Ubuntu Tips n Tricks

Google Chromebook: Is it worth your $500?

Posted: 04 Jun 2011 08:44 AM PDT

The desktop market is at the precipice of change as Google recently announced their brand new laptop computer named Chromebook. The browser-based notebook stacks up very well against most of the modern netbooks and tablets as well. However, is a simple web-based laptop worth your 500 bucks? Wouldn't it be better if you buy an iPad instead?

Let's look at why you should be buying the Chromebook and why you shouldn't.

Reasons to buy Chromebook:

1. It's superfast

Firefox 3 was pretty much ruling the web browser market until this little devil called Chrome came along. Initially, people were hesitant to try out a new browser. However, as news about its speed spread, Chrome quickly caught up with its competitors. There are 3 reasons people choose Google Chrome over Firefox, Safari, Opera and IE: speed, speed and speed. If you've tried out Google Chrome browser before and were awed by its remarkable speed, then Chromebook maybe worth your buck.

2. It's virus free

Google Chrome OS, the operating system on which Chromebook runs, is a zillion times secure than Windows; well, at least for now. There is an extremely slim chance of viruses affecting the system as, technically speaking; there is no operating system in the Chromebook. It's just a browser and the hardware doing all the magic. However, one can't be completely sure about malwares affecting the OS as hackers might find a way into the Chrome app store. Let's hope Google remains vigilant from the start.

3. No formats, no data loss

If you've ever used Windows, you might be familiar with the terrible feeling you get when you lose all your data when formatting. Yes, we've all been there. However, Chromebook gets rid of that problem once and for all by putting the entire data on the cloud. This makes sure that no matter wherever you are all your data is there for you instantly.

4. Great apps

Google's app ecosystem is one of the most lucrative platforms for developers. Android itself has attracted many developers thanks to their less restrictive policies. And, with Google Chrome, the number of applications for the 'Made in Googleland' devices is just gonna go up and up.

5. Makes a great secondary device

Chromebook is great for people who are always on the move. It is lightweight, portable and it stays always in sync. If you have a desktop at home and are looking for something that would compliment that, then Chromebook is your choice.

6. For Chrome addicts

If you are a full-fledged Chrome pro who knows every tiny feature and tricks that the browser ever added, then Chromebook is something that will take your Chrome addiction to the next level.

7. Best for web addicts

If the web is all you use on your computer, then Chromebook is made just for you. There is no need for the virus-ridden middleman that sits between you and the web browser. With Chromebook, it's just you and the web.

Reasons why Chromebook isn't for you:

1. Chromebook's a one trick pony

Chromebook is great if you are just browsing the web. However, what about other tasks like say basic video editing? The problem with Google Chromebook is that it does only one thing, and no matter how well it does it, it just can't be used for tasks that are to be done on a normal computer (be it PC, Mac or Linux). There are plenty of tasks that the browser-based computer won't be able to perform. Thus, you can't completely rely on it, no matter how Google markets it.

2. Too much in the hands of the big G

Although Google is way nicer than Microsoft or Apple, trusting Google completely with almost all your personal data seems a bit difficult. Google has not been the best company when it comes to safeguarding users' privacy. Moreover, one can't rule out the possibility of a Google employee looking at your private data. So, if you are a privacy paranoid, don't get a Chromebook and invest in a decent netbook or laptop computer with Linux pre-installed instead.

3. The capricious clouds

As mentioned before, Chromebook stores all the users' data in the cloud. While this may seem like the next big thing, it's not without its share of problems. To start with, the cloud may run into a variety of problems, like a hacker attack or something worse. And sometimes, the cloud may face downtime like Gmail did so many times, no one knows. Though many of these things might not happen, one can never be 100% sure about their data on the cloud.

4. For the data junkies

You have your meticulously curated 100 GB music collection sitting somewhere safe in your hard drive. You've even made a back up of it on an external disk. Now, when you open your shiny new Chromebook, it turns out you can't perform your daily head-banging rituals with it. How sad. If you love storing and accessing loads of data on your computer, Chromebook shouldn't be on your buying list right now.

5. You already own a tablet/netbook

If you already own a tablet computer like the iPad or Samsung Galaxy Tab, then buying a Chromebook won't be a good investment. The same thing applies to all netbook owners who are happy with their devices.