Is a Chromebook right for you?
Four things to know before you buy.
As you ponder your next computer purchase between a Windows device and new Mac, remember there’s a third major player: Chromebook.
Running Google’s Linux-based Chrome OS, these (mostly) affordable machines are already dominating in the education space, making up roughly
60% of computers used in U.S. schools, according to Futuresource Consulting.
Quite impressive, especially if you consider Chromebooks are only turning
7 years old on June 15.
But does that mean these devices are ideal for everyday tasks? Four things you should know before you buy:
❚ Models and prices vary more than you think: Just like the wide assortment of Windows 10 devices, there’s a hearty selection of Chrome OS machines to choose from. As the name suggests, Chromebooks — short for “Chrome notebooks” — are like a clamshell laptop, but there are a few desktop models and one tablet, too (Acer’s Chromebook Tab 10, for $329).
Some Chromebooks are “convertibles” that can transform into a touchscreen tablet, thanks to a screen on a
360-degree hinge.
Prices for Chromebooks range from
$169 for the underpowered Samsung 3 Chromebook to starting at $999 for the feature-rich Google Pixelbook.
Unveiled last week, the Acer Chromebook Spin 15 — the industry’s first convertible Chromebook with a 15.6inch display — will start at $449, Acer says. Most Chromebooks, however, cost between $250 and $350. The more you pay, the more power and features offered.
❚ You really need Internet access to use them: Because Chromebooks run Google’s Chrome operating system, they often come preloaded with a suite of Google apps, such as Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Chrome (browser), Google Docs, YouTube and Google Drive. If you’re a heavy user of these, then a Chromebook might be for you.
But because these apps run in the cloud, an Internet connection is important with Chromebook devices. Many apps will let you access files offline, sure, but because most Chromebooks don’t offer a lot of storage — 16 gigabytes on the low end — you may opt to pick up a memory card and keep it inserted in the Chromebook.
❚ Some Chromebooks work with Android apps (but performance varies): One major advantage of a Windows-based computer is the huge assortment in software, but Google is upping its game by including access to the Google Play store with some models. Examples of Chromebooks with Google Play include the ASUS Chromebook Flip, the Acer Chromebook R 11 and 13, Samsung Pro 2-in-1 and Google’s own Pixelbook.
Be aware, Android app performance varies, especially when it comes to games. These apps may not load full screen or may load vertically (like a smartphone) instead of your Chromebook’s widescreen display. In other words, don’t buy a Chromebook if you’re looking to play Fortnite, as these machines generally have limited graphics power, RAM and storage space.
Because Google’s Chrome OS powers these devices, perhaps it’s no surprise Google Assistant is starting to make its way into Chromebooks. The Pixelbook has this feature, where you press the dedicated button on the keyboard (between Ctrl and Alt) or activate the assistant via the $99 Pixelbook Pen before asking a question or giving a command. Thankfully, hardware-related issues that plagued Chromebooks in the early days, like not making it easy to print to a nearby printer, have been addressed.
❚ Chromebooks are always updated and secure: Because Chrome OS and Google’s apps focus heavily on the cloud, these always-connected devices will automatically download new updates for you (look for the “Restart to update” notification near the clock).
Cybersecurity experts often praise Chromebooks for making protection a priority. Chrome OS takes advantage of various Google-powered security measures, and so it’s not likely you’ll be hit with malware or even annoying pop-up windows or toolbars. Still, take advantage of two-step verification and ensure Android apps you download are from familiar publishers.
Another advantage? An all-day battery. Of the 10 Chromebooks Laptop Mag reviewed in the past year, they’ve seen an average of 9 hours and 15 minutes of endurance, via the Laptop Mag Battery Test (which involves continuous Web surfing over Wi-Fi).