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Chromebook and ChromeOS: Light laptops for school and everyday use

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tagsglossar, hardware, betriebssystem

2 min read

Chromebook and ChromeOS: Light laptops for school and everyday use

In short: A Chromebook is a cheap laptop with ChromeOS that mainly uses web applications; it is fast, secure and low-maintenance but not suited for every task.

In more detail: ChromeOS (Google) is based on Linux and the Chrome browser. Programs mostly run as web applications (Google Docs, Office in the browser, streaming) and as Android apps. The system starts in seconds and updates itself.

In Depth

Advantages

  • Cheap and often long battery life.
  • Secure: sandbox per tab, verified boot, automatic updates, hardly any malware.
  • Simple administration (important for schools): devices can be configured centrally.
  • Fast start, little maintenance, data in the cloud.
  • Good for school, writing, browsing, video conferences, streaming.

Limits

  • Windows programs (desktop Office, Adobe programs, many games) do not run natively.
  • Storage is small, working without internet limited (offline modes possible with many services).
  • Performance for video editing, large games, programming in development environments is limited, but there is Linux support (Crostini), which lets developer tools run.
  • End of updates: each model gets updates for a limited time (currently mostly 8 to 10 years); the date is in the device specifications.

Features

  • Google account and sync of bookmarks, settings, files (Google Drive).
  • Android apps from the Play Store (depending on device).
  • Linux environment can be enabled (terminal, VS Code, Git).
  • Guest mode and family/school accounts with parental controls.
  • Powerwash: reset to factory settings in minutes.
  • ChromeOS Flex: turns old Windows PCs and Macs into ChromeOS machines.

Buying tips

Look at screen (at least Full HD, IPS), RAM (4 GB is tight, better 8 GB), storage (64 GB or more), end of updates, build quality and battery life. Check whether all needed programs exist as a web version or Android app. For programming and media editing a classic laptop often remains the better choice.

See also: Laptops, Trying out Linux, Operating system, Cloud storage