5 reasons why Chromebooks are the perfect laptop for most people

The Chromebook was first launched on July 11, 2011. What was initially scoffed at as nothing greater than a laptop computer with an online browser has developed into one thing a lot better to the purpose the place these user-friendly laptops may be employed for each private and enterprise causes. And on condition that many of the work all of us do now occurs inside a browser, it is an ideal marriage of simplicity and value.

Additionally: The perfect Chromebooks proper now

The factor is, numerous Home windows and macOS customers nonetheless shrug off Chromebooks as little greater than a toy for customers who do not realize what they’re lacking with an working system that limits what they will do.

Little do they know. 

Additionally: Tips on how to allow Linux in your Chromebook (and why you need to)

I have been a tech journalist for 30 years and a tech aficionado for even longer. I’ve tried each OS and {hardware} platform from those you have heard of to many you have not. I added Chromebooks into the combo when the primary machine was launched, so I’ve skilled Chrome OS in all of its iterations. Here is why why Chromebooks are the right laptops, primarily based on my expertise.

1. Chromebooks are low-cost

The primary purpose can’t be disputed by anybody. And given how the financial system has had a quite crushing impact on so many budgets throughout the globe, discovering an affordable piece of {hardware} generally is a actual plus for anybody seeking to stay productive. That is to not say each Chromebook is reasonable. I as soon as paid a premium for a Chromebook Pixel and that laptop computer remains to be one of many favorites I’ve ever owned (the show and keyboard have been greatest in school on the time). 

And, in fact, there’s additionally the brand new HP Dragonfly, which begins at round $1,039. 

Additionally: The perfect Chromebooks for college students

Nonetheless, you should buy a really respectable Chromebook for round $261 (such because the ASUS Chromebook Flip C433 2 in 1 with an Intel Core m3-8100Y, 8 GB of RAM, and 64GB of eMMC storage). Or an excellent cheaper Acer Chromebook R 13 with 4GB of RAM and 64GB eMMC storage for $199.

Sure, you should purchase an affordable Home windows laptop computer, however {hardware} with comparable specs you may discover on a sub-$400 laptop computer, powered by the Microsoft working system, is not going to carry out practically in addition to the Chromebook on the similar worth level. And on condition that the most cost effective Apple laptop computer is the MacBook Air, beginning at $999, there’s merely no comparability for worth.

2. Chromebooks are user-proof

No different laptop computer working system on the planet can declare to be as user-proof as ChromeOS. Some would argue that it is just because there’s little or no you are able to do with a Chromebook, however that is patently false, particularly given you may run each Android and Linux apps. However regardless of how a lot an working system claims to be user-friendly, none of them can justifiably state that they’re as straightforward to make use of as ChromeOS. 

Additionally: Tips on how to set up Android apps in your Chromebook

The convenience of use present in ChromeOS is gentle years forward of the competitors. Interval. Irrespective of your expertise degree, you may sit down with a Chromebook and instantly put it to make use of. Even OS upgrades are one thing even your grandmother can handle.

I’ve recognized customers (hey, household, are you listening?) who suffered no finish of issues utilizing both Home windows or macOS however the second they land on ChromeOS, the issues soften away. Nothing speaks greater of how user-proof ChromeOS is than that. 

Additionally: How I revived three historic computer systems with ChromeOS Flex

I’ve watched customers regularly break Home windows and macOS laptops (and are available to me for assist). The variety of instances I’ve had a Chromebook person do the identical factor is…nil. Certain, I’ve had a few cases the place somebody got here to me to say, “How do I get this factor related to a printer?” however that is about it.

3. Chromebooks are quick

Take two laptops with principally the identical {hardware} configuration and cargo one with Home windows 11 and one with ChromeOS and see which one performs higher. In each single occasion, you may discover ChromeOS to be exponentially sooner. 

Additionally: Tips on how to join your Chromebook to a shared community folder

And it is not nearly how apps open (even Android and Linux apps, which may be put in on ChromeOS), but in addition how briskly the machines boot. ChromeOS boots in a fraction of the time it takes some other working system besides.

If you’d like a quick laptop computer at an inexpensive worth, then go for a Chromebook.

4. Chromebooks are dependable

Within the 10 years since I have been utilizing Chromebooks, I’ve solely had one machine with issues and that was the unique Pixelbook (which suffered from each Bluetooth and networking points). Past that, I’ve by no means had an issue with a Chromebook. It simply does not occur. Sure, part of that’s as a result of ChromeOS is “largely” an online browser masquerading as an OS, however even with Linux and Android app assist enabled, I’ve nonetheless by no means suffered from an issue. 

Additionally: Why you need to be utilizing safe DNS in your Chromebook

Even utilizing the unstable ChromeOS channel, I’ve discovered the working system to be exponentially extra dependable than that of Home windows. And anybody that might argue the purpose clearly hasn’t used ChromeOS sufficient.

5. Chromebooks may be simply restored

Talking of reliability, must you wind up having an issue with ChromeOS misbehaving, you may merely do a powerwash (a manufacturing unit reset), log again into your Google account, and you will find all the pieces there, minus no matter drawback you have been experiencing.

No different working system can compete with ChromeOS’s means to manufacturing unit reset and return you to a pristine working state with out having misplaced your information, bookmarks, apps, and extra. That is one other “arms down” scenario the place the competitors merely can’t compete. I’ve by no means as soon as nervous about doing something with a Chromebook, just because I do know I can do a fast energy wash and be again working in minutes. 

Backside line

Chromebooks might not be the perfect answer for everybody (attempt doing severe video enhancing or audio recording on a Chromebook and you may in a short time be annoyed) however for the typical person, a Chromebook is without doubt one of the least expensive, greatest choices in the marketplace. When you discover most of your work and leisure is completed inside an online browser, you owe it to your self to modify to a Chromebook. Your life can be less complicated and you will be extra environment friendly and efficient.