Google's Chrome OS platform has exploded in popularity recently, taking around 20% of PC sales in the US last year. But should we actually be buying Chromebooks? Are they really a match for Microsoft's long-standing Windows OS? Chromebooks bring a range of advantages, and wrap it up in a super affordable package, but many refuse to go near a Chromebook because of their limitations. So should you buy a Chromebook?
The idea behind Chromebooks are that most of what we do on a computer these days is done within a browser, so why do you need the rest of the OS? Google created an OS that was essentially the Chrome browser running on basic Linux software. This means anything you can do in the Chrome browser, you can do in Chrome OS. That includes browsing the internet, watching YouTube, working using Google Drive documents, creating basic programming and playing basic browser games, and much more. There's a whole load of apps, plug-ins and themes available from the Chrome Web Store to enhance your experience. For most of you reading this, a Chromebook offers everything you need from a laptop. But there are some drawbacks as well.
The problem with Chrome OS is that anything you do outside of the browser on your Windows PC can't be done on a Chromebook. For many features you use on Windows, there is a Chrome alternative to keep it working, but often it doesn't work as well and sometimes there simply isn't a solution. For example, many complain about Chrome's lack of photo and video editing software; obviously there are photo and video editing apps for Chrome, but they only offer basic features that can't compete with the full software in Windows. And of course, many PC users will be gaming on Windows. If all you play are little browser games, then you'll be fine. But if you've even heard the name Steam they Chrome OS is not for you. Surprisingly, Microsoft Office is not a problem and you can easily work on a Chromebook, it's just more of a hassle. Google Drive offers similar functionality to Microsoft Office, but the documents aren't compatible with each other, so to bridge the gap you'll need to use Google's Quickoffice software to get them working together. Or if you have a Microsoft Skydrive account, you can log-in to the Skydrive website and access of create full Office documents within the Chrome browser. What you really need to know is that Chrome OS can't do everything Windows can, which is why most reviewers only recommend it as a secondary laptop. But it can do about 98% of what Windows can, and as long as that 98% covers what you need then you're good to go. But if not, then you should probably only get a Chromebook as a second laptop or not bother at all.
So if Chromebooks can't do everything Windows can, then why are we buying so many of them? Well, price is obviously a big factor, but Chrome OS has many other advantages over Windows including speed, simplicity and security. Google are on a mission to
prove Chromebooks are unhackable, and it's a given that Chrome OS is faster and easier to use. Google's software is not much more than a browser with cloud based services, whereas Windows requires almost 50GB of software to be loaded up and run. This means Chromebooks can turn on in less than 10 seconds and run smoothly with barely any lag, and most current Chromebooks claim to offer all day battery life.
prove Chromebooks are unhackable, and it's a given that Chrome OS is faster and easier to use. Google's software is not much more than a browser with cloud based services, whereas Windows requires almost 50GB of software to be loaded up and run. This means Chromebooks can turn on in less than 10 seconds and run smoothly with barely any lag, and most current Chromebooks claim to offer all day battery life.
Chromebooks aren't for everyone, and if you use Steam a lot or do serious photo and video editing, then perhaps you should stick with a Windows laptop. But if you do want to join the Chromebook game, then this guide hasn't finished yet, because there are a lot of Chromebooks to choose from and picking the right one is important. So, diving straight in, if you are really, really strapped for cash then the new Dell Chromebook 11 is the cheapest Chromebook on offer, but not the worst. In fact, it features the same Intel Celeron processor and 11.6" HD screen as the others, yet comes in at a wallet friendly £159/$199. However, for just a little more at £199 or the same $199 in the US, you can pick up the Acer C720 Chromebook. This is the one I recommend as the one size fits all Chromebook, suitable for every environment and it works for just about everyone. This is the most popular Chromebook on sale, and it's obvious why. But it is also limited to an 11.6" display, so if you want more screen space then the brand new Toshiba Chromebook 13 fits the bill. It is essentially the same device as the C720, with exactly the same specs apart from packing a larger 13.3" display. The Toshiba costs a little more, but is still very affordable at £249/$279. However, if you have cash to spare but would rather have a Chromebook than a MacBook or high end PC, then the Google Chromebook Pixel beats everything in it's class and costs a mere £1,048/$1,299. Only purchase if you have very deep pockets.