Manufacturers of technology are constantly trying to surprise their consumers with something new and unusual. One such device is a kind of laptop called a Chromebook. This gadget is produced only a few years, but during this time he has already managed to gain a solid army of fans.
What is this interesting device – a Chromebook? What is its specificity and how to choose such a device? The proposed review answers these questions.
What is a Chromebook and how does it differ from a laptop?
In essence, a Chromebook is a portable computer device designed to perform various tasks. In particular, with its help, the owner can type and edit texts, create tables, watch video files, listen to music. The closest relative of the Chromebook is a netbook. This is explained by the fact that both devices have compact dimensions, facilitating their transfer.
But still, a Chromebook is an independent type of technology that has a number of highlights. To understand them, try to compare the described gadget with his eldest brother – a laptop. So let’s get started.
Dimensions
The most obvious difference between these two devices. Chromebooks are much smaller than laptops. To transfer the latest devices, you need to have a special bag. In addition, the transportation of some laptops can deliver certain inconveniences due to the solid weight (this is a payment for the powerful hardware that is used in modern models).
As for Chromebooks, they can be worn under the arm, like a book. Compactness allows you to work on them at any point where there is access to the Internet.
Operating system
Probably everyone knows that the vast majority of laptops operate on the Windows operating system of a particular version. Also, the very first portable computers can work on Linux (and according to some IT specialists, this operating system is more suitable for work). However, Chromebooks are unique. They run on a special Chrome OS platform.
Google developed this operating system specifically for such devices. Thanks to a specific platform, Chromebooks have high-quality optimization, minimizing the appearance of “bugs” and other technical errors.
Data storage
As you know, laptops are equipped with extensive hard drives or solid-state drives on which the user stores the working applications and files created. However, with the “demolition” of the OS, most of the data may disappear. Moreover, storing information on a physical medium is less secure due to the presence of many virus programs.
For the sake of convenience and preservation of files, the Google developers have made it so that all user experience and even applications opening them are stored on company servers (in other words, in the cloud). Access to data is provided through the well-known browser Google Chrome.
Work through the Internet
Ordinary laptops may have a different “iron” produced by several companies. Sometimes this combination of technical components adversely affects the speed of the device when entering the global network.
Chromebooks are specially adapted to work as fast as possible via the Internet. They provide fast loading of pages, videos and audio tracks. Moreover, the described gadgets always support the most advanced versions of the wireless connection.
Advantages and disadvantages of Chromebooks
If you are thinking about purchasing such a device, you must first weigh all its pros and cons. To begin, consider the benefits.
Safe and convenient storage of information
The most obvious plus Chromebooks. Since all the necessary files will be stored in the cloud, you will not need to allocate space on your hard disk for them, make backup copies in case of OS breakdown, restore lost information.
High download speed
Regular laptops running on Windows can load for a minute or even longer. In addition, a lot of time is required to exit the laptop from sleep mode. However, Chromebooks load in 7—10 seconds (sometimes a little longer).
As for the sleep mode, some models require 1 second to exit. Thus, the owners of these miniature computers do not need to wait until the device “comes to life” after disconnecting. Just press one button, and almost immediately, you can get to work.
Increased user experience with applications
Having a Chromebook, you do not need to choose a program for a long time to open a file. It is enough to move the cursor over the label, and the gadget itself will open the program accessible through the worldwide network.
Reliable protection against malware
The described devices are specifically designed to withstand virus attacks. Neither the performance of the gadget nor the safety of your data does not suffer after the penetration of the threat.
Constant updating of OS and software
The owner always uses only the latest versions of working applications and other programs. The pleasant moment is that updates are put quickly and slowly. No need to spend time confirming the installation of new versions, the device will do everything itself.
Despite the abundance of advantages, Chromebooks are not perfect. They have a number of flaws, among which there are four:
Total dependence on the Internet
In the absence of a network connection, the user loses access to files and work applications. Simply put, the Chromebook becomes a useless device.
Full binding to Google servers
The owner can only use the cloud from this company. Change the location of the data can not be.
Software limitations
Install specific programs (for example, Guitar Pro, which is used by many musicians), too, will not work. In fact, all possibilities are limited by the manufacturer offers.
Complete isolation from other devices
Apparently, the Google developers wanted to copy the principle of Apple slightly, so they made it so that the Chromebooks could not be combined with computer equipment on which other operating systems are installed.
What to look for when buying a Chromebook?
Those who decide to buy a Chromebook need to know which nuances to consider when choosing. To begin, consider the basic requirements that must meet this type of technology.
Build quality housing
Chromebooks are originally designed for frequent transfer, so all elements of the body must be securely fastened. The presence of squeaks and backlash indicates the poor quality of the goods.
Keyboard and touchpad operation
The device should have a comfortable keystroke without sticking and brakes. After pressing the button should immediately spring back. Be sure to check the sensitivity of the touchpad. Moving the cursor should be smooth, without interruption. The touchpad buttons must also respond quickly to pressing.
Screen
The display of the gadget should have a good color reproduction. The presence of broken pixels and other defects on the screen is unacceptable.
The sensitivity of the sensor
Almost all modern Chromebook models have a touchscreen display. It is recommended to check the operability of the sensors by performing standard operations: tap, swipe, scroll.
In addition to these, there are a couple of specific requirements that must be met by all high-quality Chromebooks.
Internet connection speed
As mentioned above, without a global network, such devices become useless, so the whole of its subsequent operation depends on how the Chromebook connects to the Internet. It is recommended to check the download speed of a variety of pages. In addition, you need to watch how quickly the gadget loads long videos in high quality.
The rate of activation and exit from sleep mode
By this time, too, must be taken as seriously as possible. No need to make any concessions, saying “the device takes time to recover.” The highest switching speed is one of the main trump cards of the Chromebooks. Therefore, if the device is loaded longer than 10 seconds, it is better to refuse to purchase it.
Of course, to check all these aspects, you need to see the device in front of you. From this, it follows that buying Chromebooks is better in specialized hardware stores, where any information can be obtained from a consultant. If you prefer online shopping, then you should choose proven resources. It is highly desirable that the network store had the service of exchanging goods with its inadequate quality.
Chromebook selection by brand
Today, these gadgets produce a lot of companies, each of which equips their offspring with certain advantages. A huge range makes it very difficult to choose the most suitable model. Let’s try to understand the features of Chromebooks from the most famous manufacturers. Perhaps so we will be able to facilitate the selection of the device.
Acer’s Chromebook
This company was one of the first to produce such devices. It is not surprising that over the course of several years, its engineers have gained considerable experience, thanks to which they now make almost the best devices of this class.
Chromebooks from Acer differ in high-speed loading (as a rule, it takes 7-8 seconds). The autonomy of such devices also deserves separate praise: without a network connection, these gadgets will work for about 13 hours. The quality of the display at altitude. Such Acer creations support Full HD.
Internet connection is provided by MIMO2 technology. “Iron” is quite strong (when compared with other Chromebooks). As a rule, on board of such gadgets, there is 2 GB of RAM and 16 GB of physical memory in the form of solid-state drives. Processors are installed dual-core. Be sure to have support for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
ASUS Chromebook
This brand is one of the main competitors of the previous company in the market of computer technologies. It is not surprising that his creations are of fairly high quality. In terms of processors and physical memory, there is equality.
ASUS ‘Chromebooks are also equipped with dual-core chips and 16 GB drives (though the operating system takes up a decent amount of space, so only 9.8 GB of the entire volume is immediately available to the user).
As for the RAM, there are models on the market that are equipped with 2 and 4-gigabyte cards. 2-gig options are cheaper, but there may be barriers when surfing the Internet. The maximum acceptable video quality is Full HD.
Of course, the description of some models contains a mention of the fact that they are capable of reproducing Ultra HD format, but there is one nuance: they will lose the video itself, but there will be slowdowns.
ASUS device autonomy keeps a high level. With the active web, surfing devices will work 11-14 hours. If you set the brightness to a minimum and turn on Wi-Fi, the Chromebooks from this manufacturer will last almost a day without recharging.
Chromebook from HP
In terms of their technical parameters, the models from this manufacturer are almost identical to the creations of the two previous brands. There are also dual-core processors, a solid amount of RAM (4 GB), good solid-state drives for 16 GB. But the main trump card of such Chromebooks is their display.
First of all, the screens of HP models are quite large (up to 14 inches). The displays have high-precision color reproduction and good contrast. In addition, the described Chromebooks are ideally suited for video communication, as they are equipped with webcams that give 720p quality. The only flaw in such devices is their autonomy. At maximum system load, they will work a little more than 9 hours.
Chromebook from Samsung
Models of the South Korean brand are in their own unique creations. First of all, it is worth noting that these Chromebooks fully meet its main criterion: compactness. As a rule, Korean engineers equip their creations with displays up to 12 inches.
The picture quality is at a high level, although in some respects it may be inferior to HP, Acer and ASUS screens. A characteristic feature of the “iron” is that when creating Chromebooks, engineers use models designed for smartphones.
In particular, Samsung Chromebook 2 operates on an eight-core Exynos 5 Octa 5420 chip, with 4 cores operating at a frequency of 1900 MHz (type A15), and another 4 at a frequency of 1300 MHz (type A7). This is the “heart” was the Galaxy Note 3. In terms of RAM, developers do not stint.
Usually, Samsung Chromebooks have 4 GB of RAM on board. The amount of physical memory is standard for such devices: 16 GB (11 GB available for use). Such technical stuffing is quite enough for Internet surfing and performing working operations. One of the main drawbacks of such devices is the lack of 3G support (network access is only possible via Wi-Fi).
There is also Bluetooth 4.0, but its popularity is not so great among users. Another disadvantage of South Korean gadgets of this class can be considered autonomy. Usually, developers say about 8-9 hours of out-of-network work, but in practice, Chromebooks fall out in 5-6 hours.
Toshiba’s Chromebook
Until recently, the Chromebooks from this Japanese brand did not differ in high quality, but gradually engineers from the country of the rising sun brought their products to a competitive level. In particular, Japanese models are equipped with solid processors (for example, Intel Celeron N2840 with a frequency of 2160 MHz), bulk RAM (4 GB). Also, the displays of such devices support the quality of Full HD.
However, the obvious disadvantage of Toshiba’s Chromebooks is the case assembly (after prolonged use, extraneous sounds are heard). Another flaw in such models is their autonomy. When fully loaded, the gadget will sit down in 5 hours, which is quite small for a device that should be designed for out-of-network work.
Chromebook Pixel
At certain points, these devices will even give odds to products from ASUS and Acer. What is only the fact that the flagship models are equipped with an Intel Core i5 chip? The amount of RAM is usually 4 GB, and physical – 32 or even 64 GB (which is very much for gadgets of this class).
Even more advantages such Chromebooks give a high-quality display. However, due to the powerful “iron,” there is one significant flaw: weak autonomy. When fully loaded, the device will need less than 5 hours to discharge.
How much are chrome books?
The price of an average Chromebooks starts from & 169. However, truly high-quality models cost about & $ 300 to $ 500.
We hope that the above information will help you choose a suitable model of the Chromebook, which will become an indispensable assistant in work.