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#0010 My thoughts on Chromebooks
Overview
BEWARE: My opinion is shared by many in the IT world. However,
this article may upset anyone in the educational community.
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.
Hardware
Chromebooks generally have less powerful hardware compared to Windows PCs or
Macs. Some tend to run slowly (out of the box) and offer 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 When a Chromebook becomes outdated, the only option is to buy a new one that
also has similar limitations. Perhaps this is another example of planned obsolesence. I
would consider them 'throw-away' devices.
Software
Another drawback is that Chromebooks only support apps available in the
Google Play Store. 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 online, 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. A business will use Microsoft Office and 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.
