You need to know this before you buy a Chromebook

23/01/2021 - Updated: 01/23/2023

What can you do with a Chromebook?. Unlike MacOS or Windows, Chromebooks have their own operating system called Chrome OS. Although there are basic computing elements such as file managers and application launchers, the focus of these devices is the Google Chrome browser. Since you can't download web-based applications, most operations are performed in the tabs of Chrome.

At first glance, this may seem restrictive, but many applications already offer web versions, such as Spotify, Netflix, Gmail, Slack and Evernote. Due to the prevalence of web applications, in any case, many people spend most of their time in web browsers. If your typical workflow is similar to this situation, the transition to a Chromebook will be relatively seamless. Simply connect to Wi-Fi to continue browsing normally.

Chromebook also supports Linux. If you absolutely need a desktop application, you can definitely choose to configure Linux. There are Linux versions of Audacity, Firefox, GIMP, OBS Studio, Steam, VirtualBox, etc., but your favorite applications may not provide Linux-based variants. Before you remove your Chromebook, check the developer's website. Finally, if you are a gamer, you have many options, but you are also limited. For example, the best option is to install Android games or subscribe to Google's new Stadia streaming service.

Installing Steam via Linux is feasible, but typical low-end hardware and minimal storage space will limit the content you can download and play.

What can't you do on a Chromebook?

Chrome OS limitations mean that you cannot install software that is limited to Windows or MacOS.

These limitations also extend to overall performance. Chromebooks on a day-to-day basis are not slow machines, but low-end Chromebooks tend to use older processors, which can't compete with products in the Windows and Mac arenas, especially in multitasking. On the other hand, if you're going to spend $ 200, a Chromebook is a better choice.

At the high end, there are options like HP x2 or Pixelbook, and you'll find familiar processors like the eighth-generation Core i5, which has four cores and powerful features. They tend to use these faster options. Some newer Chromebooks, such as Samsung's Chromebook Galaxy and Acer's Chromebook Spin 713, have Intel's latest tenth-generation processors, further narrowing the gap between Chromebooks, MacBooks and Windows 10 laptops.

Who are Chromebooks for?

The Chromebook was designed with a few specific people in mind. Students are the most important, because school administration tends to use Chromebooks due to their security, solid build quality, and software limitations, so they are often a favorite. This means you'll find cheap Chromebooks in public schools across the country.

Professionals and college students also have high-end options. Because they tend to be lightweight and have a long battery life, they are a good choice for people who need to work on the go, whether in class or after class. Some of these include Google Pixelbook, Google Pixelbook Go and Asus Flip C436.

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