A few things to look for when buying Chromebooks | An experience-based guide

 

Contents 

1. Check your budget before deciding on a model.
2. The flexibility of Android on your hands. 
3. What is your purpose for buying this Chromebook? 
4. Display Requirements?
5. How much storage is ideal for you?
6. What battery backup do you need?
7. Processor? RAM? 
8. Compatibility with your existing infrastructure 
9. Brand Value, Support & Updates 
10. Key takeaways from the blog

Chromebook is well suited for you if you don't need a complex work environment simulated in your laptop. Chromebooks are simple. It works exactly like your phone. It has a high level of security compared to other streams of laptops. This is because of the constant updates Chrome OS devices receive. Every bug and every vulnerability is captured and reported by a community of developers and enthusiasts. 

It is a very secure device compared to its counterparts. First of all, Chromebooks are a different category of computing devices. It's your Android phone converted into a laptop physique. It has limited functionality compared to other laptop categories like Apple, Windows or Linux. It can work like a high-end Android phone with extra battery backup. Chromebooks are best for office use. It can be used in text editing, accounting, etc with relative ease. It is also a good choice for writers. 

These devices are limited to Play Store apps. If an app is available in the Google Play Store and optimised for your version of ChromeOS then you can run it using your Chromebook. Nowadays the capability of Chromebooks is increasing. There are heavy-running Chromebooks available on the market. 

So if you are serious about buying one for your daily needs, there are some things you have to keep in mind while selecting one. 

1. Check your budget before deciding on a model.

Chromebooks are simple, Hence their price. The price is considerably low compared to its counterparts. But there are pricey Chromebooks available in the market. 

2. The flexibility of Android on your hands. 

A Chromebook is easy to use because it has the same OS your phone has, but altered for a laptop as an extended version of Android. So using it and cross-connecting with your Android phone and other Android running devices will be very easy. 

3. What is your purpose for buying this Chromebook? 

The apps are from the Play Store, The same apps you get on your Android phone. Image editing and video editing functionalities are limited in mobile apps. So if you are focusing on video editing, machine learning, data science etc, a Chromebook won't be a good choice. If you have text processing, using web-based apps like CRMs, Virtual machines, Cloud apps etc, a Chromebook is your best choice. 

4. Display Requirements?

I recommend a small display, say between 13 inches to 14 inches. A big display will increase weight and decrease battery life. But if you have problems with eyesight, and your job requires you to stare at your computer screen for a long period, you better buy a laptop with a big screen. Believe me, health comes first. 

5. How much storage is ideal for you?

500 GB would be ideal if you ask me. ChromeOS is Android-based. You'll be downloading content, making junk files, cache files etc exactly like an Android phone. You can calculate the memory you require based on your Android phone's memory usage. 

6. What battery backup do you need?

It also depends on you, are you planning to stay outdoors, with this device and not have any access to charging devices, then you need a good battery backup. At Least 10 hours of battery backup would be Ideal. 

7. Processor? RAM? 

In my Chromebook, I have an i3 processor. And to be frank, it's working perfectly for me. But I recommend I5 or A processor with 3 GHz with 6 or more cores and higher if you are planning to futureproof your laptop for at least 4 years. 

    RAM would be 8 GB if you are not a heavy user. You require 16 GB at least if you are working chrome tabs for a long time. Chrome Browser takes memory. 

8. Compatibility with your existing infrastructure 

Your office may have an existing system, say using several Adobe softwares, which gives a high computing load, and you are buying a Chromebook hoping for seamless integration, that won't happen. You may have to consult with your office's IT guy before taking that risk. 

9. Brand Value, Support & Updates 

We buy from brands expecting good service, support and customer care. I would read a lot of reviews from Amazon before trying to buy a certain brand. 

Key takeaways from the blog

• Chromebook is a simple ChromeOS-based Device, and ChromeOS can be treated as an extension of Android OS.

• The Apps depend on the Google Play Store. If an app is available in the Play Store and optimized for your device, you can use it. 

• I wouldn't recommend it if you are buying a Chromebook for Programming, Image / Video content editing and creation, Machine learning etc. 

• I recommend a Chromebook if you are using it for common office tasks, word processing, Virtual Machines, CRM software, Web Apps etc. 

• Buy a processor higher than 3 GHz speed. 

Recommend a RAM higher than 8 GB

Recommending at least 256 GB of storage. 

• Buy a smaller Chromebook, if you are not staring at the screen for a long time, else buy a big one.