Five Solid Reasons to Buy a Google Chromebook

Google Chromebooks are small and extremely portable web-based netbooks that run on Chrome OS and come with the Chrome browser. As you probably guessed, these handy devices feature “everything Google” and are, for now, made with partner companies like Samsung and Acer. In addition to Android, the Chromebook is Google’s step into the lucrative mobile computing market.

The heart of the Chromebook is the operating system designed by Google, based on Chromium OS, which was an open source project that Google started in 2009. Its descendant is called Chrome OS, a Linux-based system that is mainly dedicated to web applications and simple tasks associated with browsing the net. Instead of a traditional desktop interface, the Chromebook has a browser, and because these devices have a solid-state drive, boot times are really fast: less than 10 seconds and instantly from sleep. There’s also a media player and a simple file manager, along with Wi-Fi and 3G connections. These devices typically come with a full-size keyboard, 10- to 12-inch screens, and weigh around 3-4 pounds.

Just think of the Chromebook as a mini laptop, rather than a slate-like device like the iPad. The Chromebook has just about everything you’d find in a laptop except for an optical drive. It has USB ports, output connections like HDMI or VGA, a touchpad, memory card readers, and a webcam.

However, the most dominant feature of a Google Chromebook is something you can’t see just by looking at the device. Actually, this feature is the main reason why you should get one in the first place. So what is this important feature? Well, it has everything to do with online storage. What some idiot called “in the cloud” or “cloud computing”, an expression that baffles and confuses a simple process of storing your content on a remote online third party server. In this case, your content is stored on servers controlled by Google.

This is very logical since the Chromebook is a device designed for the web. Storing your content online means it’s available anytime, anywhere. Just like your web-based email accounts, like Gmail. This also provides convenient backup and you don’t really have to worry about downloading and storing stuff on your device, which can cause security issues if you’re not careful. Which brings us to another reason to buy a Chromebook, but let’s examine each of these reasons in detail.

1. Portability – The main reason one would buy a Chromebook is portability. These devices are small and lightweight, you can tuck them under your arm or in your backpack and take them anywhere. They have a long battery life (around 7 or 8 hours) so you can use them throughout the day. This device is designed for the person on the go or the student in the classroom.

2. Connectivity – Above all, the Chromebook is a netbook, designed to keep you connected to the web at all times. With Wi-Fi and/or 3G you can stay in touch with friends, family and co-workers throughout the day. Look out for some deals from Verizon that will get you 100MB of free monthly 3G access for up to 2 years.

3.Security – Another big reason to get a Chromebook has to do with increased security. This device was designed from the ground up to be secure and has many security layers built in, such as data encryption, sandboxing, and verified boot. Plus, all your content, photos, documents, and settings are securely stored online.

4. Ease of use – All of the above reasons would be pretty useless if your Chromebook wasn’t easy to use. Booting up and logging in are very simple processes that anyone can do quickly. Storing your material online gives you great freedom and peace of mind. You can easily share your content with family and friends. Some Chromebooks have special custom web keys that make browsing the web faster and easier. Some have screens that are 40% brighter and can be used outdoors, even in the sun.

5. Hi, it’s Google – Regardless of your own opinion of Google, there is no doubt that they have built a strong reputation for providing superior products and services over the years. The Chromebook is a Google-branded product and you can bet the farm will put its vast resources into updating and improving this product in the future. One of the biggest benefits of having a web-based product/service is that you can easily update and adjust it as you improve and further develop it. Keep in mind that this is a “work in progress” and tomorrow’s Chromebook will have countless apps and products built right into the device.

There you have it, five solid reasons to buy or get a Google Chromebook. If you’re looking for a netbook or mini laptop, these are also reasons why you should consider the Chromebook. Chances are good that you won’t be disappointed or waste your time as the Chromebook delivers the goods and then some.