Things To Be Considered Before Buying A Chromebook
Chromebook is a special kind of laptop. In fact, on a first look, they look like a standard laptop, with clamshell bodies, keyboards, trackpads, screens and ports around the sides. They even pack laptop-like hardware, but the software is what really defines Chromebooks. It’s called Chrome OS. This OS is developed by Google as a free and simple to use Web-Browsed interface that can perform the standard casual-activities most of us require from a computer. Those activities are browsing, watching movies, editing documents, listening to music and so on.
The below are the 6 things that one should consider before buying a Chromebook.
1. screen size :
The screen size of the Chromebook comes between 11.6 and 15 inches. The smaller the screen, the lighter and more compact the device. So it is clear to say it’s a portable device. But the screen quality is a bit poor. IPS panels or high-resolution displays are usually rare on Chromebooks.
2. Comfortable only with MacOS and Windows! :
We already know that Chromebooks are not based on operating systems from Apple or Microsoft. In case you are currently using a Google Chrome browser, Chrome OS shouldn’t be an obstacle to you. Actually, Chromebooks are designed to be used online, with your documents and other files which are saved to the cloud. Many applications are bookmarks that navigate you to a web page. You won’t get to use most of the apps you’re used to with your Windows and MacOS. You can use Microsoft Office online on your Chromebook. Ms.Office is available in Chrome Store. But the default is Google Drive, which is where you’d go to create documents and other files using Google Docs, the company’s online productivity suite. Docs is compatible with versions of Microsoft Office from 2007 on. Therefore, you can edit Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files in Google Drive, and you can share items you create with other Office users.
3. Hardware :
There are a few options to pick from, starting from ARM-type processors and Intel Atom, Celeron and even Core platforms on some units. You’ll also have to know the amount of RAM you’ll want on your device and whether you want an HDD in your device or not. Picking some features over the other will have a major difference in the speed, battery life and compatibility of your Chromebook.
4. Power :
In such an affordable price, there has to be a catch. Chromebooks are not speed demons. Majority use low-power Intel Celeron processors, which boost battery life but don’t provide the best performance. So yes, they are good enough for creating and sharing documents, and other tasks that are not challenging.
5. Cloud Storage :
Chromebooks do not use traditional hard drives. Generally, the solid-state drives used normally tend toward the small side, as in 16GB. 32GB are also available nevertheless, like the Chromebook Pixel. Those smaller drives keep the price down (the Pixel being an exception) and the weight is less. They help the Chromebook start up faster than your standard laptop and they also save on battery life. Now, with so little storage space, Chromebooks are all about working online. Even the Chromebook’s offline capabilities work best when you have Internet access. All your files are stored in the cloud. The downside: You’re bound to Google and whatever it decides to do as far as free cloud storage in the future.
6. Ports and Other Features :
There should be a certain number of USB ports and other Full-sized HDMI connectivity available to connect other devices to your Chromebook. You may also want to have a touch-screen or a backlit keyboard. Consider all these features to be available in the Chromebook you are selecting. All these will push you towards one unit or the other.
You May Also Like : Best Cheap Chromebook 2016
