• November 11, 2017

Chromebook Basics

A Chromebook is a kind of laptop that runs the Chrome OS by Google, rather than Windows or MacOS. Chrome OS is meant to work online with storage on Google Drive with a focus on applications that run inside the Chrome browser. Devices that run on Chrome OS are popular in schools and workplaces thanks to the simplified management experience.

Applications

It should be no surprise that since Chrome OS is a Google operating system that the OS features Google applications heavily. If you or your workplace uses the Google ecosystem of applications and products, then it will be a natural fit. The downside is that to make the most of a Chromebook; you need an active internet connection. You will not find popular applications like Microsoft Word and Adobe Photoshop on the platform. If the application runs in a browser, it will run on a Chromebook.

Games

Much like the applications above, if the game runs in a browser, it will work on a Chrome OS device. Platform-specific games that run on Windows or MacOS will not work on a Chromebook. The latest iteration of Chrome OS supports running Android applications, and as a result, will also run Android games. However, those will only work on new devices that also have touchscreen input.

Battery life

The average battery life on most Chrome OS devices is excellent. Although other laptops have caught up, Chromebooks still have something of an edge regarding battery life.