Lightweight and compact, but at the same time, not too weak laptops for performing everyday tasks attract the attention of different buyers, so manufacturers are striving to reduce the size of equipment without much loss in performance. On sale, there are both weak and small netbooks and ultra-thin performance ultrabooks. Chromebooks occupy an intermediate position between these categories of mobile computers. The distinctive features, Chromebook pros, and cons will be discussed below.
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what is Chromebook and What is the main purpose of a Chromebook?
The term “Chromebook” is used to refer to small, thin notebooks with Chrome OS preinstalled. Device screens are from 10.1 to 14 inches, many models are 11.6 to 12.1 inches. The operating system is based on the Linux kernel, and applications run through the Chrome browser.
The performance of the laptop is low compared to other thin models: Atom and Celeron, Core i3-7 and Haswell processors from Intel, ARM Cortex, Rockchip and Samsung Exynos operate at frequencies of 0.9-2.4 GHz.
The amount of RAM in such laptops is 2-4 GB, in some models 8-16 GB. SSDs with a capacity of 16-64 GB is used as media. While the Google Chromebook was the first of its kind on the market, other companies have taken up the trend: Asus, Acer, HP, Lenovo, and Samsung.
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Laptops are designed for working with electronic documents, web surfing, playing media files. Their capabilities are enough for the needs of students, travelers, office workers. To ensure that a small amount of media is sufficient for work, programs are not installed on a laptop: the software is implemented in the form of web applications that are hosted on Google servers. For example, Google Docs is used as an office suite, Gmail is used for emails, and Google Drive cloud storage is used for files.
A small amount of information can fit on a local media, it is more convenient to play large media files directly from external drives or use online services. If necessary, on a Chromebook, you can run programs for Android and Debian (Linux distribution for PC) in an isolated environment (the so-called containers). Thanks to this feature, the list of applications for the ultra-mobile laptop has expanded significantly.
chromebook pros and cons
The devices differ from other laptops, they have a number of specific on Sobienie, some of which distinguish them from other mobile computers, while others are obvious disadvantages.
Chromebook Pros
Among the benefits are the following:
- Lightweight and small dimensions.
Thin and lightweight laptop – great for frequent travel and study, it will fit in a suitcase, bag, or school backpack. - High-speed performance.
With modest hardware requirements, Chrome OS runs very fast. Loading takes only 7-10 seconds, and the laptop comes out of sleep mode in 1 second. - Using cloud storage.
Executable files and documents created during work do not fill the built-in media so that the user does not have to clear disk space for the desired program or data. To start, you need to click on the application shortcut. - Automatic software update.
New versions of user and system programs are downloaded and installed without user intervention, in the background. - The ability to expand functionality by installing applications for Android on Chromebooks in special containers.
- Security.
Chrome OS is immune to viruses for Windows environments. - Long battery life.
Different models are capable of functioning from 4 to 12 hours without being connected to the mains. The average operating time of a Chromebook is 6-9 hours, which is not found in all full-size laptops in other categories. - Affordable cost.
The purchase of the device will cost from $ 200-600 to $ 1000-1600. More expensive than a thousand are models with a large amount of RAM and a powerful processor.
Chromebooks are comparable in size to netbooks, but are faster through the use of web applications. In terms of performance, they are inferior to full-size laptops and ultra-light ultrabooks, but are used to solve less resource-intensive tasks, take up little space and are much cheaper.
On sale, there are models with a Core i5 and i7 processor, DDR3 RAM for 8-16 GB or more, but the price of such a Chromebook is comparable to the price of a standard mid-range laptop and above.
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Chromebook Cons
The devices are not without disadvantages:
- Web applications and files are located on servers, so stable Internet access is required for comfortable work.
- Linking to your Google account and services. It will not work to use other storages, since this option is not provided.
- It is impossible to install programs for the needs of professionals (IT-specialists, designers, accountants, photographers, sound engineers, video editors). This kind of software is resource-demanding and is not released as versions for Chrome OS.
- Difficulties in the interaction of the laptop with devices running other operating systems.
- Poor performance prevents you from running games and watching movies in high definition (Full HD is supported only in certain expensive models).
How do I connect my Android phone to my Chromebook?
The built-in wireless module allows you to connect your phone to your laptop as a modem. This is convenient when there is no other access point or USB modem nearby because web applications are completely dependent on the Internet, and files are stored on remote servers. For such operations, you need a Google account, which you need to log into on both mobile devices.
The user will need to do the following:
- Check software on devices. Minimum in ersii OS on the Chromebook and a smartphone running Android – 71 and 8.1, respectively. If Chrome OS is lower than the specified version, the software should be updated.
- Click on the digital clock on the chromebook screen (bottom right corner).
- Select “Settings” and go to the “Connected devices” category.
- Click “Configure” (located near the item “Android Phone”).
- Enter the password, then follow the instructions that appear on the screen, and then wait for the confirmation message on the smartphone.
- Go to the “Enabled” section, where you can select the desired functions.
Check the Google help site for information on which phones and Chromebooks support this option.
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Can you run Android on a Chromebook?
This possibility has already been mentioned above. The software from the Play Market is downloaded and installed on a Chromebook like a phone. For this you need :
- Check the OS version (from 53 and higher), and if necessary, update the software.
- Click on the current time in the lower right corner of the screen.
- Select “Settings” (gear icon).
- Go to the Google Play category and activate the option “Install applications and games from Google Play to the Chromebook” (the line is visible if the Chromebook supports software from the Play Market).
- In the new window, click on the inscription “More”.
- Accept terms of use.
- Find programs on Google Play and install them.
If the software is already installed on other Android devices, then they should be added manually. Programs not available for download are not compatible with the version of the laptop in use. They cannot be installed. If successful, application icons will appear in the Chrome OS tray. They run in the same way as other programs: just click on the shortcut.
Software for Android in Chromebook does not always start, is displayed and works correctly. The easiest way to operate such programs is on touchscreen models. Such laptops are called “2-in-1” devices. With them it is convenient to use a stylus for drawing and handwriting text.
