What is a Chromebook?
The Google Chromebook is a new type of laptop that runs on the Chrome Operating System. Chromebooks are based entirely off cloud computing. The laptops need only an internet connection to do most basic computational tasks.
Applications
Google Chromebooks come with Google Docs to create documents, Sheets for spreadsheets, and Slides for presentations. These special laptops also come with Google Play Music for organizing and playing music. Hangouts, an app used for voice and video chat, is also included. Numerous apps are also available for download from the Chrome Web Store.
Storage
The computer stores everything in the cloud using Google Drive. This allows you to access files from any computer. The Chromebook comes with 2 years of access to 100 GB of Google Drive storage.
Privacy and Security
Chromebooks were designed with security in mind. Each time the computer is turned on, it automatically checks for any changes since its last run time to make sure no attacks were successfully executed on the device. Chromebooks also allow you to browse in incognito mode, which makes sure downloads and browsing history from that session are not saved.
Speed
The start-up time of the Google Chromebook is less than 10 seconds.
Current Models Available
There are currently 5 models of the Chromebook available for the public to purchase.
| Acer C7 | Samsung | HP Pavillion | Samsung 550 | Chromebook Pixel | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price ($US) | $199 | $249 | $329.99 | $449 | $1,299 (wi-fi) | $1,499 (LTE) |
| Screen Size | 11.6" | 11.6" | 14" | 12.1" | 12.85" | |
| Battery Life | 4 hours | 6.5 hours | 4.25 hours | 6 hours | 5 hours | |
| Weight | 3 lbs | 2.4 lbs | 3.96 lbs | 3.3 lbs | 3.3 lbs | |
| Thickness | 1” | 00.83.7” | 0.83” | 0.83” | 0.64” | |
| Boot Speed | <20 seconds | <10 seconds | <10 seconds | < 8 seconds | < 8 seconds | |
| Google Drive Storage | 100 GB/2 years | 100 GB/2 years | 100 GB/2 years | 100 GB/2 years | 1 TB/3 years | |
| Optional/Special Features |
|
|
|
|
|
|
What is a Chromebox?
A Chromebox is a Google’s desktop version of the Chromebook. Thus it has many of the same features a desktop computer would have including:
- An Intel® Celeron™ processor
- 4 GB of RAM (you can think of RAM as the computer’s available ‘desk space’ to complete tasks)
- A one year subscription for 100 GB of Google Drive Storage
- An SSD drive
- 6 USB 2.0 ports
- Kensington™ key lock compatible
- Built in Wi-Fi
Chromeboxes’ defining feature is how small they are. The Chromebox is 1.57 X 8.10 X 8.10 inches and weighs only 1.8 lbs. These computers are so compact and lightweight that you could carry them around with you! The Chromebox starts at $329 (US).
Who is the Chromebook or Chromebox good for?
The Chromebook and Chromebox are perfect for people who use computers solely for creating and editing word documents, spreadsheets, presentations and web browsing, and are comfortable storing their data in the cloud. Apps may not be available for more specialised programs such as E-Prime or Thunderbird, but programs that are similar are often available. If you plan on purchasing a Chromebook or Chromebox, be sure to check the Chrome Web Store to see if your preferred programs are available.
References
Google's site for the chrome products
[Chrome]. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://boygeniusreport.files.wordpress.com/2017/04/google-chrome.jpg?quality=98&strip=all
