I have written a number of times about Chromebooks (see https://eogn.com/sys/website/system-pages/?pageId=SysSiteSearchResults for some of my past articles about Chromebooks). I must admit that I have fallen in love with these low-cost, simple to use laptop and desktop computers.
These low-cost computers do most everything that users want from their computers. If you use your computer primarily for email, Facebook, word processing, and general internet surfing, then you will probably really enjoy a Chromebook.
Chromebooks (and Chromeboxes) are very stable and fast as well as lightweight and compact.
Note: A Chromebox is simply a Chromebook computer built into a normal desktop configireation, not a laptop. You can read more about Chromebox computers in a Wikipedia article at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chromebox
A typical Chromebox
Chromebooks (and Chromeboxes):
Have a longer battery life than most Windows and Macintosh laptops. The Hewlett-Packard Chromebook 14 G4 is rated at 8.25 hours of normal use before needing a battery recharge.
Speed – Chromebooks can power up and be ready to use in around eight seconds.
Never get viruses or malware (Malware is short for malicious software).
Security – The Chrome OS has built-in virus and malware protection that is continually updated to the latest version, so you never need to worry about malicious files when using a Chromebook.
Run faster than similar applications on Windows or Macintosh laptops of similar processing power (and higher prices).
Have a default setting of storing all files in the cloud for safety and convenience (although this default can be over-ridden, if you wish).
Automatic operating system software updates in a manner that is mostly invisible to the user.
Have Offline Productivity for most applications (although not all).
Most applications are available free of charge (with a few exceptions).
Parental Controls – Chromebook users can create supervised accounts to track or limit online activity for kids online. This makes the Chromebook a great family-friendly laptop.
Sync – Chromebooks (and Chromeboxes) sync all your apps and passwords with Chrome browsers on other computers. So, if you use the Chrome browser at work or on another home computer, your bookmarks and other preferences will automatically sync to your Chromebook and vice versa.
Cloud Storage – You get 100 gigabytes of Google Drive storage free for two years with all new Chromebooks. This is a considerable amount of space. Comparable services from Dropbox, OneDrive, or Box will cost you an additional subscription. With a Chromebook, you get a decent amount of cloud storage for free.
Webcam – a buit-in video camera is included for Zoom and other online video conferencing apps.
So how much does all this capability cost? $99.99 (U.S.) right now (I am going to round that up by a penny and call it $100.)
That is the price right now for a Hewlett-Packard Chromebook with a 14-inch screen, available from Walmart (yes, from THAT Walmart). You can see it for yourself and even order it for home delivery at: https://bit.ly/3ddsKVI. (That price even includes free shipping!)
OK, there are a few drawbacks. For instance:
At this price, you have to realize you are not getting a high-powered super-computer. It has a 2.16 GHz Intel Celeron processor of modest power (although more than enough power for a Chromebook).
It has a 14-inch display screen (anyone with vision difficulties might prefer a larger screen). It also does not contain a touch screen.
While it includes wi-fi (with IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, and Bluetooth), it does not have a built-in ethernet connector for direct connection to a network.
Again, you can see this computer at https://bit.ly/3ddsKVI.
Note: I believe this is a sale price and I have no idea how long it will be on sale.
Please be aware that is not an affiliate URL and I am not compensated in any way by Hewlett-Packard, WalMart, or anyone else for publishing this article. I am simply a very satisfied Chrombook user (see https://eogn.com/page-18080/12840186 for my experiences with my latest Chromebook which is NOT a Hewlett-Packard Chromebook 14 G4). I simply want to notify my readers of a bargain that I probably would buy for myself if I didn’t already own a similar Chromebook (and a Chromebox besides).