Chromebook - Worth it?

[Blazing]

After seeing this discussion on another forum with mixed results, I became quite interested. The Chromebook is a type of laptop which can only run Google Chrome, which comes with Adobe Flash Player. It can boot in 10 seconds as there is a limit to the programs inside it.

At first look, it seems a bit bare as it can only run Google Chrome, but can come with 3G connectivity (100MB per month for 2 years) and normal wi-fi. As for work such as replacements for PowerPoint, Word and Excel, then Google Docs is the replacement for you.

It seems cheap and affordable, the only setback is that you cannot download anything on it, not Paint, Photoshop, Skype or CamStudio. Nothing.

Any opinions on this?

[rolex]

[HCAFC]

That's the entire point of not being able to download, it is all about living online only. Web applications are not as advanced as downloadable computer programs, but are free and can get the job done (Google Docs for Office, pixlr for Photoshop/Paint, lots of apps from the Chrome Web Store). It shouldn't be bought to replace a PC, but sounds like a useful lightweight device if you just want internet access on the move.

[Ghost]

Raspberry Pi!

[opc]

I considered getting a Chromebook to take to lectures, but decided on an Asus Transformer TF300 tablet instead. Can do everything you can do on a chromebook, and you have the play store for games and that. Work AND play.

Also, I'm completely engrained in Google services after having an android phone of one form or another since the G1 came out, so it made sense to stick to Android.

[Ra1n]

iPad Mini

[Blazing]

*creates a thread about a laptop* *gets phone and tablet suggestions instead*

[opc]

*creates a thread about a laptop* *gets phone and tablet suggestions instead*

If you get a tablet and a keyboard dock, like with the Asus Transformer then you have a device that's more useful than a chrome book.

[rolex]

if ur going 2 use a tablet as a laptop y not jus get a laptop lol.........................................

chromeb00k is for dumbos who dl files like drake-take care.exe and fink its a music file lol. jus get a normal laptop tbh

[opc]

if ur going 2 use a tablet as a laptop y not jus get a laptop lol.........................................

chromeb00k is for dumbos who dl files like drake-take care.exe and fink its a music file lol. jus get a normal laptop tbh

Portability.

[Girgensons]

if ur going 2 use a tablet as a laptop y not jus get a laptop lol.........................................

chromeb00k is for dumbos who dl files like drake-take care.exe and fink its a music file lol. jus get a normal laptop tbh

Portability.

Bag.

[rolex]

poratbility? if u gna carry around a keyboard dock with u everywhere to use the tablet as a laptop y nt get a laptop......................................., laptops have better hardware and software

[Blazing]

poratbility? if u gna carry around a keyboard dock with u everywhere to use the tablet as a laptop y nt get a laptop......................................., laptops have better hardware and software

This. ^

Windows laptops seem to get very slow after the first 1/2 months of purchase, whereas I've seen Macs deliver well despite the age of it and heard that Chromebooks are uber fast, and the softwares really aren't something you'd be missing unless you're a hardcore gamer who plays stuff like Minecraft etc. Skype can be used on phone etc.

[Mick]

i'll sell u my nokia 1974 vershun

[HCAFC]

poratbility? if u gna carry around a keyboard dock with u everywhere to use the tablet as a laptop y nt get a laptop......................................., laptops have better hardware and software

This. ^

Windows laptops seem to get very slow after the first 1/2 months of purchase, whereas I've seen Macs deliver well despite the age of it and heard that Chromebooks are uber fast, and the softwares really aren't something you'd be missing unless you're a hardcore gamer who plays stuff like Minecraft etc. Skype can be used on phone etc.

If you take care of a Windows laptop it shouldn't get slower, as long as you clean regularly and control the resources. After all, the laptop has hardware, and the power of hardware doesn't just go away :) Not to mention anything Windows based is cheaper - in the case of my £600 desktop PC (and that includes 24" monitor), every single component is better than that of a £1249 iMac with 21" monitor. Similar thing applies to laptops.

I'm not hating, Macs are powerful and people obviously buy them for a reason, however I don't think the price is worth it - excluding a few Mac exclusive programs, a Windows PC of the same power, and less than half the price, can match anything a Mac does and more :D


Chromebooks are fast because they are made for one purpose, and that is to quickly boot up and browse the web. In terms of processing power and graphics display a Chromebook is slow - but it's not made for that.

In the end it really depends on what you want from your laptop. Taking notes in lectures and general web browsing on the move - Chromebook/Cheap windows laptop/small notebook (eg EEE PC). PC Replacement - £500+ Windows laptop or Mac