For those considering an upgrade to their laptop computer, a Chromebook might have caught your eye. But are they worth the purchase? We’ll be discussing the pros and cons of buying a Chromebook today, so you can make the most informed decision for your needs.
Chromebook buyer's guide
Chromebook Buyer’s Guide: Useful or Hard Pass?
For those considering an upgrade to their laptop computer, a Chromebook might have caught your eye. Sleek and lightweight in comparison to traditional laptops, they come at an attractive price point too–but are they worth the purchase? We’ll be discussing the pros and cons of buying a Chromebook today, so you can make the most informed decision for your needs.
Before we begin, Here are a few of our favorite Chromebooks available on Amazon right now:
Pros of Having a Chromebook
Chromebooks are affordable – you can get a good one for around $200
Chromebooks are an excellent option for students, professionals, and everyday users who want a low-cost yet reliable computer. Best of all, you can pick up a high-quality Chromebook for around $200 – less than half of the average price of most laptops! Chromebooks typically aren’t as powerful as regular laptops but they make up for it with portability and long battery-life, making them perfect for taking notes in class or using on the go. Plus, Chromebooks are very secure and come with built-in virus protection for peace of mind. Whether you rely on cloud computing or use offline apps, there’s something to fit everyone’s tech needs without breaking the bank!
They’re lightweight and easy to carry around
Chromebooks are very lightweight and offer the perfect balance of portability and convenience. Whether you’re a student who needs to bring their device from class to class or a professional on the go, Chromebooks weigh just two to three pounds, making them an ideal option for slipping into your bag or carrying for long commutes. Not only are they light, but they also feature long battery lives, meaning you won’t have to run out and purchase a new one after only a short amount of time. With Chromebooks, you can rest assured you’ll conveniently be able to bring your computer everywhere with you.
They have a long battery life – up to 10 hours
Chromebooks are especially useful for students and business professionals who are constantly on the go. Not only are Chromebooks lightweight, but they have amazing battery life – up to 10 hours – meaning they can last an entire day away from a power source. This gives users the convenience of working anytime, anywhere; no worrying about finding an outlet or watching a percentage bar drain. Instead, users can just focus on their task at hand, secure in the knowledge that their laptop will stay powered until they choose to turn it off.
The operating system is very simple and easy to use
Chromebooks have become increasingly popular over the years because of how simple they are to use. The operating system is designed with user experience in mind, making processing programs and accessing content super simple. This makes them great for students who want a computer that is easy to use without having to worry about downloading programs and configuring settings like on your typical laptop. Chromebooks are also great for people who want lightweight portability without sacrificing features, as the operating system still has plenty of features built in, including an internet browser, media player, email program, calendar and more – all preloaded user-friendliness out of the box.
Cons of Having a Chromebook
Chromebooks are not as versatile as traditional laptops
Chromebooks have become increasingly popular in the last few years, but they are not quite as versatile as traditional laptops. Chromebooks are designed to be cloud-centric, meaning that most of the apps available are hosted on the web, rather than stored elsewhere. This means that Chromebooks can struggle with processing power-intensive tasks such as video and photo editing. Where Chromebooks excel is with tasks like browsing the internet and writing documents; for this type of work, there’s really no need for a powerful processor. If you need a computer mostly for office use such as typing up documents and sending emails, then a Chromebook is an economical choice. But if you don’t want to be limited by your device’s capabilities, it might be worth investing in a more powerful laptop.
Chromebooks are not good for gaming or heavy-duty tasks
Chromebooks offer an affordable solution for users who need basic features such as web browsing, document creation, and access to many powerful applications. However, Chromebooks are not suitable for gaming or any tasks that require significant computing power. Graphics-intensive games, for instance, generally require more powerful devices since Chromebooks typically come with slower processors and limited memory. Additionally, complex computing tasks like video editing or 3D rendering also require more specialized hardware in order to optimize performance and quality. In conclusion, if you’re looking for a device that handles heavier tasks than normal web browsing or document creation then a Chromebook may not be the best choice.
The battery life is shorter than traditional laptops
Chromebooks are the mainstay of many students and working professionals. Though they are lightweight and easy to maneuver, one drawback is the battery life. Compared to traditional laptops, Chromebooks generally offer a shorter charge than their competitors. If you plan on using your Chromebook during long stretches away from an outlet, make sure you’re aware of battery specs before making a purchase. However, with a little planning ahead and preparation in finding charging stations when necessary, a Chromebook can work well for most people looking for a basic computer experience.
There are fewer ports and storage options available
Chromebooks have become increasingly popular for their low cost, portability, and built-in security features, however there are some trade-offs. Chromebooks provide fewer ports, like USBs and HDMI outputs, than traditional laptops. Additionally, it is important to remember that most Chromebooks use Flash Memory instead of a hard drive and thus there is a more limited storage capacity. While these restrictions can be challenging for some users, many prefer the simplification of accessing documents and applications over the internet as opposed to dealing with a variety of software updates or downloading programs on an internal drive.
Here are a few of our favorite Chromebooks available on Amazon right now:
- Get more done with this Samsung Chromebook and its Intel Celeron 1.10 GHz processor, 11.6" display, 4GB Ram and 32GB storage.
- Access a rich library of apps, games, music, movies, TV, books, magazines, and more using the preinstalled Google Play store.
- This Samsung Chromebook's Chrome OS allows this unit to power up in seconds allowing you to get to work faster than ever.
- No setup required. Log in to your Chromebook laptop with your Google account and you're ready to go. Easy access to collaborative tools on G Suite and the full library of apps on Google Play
- Slim and lightweight, this notebook computer goes anywhere. Running on lightning-fast Chrome OS, it boots up in seconds, updates automatically, and keeps you safe with built-in virus protection
- Enjoy your favorite streaming videos and music. The 3-side narrow bezel HD display delivers beautiful clarity, while dual 2W stereo speakers offer crystal-clear audio
- Take it with you. With up to 10 hours of battery life, you can stay productive on the go
- Stay connected with the 720p webcam, 2x2 WiFi 5 (802.11 ac), and Bluetooth 4.2 combo with WiFi card. You'll also have 2 x USB 3.1 Gen 12 (Type-C) ports, 2 x USB 3.1 Gen 12 (Type-A) ports, a microSD Card Reader, and an audio combo jack
- Processor: MediaTek 8173C.
- 11.6" HD 10-point multitouch, IPS (1366 x 768).
- 4GB Ram; Storage Up to 32GB eMMc.
- Connectivity: WiFi 802.11 AC 2x2, Bluetooth v4.2
- Operating System: Chrome OS