What is a Chromebook?

You must have heard of HP, Samsung, or Google Chromebooks. But what exactly is a Chromebook? A Chromebook is a portable computer just like other Laptops but operates on a different operating system. It uses Google's Chrome OS, where you can access the complete Google Cloud, Play Store, and Chrome Store to download and use various applications. Moreover, it differs from other Windows-based laptops, providing a faster and more secure system.

These devices feature everything from accessing your go-to Google apps to using the latest Google AI. Here’s a more detailed overview of Chromebooks and their functionality.

Chromebook Overview

Thinking of upgrading your laptop? Chromebook is one of the best options. If you access your Google Drive, Documents, Sheets, and Presentations more often, there’s no better choice than these portable devices. 

With online storage and applications, the system doesn’t have lots of files loaded on the internal storage drive. This is why these are light and thin. Be it an Android, MacOS, or Windows user, switching to these is much easier. 

Technical Features of Chromebook

Gone are the days when you needed to download Google Chrome to your laptop and operate the Google Suite. Now these come with Google built-in that allows you to easily sign up for your Gmail account and access your drive and files. Earlier, you had to open tabs to check your calendar or to-do list. However, with this device, you can easily access it via the apps and shortcuts. 

Not only that, if you forgot where you left off last time, it provides you with a visual overview of where you had left off. Also, it helps you with suggestions to leap into your work quickly. 

Here are some more features that Chromebooks offer:

• Find your files quickly - Pin important files or get direct suggestions from the Launcher
• Access advanced Gemini AI directly on the desktop to plan, write, or learn
• Get 2 TB storage for free (For three to twelve months depending on the laptop type)
• Fast boot starts your laptop within 10 seconds
• A long battery life of up to 10 hours keeps you going throughout the day
• Easily access and download the apps via the Google Play Store
• Titan T2 Security Chip makes your laptop secure with built-in protection from hackers and phishing attacks
• Upgrade apps without any interruption or restarting
• No Wi-Fi, no worries - get offline access to your documents that sync automatically when you are online again

Difference Between Chromebook and Chromebook Plus

Chromebook Apps and Features

If you buy these, you get multiple advantages. From enhancing productivity to entertainment and creativity to gaming, it supports various applications.

Productivity

You can use the following apps to enhance your productivity:

• Google Suite
• Google Docs
• Google Meet

Creativity

Want to bring out your creative side? You can use the latest and updated online design software, such as the following:

• Adobe Lightroom
• BeFunky
• Pixlr 
• Canva
• Sumo Creative Suite

Entertainment

Just like you use your mobile phone, you won’t miss out on entertainment with applications like Netflix. Also, explore your social media feeds, post your pictures on Instagram, or share your thoughts in a Tweet.

Gaming

These also support cloud gaming via NVIDIA GeForce NOW. Not only that, you can enjoy Android games like Minecraft and Roblox.

Accessibility – Chromebook for Everyone

Special needs people can easily use it due to their accessible features. From working to learning, Chromebooks are daily use laptops for disabled people, with the following features.

Display and Visuals

Users with low vision or blindness can use browser zoom, full screen, and docked magnifiers. Also, the users can customize font size, make the mouse cursor larger, and change the screen to high-contrast mode.

Audio and Captions

For users who are deaf or hard of hearing, they can enable captions and mono audio to enhance their productivity. 

Spoken Feedback

ChromeVox, a built-in screen reader, and other select-to-speak tools allow users with low vision or dyslexia. This feature reads content aloud with visual highlighting to the user.

Family-Friendly Features in Chromebook

Features like Google Family Link allow you to set screen time, parental control, and content management for your children. Also, multiple users can use these by logging into different accounts. Built-in virus protection and separate logins allow you to maintain privacy while using it.

Chromebook for Education and Work

If you are looking for a device for your education or work, these are perfect. You get the best opportunity to use various apps and features. Also, Google supports apps for education. For instance, Google Classroom can help assign tasks to the students and teachers can easily manage the classes. 

The Screencast app allows you to record and share the screen. Moreover, Cast Moderator helps students share their ideas easily and create interactive sessions. Speaking of Chromebooks for educational purposes, Beaconhouse has recommended Chromebooks to students, helping them learn in a better way.

Chromebook vs Other Laptops

Whenever we speak of one technology, there is always a comparison between the different systems. For instance, what’s the difference between the Chromebook and laptops? 

Chromebooks use a different operating system. Meanwhile, a normal laptop uses the Windows operating system. Also, Chromebooks are much cheaper than normal Windows-based laptops. That’s because they don’t require the hardware specs like other devices. 

Chromebooks have built-in cloud storage, Google Suite, and more. On the other hand, Windows Laptops have high prices due to heavy systems and hardware to enhance the storage capacity and performance.

FAQs

What Is a Chromebook Used for?

From education to business, you can do everything on your Chromebook. It helps with documentation, AI, notepads, entertainment and creativity apps, and more. 

Is Buying a Chromebook Worth It?

Yes, buying a Chromebook is worth it. You get all the apps in one place. Moreover, it is faster and more secure. Also, you can get the complete Gsuite on your desktop.

Why Is Chromebook so Cheap?

The Chromebook is budget-friendly due to its minimalistic operating system. These offer online and cloud storage. Also, the processing speed and internal memory are a bit lower, which is also a drawback of these.