The pros and cons of using a Chromebook - Can You Use a Chromebook as Your Main Computer?

Owing to its dependence only on a good internet connection, it is much cheaper than regular laptops. It runs on Chrome OS, a Linux-based operating system. Many offline apps are now available on Chromebook. However, the main idea of it is to do all your activities using exclusively the Google Chrome browser.

Pros of Chromebook

Lower hardware and maintenance cost

Chromebooks can reduce overall IT costs and are much cheaper than regular PCs and laptops. For comparison, a Windows laptop costs nearly four times as much as a Chromebook. If you regularly use Google Chrome and online spreadsheets and word processing for most of your tasks, then this is a budget-friendly device.

Also, Chromebook relies less on pre-installed software thus saving costs there, too. You don’t have to worry about the hassles of constant installations, updates, or software support.

All updates to Chromebooks and cloud-based software are carried out automatically by Google and if you are already a G Suite customer, you have access to Google’s 24/7 helpdesk.

With less mechanical parts in them, Chromebooks are less prone to faults and repairs, thus reducing maintenance costs.

Last, but not the least, Chromebooks operate from the cloud and hence you don’t have to spend money on additional storage like pen drives or external hard disks.

Lower software costs

Many businesses rely solely on G Suite - Google’s bunch of productivity apps - that are capable of handling a wide range of computing needs. The apps range from word processing and spreadsheets to email service and personal diary management. G Suite is also affordable, starting at just $6 per month. Even if you want to do away with G Suite, you can opt for other cheaper or free alternatives, including Office 365.

Lower risk of viruses

The major advantage of cloud-based computing is the level of security that it offers. There is no unnecessary software installation necessary. A Chromebook is one of the most robust and secure systems available in the market, with its automatic updates, sandboxing and verified boots to prevent being targeted by malware and viruses.

Higher collaboration and productivity

Chromebooks are clutter-free, stable and lack lagging commonly encountered in other laptops. A Chromebook also has the advantage of booting up quickly and it has the “instant-on” feature to wake up immediately from sleep mode. With such low opportunities for distractions, delays and crashes, it will definitely improve productivity. With tools like Gmail, Salesforce, Xero (for accounting), MailChimp (e-newsletter), and Zendesk, it is easy to collaborate and function efficiently as an organization.

Great for travel

Chromebooks are lighter and more compact and easier to carry around wherever you travel. The cloud-based system allows you to save whenever and wherever without worrying about external storage options.

Cons of Chromebook

Lack of MS Office

For those of us who’ve used Microsoft Office our whole lives, it seems like a major disadvantage not being able to install it onto a Chromebook, when virtually all other laptops come pre-equipped or with ready-to-install MS Office package.

You have to switch to G Suite and it might take you some time to get used to working with it and hence involve a considerable learning curve. Even though G Suite can create, edit and save MS Office files, you will occasionally encounter formatting issues while saving the files. Office 365, the online version of MS Office, is the only option for providing you with all the tools and services of the installed version albeit without the convenience of having it installed.

Not suitable for multimedia projects

If you regularly use an image, audio or video editing and viewing, you are better off with a regular desktop or laptop. One of the reasons why a Chromebook is not suitable for this purpose is that the major editing tools like Pro Tools and Final Cut Pro need to be installed and currently not available as browser-based apps. It is, of course, possible to carry out basic editing jobs using a variety of apps designed for this purpose, both cloud-based and offline. There are also several web-based and Android apps for video editing available for use. If you want to invest in a Chromebook for professional video and image editing work, you might have to spend more to get a Pixelbook that is specifically designed for such use.

Unsuitable for gaming

For those who are seriously into gaming, the Chromebook might be a disappointment. The processors and storage don’t work to the advantage of storing and playing graphics-heavy games owing to their computational demands. However, since most Chromebooks allow you to un Android apps without any hitch, you might want to decide if you are satisfied playing games offered as Android game apps.

Limited offline functionality

It is obvious that Chromebooks are largely dependent on Google Chrome and online connectivity. Sure you can use it to access Gmail offline and to edit Google Drive files even without being connected to the internet. But if you do not have ready access to WiFi internet, there is very little that you can do with your Chromebook, especially without Microsoft Office. Chromebook is bringing in a number of apps to use while offline. So, you need to plan in advance and make sure that you have all the right files on your Chromebook before you go offline and want to get work done even in the absence of the internet.

Consider the pros and cons of a Chromebook and the nature of your work and entertainment required before investing in a Chromebook. There are different Chromebook types available in the market to suit the needs of different customers. Find out if you need a Chromebook and the one that suits your needs best by doing research before you set out to buy one!