chromebook with 4GB of ram and 32GB of expandable flash storage. Its nice and light and whilst not as powerful as the Pixelbook its plenty quick enough for everyday computing. Did I mention its £200 brand new!!
Fancy both a tablet and laptop but have a small budget? Enter the Lenovo IdeaPad 5 Duet. A super snappy 13.3″ Chromebook with a Full HD 13.3″ Touchscreen display, 8GB Ram, 32-256GB expandable flash storage, 10+ battery life and the screen detaches so it can be used as a fully fledged Chrome tablet with or without a included stylus. Think a much better value iPad Pro! Want to hear the best bit – It can be had for under £500
If you need further advice, help or just a chat about anything IT , broadband and comms then give us a shout