Confused about Chromebooks?

Technology is evolving faster than ever.  If you don’t keep up with some of the major tech trends you run the risk of being left behind. Chromebooks have been around for about 10 years but their popularity is increasing due to their speed, portability and efficiency. Lets see if we can help you be less Confused about Chromebooks?

We’ve all heard of them, but what do they actually have to offer? Chromebooks are basically laptops that run on Googles lightweight operating system called Chrome OS. Chrome OS is a lot less demanding than Windows 10 (soon to be 11) or the latest MacOS.  They mostly rely on the Chrome browser (and therefore, internet connectivity) to perform tasks.

In simple terms, Chromebooks work best when connected to the internet. Chrome OS will update silently in the background when you’re online.  They’re fast and easy to use. All you need to do is open the lid and you’re ready to go. Your documents sync to your Google account so you can access them anywhere.  Thanks to the use of apps, you can now use Chromebooks while offline too. You’ll have access to the play store and android apps which give Chromebooks access to more games.

The sale of Chromebooks spiked during the coronavirus pandemic. Google outsold its rival Apple by selling more laptops with Chrome OS than MacBook’s in 2020.

As Chromebooks run Google’s operating system they heavily feature Google applications (Chrome, Google Docs, Google Sheets, etc). Although you can log in to Chrome OS as a guest, we would recommend you sign in to the system with a Google account to get the best experience out of your Chromebook.

Chromebook models include well known and trusted makes such as Samsung, Acer, Lenovo and Asus.  Built to withstand falls, scrapes and similar punishment. Most Chromebooks fall between 11 and 13 inches and often weigh less than 3 pounds, making them extremely lightweight and portable.

Let’s look at RAM and what you get with a Chromebook. RAM is Random-Access Memory. Essentially short-term memory where data is stored as the processor needs it. RAM can slow down your computer if there isn’t enough of it for the processor to perform the tasks you ask it to. Chromebooks generally come with either 2GB or 4GB. While models with 4GB are more expensive, we’d say that the difference is worth it. If you have a larger budget, we’d recommend upgrading to a Chromebook with 8GB of RAM or even 16GB. The memory upgrade will ensure your system never slows down.

What about storage? Since Chrome OS is so lightweight, Chromebooks often don’t need much storage. Most pack just 32GB of onboard storage.  Most of the models also have an SD card reader so you can expand the storage of the device up to 64GB.

What about Microsoft Office? Chromebooks can run Microsoft’s Office apps as Android applications including Office Online.  This sometimes gets updated with new features before they even arrive on Microsoft 365. Office is typically used by most business enterprises and if your company administrator allows it, even shared corporate resources could be accessible via your Chromebook.

So how about it? Don’t be confused about Chromebooks. They are fast and easy to use and understand. They are entirely based on Chrome and Google and utilize all of what Google has to provide. They’re useful as a simple, portable device without spending a fortune on a laptop with programs you’ll never use. If you’re needing a device to do things like write essays, do research, watch YouTube and keep up with Social Media accounts then Chromebooks are perfect for you.

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