Computer Repair in Kalamazoo

The quarantine has many folks “rediscovering” their laptops and also bringing the school provided devices their children are using into focus. We are finding that many of these people don’t know the difference between a laptop and a Chromebook. In this post we’ll cover some of the main differences.

Chromebooks may look like fully featured laptops, but instead of Windows or MacOS, they are running a browser-based operating system called Chrome OS which is built on Linux. Chrome OS is a minimal system that is a wholly different experience from Windows or MacOS.

Initially Chromebooks were very limited in scope and had to be constantly connected to the Internet. Chrome OS has greatly matured since then, but there are still limitations to its functionality. Chrome OS started out essentially as Chrome web browser and not much else. It has since grown to encompass more but is still primarily web based.

Chromebooks are not natively compatible with either Windows or MacOS applications. Meaning that you won’t be able to install and run your favorite applications on a Chromebook. Alternatively, the number of web (browser) based applications is constantly expanding so chances are, your favorite apps may have a web based version! If you are looking to play games, a Chromebook is not a good choice, unless they are browser based games. Most current models can also run Android apps.

Chromebooks typically don’t offer very much in power or storage as their primary function is to access the web. The following is a decent combination for general usage:

• Intel Celeron, Core m- or Core i-series processor
• 4GB of memory or more
• 32GB of storage
• Full HD (1,920×1,080-pixel) display

As far as storage, a combination of cloud storage, USB drives or SD cards are recommended.

Lastly, Chromebooks tend to be consumer-grade items, meaning that they are not really designed to be repaired if damaged. They are meant to be replaced. This also means they are generally not upgradeable. Note that many times storage and memory are soldered onto the motherboard. Due to this, while we are available to support your Chromebooks, Geek Easy Computers is limited in what we can repair with them. 

All of this is not to say that it isn’t worth owning a Chromebook. They are growing in popularity for their low price and ease of use, especially in the education sector. As long as you are willing to accept the limitations of Chrome OS, a Chromebook could be the perfect media consumption device for you or your child!

Adonis Pointer is a photographer, a collector of vintage razors, and a certified technology geek! Adonis has been involved in computer technology since well, a LONG time! He has been involved in nearly every aspect of the industry from sales to repair to training to consulting. As the Social Media Manager he writes the majority of the posts on the Geek Easy Computers blog.