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The Main Pros and Cons to Google Chromebooks

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Although they were introduced quite a few years ago, it is only till 2016 that we can finally see quite a diverse range of Chromebooks and Chromeboxes using the free computer software from Google. For the majority of people, they have most likely asked themselves a question whether they should buy a Chromebook/Chromebox as their next laptop or not with the main incentive that they a lot cheaper than traditional Windows running laptops and desktops. Therefore, without further ado, here are the main pros and cons to Google Chromebooks (and Chromeboxes too).

 

 

Chromebooks are Seriously Cheap

Above anything, like I have already said, the main incentive to buying a Chromebook is the fact they are so much cheaper than any other form of laptop. The main reason for this is because Google’s software is free for manufacturers to use (unlike Windows) and the software does not require as much computing power to run efficiently and fast. Therefore, the internals do not need to be as impressive and costly either.

 

 

But, Limited Functionality

The main drawback to Chromebooks, though, is the fact that, at the end of the day, the software (Chrome OS) is just a glorified web browser. Therefore, if you have to do anything such as use any type of complicated software (or something such as Microsoft Paint for that matter), you are either going to struggle to find an alternative or not have one at all. This is usually why Chromebooks fit the needs of students since they are very cheap and students only require the basics such as a web browser and an office suite (which Google has it’s own version of).

 

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Data Storage Goes To The Cloud

The main way Chromebooks work as well to keep the price of them down is by having minimal local storage (usually around 16GB – yes that low). Instead, Google wants to promote users to store everything online to the cloud. As I have already said, not only does this reduce the need for a large capacity local storage, it also is a lot safer and means if the Chromebook is stolen or breaks, your data is still available on the cloud.

 

 

Need Internet Connectivity To Use Anything

However, to make use of features such as the web browser, the majority of apps and cloud storage, you need an internet connection. For the majority of people, this will not be a problem as either:

  1. They will always have internet when using the Chromebook (as Wifi is so readily available nowadays)
  2. They will have a 3G/4G modem or 3G/4G compatible laptop.
  3. They will have a Chromebox which will stay located in one place with there being internet.

If you do find yourself in a place without internet (which can happen a lot if you are on the move), you will find the functionality of your Chromebook, which can be considered quite limited with internet, becomes even more limited – for many people, this is just not good enough for any sort of device in 2016.

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