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Why are Chromebooks so bad?

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  • 5 min read

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Many people in the tech world have been discussing Chromebooks for a while, and not everyone agrees on whether they are good. Some say Chromebooks are not as good as Windows and macOS computers, while others think they have special benefits that make them a good choice for some people.

In this article, we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of Chromebooks and who should buy a Chromebook.

Also read: Why is my Chromebook so slow?


Advantages and disadvantages of Chromebook

Here are a few advantages and disadvantages of a Chromebook:

Advantages

  • Affordability: Chromebooks are cost-effective, with many models priced under $300, making them a budget-friendly choice for students. Perfect for tasks like web browsing, word processing, and streaming.
  • Extended Battery Life: Whether you opt for a budget or premium Chromebook, you’ll enjoy significantly longer battery life than most laptops, providing up to 10 hours of use on a single charge.
  • Portability: Chromebooks are lightweight, weighing only 3 – 5 lbs, making them exceptionally portable and easy to carry around campus.
  • Seamless Integration with Google Workspace: Chromebooks effortlessly integrate with Google Workspace apps, including Docs, Drive, Sheets, Slides, and Meet. This enables efficient collaboration and secure document storage with automatic version history.
  • Low Maintenance and Security: Chromebooks require minimal upkeep, thanks to built-in virus protection and automatic updates. Chrome OS ensures secure logins, allowing students to focus on their studies without tech-related worries.
  • Fast Startup Time: Chromebooks are renowned for their rapid startup, typically booting up within 5 seconds. This quick start ensures you can dive into your work immediately, maximising productivity.
  • Cloud-Based Storage: Your files are stored in the cloud, guaranteeing that your documents and photos are continually backed up and accessible from any internet-connected device, reducing the risk of data loss.
  • User-Friendly: Chromebooks are simple to use and work for everyone, whether you’re tech-savvy or not. To get started, sign in with your Google Account, and all your stuff is ready. The Everything Button in Chrome OS makes it easy to find what you need, making your work and research easier. If you can use Google Chrome, you can use a Chromebook.

Also read: How to make your Chromebook faster?


Disadvantages

  • Not as Flexible as Windows Laptops: Chromebooks are best suited for online tasks and may struggle with demanding software or specialised programs. This could be problematic for students in majors like engineering and graphic design programs that require powerful hardware and specific software.
  • Limited Storage Space: Chromebooks typically have less storage, sometimes as little as 32GB. While cloud storage helps, students needing ample space for large files or offline work might find this limiting.
  • Relies on the Internet: Chromebooks heavily depend on the Internet because most apps and services are web-based. This could be inconvenient for students with unreliable internet access or those who prefer to work offline.
  • Not for Serious Gaming: Chromebooks aren’t designed for high-end gaming due to hardware limitations. Students who enjoy gaming in their free time may need a cloud gaming service to access top-tier games.
  • Software Compatibility Issues: Chrome OS, the operating system on Chromebooks, isn’t compatible with many popular Windows or macOS software. This can be a challenge for students needing specific programs for their coursework. They might need to find alternatives or use web-based versions with potentially fewer features and performance.

Also read: Are Chromebooks good for college?


Who should buy a Chromebook?

Chromebooks are not for everyone, but specific groups of people can benefit greatly from using Chromebooks.

  • Teachers and Students: Chromebooks are good for schools because they are not expensive. Schools can buy many of them and give them to students and teachers. There are also lots of apps on Chromebooks that help with learning and work.
  • People who use computers for basic things: If you mostly use a computer to check emails, browse the internet, and do a bit of writing, a Chromebook can be enough. They don’t cost much, are easy to use, and have everything you need.
  • Businesses and employees: If your company uses Google things like Google Docs, Gmail, and Google Classroom, Chromebooks can work well for your employees. They are simple to use and can reduce the need for IT help.

Are Chromebooks really that bad?

Chromebooks have limitations and are not meant to replace high-end laptops.

They are made to be simple, secure, and affordable computing experiences, mainly for web-based tasks and productivity. Whether a Chromebook is good or not depends on what you need.

A Chromebook can be a great choice if you mostly do things like browsing the internet, emailing, and basic work on a computer online. But a regular Windows or macOS laptop might be better if you need special software, offline capabilities, or play high-end games.

So, whether Chromebooks are good or bad depends on what you want from a computer. They have their place and can be great for people who want easy, budget-friendly, and internet-focused computing.

Also read: What is Google services framework?

Akash Singh

Akash Singh

Akash is a law graduate who likes to go for bike rides on the weekends soul-searching for answers to his many existential questions. You can contact him here: singhakash95@pm.me

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