For
those unclear, Chrome OS (which the Chromebook runs) is fundamentally different
to a Windows, Mac or Linux-based laptop, desktop or netbook. This is because it
runs the web. No native applications exist specifically for this machine. There
are apps (sometimes referred to as Chrome apps) but they also work in the
Chrome browser.
Because
this computer runs what many call 'just a browser' it has several advantages,
as well as disadvantages when compared to a Windows machine. I've chosen
Windows for most comparisons here as more people typically use Windows than a
Mac or Linux machine.
Storage
A
key thing about Chromebooks is that they come with a 16GB hard drive. This is
considered very low by modern standards as a typical Windows machine will come
with a minimum of 500GB and often far more.
By
default, Drive comes with 5GB of storage. This isn't a huge amount, but for
free on-line storage it's pretty typical. Many other services actually offer
much less. However, if you buy a Chromebook you get 100GB free for two years,
which is very useful given that it can be used across many devices. If after
two years you're using more than whatever the normal free allowance is at that
point (things do change) and you've not qualified for some other promotion,
you'll no longer be able to add new files. Your existing data will be
accessible, meaning files will not be deleted.
Another
great thing about Drive is that files can be shared with others. Google Docs
files are not counted towards your storage.
Again,
it's worth noting that other great on-line storage solutions exist, such as
Dropbox and Box. The difference of course is that they're not tightly-integrated
with the Chromebook.
 |
| Samsung Chromebook |
This
new Chromebook is running on an ARM chip, the type of processor you'd typically
find in a mobile phone or tablet. That may sound slow given the demands of a
typical Windows machine, but it's very quick. It boots in around 7 seconds (it
feels more like 5 as the logo is on the screen almost as soon as you open the
lid) and you can be on-line with your normal tabs open in under 30 seconds with
ease. The keyboard is extremely responsive and many professional reviewers have
remarked that it's the best that's ever been on a Chromebook, which includes
the much more expensive Samsung Series 5 550 machine. The trackpad, too, is
very good indeed.
The
machine is extremely responsive due to it needing very few resources to
operate. If you attempt to run 20+ tabs, yes, it will slow down a whole lot.
But if, like most typical users, you use this for email, Facebook and the like,
you should have no performance issues. Depending on your usage, the stated 6.5
hours of battery life are very close. In fact I'd suggest that you'd get more,
depending on screen brightness etc.
Other
hardware
On
this particular unit you'll find one USB 2.0 port, one USB 3.0 port, HDMI out
(for putting what's on your screen on a bigger screen, like a computer monitor
or TV) and an SD card reader. External USB hard drives work fine in my
experience and many phones are treated properly as mass storage too. However
certain devices such as external optical (CD/DVD) drives will not work at all.
