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Chromebooks are quickly becoming the new norm, and packing the muscle to prove it. What makes them so special, is the fact that they pack all the core essentials of a Laptop, but offer the convenience of a slimmer Netbook, without all the core internal specs.

You can get yourself a Chromebook for as low as $199.

Grade schools have become major investors into google’s new slim computer system, and have begun incorporating them into their lesson plans across the US, and the UK.

Let’s take a closer look at what makes the Chromebook so competitive, and some of the pros and cons against it.

Chromebook

Created in 2011, the Chromebook came into prominence due to its diverse user interface, and ease of access. Chromebooks are shipped with Google Chrome OS, which is their operating system. It uses the Linux kernel, and the Google Chrome web browser with an integrated media player.

Features

One of the main features of Chromebooks, is its limited offline capabilities, and a fast boot time. Chromebooks are primarily designed to be used for internet surfing, and come in Wifi, and 3G+ Wifi models.

Instead of installing traditional applications such as word processing, and instant messaging, you have to add web apps from the Chrome Web Store, using up the standard on board memeory.

Google claims that a multi-layer security architecture eliminates the need for anti-virus software, however recent cases have debunked this claim due to Phishing.

Support for many USB devices such as cameras, mice, external keyboard, and flash drives, and disk drives are utilizing a feature similar to plug-and-play on other operating systems Chromebooks have a specialized keyboard complete with buttons for opening and controlling multiple browser windows, as well as a Web search button which replaces the caps lock key.

The caps lock key can be activated by pressing both alt+search.

They feature one 2.0 USB port, and one 3.0 USB port. The Chromebook 550 model has the capability to connect an HDMI cable, or a VGA cable through a D++ adapter. It also features a 1.3mp webcam. This can make decision-making a little tricky when it comes to choosing a Chromebook.

Under the hood you can find 4GB of ram (DDR3), and 16GB of internal memory (SSD).

Cons
-Non upgradeable hard disk
-Weak web camera
-Required internet connectivity
-Small battery capacity

If you’re looking for a sleek designed computer that will be fit for your younger students, you’ll be fine with a Chromebook.

It’s not hard to understand why it’s so appealing to many internet surfers, but how it will last against the newer generation of sleek Ultra books that Mac is introducing will be the question.

Whether you’re looking for a new laptop or just a new computer that will keep your files intact, then the Chromebook could be the right choice for you.

Kenay Peterson
The Gaming Ground