Hi,

 

Is a Chromebook a viable alternative to a Windows laptop?

 

Principle usage will be web browsing, but also to produce Word documents as well. I'm assuming that Google Docs would deal with that?

 

Am I correct in thinking that the Chromebook has no local hard drive?

 

thanks

 

Martin

All web based storage and the idea is you do everything through your google account - so yep, documents would be through google docs.

 

If the idea of that works for you, then go for it. If you can't cope with no local storage and working offline then avoid it!

You can plug a USB drive in. Some offer usb3 which is good transfer rates! That's local enough, or an SD card for less bulk, 32 and 64Gb options abound.

 

Not all chromebooks are equal though. If you can try them, pc world, johnlewis. I've had the samsung; discontinued,  and the latest acer c720, although I should of got the HP as the screen is way nicer.

 

Plug in a hdmi compatible display, a usb hub and for browsing/docs it's more than capable. I use it for developing web stuff too. 

 

I like the chromebook, ideal for a quick travel laptop too, cheap enough to almost not care if it's nicked from hotel room. It does bind you to google, but hey, life's too short to worry about that... nice when you synch google chrome between devices.

 

When you buy you ( used to ) get a voucher for storage, 100Gb iirc.

 

So add that on each year in case you get hooked. But I'm not even past my 5Gb yet, but I mix with dropbox and others, so not all eggs in one basket.

 

HTH.

so in other words, if WiFi is down, then the Chromebook is a brick?

Yep!

 

But TBH if wifi goes down, I go out, or hotspot of my phone

so in other words, if WiFi is down, then the Chromebook is a brick?

Aren't almost all devices now without a data connection!?

Aren't almost all devices now without a data connection!?

I know what you mean, but at least with a Windows laptop I can write/edit documents without a data connection.

I know what you mean, but at least with a Windows laptop I can write/edit documents without a data connection.

 

True, was a bit tongue in cheek

As Colin says though, if you've got mobile data on your phone then can always set that as a hotspot, just try not to use all your data allowance!

I thought most came on board with 16gb so you could use it offline?

I read recently that Google is allowing local storage on the Chromebooks now, so it might be an option; however I also read that they are ditching a number of productivity suites (the exact phrase was "taking them out the back with a gun"), so check you can still do what you want with it.

 

The other option is to install something like Libré Office and save to a USB drive.

Likely enforcing the same policy as chrome extensions. Only approved apps from the chrome store can be installed.

Recently allowing?

I've had a chromebook for two years, the £199 (When I got it) Acer C7, which came with an inexplicable 320GB local drive. Plus the above benefits.


I wouldn't say it's a viable desktop replacement, but as a second laptop as others have said, it's useful.

Kind of fulfills the role that some people use tablets for... but with the added benefit of a full (ish) size keyboard and proper trackpad.


You *can* also flash it and run a version of Linux to give more functionality. But that's not ideal.



Edit: Also... I've been able to install extensions that don't come from the Chrome Webstore.

That loophole I believe is going to be shut very shortly.

I have 3 Chromebooks and 2 have just told me after a few months of warnings that they have now had their last 'Automatic software and security updates' 

"To get future updates, upgrade to a newer model."

 

So that is that then.  I will soldier on and see when things go t!ts up if they do. 

 

 

Edited 5 June, 20224 yr by roottoot