New Google Chromebook

Posted by Blake Sanders on May 17, 2011 in Telegram Past News

For years the majority of computers at the workplace have used Windows-based operating systems and tools. Finally, Microsoft’s archrival Google is finally trying to overthrow this software leader from its throne with its new line of Chromebooks, computers that store all of their information on the internet.

Most people use and understand hard disk computers that store information on a hard drive that can only be accessed on that computer. Google’s new Chromebooks take advantage of the “cloud” that stores all of your information online, making it possible to access all of your information from any computer that is connected to the internet. Such versatility makes this a great tool for offices or for schools, but getting companies to use this tool will be a huge challenge.

Half of businesses still use Windows 2001, which shows the snail pace that most businesses adapt at. If something is working well why change it? If most of your employees use programs that are saved on your hard drive, changing to a Chromebook would be very challenging. With the Chromebook, you can only access web-based programs, most of which require an internet connection. There are many web-based programs that are similar to popular desktop programs like the Microsoft Office series, but they usually still require an internet connection. This is especially important to know so that you can ensure that your network connection is powerful enough to handle all of the tasks of dozens of employees all using internet programs at the same time.

The biggest draws to the Chromebook are its 8 second start up time, its use of the internet cloud, and its automatic updates. With the Chromebook’s constant connection to the internet, Google can automatically update its software. Users no longer have to manually check for updates and manually download and install them, creating a much more user-friendly experience.

 The majority of users have no problems with confusion over how to perform certain tasks. Employees at Jason’s Deli that have been testing the Chromebook filed 70 questions for their old computers and 0 for their Chromebooks. Also, a reported 90% of Logitech employees that use the Chromebook can do their jobs on the web without any need for desktop software. With such great reports about ease of use and the ability to quickly adapt to web-based programs, the Chromebook may be able to catch on with companies and personal users alike more quickly than expected.

The incredible ease of use and versatility of the Chromebook make it very desirable for many different uses. It could be a great tool at the work place, in schools, or at home. With a starting price of $349, however, companies and personal users may decide to purchase a cheap Windows-based computer instead. The Chromebook is very limited in tasks it can do without an internet connection, which is very important to consider with this type of computer. If Google’s cloud network crashed, it could spell disaster for many companies using the Chromebook, especially after the Amazon cloud network crashed not too long ago and left companies without internet for over a day. If Google can prove its network’s strength to its customers and the practicality of the Chromebook, they could have a very successful computer line on their hands.