Google Chromebook : A Review

Just before Christmas I was asked if I would like to review the new Samsung Google Chromebook. With my OH working away from home more and taking the laptop away with him more and more, the review opportunity couldn’t have come at a better time quite honestly. Having only seen the advert for this new mini laptop, and being an iPad and Mac user mainly I wasn’t really sure what to expect or what the chromebook was all about.

Now before I start this review, I would to point out that I am not an expert in IT or related products and software – this is my OH’s area of expertise being an IT project manager. Me? Well I am just your average ‘Jen’ who uses a computer of some description (and my phone) to tweet, email, facebook, blog, search the internet, use apps that I have downloaded, do my on line shopping etc…. When it comes to knowing about the more techy ‘stuff’, well I ask my OH!! Therefore, this post will be based on my day to day use of the chromebook and the little extras it has to offer. 

Chromebooks are designed to help everyone get things done more quickly and more easily and they run Chrome OS which is an operating system containing multiple layers of cloud storage, multiple layers of security and, of course, built in popular google products.

The new Chromebook is a great size – it is smaller than the Mac I had been using and not much bigger than my iPad. It sits on my lap much more neatly than the Mac did and it doesn’t get as hot underneath either. I like the brushed aluminium look to the casing and I have found it easy to use and I really like its compactness and portability, and how lightweight it is.

Using it has been just like using any other laptop but being a google based product the Chromebook has its own icons already set up on the desktop:

*new tab (opens a new web page)

*gmail

*google search

*you tube

*apps

The apps icon is a very neat way to store all the functions that you would expect a laptop to offer.

and some rather cool ones too. A bit like with a smart phone and tablet you can own a virtual library and download books, download and play movies aswell as access your chromebook remotely

Asides from the apps which the Chromebooks are already set up with, you can buy thousands more from the Chrome Web Store. Apps are the programs which help to create documents, listen to music and edit photos. I like the fact that once you have a Chromebook there is no need to buy and install any more software as thousands of apps are free (I have downloaded some already eg. Angry Birds, Bejewelled etc..) and they are updated automaticaly. *This* I like – no more having to ask anyone else (ie. my OH) when updates are required and I dont even have to do anything to make them happen!

I didn’t even realise straight away that the Chromebook has an in built camera (ooops!) and one that allows different filters allowing some funky and funny photographs to be taken.

Being nice and compact in size, it is ideal for little hands to operate too and my two toddlers have enjoyed watching CBeebies and using the camera!! The trouble with my two though, is once I allow them to have a play, they then think the chromebook is for them! Hmph! As if!
However, when they are a little older, if I wanted them to use the Chromebook for school or doing their own ‘thing’,  then I can give each of them their own user settings where they can access their own apps etc… and then when I wanted it back to use myself I can log them out and myself back in and away I go again. It is a perfect piece of kit for sharing with anyone and everyone you see fit.

The chromebook also has a fun way of sharing your photos with other users – a community for uploading your favourite photos, your special memories. The gallery is for everyone and once a photo is uploaded you need to add some text to the image to state who it is for eg. For Mums, For Foodies, For Love etc… I have uploaded a couple of photos and when I checked the gallery again a few days lager, one of my photos was featured on the home page for all to see.

 Just a bit of fun really and you can like photos – maybe a bit like instagram but less about adding filters and more about having a bit of a laugh maybe, by the addition of text?

Chromebooks keep all your data safe too as they come with Google Drive which is an online file storage service which means that once your files have been saved, you can access them safely and there is no need to back them up manually. Chromebooks also start running very quickly – from off to boot up in 10 seconds which is 20 seconds faster than the average more traditional computer. The screen is 11.6″, it comes with 100GB of google drive free for 2 years and its battery lasts for 6 1/2 hours once fully charged.

So the question is, is a Chromebook

Do you know what?
Yes, absolutely!

I have to be honest, I am a fan of Apple products having exclusively used their products for the last 3 years. However, the Chromebook has surprised and wowed me, because it isn’t just a laptop, as even though it looks like one it offers so much more than that. Its kind of a cross between an iPad and a netbook I guess ? (I am no expert remember). I love the fact that it has so many features enabling me to watch movies, play games, take silly photos and so on. I also really like the fact that the Chromebook comes with all the software you need to get up and computing straight away and that it is protected from viruses and malware; plus it updates itself automatically. Perfect for users like myself who either don’t really understand all that or done have a clue!!

I like how it sits on my lap and isn’t heavy or too big, and how I can move it around the house and it fits so easily into my lifestyle. Considering that the Samsung Chromebook starts from just £229, I think this is really good value. If you are looking for a laptop why not consider the Chromebook – it really does have something for everyone and more besides.

I was supplied a Chromebook by Google for the purpose of this review. All comments made about it are my own and completely honest and not very techy!!

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