Google Chrome Laptops

stanehyve

Thinking of getting a new laptop and was wondering about the google chrome laptops but know nothing about them, Does anyone know the Pros and Cons of these laptops.

Regards Stanehyve

Cisco001

Chrome OS is a web base OS. For the slow UK broadband and expensive 3G rate. Personally don't think that is good option.
Just done a google search. Chromebook is starting at £280. For that price and spec, it is not particularly attractive IMO.

macman

The con is that without a live internet connection, they're about as much use as a chocolate teapot. And you'll be limited to running the software that Google offers you.

RobTang

stanehyve wrote: »

Thinking of getting a new laptop and was wondering about the google chrome laptops but know nothing about them, Does anyone know the Pros and Cons of these laptops.

Regards Stanehyve

Download Chrome, maximise the window, that's pretty much what a Chrome book is like.

If you can get by with that get a Chromebook, other wise get something else.

almillar

This is all a bit unfair. They start at £199 for an Acer IIRC, and the Samsung Chromebook is £230 I think.
Lots can be done offline these days, they've added a lot of stuff that doesn't need a connection.
Also, a big deal is that someone managed to install Ubuntu Linux on one, which means you can fall back on a proper desktop.
Just be aware that you can't, of course, install Windows programs on Chrome.

Cisco001

almillar wrote: »

This is all a bit unfair. They start at £199 for an Acer IIRC, and the Samsung Chromebook is £230 I think.
Lots can be done offline these days, they've added a lot of stuff that doesn't need a connection.
Also, a big deal is that someone managed to install Ubuntu Linux on one, which means you can fall back on a proper desktop.
Just be aware that you can't, of course, install Windows programs on Chrome.

But the fact is you can easily find a netbook under £200

chrislynch

It is possible to use a Chromebook without a web connection.

There are a growing number of apps that support offline mode, the most obvious being GMail, Google Docs, and elements of Google Drive.

If you are already tied into the Google ecosystem, a Chromebook can be a good "travel" device. Typically lighter than a netbook and with tablet-style "instant boot up" too. As all your data is cloud-based, the device always has your files etc. Chrome OS also keeps itself up to date, downloading latest patches etc.

It is fair to say that without a connection there are lots of things that it won't do, but as someone who spends most of their time online I think that is arguably true of any device. If the broadband goes down, there are lots of things that you can't do that you would normally - Chrome OS or not!