What’s a Chromebook?

In my last article, I compared Windows PCs and Apple laptop and desktop computers. However, there is a third option. Chromebooks are a relatively new addition to the landscape but have gained significant traction over recent years, surpassing MacOS as the second most used operating system after Windows, with a 10.8% market share. For reference, that compares to 80.5% market share for Windows and 7.5% MacOS (source). So what are Chromebooks and why are they becoming so popular? And should you consider getting one?

Chrome OS

Chromebooks run on Chrome OS, Google’s answer to Windows and MacOS. It takes a very different starting point to build on compared to its rivals. While Windows seeks to be as complete, powerful and compatible as possible and MacOS strives to give the most high-end user experience while still retaining the power and productivity high-end users require, Chrome OS turns that all on its head. It is an operating system that says “How much of that do you actually need?”

Simply speaking, it targets those users who need a computer for the fundamental tasks first and foremost. Those tasks that you could probably accomplish just by opening a browser. A Chromebook will let you browse the web, watch online videos, write documents, create spreadsheets and presentations, manage files, work with emails and do essentially anything that you could do in any normal web browser. Don’t expect to do high-powered tasks like video editing or 3D gaming though.

A streamlined experience

Because of the focus on fundamental tasks, Chromebooks have positioned themselves very cleverly in the marketplace. Without needing the complexity of a Windows installation, the operating system Chrome OS is extremely lightweight, meaning that it doesn’t ask as much of its host computer. So a computer that has specifications you might consider too weak to power Windows will actually run Chrome OS much better. Or, more simply, Chromebooks are cheaper because they don’t have to use as many high-spec components to provide a fast, fluid experience.

Should I get one?

If you are looking for a cheap way to get your children online for remote learning, a Chromebook might be a great option. If you are just looking for a laptop for web-browsing, email, basic online video or simple documents and spreadsheets, again it could be a good option to consider. If you push a Chromebook too hard, it will be a slow experience, but if you are confident you will keep to its intended use cases, it may be the right fit for you.

As you hopefully know already, I offer the service of recommending you a few computer choices if you tell me what you want to use your computer for. If you’re interested in a Chromebook, be sure to mention it if you ask for my suggestions.

James