Using Google Chromebook - A Review

I have had the opportunity to use the Acer Chromebook for over a week now, and I am very satisfied with its construction, performance, and functionality (online and offline).  

For a $199 laptop, the Acer is very well constructed.  It does not feel breakable, “plasticy”, or cheap. It is very lightweight, yet sturdy.  Acer combines the best of Mac and PC controls and keyboard shortcuts.  For example, the mouse pad operation is the same as that of a Macbook, and the keyboard shortcuts match those of a PC, without the annoying ‘command’ key found on Macs.  The screen is brilliant, vivid, and clear.  The screen size is very comfortable for viewing.

On-line functionality is quick and seamless, with no lag time, error messages, or other glitches.  The ChromeOS does a great job of further blurring the lines between offline/online.  Most applications that a person would need are available offline.  However, offline functionality for entertainment/gaming purposes is lacking, but it will probably be just a matter of time before more gamine apps are made to fully function offline.  The one thing that I miss is a dvd/cd player, but music/movies can be purchased for offline viewing.

If you are contemplating a new computer purchase, if your not an Apple fan, or your fed up with Windows error messages, the Chromebook is the way to go.  The low price of, $199 is unbeatable. The price to product performance makes this machine and operating system a great value!

Using Google Chrome

While contemplating a new laptop purchase I came across the Google Chromebook.  The Chromebooks run on the Linux based, Chrome OS.  The Acer Chromebook starts at only $199, the next level up is the Samsung Chromebook starting at $249.  These systems operate in the cloud while also allowing work to be performed offline.  As I currently work heavily with Google Drive (docs, spreadsheets, slides, gmail, calendar, blogger, etc.)  this sounded like a perfect option for me.  Also, you can download and utilize apps from the Google Chrome web store, another plus as I currently use an Android based phone. Added benefits are no outdated software, the newest updates happen automatically, and all files can be located in the cloud, available wherever/whenever you need them.

As I have been researching this technology, it seems that governments have been taking note of the affordability of Google's array of software and hardware.  Here are two stories of governments that have gone Google:

• Governments Gone Google
• City of Orlando: Cutting Costs, Improving Infrastructure

This makes good sense for use in the public sector.  Astronomical financial savings would be found in, reduced funds for computer leasing and hardware updates, eleimination of software licensing and upgrade fees, and reduced cost of server maintenance and upkeep. 

I have not purchased mine yet, but it will happen in a couple of days.  I will be posting a review here as I begin to use it.