ChromeOS has made rounds for its affordability, speed, and overall stability as a feature-rich operating system. They started exceptionally cheap but have now seen a plethora of high-end variants in the field as well. Looking at the likes of the HP Elite c1030 Chromebook and the Asus Chromebook CX9, it’s hard to say otherwise.
That said, even if you don’t shell out $500-$1000 on a Chromebook and stay within the budget-friendly pricing range, ChromeOS still comes across as a steal. In this guide, we’ll explain this point in-depth and nudge you toward a well-informed purchasing decision if you’re out in the market for a new device.
- In the meantime, here are 9 reasons why schools use Chromebooks instead of laptops.
Why cheap Chromebooks are a wise purchasing decision
Let us go over the whole scenario step-by-step and discuss why cheap Chromebooks are such a steal even in 2022 when we’re convoluted with many purchasing options. Keep on reading until the end for the best results.
1. Fast and stable
Starting off this list of reasons that’ll entice you, Chromebooks are known for being utterly fast and stable computing devices. We say this due to several reasons, and not just one. For instance, ChromeOS comprises the fastest boot-up times out of any of its rival operating systems.
From a complete shutdown state to be up and running at the account log-in screen, the procedure takes around 5-10 seconds, which is commendable. Moreover, these sleek devices’ operating system — ChromeOS — is highly simplified. You can navigate it faster than one would initially think.
Last but not least, ChromeOS likes to stay consistently updated, and perhaps this is what owes the operating system its success. Thanks to a frequent update schedule, Chromebooks are stable and ever-innovative, ensuring that all the best new additions and features flow to the devices incessantly.
The cherry on top is that we’re not discussing high-end Chromebooks here. The statements above go for every Chromebook, whether on the level of the Lenovo Chromebook 3 or the HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook. These two devices dangle on either extremity of the spectrum we have here, so the speed superiority is apparent here.
Another prominent highlight that comes in the wake of updating your Chromebook regularly is security. Let’s go over the prospect in a more detailed manner ahead.
2. Extremely secure
Whether it’s a $300, affordable Chromebook like the Asus Chromebook Detachable CM3 or something that goes north of $700 like the brilliant Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2, the standard of security among these Chromebooks stays the same. We’ve extensively examined the question, “Can Chromebooks get viruses?” The answer is a flat-out no.
ChromeOS is extremely less likely to contract any form of malware thanks to the number of security-tight features the operating system boasts daily. Chromebooks are popular for running Chrome tabs in a sandboxed environment, meaning that even if a virus somehow latched onto your device, it would only stay within the confines of a single tab.
That tab would be the one that you got the virus from. This means that intruders such as these won’t be able to migrate to other parts of your operating system. Shut the tab down, and pop goes the virus right with it. Now, let’s picture for a moment that ChromeOS is affected by a nasty device-killing bug. All that would be needed to do is a restart.
That is to say, rebooting a Chromebook prompts the device to perform a “Verified Boot.” It’s a self-checking startup system that scans that whole device for any existential anomalies and knocks the wind out of them afterward. The functionality is quite robust and genuinely makes a regular user feel comfortable browsing the internet.
- Related read: Does Chromebook need antivirus software?
3. Based on the cloud
ChromeOS is a cloud-based operating system with little emphasis on local storage. It actively syncs with Google’s frontrunning productivity applications to encourage users to delve into a Chromebook’s remote-centric capabilities. For instance, the best cloud-based storage services are prevalent on ChromeOS, with Google Drive leading the front.
More software such as pCloud has also come forward for Chromebook users, offering them 10GB of free storage to begin with as part of the basic plan. However, we’re trying to point out here that cloud storage is a norm on Chromebooks, and it takes away many cons associated with storing your files locally.
Google Drive, for one, is exceptionally secure, comes built right into the mainframe of ChromeOS, and seamlessly integrates within the “Files” system app on Chromebooks. Therefore, the developers are making it easy for device users to try the convenience of cloud functionality and get more than what they paid for.
4. Come with a built-in Linux terminal
Updating the Linux Terminal
Every modern-day Chromebook — no matter how cheap or expensive — comes with a built-in Crostini Linux terminal that power users can employ to write code and indulge in programming. Linux is a compelling Chromebook feature that can be availed of as long as you use a supported device.
- That is to say, many Chromebooks manufactured before 2018 may not feature Linux or the Google Play Store. Look at all Chromebooks that run Android and Linux apps for more information.
One of the top reasons to run Linux on ChromeOS is the added expanse of tip-top applications that users can enjoy. However, the performance of these apps varies from device to device, depending on the hardware configuration. However, the fact that stands out even on cheap Chromebooks is the provision of alternative, more optimized app versions.
Take a look at the installation of the Firefox browser, and you’ll know what we’re on about.
5. Allow seamless access to Android apps
Even if they’re cheap, Chromebooks grant you access to the world of Android applications. That’s right. ChromeOS and the Google Play Store have been affiliated since 2016, making people’s lives significantly easier and more fun-filled.
People buy cheap Chromebooks just for streaming Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, given the ease of use of the operating system and how each design element is built with convenience in mind. Look at the top 20 Google Play Store apps to see the kind of software that can power up ChromeOS for you.
6. Portable and sturdy
If there’s another thing that Chromebooks are famous for, it’s their portability, not to mention some of them offering ultra lightweight convenience by sporting a 2-in-1 convertible design. For instance, this might battle you, but it’s true. The Lenovo Duet 5 Chromebook weighs 700 grams when you take the keyboard deck off.
When you attach it, the device weighs one and a half pounds. The latter is just one pixel out of a vibrantly giant canvas, so it’s pretty imminent for you to get your hands on an ultra-portable Chromebook. As for the build quality, these devices are generally known to be rock-hard sturdy.
Throw them around, implement rough usage, or give them to your little one to tussle with—they’re still going to boot up just fine at the end of the day.
7. Perfect for web-based tasks
Since even the cheapest Chromebooks are stable, fast, and have a knack for top-rate security, they’re optimal pieces of tech for web-based tasks, lightweight browsing, and tackling your online-only tasks on the fly. Every Chromebook—no matter if it’s inexpensive or highly costly—is optimized to run the Chrome browser with terrific performance.
Of course, if you got yourself a cheap device that packs low-end specifications, you won’t be able to run a dozen Chrome tabs along with multiple Play Store applications swiftly. Striking the perfect balance is the key to success here, and after getting the hang of things, you’ll be able to fly with ChromeOS.
Conclusion
ChromeOS has surged in popularity over the years thanks to its rising capabilities and continuous support from the developers’ side. Thankfully, one major facet of Chromebooks that makes them stand out among the competition is their cost-effectiveness. However, don’t dismiss the low price tag of these devices for subsequent cheap quality.
Instead, we’ve given you seven reasons why inexpensive Chromebooks are a steal and why everyone should have them as a substitute device. They’re fast, stable, and exceptionally secure, hitting the perfect trifecta of appreciable traits and not compromising their core values.
Do let us know what you think about ChromeOS down in the comments section. Chrome Ready wishes you good luck!
