More on Chromebooks

By Bayle Emlein

A Chromebook is a computer that runs on the Chrome operating system, which is Linux-based. More specifically the term refers to a variety of small, light devices that function as thin clients to access resources on the internet.

If you're working on a device built as a Chromebook (in contrast to a computer upgraded to run the Chrome operating system), you'll notice a more compact keyboard: no Function Keys, no Backspace (that function is Covered by Delete), no Page Up or Page Down buttons. But you will have a Search key, with the familiar magnifying glass icon.

What features do Chromebooks offer?

• Inexpensive
• Light weight
• Boots fast
• Relatively long battery life
• Portable
• Expendable
• Secure, no local data
• Different from what we have been doing (it's not Windows 8)
• Many apps to add specific features.

What can a Chromebook do?

• Read email
• Surf
• Watch movies on Netflix
• Create documents, spreadsheets, and presentations with Google Docs or Microsoft Office 365
• Edit photos
• Listen to and organize music.

What can a Chromebook not do?

• Play a DVD or Blu Ray movie
• Rip a music CD to MP3
• Edit a high definition video
• Play Call of Duty at 60 FPS
• Yield a huge return at a Las Vegas pawn shop.

Is a Chromebook in your future? Like most technology purchase decisions, the answer is: “It depends.” It depends on your needs, preferences, and work habits. For example, does the lack of a DVD drive (and the need to use additional resources such as an external drive or USB drive to transfer files) take more of your time and energy than the hassle of carrying that extra weight and keeping track of an expensive machine?  How much do they cost? Now (the end of June 2014), the cost had dropped to an average of $150. This week, Tiger is advertising a $129 special. Judicious e-shopping should get you something similar whenever you get out there Searching.