Chromebooks Explained
It wasn’t all too long ago that the mention of a Chromebook would draw a blank stare from most people; fast-forward to 2018 Chromebook sales are now into the tens of millions.
Chromebooks are becoming very popular with students and professionals alike but are a completely different breed of computer compare to what you are accustomed to. Chromebooks at the name would suggest run Google’s web-based Chrome OS. While Chrome OS is designed to be used predominantly online, it can still be used offline when away from home or in places without internet access. Most of Chromebook’s apps and documents are served from the cloud. Google provide 100GB of cloud storage with every Chromebook.
The key benefit of using an OS designed to be online is that you will have access to all of your data and apps from any computer; and if you ever lose or replace your Chromebook you wont have to worry about your settings, apps and documents.
Using your Chromebook Offline
Most Chromebooks can connect to the internet via either WiFi and SIM card, but there will be times when you just cannot find a WiFi signal. Google Chrome OS has an Offline mode.
In offline mode you can still use emails with Gmail offline and access your documents. Anything you create offline will automatically sync and save online when your computer has an internet connection .
Hardware
With Chrome OS being an online operating system it does not require all that much on the hardware front. As a result you can buy a Chromebook for a fraction of the price of a laptop while getting almost all of the functionality. In simple terms Chrome OS is as close to a Mobile Phone as you can get molded into a laptop.
 |
Chromebooks initially came with 2GB of RAM as standard. However 4GB is now the standard for the newer models. |
 |
All Chromebooks come with at least 16GB of storage. 16GB is ample if you use your Chromebooks the way Google intended. Chromebooks with 32GB and 64GB are available but are more expensive. |
 |
Chromebooks come in several different screen sizes. The baseline is 11.6-inch but is also available in 13, 14 and 15-inch versions. |
 |
Chromebooks tend to come with Intel Celeron processors ranging from 1Ghz to 2Ghz and above. The lower spec version can easily handle movies, emails, word processing etc |
 |
Chromebooks typically have a long battery life. You can expect your Chromebooks battery to last most, if not all of the day on one single charge. |
Our Recommendations
| General Family Use – Tough, sturdy and feature packed
Speed, simplicity and security of Chrome and Android apps. Compact, easy-to-carry size features 11.6-inch anti-glare display and smudge-resistant black finish. Essential features including Intel Celeron CPU, two USB ports, 16GB eMMC storage. 10 hour battery life. |
|
| Student and Professional Use – Powerful and compact with 10hr Battery Life
ASUS Chromebook 14 is the simple way to boost your productivity and have more fun on the move . This compact and lightweight 14.0-inch Chromebook is powered by a dual-core Intel processor, and gives you the freedom of up to 10 hours battery life. Pre-loaded with the best of Google, ASUS Chromebook 14 is your gateway to the immense variety of apps on the Google Play Store for work or play. With its speedy performance, robust security and instant-on convenience, it’s not only perfect for students and professionals — it’s ideal for anyone who’s always on the go! |
|
| Dual use notebook and tablet modes for Students and Professionals.
ASUS Chromebook Flip C101, a touchscreen Chromebook featuring a 360 degrees hinge that enables it to function in a variety of modes, including traditional notebook, tablet, stand and tent. From note taking in class to sharing videos with friends at a local coffee shop to pulling all-nighters, the ASUS Chromebook C100 lets you communicate, share and play in a variety of ways. |
|
| Dual use notebook and tablet modes for Students and Professionals with a bit more Power!
Lenovo ThinkPad N23 Yoga MTK8173C Chromebook equipped with 4GB RAM and 128GB SSD storage with 11.6 inch display make it more versatile and durable, this 11.6-inch display 2-in-1 is built for education, both inside and out. With its MediaTek MTK 8173c processor, N23 Yoga is optimized to run the Chrome Web Store apps that enhance the collaborative learning environment, while it’s exterior is designed to resist the bumps and grinds of school use. It also offers the versatility of multiple modes Laptop, Tablet, Tent and Stand that allow a student to make the best use of multi touch interaction with educational apps as well as the security, boot-up speed and intuitiveness of Chrome OS. |
