What is a Chromebook? I’ve known about Chromebooks but other than the brand name and that they are running on Chrome OS (I happen to also work on a system that runs a special type of customized Chrome OS created for my client company). Chromebooks are a new type of computer designed to help you get things done faster and easier. They run Chrome OS, an operating system that has cloud storage, the best of Google built-in, and multiple layers of security.

Google works with manufacturers to keep Chromebooks affordable, and you don’t need to worry about the prices of most software. Instead, you can choose from the thousands of free apps from the Chrome Web Store for work and play.

You can use offline-ready apps to keep using a Chromebook when it’s not connected to the Internet. Below are some examples:

• Read and write emails with Offline Gmail
• Write a note or make a list with Google Keep
• Create and edit documents, slides, or spreadsheets with Google Drive apps (Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides)
• View and RSVP to events with Google Calendar
• View and edit photos saved with the built-in photo editor
• Enjoy music or movies with the built-in media player

On all Chromebooks, you can open, edit, download, and convert many Microsoft Office files. On Chromebooks that support Android apps, Microsoft Office is currently available as an Android app. To see which Microsoft apps are available for your device, go to the Google Play Store.

You can save your photos with Google Photos, where they’ll be quickly and safely stored and organized for you. You can stream music and organize your personal music collection with YouTube Music. Learn how to get started with YouTube Music. For other info, like how to play saved music, check the play music on your Chromebook article. You can choose to store your files on your Chromebook or online with a cloud-based file storage service like Google Drive.

With Google Drive, your data is stored in Google’s highly secure data centers. Chromebooks don’t have a CD or DVD drive, but you can play saved music and movie files in any of the compatible file types with the media player. You can also play files from a USB drive or SD card. As for accessories, Mac or Windows USB drives, computer mice, keyboards, and external storage devices work well with Chromebooks.

Best Chromebooks for 2021

• Acer Chromebook Spin 713 (Best Chromebook of 2021)
• Lenovo Chromebook Duet (Best Chromebook on a budget)
• HP Chromebook x360 14 (Powerful Chromebook with a sleek design)
• Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 (Best midrange Chromebook)
• Google Pixelbook Go. (Best Google Chromebook)

Ofcourse there are some cons as well. Specifically, the disadvantages of Chromebooks are: Weak processing power. Most of them are running extremely low-power and old CPUs, such as Intel Celeron, Pentium, or Core m3. Of course, running Chrome OS doesn’t require much processing power in the first place, so it might not feel as slow as you’d expect.

 If you already spend most of your time in the Chrome browser you will take to the notebook naturally. Chromebooks are especially good for younger students, as they are ease to use and are fairly secure. It’s also quite easy to update your Chromebook, and even better, these laptops often do that themselves. Children who are still learning how to use computers may be more receptive to learning how a new operating system works.