Chromebook Vs laptop

[Itallt0omuch]

My Windows 8 laptop is broken and I suspect it will be uneconomical to repair. It was slow, clunky and always wanted to update and I hated using it. I am looking to start a very small business from home so I need something that will allow me to build a basic website, probably using something like GoDaddy, blogs and social media and keep records and spreadsheets. Also basic photo retouching, nothing too in depth though I don't need Photoshop etc. I like the idea of Chromebooks as they are cheaper and they apparently start instantly, also don't mind having to use the cloud to store things. But I wonder if I'll be limiting myself by not getting a Windows 10 laptop. I have an android phone so I am familiar with the appstore and Google drive etc. Any advice would be welcome

I'm also on a very limited budget. Something around £300 would be affordable.

I’m looking to change from a Mac to an ASUS chromebook.
I basically worked out what I use my computer for and the majority of stuff is browser based anyway so for me it suits.
My understanding is that for a chromebook around £300 if you’re a power user it’s not ideal - multiple tabs being open might cause lag etc depending on the model.

I have a 2 year old chrome book and it's never lagged, I have multiple tabs and programmes open. I use it for open University studies and its been perfect. Battery life surprisingly good. Was 250 new. I'd recommend them to anyone but not gamers I suppose

I love my chrome book but some things aren’t available on it yet. For example, I use a particular whiteboard software (teacher) and I can’t download it on my chrome book.

I love my chromebook. Now find laptops so frustratingly slow!

Only tiny niggle is my documents are created in Google Docs/Sheets not Word/Excel, you can convert across and I've never had any problems doing it, but you have to remember to do it if you're sharing documents.

Wow thanks for your replies, I am heading up to Currys later to have a look at what they've got.

Have a look at their bundles. When I bought mine, I also got an ASUS tablet and a chrome cast for an extra £9.

BeingATwatItsABingThing

I absolutely love your username! I'll see what else I can get thrown in. Not sure if get much for £300 but it's worth a try

If you buy a new laptop it will have an SSD and start as fast as a chromebook. I have both and the chromebook comes out when I need something light and I'm only going to be looking at the web.

Thanks!

My chrome book weighs nothing and is so small. I used to take it to uni and barely notice it in my bag.

@cdtaylornats

thank you do you use your laptop for sort of stuff I mentioned in my op or do you think that your Chromebook would cope if you didnt have the laptop?

Would a chrome book be suitable for a year 7? A huge amount of their homework will be done online and as a confirmed Mac user, I know nothing about these. But I'm not prepared to drop £££ on an 11yo!

Following!

Google docs is not nearly as fully functioned as Word and runs very slowly on larger documents so I wouldn't recommend for anyone doing a lot of essays etc

I used it to write my uni essays. Worked absolutely fine for me.

I frequently write essays on my Chromebook using Google Docs, I can't say I've noticed it being slow. I also use it for keeping notes, and some of those files are seriously huge.

OP, the only thing that might be an issue would be web design - if you were hoping to use a programme to do that it might not be feasible. If you're panning to do it online (eg: using a platform like WordPress) then it's perfectly doable on a Chromebook.

planning not panning

I use the laptop for creating software so it is something the chromebook wouldn't do.

Chromebooks need an internet connection and don't save data locally. No DVD or printer connections except via the cloud.

Picture retouching - most people don't like Chromebook for that

www.howtogeek.com/360311/the-best-photo-editors-for-chromebooks/

I was looking at something like Shopify for creating the website.

A Chromebook would work well for you. You can also create your website using Google sites built into your free Gmail account. Chromebooks don't need an internet connection, can save locally and sync when online. Perfect for personal, business and students. My son is doing engineering at uni, has used a Chromebook since year 7 and still uses it now. The docs, sheets, slides, forms, sites etc all come free and can be used as a complete replacement for MS Office.

Asus Chromebooks in Lidl from Thursday 5th Sep, reduced from £249 to £199

rockbird my year 7 DD has a chromebook for homework and she loves it.
My 2 ds both have chromebook at primary school, every child in ks2 has one at their school, it gets used every day. The school maintains them but we own them.

I have used Chromebooks (and the desktop version of a Chromebook - called a Chromebox) for the past 3 years. I'm in marketing. My sons also used them at school. I'd like to correct some myths and emphasise some benefits.

1. They are MUCH cheaper than laptops and especially Apple MACs - not only to purchase but also to repair (a cracked screen on a MacBook costs £400 - a Chromebook is £40 for a new screen!)
2. they DO work offline. You don't have to be constantly connected to the web. However some functionality may not be available when offline, but you can still use DOCS and SHEETS etc. (Equivalent of Word & Excel).
3. Much more SECURE than Windows - with no annoying anti-virus to pay for. Chromebooks are inherently designed to be secure.
4. FAST. Fast to start up - fast to use, I have never had any lags - no matter how long the document, or how many tabs I have open. Such a contrast from a Windows laptop.
5. Great battery-life. They can last almost all day.
6. Many schools have adopted them - for all the reasons above. Ask your school IT dept.

I can't fault mine. I started my life (30 years ago) working for a PC manufacturer, have owned countless laptops and MACs so I'm well aware of the other platforms.

What they are NOT good for:

• Serious Gaming
• Video-editing

Many shops / retailers who make money from selling expensive laptops (or get commissions) will use old / out-of-date arguments against chromebooks because they want to sell you a more expensive machine..

Thanks, seems like a chrome book is the way to go then. We have MacBooks and an iMac if she needs to do anything special but for general homework and research it should be fine.

I love my Chromebook 14 - take it everywhere. Never lags. There is no equal in my opinion.