What is a Chromebook?
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Are you thinking of buying a Chromebook? In that case, you should first know what these devices that work with Chrome OS consist of and be clear about their advantages and disadvantages. This article will answer the question, ‘what is a Chromebook?’ and explain everything you need to know about it.
Let’s start with the discussion of Chrome OS. Then, we will talk about what Chromebooks are, their advantages and applications and the best Chromebooks for 2021 based on customer reviews to help you choose the best Chromebook. Do you know that Chrome OS has become the second most used operating system globally, leaving Apple’s macOS behind? The growth in demand for Chromebooks has been insane last year. In 2020, the demand for Chromebook grew by 109%.
Chrome OS, the Heart of Chromebooks
On July 7, 2009, Chrome OS was born shortly after the popular Google Chrome browser launch, and precisely this browser would become its central core. Like Android, Google’s operating system for mobile devices, Chrome OS is based on the Linux kernel, and there is also an open-source version called Chromium OS.
The Chromebook, both for access to tools, programs and files, turning to the online world, and mainly rely on Google services. In this way, to check the mail, it uses Gmail; for office automation and storage, there is Google Drive; to surf the net, it’s Google Chrome; and so on. It will be through your Gmail account, with which you will access the entire Google ecosystem to use your Chromebook.
What is a Chromebook?
When buying a laptop, you can choose between computers with Windows, install Linux or opt for an Apple MacBook. But recently, there is a new option: Chromebooks, sponsored by Google and marketed by various manufacturers.
Chromebooks are laptops running on Chrome OS operating system developed by Google. The first official prototype was announced in 2010, and the devices were commercial from 2011. It was not until 2013 that Google itself launched its first device called the Chromebook Pixel. Unlike Windows, OS X and Linux, it is intended to be permanently connected to the Internet because they rely on the cloud.
Just as manufacturers like Apple maintain control of hardware and software, since Macs are the only computers to carry macOS pre-installed officially, the difference is that Google allows other manufacturers to launch their Chromebooks as well, thus creating a broader ecosystem.
The applications are installed through the Chrome Web Store, the application store integrated into Google Chrome. A media player is also included, and everything is permanently synced to the cloud. Therefore, if you intend to use a Chromebook without an Internet connection, its functionality is more limited than other computers. Some of the most common tools (such as Office or Skype, for example) would have to be replaced by Google Drive and Google Hangouts without going any further.
However, you can also use them locally without resorting to the Internet since many of Google’s services have an offline mode that will be synchronized without problems once you have the Internet again.
Who is it for?
The limited hardware capacity of this electronic device makes it unsuitable for people wishing to install relatively heavy authoring programs, such as those from Adobe or even games. The Chromebook was not designed for this.
Benefits and Areas of Application of a Chromebook
By comparing customer reviews, you can see that the main advantage of the best Chromebook 2021 is, of course, its “lightness” in terms of content and functionality. This is what makes it easy to use and intuitive. It has been specially designed to browse the Internet quickly and perform word processing.
Much lighter than an ordinary laptop, it is very easy to transport.
The Chromebook happens to be a good compromise between a laptop PC and a digital tablet. This is why it can be used as a secondary or “backup” computer. In addition, you can take advantage of many features without needing to use Wi-Fi. This makes it very convenient when you have connection problems or while on the go.
The last important point, the arrival of Google Assistant, allows Chromebooks to control various equipment in the house ranging from speakers to connected bulbs through connected thermostats, security systems and others.
3 Best Chromebooks 2021
Here are three consumer-tested products to help you choose your future Chromebook.
Acer Chromebook CB314-1H-C884
This is a traditional Chromebook. Simple but effective. It has a 14″ Full HD screen and an Intel Celeron N4000 processor. It is very easy to handle and light device. It starts up very quickly, and its autonomy is remarkable (up to 12 hours depending on use). The screen of this model is not touch-sensitive.
Lenovo IdeaPad 3 11 Chromebook
This 2-in-1 Chromebook with touchscreen has a MediaTek P60T processor, an integrated camera, and two speakers. It can reach 10 hours of autonomy depending on its use. It starts up in seconds and updates automatically. Other features include the 720p webcam, 2×2 WiFi, Bluetooth, 3.1 Gen 12 (Type C) ports, and a microSD card reader.
It has an excellent quality/price ratio. It fully fulfils common tasks and is very easy to use. However, it has only one USB C port.
HP Chromebook 14, Intel Celeron N4000 Processor
Remote work or office space, you can work efficiently using the HP 14-inch Chromebook. This Chromebook is energy efficient, and using it means you’re doing the environment a favor. It has a 14-inch HD micro-edge display. With 32GB of eMMC storage, storing important documents is easy, and the 4GB of RAM allows quick access to your documents.
Our Final Thoughts!
Now you know ‘what is a Chromebook?’ We hope this article will help you choose the best Chromebook according to your needs. Indeed, Chromebooks can ideally take the place of the extinct netbooks and become an alternative to consider tablets more than traditional laptops. The more options you have at hand, the better. Do not forget to share this information with your friends and family.
