How good are chromebooks

How to Choose the Best Chromebooks for Writers IntroductionAs a writer, finding the right tools for your craft is essential. Whether you're a novelist, journalist, or poet, having the right laptop can make all the difference in your work. In recent years, Chromebooks have become increasingly popular among writers due to their affordable prices, long battery life, and lightweight design. In this article, we'll provide some tips on how to choose the best Chromebook for your writing needs.Consider Your Writing StyleBefore you start shopping for a Chromebook, it's important to think about your writing style. Do you prefer a physical keyboard, or are you comfortable using a virtual one? Are you someone who likes to write longhand, or do you prefer to type everything out on a laptop? Answering these questions can help you narrow down your options and find a Chromebook that's well-suited to your writing habits.Look for a Comfortable KeyboardWhether you're a touch typist or a hunt-and-peck writer, a comfortable keyboard is essential for any Chromebook you choose. Most Chromebooks come with a full-size keyboard, but some have more compact designs that may not be as comfortable to type on. Look for a Chromebook with a keyboard that feels good to use and has keys that are easy to press.Consider the DisplayThe display is another important factor to consider when choosing a Chromebook for writing. A high-resolution screen can make it easier to see your words and avoid eyestrain, but a larger screen may be more cumbersome to carry around. If you plan on using your Chromebook for long writing sessions, look for a model with a high-resolution display and good viewing angles.Battery LifeAs a writer, you'll likely be spending a lot of time using your Chromebook. That's why it's important to choose a model with good battery life. Most Chromebooks have battery life that ranges from 8 to 12 hours, but some models can last even longer. If you plan on using your Chromebook for long writing sessions, look for a model with a long battery life to avoid running out of juice in the middle of your work.PortabilityAnother important factor to consider when choosing a Chromebook for writing is portability. If you're someone who likes to write on the go, you'll want a model that's lightweight and easy to carry around. Most Chromebooks are designed to be portable, but some are more compact than others. If

Allowing users to store data directly on the device.Processing powerThe level of processing power varies when differentiating between a Google Chromebook vs laptop. Laptops generally offer more robust configurations suitable for resource-intensive tasks, making them preferable for demanding applications.Offline functionalityRegarding laptop computers vs Chromebooks, the offline functionality varies a lot. Laptops have an advantage as they are designed to operate efficiently without a constant internet connection, whereas Chromebooks may have limitations.Design and buildIn terms of design and build, Chromebooks prioritize simplicity and portability, featuring lightweight designs. On the other hand, laptops offer a broader range of design aesthetics and build materials.Software compatibilityThe main difference between a Chromebook and a laptop computer is software compatibility. Chromebooks are optimized for web-based applications, while laptops support a wider array of software, providing versatility for various tasks.MaintenanceWhen comparing Chromebooks vs Windows laptops, maintenance requirements differ. Due to automatic updates, Chromebooks generally require less manual upkeep, streamlining the user experience.SecurityWhen comparing the Chromebook vs laptop for students in terms of security, Chromebooks have a reputation for a more secure ecosystem, benefiting from the streamlined Chrome OS and automatic updates.User interfaceThe user interface varies significantly. Chromebooks feature a straightforward interface geared towards web-centric tasks, while laptops offer a versatile interface catering to diverse user needs and preferences.What to look for in a good Chromebook Laptop?Battery lifeA good Chromebook laptop boasts extended battery life to ensure you can work or enjoy content throughout the day without frequent recharging.Quick startup and responsivenessLook for swift startup times and responsive

For Windows, Mac, and Linux.No MS Office or desktop productivity tools. This may not be a problem if you are happy with Google docs.Less useful when offline. While there are google apps that let you perform some limited editing, there are plenty of other apps that are not accessible offline. A quick, economical solution would be a wireless hotspot available from most phone companies for ~$15.Not as useful for younger students. Since typing skills are not typically acquired until middle school, younger students tend to respond better to tablets and touch devices.Finger and pen input is limited. This is more of a problem for STEM fields, where freehand writing is very important. Students who use Chromebooks still have to use pen and paper when it comes to math and other STEM fields. It is possible, however, to purchase a Chromebook with a touch screen or graphic tablet (e.g., Wacom). Cost savings may be shortsighted. For a little more money, users can get a full-blown Windows/Linux PC that has the same functionality as a Chromebook, as well as the ability to support most hardware, etc. Why buy a Chromebook for $250 when you can get a full-blown PC for $350 and run any and all software (Web or desktop)?So there you have it – the good and the bad about Chromebooks. For teachers who need to interface with classroom technology, Chromebooks may not be the best choice. But with school budgets limited and the Common Core Assessments looming, Chromebooks could be a good solution for schools that want to implement a 1-to-1 on a budget. We hope these pros and cons will help you make a more informed choice about what is a good for your school, district, or classroom.Looking for more ways to use your Chromebook? Learn more about Mimio’s expanded MimioMobile™ app.Read these additional articles on MimioEducator about Chromebooks:7 Reasons Why Chromebooks are the New Black18 Reasons Chromebooks Could Be The Device for You Topics: Classroom Technology, Education Technology, Google Classroom

Home offices should be a tiny bit chaotic(Image credit: Ara Wagoner / Android Central)I've worked full-time on a Chromebook for years now, and while I've been asked recommendations on which Chromebook to buy for a work computer — ASUS C434 if you want a flashier 2-in-1, Acer 715 if you want something big, reliable, and affordable — the interest they've gotten over the last two months as everyone scrambled for work from home computers has been impressive. I now price-check our Best Chromebooks guide the way most check the weather: early and often because things are constantly changing.The Chromebook I've worked on daily for the last six months, the Lenovo C340-11, has been a hotter ticket than Hamilton, selling out constantly at Amazon, Lenovo, Best Buy, and even Walmart (and the ASUS C214 is an even hotter ticket because that's a rugged education model). Price gouging has gotten patently insane, with the Lenovo C330 going for more than double the price it did in January.How did we get here? How did Chromebooks become one of the hottest commodities of the new abnormal? People seem to have finally realized what I've been shouting from the rooftops for the last few years: all you really need is a Chromebook.Built for businessSource: Ara Wagoner / Android Central (Image credit: Source: Ara Wagoner / Android Central)Chromebooks before now have primarily been aimed at two segments: schools and businesses. Both of these segments tend to be hard on their machines, so Chromebooks are built to take a beating, both from a software and hardware perspective. On the software side, Chromebooks have been built from day one as a lightweight system that's harder for attackers to infect or exploit: Android apps are sandboxed from the core system, and Chrome extensions are harder and harder to sneak exploits through with each passing year. Chromebooks are also updated every six weeks or so, with updates that are entirely handled by the system and unable to be disabled by users, the way Windows updates can.On the hardware side of things, because Google has strict durability standards for education Chromebooks, and most Chromebooks share a handful of base hardware platforms, a lot of Chromebooks are built to withstand at least a two-foot drop and feature reinforced ports. These days, most Chromebooks are shipping with two USB-C ports, which is a nice redundancy in case you break one of them by dropping it with a USB-C hub plugged in. What? Stuff happens!Affordability has never been more important.Another area businesses care about is price. While some powerhouse Chromebooks aimed at professionals can run a thousand dollars, the bulk of the Chromebooks aimed at business users today run under $500, and you can get a good touchscreen Chromebook for $300 pretty easily. Even big-screen Chromebooks with i3 processors can be found for under $400, like the Acer 715, though you can go lower if you're willing to forego a touchscreen.Source: Ara Wagoner / Android Central (Image credit: Source: Ara Wagoner / Android Central)I've

Storage, and other benefits from the $20 per month Premium plan.The Acer Chromebook Plus 514 meets all these standards and costs under $300. It provides excellent value with a bright 14-inch screen, a spacious 512GB SSD, a high-quality webcam, and long battery life.Best Chromebooks for 2025Over ten years ago, Chromebooks had essential functions and needed the internet for most tasks. Now, they have improved and can function without an internet connection. Google frequently updates them to add features and ensure security.CNET has tested all the Chromebooks listed here and continues to review models from brands like Lenovo, Acer, Asus, HP, and Samsung. Each Chromebook offers excellent value and performance for its price.If you’re unsure whether a Chromebook is right for you, consider how they compare to traditional laptops.Recommended ModelsAcer Chromebook Plus 514Price: $379 at B&H Photo-VideoPros: Long battery life, excellent webcam, bright touchscreen, durable build, 512GB SSDCons: No backlit keyboard, some keyboard and touchpad flex, slower USB-C portsAcer Chromebook Spin 714 (Premium Option)Price: $699 at Best BuyPros: Great port options, durable design, high-quality webcamCons: Small touchpad, lacks a microSD card slotLenovo Duet Chromebook (Best 2-in-1 Tablet)Price: $250 at LenovoPros: Includes keyboard cover, versatile for laptop or tablet use, excellent valueCons: Small touchpad, slower performanceKey Things to Know Before Buying a ChromebookWhen choosing a Chromebook, remember a few essential factors to ensure it fits your needs.Applications: Chromebooks mainly support web-based apps, Android apps, and some Linux programs. Before buying, check if the apps you rely on are available. For example, specific professional or niche applications may not work without a workaround.Operating System: Chromebooks run on ChromeOS, which differs from Windows or MacOS. Programs made for other systems won’t work directly. Popular apps like Photoshop or some business tools require alternatives to function.Hardware: While ChromeOS is lightweight and doesn’t need high-end hardware, it’s still a good idea to buy a model with the best specifications you can afford. Since Chromebooks don’t support upgrades later, storage, RAM, and processor power are essential.Security: One of the best features of Chromebooks is their built-in security. They are highly resistant to viruses and malware, so you don’t need to install additional antivirus software.Auto-Update Expiration (AUE): Google supports updates for 8 to 10 years on each Chromebook model. Check the updated expiration date of the device before purchasing to ensure you get a longer lifespan.Taking time to understand these points will help you make the right choice.Our