A chromebook is a type of laptop that is different from the traditional laptop in two major ways. Firstly, the chromebook does not use the conventional windows or Mac operating systems (OS). Instead, the chromebook runs on an operating system called chrome OS, which is made by Google. Second, the chromebook is designed for internet use with all files and applications stored in the cloud. Therefore, chromebooks have small amounts of internal storage. As a result, chromebooks are relatively cheap compared to conventional laptops. With regard to their features, chromebooks are equipped with processors that are generally less powerful than notebooks. Also, their display screens are low quality high definition (HD) screens with a resolution of about 1366x 768 pixels (Ackerman, 2013). As a result, these low-end features pose a reduced load on the battery making it last longer than the battery in a normal notebook. Chromebooks have an average battery life of 7 to 9 hours. This paper examines the operation of chromebooks, their advantages, and limitations.
Chromebook operation
Chromebooks are designed to operate primarily on the internet. Therefore, large volumes of online storage are required. Google provides 100 gigabytes of storage for every chromebook sold. Without an internet connection, a chromebook is of little use as the only native application on the laptop is a web browser. The browser acts as a link to the online applications such as email, documents, and photos. According to Hoffman (2014), the storage of files in the cloud is advantageous to the chromebook user as they can be accessed from multiple computers. Also, if the chromebook breaks down, there is no danger of losing any work or important documents.
Chromebooks have limited usable applications in the absence of an internet connection. For example, the user can use Google’s Gmail Offline to read and compose emails (Hoffman, 2014). Also, the user can use the Google Drive offline for word processing applications. The offline applications sync and upload data once an internet connection is established. Other offline functions that a chromebook can perform include:
Taking notes with Google Keep
Music playback from the internal storage
Reading saved web pages
Using the calendar
Creating and editing documents with Google Drive
Playing low impact 2D games such as angry birds
Ever since it was launched, the functions that a chromebook can perform have steadily increased. For example, Google has made it possible to run some Android applications on chromebooks. Also, some groups of software engineers have figured ways of making almost all android applications run on chromebooks. In addition, chromebooks are equipped with a developer switch that enables advanced computer users to install desktop operating systems such as Linux, which can operate alternatively with the Chrome OS (Ackerman, 2013). The option of installing a desktop OS gives the user the ability to install and use traditional notebook applications and to execute powerful terminal commands.
Hardware specifications
The processors used in chromebooks offer entry level functionalities such as reading and composing emails, word processing, and playing movies. However, the computers cannot handle sophisticated tasks such as playing 3D video games or performing two tasks simultaneously (Hoffman, 2014). Other chromebook specifications include a low random access memory (RAM) capacity of 2GB and an internal storage of 16GB. However, some manufactures have started shipping chromebooks with a 4GB RAM and an internal storage of 32GB. This increased capacity is aimed at increasing the computer’s offline functionality.
Chromebooks have different screen sizes ranging from 11.6 inches to 15 inches. Hoffman (2014) says that chromebook display screens have very low quality compared to conventional notebooks and it’s difficult to view the displayed content properly from different angles other than the direct. Also, some chromebooks do not have full-HD screens.
Limitations of Chromebooks
Chromebooks are hampered by several limitations inherent to their mode of operation. For example, some applications do not have online versions and can only be launched from a desktop computer. These include applications that require large memory volumes such as Photoshop and other downloadable software. Imran (2015) details that the low resolution display screens lead to poor quality video playback. In addition, due their low specifications, chromebooks cannot run sophisticated software, video games, or high end graphics. Furthermore, chromebooks can only use the chrome OS, which is basically a browser interface that connects the user to the cloud. As such, the user experiences diminished flexibility as there are no options to customize the operating system to the user’s preference.
Chromebooks are computers that run cloud based applications on a chrome operating system that is made by Google. As such, chromebooks require a stable internet connection to operate smoothly. The computer has low-end computing specifications such as a 2GB RAM and a 16GB internal memory. All the files and documents are synced and stored online. The benefits of a chromebook include data safety in case the computer is lost or damaged and the capability of running sophisticated software from the cloud using a relatively simple computer. However, the low specifications greatly limit the offline usage of chromebooks and render them in capable of running demanding software and video games.
References
Hoffman, C. (2014). 5 powerful things you didn't know Chromebooks could do. PC World. Retrieved from http://www.pcworld.com/article/2691209/5-powerful-things-you-didnt- know-chromebooks-could-do.html
Ackerman, D. (2013). Living with Chromebook: Can you use it to actually get work done? Cnet. Retrieved fromhttp://www.cnet.com/news/living-with-chromebook-can-you-use-it-to- actually-get-work-done/
Imran, A. (2015). Chromebook Limitations For An Average User. Reason T House. Retrieved fromhttp://www.reasontouse.com/computer/chromebook-limitations-for-an-average- user/
