A few years ago, a review was posted here about a book called “ After The Software Wars ”. In a nutshell, it detailed the thoughts of a former Microsoft exec that the big conglomerates that own the industry, may soon go by the wayside thanks to less expensive technology that can do the same thing.
Chromebooks may be part of the reason those conglomerates are in line to go by the wayside. The original Chromebook by Samsung was reviewed here in early 2013. Back then, “the first impression here is one of satisfaction and minor amazement”. Now, it’s ultra-satisfaction and mega amazement.
In a nutshell it has never been easier to spend about $300 on a laptop. While Windows 8.1 and Google Chrome are two different systems, you cannot beat a laptop that boots almost instantly. You can not beat a laptop whose office suite products boast full compatibility with Microsoft Office (Mac and PC) as well as Open Office on all platforms, linux included.
Chromebooks are increasing in popularity so much, that there is no longer just one manufacturer. There is Acer, Samsung, Toshiba and HP. The features appear to be the same. Samsung however is the original, so why not stick with it. LG recently (review coming) released a full sized desktop model in the Google Chromebase.
Aesthetically, the Chromebook 2 is so light that you may very well forget its in your bag. It has a responsive and easy to see keyboard and the clarity of the screen is impeccable.
The Samsung Chromebook 2 comes standard with;
Samsung Exynos 5 Octa 5420
4 Gigs of ram
<10 second boot up time, including signing on to WiFi
Offline access to certain functions
Chrome OS hasn't changed much since our last Chromebook review, late last year. It does look and feel the same. However, Chrome, has finally hit the nail on the head by incorproating multi-tasking as well as offline access to many apps. This means, that you can easily keep getting stuff done when you’re disconnected from the web by using offline apps like Gmail and Google Docs.You can find so may other apps in the Chrome App Store too.
As limited as Chromebooks might still seem, they'll still be enough for some people, whether it be children, young'uns used to doing everything online or folks who need a lightweight, secondary laptop to use on trips. You might miss certain major apps, like Skype or iTunes, but if you can't live without those, then a Chromebook probably isn't for you; get an inexpensive Windows laptop and call it a day.
Chromebooks, while becoming more main-stream every day may not replace the evil giant for everyone: There will always be people who need stronger performance. They are the people that need full offline access, apps like skype, etc. If that's you, at least for now, Chromebook won’t do. That includes printing as well.
However, many would be users that include schools, students on a budget, a traveler in need of a lighter laptop, Chrome OS and the Samsung Chromebook could be the go to tech. Basically, and for the most part, if it can be done with a standard laptop, there is a way for Chromebook to do it too.
I would recommend the Samsung Chromebook 2 over everything else in its class. For the money you get a sharp screen, a premium-looking design, long battery life and a keyboard-trackpad combo that is so good, that even "standard" PC makers should take heed and watch this line.
At $300, it doesn't feel like just a netbook; it feels like a proper laptop. It is however a cleaner, faster and all around sleeker machine when you compare it to any Windows notebook you'll find at this price. Keep that in mind the next time you're clicking through the “clearance” page on Amazon where you can actually see the entire Chromebook line
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