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- Chromebooks have evolved so much over the past few years and are now capable of being a daily driver.
- The battery life is one of the best on these, even on the cheapest side.
- The OS is super straightforward and fast, making it ideal for many.
Chromebooks, although not very good in their early days, are one of the most talked-about and chosen computers for so many people. And yes, that includes me too. I’ve recently gotten the chance to try ChromeOS, which is the primary OS on these Chromebooks instead of the Microsoft Windows operating system.
What’s A Chromebook Anyway
For those uninitiated, a Chromebook is essentially a laptop like any other. But what makes it different is its operating system. Chromebooks do not use Windows or macOS; instead, they use Google’s very own ChromeOS, which is built using Linux. The OS is so light that it doesn’t require too much hardware for its operation.
Chromebook offers minimal and basic stuff to work with, like the Chrome browser. Which is like the main portal to everything for Chromebook users. Everything you want to use is accessible through it (their web versions, to be specific). Whether it’s work-related software or entertainment sites like YouTube, Netflix, and plenty more.
Moreover, Google has also added Play Store support to its Chromebooks, which is great, but this feature is still a work in progress, and not all the Android apps work perfectly on it yet.
Not to mention, Chromebooks aren’t all about having the best hardware inside of them because they don’t need one either. The cheapest Chromebooks, which are between $150 and $200 MSRP, boast something like 4/8 GB of memory with 32 to 64 GB of eMMC-type storage and an Intel Celeron or Pentium processor.
Since they have evolved a lot, now they do come in the premium category as well. Chromebooks in this category use around 16 GB of memory with up to 256 GB or more for the SSD storage side of things and an Intel Core i7 as their processor unit. While all of that sounds fancy, their prices also go as high as $800–$900.
Great As A Daily Driver
A Chromebook offers everything one requires daily, whether it is for work or entertainment. Chromebook has full Google Workspace support as well as support for the Android versions of the Microsoft Office suite, which includes MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and more. You can also enjoy social media, movies, and TV shows without having to invest in a more expensive Windows laptop. Every basic task you need to do daily can be done using just your Chromebook.
Besides this, you can also do a little more on these, and by a little extra, I mean 3D modeling and coding. For coding, you can use Replit, which is a cloud-based coding platform. Furthermore, as far as 3D modeling is concerned, you can easily enable the Linux environment in the settings and install Blender through a Linux-based app store. These were some additional perks that I wanted to highlight, as I personally tested them and found them impressive.
It Lasts Way Longer
Another great thing about Chromebooks is their excellent battery backup. It’s a well-known feature of these laptops. A Chromebook usually lasts 6–8 hours and is used mostly by Google Workspace applications, social media, and OTT platforms. Whereas a Windows laptop would last 3–4 hours maximum if you’re lucky enough. All thanks to the power-hungry Windows OS and hardware.
Next-Level Portability
Chromebooks are typically more portable than laptops as well. This is due to the fact that they do not have much hardware in them and a lightweight OS, which helps them get trimmed down more than a traditional Windows laptop. Chromebooks also come in a 2-in-1 form factor, meaning you can use them as a tablet or a laptop, depending on personal preferences.
Perfect Fit For Casuals
Having limited functionality to offer, Chromebooks are quite straightforward to use. This makes them a perfect fit for casuals who do not possess tech knowledge, like school kids, teens, and even old folks. All of them can use a Chromebook quite conveniently. Also, if they’re into games, that is possible via cloud gaming services such as GeForce Now and Xbox Cloud Gaming, as they are now supported on Chromebooks.
They Are Very Much Worth It
Keeping all the advancements and efforts put in to make the Chromebooks what they are today. I would say it was all worth it, as we got another rivalry alongside the Windows laptops and MacBooks in the basic daily driver space. A sub $400 to $500 Chromebook like Acer Chromebook Plus 515 or HP Chromebook Plus x360 is pretty much everything you need in 2024 to get your everyday work done on the go and without breaking the bank.
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Moiz Banoori, with a decade of experience in gaming and tech journalism and a degree in journalism, is a notable figure in the industry. He has contributed to various esteemed platforms, showcasing his expertise in both reporting and opinion writing.
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