Chromebooks

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Chromebooks

by Michael Gariffo

Docid: 00021001

Publication Date: 2109

Report Type: PRODUCT

Preview

Google launched the first Chromebook in 2011 with the debut of
the Cr-48, a prototype device named for chromium-48, an unstable isotope of the
element chromium. Since then the Chromebook and the Chrome OS that powers it
have become part of the product lines of several major manufacturers including
Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, Lenovo, and Samsung. This report examines the
ideal uses for Chromebooks as well as the current Chromebook product lines
available from major manufacturers.

Device Description and History

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The Chromebook form factor closely resembles a traditional laptop or
notebook PC in its external composition. Internally, however, it more closely
mirrors the configuration of a "thin client," a type of computer with
the bare minimum of onboard hardware that is designed to work in concert with
external storage devices and networked applications. In the case of Chromebooks,
this means running Google’s Chrome OS to connect to Google-branded cloud-based
storage and running Google-branded and third-party Web apps and services. While
this method of computing provides multiple benefits (reduced device cost,
extended battery life, minimal unit size and weight), it has the drawback of
requiring an active Internet connection for the majority of its functionality.
Google itself admits that the Chromebook, as a portable computing device, will
not necessarily replace a traditional laptop for all functions, at all times.
However, the prevalence of Wi-Fi connectivity as well as the availability of
some cellular-enabled Chromebook models allow for a completely viable portable
computing device that can be bought for a much lower cost than a traditional laptop while still
filling the needs of many types of users.

Related Faulkner Reports

Google Chrome Operating System

Google debuted its first prototype Chromebook, the Cr-48, on December 7,
2010.¹ Reflecting its experimental nature, the unit was named for
chromium-48, an unstable isotope of the element chromium.² The Cr-48
was designed to be purely a test-bed for the Chrome OS and the concept that
would become the Chromebook product category; it was never intended for sale.
Instead, Google produced an estimated 60,000 units of the Cr-48 which it
distributed to beta testers and loaned to passengers on Virgin Airlines flights
via an agreement with the company. The purpose of this massive trial run was to
examine the viability of this type of consumer-focused thin client unit as a
concept. Although desktop and even portable thin client devices had been in
existence within the enterprise tech world for several years at this point, no
company had attempted a consumer-facing version on anywhere near the scale
Google was planning. Ultimately, Google wanted to know if benefits such as
extended battery life, reduced startup time, lighter components, and other
factors could outweigh the lack of any significant onboard storage and the need
for an active Internet connection to complete the majority of tasks.

Although Google never released any detailed report on the testing results of
the Cr-48, it obviously considered the trial enough of a success that less than
half a year later, at its May 2011 Google I/O conference, the company teamed
with Acer and Samsung to debut the first two commercially available Chromebook
units, the Samsung Series 5 and the Acer AC700. The first pair of entrants in
the Chromebook market ranged in price from $349 to $499, depending on
configuration and 3G connectivity options. Although neither unit would go on to
hit sales numbers that would be considered successful for a traditional
laptop, both units laid a firm groundwork among consumers and tech reviewers alike,
showing that a thin client device could be a viable laptop replacement in the
modern computing market place.

Following the release of these first devices by Samsung and Acer, the Chromebook
market went into something of a lull for more than a year with little in the way of
new products to attract customers. However, in 2013, Google once again ramped up
its efforts to expand interest in the platform with the introduction of an
updated model from Acer as well as units from new partners HP and Lenovo. In
addition to pushing these third-party devices, Google also introduced its first
commercially available, self-branded model, the Chromebook Pixel. This unit was
designed to be decidedly high-end with an all-glass touchscreen, sleek metal
exterior, and top-of-the-line specs. Although many balked at the model’s price
compared to existing models (its starting price was $1299), the
line has since hosted some of the highest-end Chromebooks ever produced, albeit at
a price point that tends to double its nearest competitor.

Since the introduction of the Pixel, the Chromebook market has shifted
several times. 2014 and 2015 saw Dell enter, exit, and re-enter the Chromebook
market, while Toshiba and ASUS also threw their hats into the arena.
Chromebook veterans have also continued to release updated units with new models
being unveiled by Samsung, Acer, and Lenovo over the past several years.

The most exciting addition to the Chromebook marketplace in recent memory
came in 2016 when Google announced that it would make it possible for certain
Chromebooks to run applications originally designed for its Android mobile
operating system. This move essentially exploded the library available software
for Chromebooks by adding the millions of apps that can be downloaded for the
Android platform from Google Play, vastly increasing the capabilities and
versatility of Chromebooks capable of supporting the new feature.

Since this addition, the Chromebook market has stabilized somewhat around two
main uses: as an inexpensive option for students requiring a laptop computing
device, and as an equally inexpensive option for private users wanting a simple
web browsing device that can also allow them to perform basic productivity and
consume media on the go. Google itself may have once again exited the market,
but strong offerings from HP, Lenovo, Samsung, Asus, and others continue to fill
the market.

Choosing a Chromebook

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As has been mentioned, Chromebooks are not simply designed to
be budget laptops. They are entirely different from the traditional
Windows or Mac OS PCs available on the market. Chromebook users face different
challenges and receive different benefits than their counterparts using Microsoft-
or Apple-based hardware. The simplest and clearest way to relate the
give-and-take of owning a Chromebook is with a list of the pros and cons that
any Chromebook buyer, regardless of what model they choose, will face.

Pros

Cost – With very few exceptions, all models
covered below, as well as nearly all Chromebooks ever released, come in at a
sub-$600 price point with less than $250 being a common price tag. Although Windows-based laptops can be had for similar
prices, they are traditionally very low-end models that often suffer from
poor build quality or out-of-date components. The argument could be made
that even a low-end laptop is more capable than a Chromebook. However, the
lightness, battery life, and portability of most Chromebook models put them
in closer competition with something along the lines of a Windows-based
ultrabook or Macbook, neither of which can often typically be had for less than
$700, if not $1000.
Battery Life – Chromebooks tend
to have estimated and practical battery life far in excess of most
traditional laptops. Although some ultrabooks and Macbook models can
match the 8+ or even 11+ hour Chromebooks on today’s market, none can do so
while staying within anything close to the same price range.
Portability – Chromebooks tend to pack as much as they can into the
smallest area while adding as little weight as possible. This makes them
ideal for the on-the-go student or worker that has to lug whatever computing
device they choose around with them all day, every day. With most models
running between 11.6" and 13.3" with total weight of 3.5lbs or less,
Chromebooks can be an ideal solution.
Quick Start-Up – All modern Chromebook models have boot up times of
about 15 seconds or less from a completely powered down state. This means
that users can get right to work wherever they are, even if they only have
a few minutes of free time in which to accomplish their tasks. Traditional
laptops can usually only obtain this type of instant usability by being left
in some form of standby or hibernate. While these modes do not consume a significant
amount of battery power, they are still draining the device’s reserves to a
certain extent. Meanwhile, a Chromebook can be shut down completely between
uses, resulting in essentially zero power consumption.
Google Services – Most modern Chromebooks come packed with instant
access to all of Google’s cloud-based services. This includes the company’s
cloud-based productivity software, its Google Drive cloud-based storage
service, and its other Web-based applications. Although both Windows-based
and Mac OS-based PCs can also access these offerings, they don’t feature
the level of "baked-in" compatibility that a Chromebook offers,
allowing cloud-based files and software to essentially be used as if stored
locally.

Cons

Constant Connectivity – The first drawback of owning a Chromebook
that will strike most people is the lack of locally installed software.
Although Google has ameliorated the issue to a certain extent by introducing
the option of installing Chrome-based and Android-based apps on the device’s local storage,
this still only provides access to a limited selection of applications,
which are usually hampered by restrictions to the cloud-based portions of
their functionality that they were originally designed with. It must be said
that this issue becomes nearly non-existent for many mobile users, thanks to
the prevalence of both public Wi-Fi hotspots and mobile hotspots or
smartphone-based Wi-Fi connections. However, a Chromebook cannot currently
match a traditional laptop’s ability to get work done anywhere, even when no
active Internet connection whatsoever is available.
Limited Software Selection – Chromebooks were never
intended to be heavy-duty computing machines. Although they can work
wonderfully as productivity devices, Web browsing tools, or entertainment
centers, they are not designed to handle more weighty tasks like photo and
video editing. While the addition of support for Android applications to the
Chromebook platform has massively increased the library of available
software, it has done nothing to remove the fact that Chromebooks are simply
incapable of some of the more heavy-duty computing tasks often expected of
pricier laptops, including advanced video and photo editing, gaming, and
other resource-intensive tasks.
Limited Local Storage – The majority of Chromebook models ship with
solid state drives under 100GB as their sole form of local storage. Although this
is more than ample for the primarily cloud-based OS and apps that the device
will be running, it can quickly become filled if the user decides they would
like to keep any significant amount of high-definition video or music files
with them at all times. This issue can be mitigated somewhat by using one of
the many available cloud-based storage options. However, this once again
brings up the difficulties brought about by requiring an active
Internet connection to access personal files.
Peripheral Compatibility – Chrome supports a form of plug-and-play
compatibility that allows most keyboards, mice, and external storage devices
to be used without the need to install a driver. However, should a device
not be automatically recognized by a Chromebook, the user is left with
little or no recourse as there is no standard method for installing a
third-party driver to correct the issue.

Should I Buy a Chromebook?

At the end of the day, most shoppers want a simple, straight answer about
whether or not a device is right for them. Although it is often very hard for a
third party to accurately make that decision, there are some simple qualifications
in this case that could help a potential Chromebook buyer decide whether this is
the right device category for them or not.

Will this purchase be your sole or primary computing device? If the
answer is yes, then it is unlikely that a Chromebook will be an ideal fit.
While these devices tend to be great as portable computers, or "couch
PCs," they could very easily fall short of fulfilling every need if the
wrong type of file, brand of software, or intensity of computing task comes
into play. For this reason, it is best to use Chromebook as a secondary
device in conjunction with a more full featured Windows- or Mac OS-based laptop
or desktop PC.
Are you a student? Chromebooks are usually much more ideally suited
to the needs of students than the needs of workers. Since students primarily
use productivity suites, e-mail, and Web browsers for research and school
work, a Chromebook can easily tick all of the required boxes.
Do you do any heavy audio/video/photo editing? If the answer is yes
to any of these then you should almost certainly avoid buying a Chromebook
for those tasks. Most models simply lack the processing power required for
such heavy lifting, as well as being incompatible with the majority of
software designed for these purposes.
Do you have access to a constant Wi-Fi signal/mobile hotspot/
smartphone with mobile hotspot capabilities? If so, then you can
eliminate one of the biggest drawbacks for owning a Chromebook: the need for
constant connectivity. It should be noted, however, that if you do intend to
use a hotspot in concert with a limited data plan, a Chromebook will consume
data at a rate comparable to a traditional laptop.
Do you only ever use PCs for browsing the Web, checking e-mail, and
light or social gaming? Since many PC users simply never do anything
more advanced than these tasks with their systems, Chromebooks can often
replace a traditional PC since anything more advanced would be "too
much computer" for these types of consumers.
Do you feel like a tablet or smartphone is as fully featured a device
as you’ll ever need? Since Chromebooks are as or even more capable
than most tablets while also providing a full hardware keyboard and access
to some external peripherals, users of this type should easily be able to
fulfill all of their needs with a Chromebook.

Ultimately, each user must decide which device best fits their lifestyle. With a price point lower than most 10-inch tablets and a growing
list of capabilities up to most, if not all, light computing tasks, a Chromebook
should be a worthy consideration for any potential PC buyer.

Current Models

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This section will examine the current leading models from each of the active
Chromebook manufacturers, including factors such as screen size, device
dimensions, battery life, on-board memory, and wireless connectivity options.
Although there have been far too many Chromebooks produced in the product
category’s history to cover in a single report, only a fraction of those devices remain in production. For the
sake of this report’s ability to serve as a guide to potential buyers, any units
that have gone completely out of production, or have been replaced within a given
manufacturer’s product line by a newer unit, will be omitted. This section
will also focus primarily on the units with the broadest appeal.

Acer

Figure 1. The Acer Chromebook Spin 311

Source: Acer

Chromebook Spin 311
- Screen Size and Resolution – 11.6" multi-touch display running at
  1366×768
- Touchscreen Available – Yes
- Processor Options – MediaTek MT8183 processor running
  at 2 GHz
- Memory – 4GB
- Storage – 64GB Solid State Drives
- Wireless Connectivity Options – Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.2
- Battery Life – 16 hours
- Weight – 2.65lb
- Notes – The Acer Chromebook Spin 311 is a
  successor to the well-received Spin 11. Like its predecessor, it
  is modeled after the
  popular "convertible laptop" form factor. This
  means that it can be used as either a traditional laptop or as a tablet
  computing device. Thanks to the introduction of Android app support to
  Chrome OS, the ability to operate as a tablet is now more important than
  ever, giving this unit an advantage over other touchscreen-equipped Chromebooks that cannot convert into tablet form.
  Further adding to this functionality is the inclusion of Wacom stylus
  support, making it possible to physically write or sketch on the
  included touchscreen as well.
- Pricing – $299.99 (MSRP)

Figure 2. Acer Chromebook 314

Source: Acer

Chromebook 314
- Screen Size and Resolution – 14" display running at
  1366×786
- Touchscreen Available – No
- Processor Options – Intel Celeron N4000 processor
  Dual-core running at 1.10 GHz
- Memory – 4GB
- Storage – 32GB Solid State Drives
- Wireless Connectivity Options – Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0
- Battery Life – 12 hours
- Weight – 3.75lb
- Notes – One of the largest entrants in Acer’s current
  lineup, the Chromebook 314 is exemplary of the company’s shift towards
  low-cost, student-centric devices. While the low cost does come at the
  expense of things like higher resolution displays, the company makes up
  for this somewhat with added upgrades like Bluetooth 5.0 and a Celeron
  series processor, all while still remaining under the $250 price point.
  That said, the purpose-built unit is unlikely to win any beauty contests
  or design awards, but it does provide a low-cost, functional entry point
  for students or casual browsers.
- Pricing – $239.99 (MSRP)

ASUS

Figure 3. ASUS Chromebook C223

Source: ASUS

Chromebook C223
- Screen Size and Resolution – 11.6" display running at
  1366×768
- Touchscreen Available – No
- Processor Options – Intel Celeron Dual-Core N3060 CPU
  running at 1.6 GHz
- Memory – 4GB
- Storage – 32GB Solid State Drive
- Wireless Connectivity Options – Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
- Battery Life – 10 hours
- Weight – 2.2lb
- Notes – As its name somewhat suggests, the Asus C232 is
  an iterative upgrade to the company’s C202 series, which was itself an
  update to the C201, and so on. The C232 is
  positioned as a sturdy, well-suited laptop for students and those on the
  go. Its small size and light weight make it ideal
  for throwing into a backpack, while its spill-proof keyboard makes it
  resistant to accidents. That said, the C200 series has remained nearly
  unchanged in its selection of internal components and memory sizes for
  more than four years, at the time of writing. This is unlikely to sit
  well with anyone seeking the newest, most powerful Chromebook.
- Pricing – $249.99 (retail)

Figure 4. ASUS Chromebook Flip CX5

Source: ASUS

Chromebook Flip CX5
- Screen Size and Resolution – 14" display running at
  1920×1080
- Touchscreen Available – Yes
- Processor Options – Intel Core i3 ; Intel Core i5;
  Intel Core i7
- Memory – 8GB or 16GB
- Storage – 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB Solid State Drive
- Wireless Connectivity Options – Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0
- Battery Life – 10 hours
- Weight – 3.09lb
- Notes – The ASUS Chromebook Flip was one of the first
  models to mirror the trend of laptop/tablet hybrids by offering a
  touchscreen that can be rotated nearly a full 360 degrees. This updated
  version expanded on that capability by adding high-end internal
  components to make it one of the most powerful and capable Chromebooks
  on the market at the time of its release. This was thanks to the option of full-fledged
  Intel core i CPU,s as well as internal storage configurations as high as
  512GB. The latter feature is very uncommon in Chromebooks, and is a match for
  many entry-level ultrabooks and laptops. However, all of this space and
  power comes at a cost, with the CX5 being priced at almost $800 for a
  base configuration.
- Pricing – $799.99+ (retail)

Dell

Figure 5. Dell Chromebook 11

Source: Dell

Dell Chromebook 11
- Screen Size and Resolution – 11.6" display running at
  1366×768
- Touchscreen Available – Yes
- Processor Options – Intel Celeron N4000 running at
  2.6GHz or Intel 4020 CPU running at 2.8GHz
- Memory – 4GB
- Storage – 16GB Solid State Drive
- Wireless Connectivity Options – Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0
- Battery Life – Up to 10 hours
- Weight – 3.164lb
- Notes – Dell’s participation in the Chromebook market
  has been inconsistent, at best. Typically only offering one to two
  models at a time, the company has never seemed fully committed to the
  product category. However, despite its ambivalence, it has produced some
  worthwhile offerings. Its latest attempt comes in the form of a single
  11-inch model available in standard and convertible variants. Both
  models share similarly middle-of-the-road internal components, with
  relatively little to differentiate them from similar offerings’
  internals. However, where Dell does differentiate itself is its
  unapologetic focus on student users. The company markets the Chromebook
  11 series as being "kid-proof," touting its resistance to spills, drops,
  and other hazards children might impart to their laptop devices. While
  the rugged design certainly seems to be capable of holding up to unusual
  abuses, the price to value comparison certainly requires that those
  abuses be a real danger in order to justify a price point that’s
  significantly higher than one would expect given the internal component
  list.
- Pricing – $341.99 to $558.99 (retail)

Google

Figure 6. Pixelbook Go

Source: Google

Pixelbook
- Screen Size and Resolution – 13.3" display running at
  3840×2160
- Touchscreen Available – Yes
- Processor Options – Intel m3 or Core i5
  or i7
- Memory – 8GB or16GB
- Storage – 128GB, 256GB Solid State Drives
- Wireless Connectivity Options – Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
- Battery Life – Up to 12 hours
- Weight – 2.3lb
- Notes – Google’s fourth major entry into its self-made Chromebook
  line has retained the "Pixelbook" moniker and added "Go" to denote
  its more diminutive size and portability. Like its predecessors, the
  Pixelbook Go features configuration options that would seem high end in a
  traditional laptop, including the rare (among Chromebooks) option to
  choose a Core i5 or even i7 processor, as much as 16GB of RAM, and
  a standard 4K resolution display. These stats would seem right at
  home in a mid-range Macbook or Windows-based ultrabook, but are instead
  being used here to power a Chromebook. As with the first three entrants
  into Google’s own Chromebook line, some may feel these component choices
  are gross overkill, with little of their power being put to actual use.
  However, there remains a portion of the consumer base for whom cost is
  no option. Those buyers simply want the best available components in
  their electronics, even if they ever only use a fraction of the power
  being made available by them. For these people, the Pixelbook Go is a clear
  choice. While that choice still begins at around $650, it is still a far
  sight cheaper than the four-figure starting price of several past
  options.
- Pricing – $649.00 to $1,399.00

HP

Figure 7. HP Chromebook 11a

Source: HP

Chromebook x360 11 G1
- Screen Size and Resolution – 11.6" display running at
  1366×768
- Touchscreen Available – Yes
- Processor Options – MediaTek MT8183 running at 2.0
  GHz
- Memory – 4GB
- Storage – 32GB or 64GB Solid State Drive
- Wireless Connectivity Options – Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.2
- Battery Life – Up to 15 hours
- Weight – 2.36lb
- Notes – Positioned as a replacement for the HP
  Chromebook 11, this new model is designed for the budget-conscious
  shopper with its sub-$200 starting price. However, this price comes with
  predictably mediocre specs, placing the unit as one of the least
  powerful on this list with one of the worst displays. That said, those
  looking for an extremely cheap entry point into the Chromebook market
  may want to consider this model before committing to something more
  expensive.
- Pricing – $179.00+

Figure 8. HP Elite c1030 Chromebook

Source: HP

Chromebook Elite c1030 Chromebook
- Screen Size and Resolution – 13.3" display running at
  1920×1280
- Touchscreen Available – Yes, with stylus support
- Processor Options – Intel Core i3 with Turbo Boost
- Memory – 8GB
- Storage – 128GB Solid State Drives
- Wireless Connectivity Options – Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0
- Battery Life – Up to 9 hours
- Weight – 2.87+lb
- Notes – The HP Elite c1030 is on the opposite end of the spectrum from the above Chromebook 11a. It is
  designed to provide the top end of components and build quality in HP’s
  current Chromebook lineup, although it does so at a staggering
  four-figure price point. For this cost, users are getting a Core i
  processor, an unusually large internal storage pool, and a display with
  minimal bezels and HD+ resolution. However, it must be said that even
  Google’s traditionally expensive first-party line can currently be had
  for less than the $1,029.00 MSRP, while offering superior processor and
  display options. The Elite c1030 is somewhat unique in offering these
  high end features in a convertible form factor, however.
- Pricing – $1,029.00

Lenovo

Figure 9. Lenovo Chromebook 3

Source: Lenovo

Chromebook
3
- Screen Size and Resolution – 14" display running at
  1366×768
- Touchscreen Available – Yes
- Processor Options – AMD Celeron N4020 (1.10GHz)
- Memory – 4GB
- Storage – 32GB Solid State Drives
- Wireless Connectivity Options – Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.2
- Battery Life – Up to 10 hours
- Weight – 3.0lb
- Notes – The Chromebook 3 is Lenovo’s shot at
  capturing the student and casual user market. Its $260 price point
  places it in the middle of the road for cost, while providing a
  minimalistic design and smaller side bezels than many competing units.
  There’s very little to make the Chromebook 3 stand out, but it does
  fulfill the role of being a good all-around option for a reasonable
  price.
- Pricing – $259.99+

Figure 10. Lenovo Chromebook Flex 3

Source: Lenovo

Chromebook Flex 3
- Screen Size and Resolution – 11.6" display running at
  1366×768
- Touchscreen Available – Yes (standard)
- Processor Options – MediaTek MT8183 processor running
  at 2.0GHz
- Memory – 4GB
- Storage – 64GB Solid State Drives
- Wireless Connectivity Options – Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.2
- Battery Life – Up to 10 hours
- Weight – 2.7lb
- Notes – Lenovo’s latest entry into the convertible
  Chromebook market is a spiritual successor to the company’s Yoga laptop line. Like
  Yoga models, this device features a touchscreen that can be bent back so
  that it is flush with the underside of the keyboard, creating a
  tablet-like device. Given Chrome OS’ Android compatibility, this could
  be particularly handy for apps that were designed around touch-based
  interaction. However, unlike many other convertible models, the
  Chromebook Flex 3 is designed to be an affordable option in a smaller
  package. This combination of diminutive size and higher-end features
  produces a mid-range price for a system that, without its 360-degree
  hinge, would reside on the low end of the features list.
- Pricing – $389.99+ (MSRP)

Samsung

Figure 11. Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 in 2 Colors

Source: Samsung

Galaxy Chromebook 2
- Screen Size and Resolution – 13.3" display running at
  1920×1080
- Touchscreen Available – Yes, standard
- Processor Options – Intel Celeron 5205U or Intel Core
  i3-10110U
- Memory – 4GB or 8GB
- Storage – 64GB or 128GB
- Wireless Connectivity Options – Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
- Battery Life – Up to 14 hours
- Weight – 2.1lb
- Notes – Samsung’s newest flagship Chromebook is the
  first to adopt the company’s Galaxy branding from its line of
  smartphones and tablets. The naming is appropriate as the model focuses
  heavily on its convertible touchscreen display to provide access to
  Android apps and other touch-sensitive software and sites. The Galaxy
  Chromebook 2 is no slouch on internal components either, sporting an
  Intel Celeron or Core i3 CPU for higher-end performance. This, combined
  with one of the longest claimed battery life profiles on this list make
  it a very solid high-end option for users expecting to get a significant
  amount of work done on the unit while on the go.
- Pricing – $549.99 or $699.99

Figure 12. Samsung Chromebook 4+

Source: Samsung

Chromebook 4+
- Screen Size and Resolution – 15.6" display running at
  1920×1080
- Touchscreen Available – No
- Processor Options – Intel Celeron N4000 running at
  1.10Ghz
- Memory – 6GB
- Storage – 32GB, 64GB, or 128GB
- Wireless Connectivity Options – Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0
- Battery Life – Up to 10 hours
- Weight – 3.75lb
- Notes – Samsung’s simply-named Chromebook line is one
  of the longest-running series of devices still on the market. The latest
  option is designed for people that want a mid-range device that doesn’t
  sacrifice screen real estate. Coming in at 15.6", the display provides a
  full-size laptop experience powered by an average CPU and above-average
  memory and storage. While this extra display size does make the model
  one of the heaviest on the list, its power pack still provides a solid
  10 hours of use per charge, meaning it won’t conk out on users too
  quickly.
- Pricing – $299.99+

Summary

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At this point, Chromebooks have more than proven themselves as a
viable product category. Google has verified that consumers are very interested
in a device that has nearly all of the same capabilities as a laptop or
ultrabook at a price point that’s typically half of what a fully-featured
laptop would run them.

Thanks to the explosion of smaller, more efficient, and less
power-hungry CPUs, the Chromebook category should only become more and more
capable, potentially coming even closer to fulfilling all of the needs of a
traditional PC users. However, with the current state of affairs, caution should
still be exercised when purchasing a Chromebook. They simply do not have access
to the wide libraries of software, sizable local storage, or catalog of compatible
peripherals that can be had by Mac OS and Windows PC users. It is up to each
individual consumer to decide if those drawbacks are worth spending the
extra money for a full-fledged PC or if a Chromebook is just the right fit for
them.

References

¹"Chrome
Event." YouTube.
December 7, 2010.
²Juliette Garside. "Google Cr-48: Inside the Chrome OS
‘Unstable Isotope." The Register. January 4, 2012.

Web Links

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About the Author

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Michael Gariffo is an editor for Faulkner Information Services. He
tracks and writes about enterprise software and the IT services sector, as well
as telecommunications and data networking.

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