My thoughts on Chromebooks

Limited capabilities and underpowered

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Keywords:
schools, chromebook, applications, businesses, opinion

Key Takeaway:
Chromebooks are best suited for basic tasks like web browsing, using Google Docs, and playing simple games that don’t require much processing power.

Category Insights:
OPINION — This article reflects personal experience and perspective on the topic.

Overview

Chromebooks are best suited for basic tasks like web browsing, using Google Docs, and playing simple games that don’t require much processing power. They are essentially VERY lightweight computers, often described as being like a computer on training wheels—with the key difference that you can’t remove the training wheels.

This article may upset persons in the educational community but this opinion is commonly shared by IT professionals.

Hardware

Chromebooks generally have less powerful hardware compared to Windows and Linux PCs or Macs. Some will tend to run slowly (fresh out of the box) and offer little or no upgrade options. Most have their memory and storage soldered onto the motherboard board, making it impossible to upgrade. When a Chromebook becomes outdated, the only choice is to buy a new one that will also be limited. Perhaps this is another example of planned obsolescence. I would consider Chromebooks 'throw-away' devices.

Software Restrictions

Another drawback is that Chromebooks only support apps available in the Google Play Store or cloud based applications. The eco-system is very locked down. You can’t download software from other websites or use physical disks as you can with other computers. This severely limits your options. Additionally, Chromebooks have few business applications; if the app you need isn’t available in the store or cloud based, you’re out of luck.

School Use

It’s somewhat puzzling to me why many schools choose Chromebooks, given that they aren’t widely used in businesses and don’t prepare students for the professional world. Nearly all businesses will use Microsoft Office. Yet, Chrome books offer Google Docs as an alternative. While schools are attracted by their low cost, they’re discovering that many Chromebook models have limited lifespans with actual expiration dates and need to be replaced more often. This leads to a significant amount of electronic waste. In response, some schools are reverting to Windows-based computers.

Last Word

If it were my money, I would spend a bit more and purchase a Windows-based laptop. Chromebooks are e-Waste out of the box. There I said it. I'm sorry if you disagree.