So what is a Chromebook?
A Chromebook is like a netbook. It lacks an optical disc drive and is designed for use on the internet. In some ways, it's also like a tablet and comes with its own web store that carries over 30,000 apps. The biggest difference is its operating system. Instead of Windows, Chromebooks are powered by the Chrome OS that has been developed by the engineers at Google.
Chrome OS? What's that?
The Chrome OS can be described as the Chrome web browser on steroids. You can use it to browse the internet, as well as run software applications inside it. Like all modern operating systems, this OS is designed to download software updates in the background, so the machine is always up-to-date. In effect, a user can unbox a new Chromebook, log in to the system using their Google ID, and start using it right away.
What can you do with a Chromebook?
If you spend all your computer time on the internet, then the Chromebook will work for you. The device relies on cloud-based services - that is, apps on the internet - for most common computing tasks. This means, you can access all your social networks and surf the web, use Google Drive and Docs for word processing, online photo tools like Sumo Paint and Pixlr Editor for image editing, and YouTube for videos. You can carry out video chats with Google Hangouts, as well as play games such as Angry Birds, Cut the Rope, even a 3D first-person shooter like Quake that's customised for Chrome.
When it comes to storage, the Chromebook is equipped with a 16GB, or a 32GB solid state drive (SSD) because it relies heavily on virtual storage available on Google Drive. Of course, you can use other cloud-based storage services like Dropbox.
Ah yes, you can also create multiple profiles for different users on a single device.
What can't you do with it?
You can't use software that runs on the Windows platform. This means no alternative web browser like Firefox; no VLC Player, WinRAR, Microsoft Office and Adobe Photoshop. The Chromebook is not suitable for video encoding. It also doesn't work well if you are trying to create complex sales charts, and it's not the right choice if you want to play 3D games like Call of Duty and Grand Theft Auto. Given that it comes with low internal storage, a Chromebook cannot store hundreds of videos. And you obviously can't play DVDs. But if you have video files in a pen drive or external hard disk, you can play them using its built-in video player. Still, support for file formats is limited. Full HD 1080p videos in MP4 play well. But depending on resolution, MKV, FLV and WMV files may not run. Also, support for smartphones and cameras is limited and you may not be able to copy files between some of your devices and this machine.
Does it require a 24x7 internet connection to work?
No. A Chromebook can work without an internet connection. You can access your mailbox offline, and create documents using Google Drive. You can use offline apps and even play some games. In fact, there are several software that have been designed to work in offline mode with the Chrome OS. That said, without an internet connection, this device has limited utility.
Bottomline
If you are looking for a laptop that will be mostly used for web browsing, cloud apps, and social networking, then a Chromebook is a decent buy. Compared to similarlypriced laptops, these machines offer better build quality and quicker boot times. On the other hand, if you need to run a lot of intensive software, want to watch movies, or play 3D games, pick a Windows laptop.
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