Chromebooks - any good?
 

Hi. Anybody use a chromebook rather than a laptop? Are the ok? I take it you can use the normal Microsoft packages on them? Many thanks!

My cousin bought one but hates it. Sold it after a few months and replaced it with a new laptop.

No, you can't use the proper Microsoft Word/powerpoint etc. You have to use google's online versions of them.

Yes they are good for the right purpose, but that's not for everyone.

It's designed to be used when you are connected to the internet. So for Microsoft Office you would use the Office 365 online service.

Alternatively you can use the version for Android / Chromebook installed from the store but it does have less functionality. But that may be more than enough for what you want.

I would suggest a little research on the apps you currently use and the tasks you do.

Great for surfing the web and using Google's version of office.

If you do lots of MS Office work and or photo editting etc then it's a bad choice

Thanks for the help 😊. Was thinking of buying one for my daughter for her uni work - not sure it would be ideal for her to rely on the online versions of word, etc. Might stick to a laptop. Thanks again!

Most universities use Google apps these days as they use Google Classroom for presenting work etc.

You can as I say also install a local version of Office if that is what you want to use.

If not using and specialist software which is not available on a Chromebook, then they suit students quite well.

make a list of everything you do on your current computer over the course of a few weeks, what apps you use, that sort of thing.

if it is all web browser based stuff rather than windows apps, then you should be ok. there are plenty of alternative apps on the chrome store that will replace what you currently use (google docs rather than MS office for example)

the great thing about chromebooks is that it is constantly getting security updates so that malware/viruses are extremely rare. the spec to run the OS is a lot less than a windows laptop too (4gb ram is enough for most applications, whereas ideally you need a minimum of 8gb for windows now) which means the laptops are generally a lot cheaper.

then youve got the OS itself. instant sleep/wake and long battery life are two things that spring to mind right now.

in summary, chromebooks are great. but it entirely depends on what you need a laptop/computer to do. they are very limited for what i need, but for my mum? its perfect. shes been using hers for a few years now and loves it.

hth

My son uses one for his Uni work (English Literature & Creative Writing).

He has another 2 PC's for gaming - so it wouldn't do for that, but is perfect for Uni (he manged to drop it and break it and bought another straight away - around £200).

I'm thinking of getting one. I want it basically to apply for jobs, book holidays and shop? Would this be suitable. If so I'd be grateful for any recommendations xx