



Skype (which is owned by Microsoft) is unavailable, too, although Google Hangouts offer similar functionality. Can you do all of your work-related tasks within the Chrome browser? If you mostly use your laptop to browse the web, send email, use social networks, and do some basic word processing, your answer may be “yes.” But note that, if you ever run sophisticated graphic design or video-editing software, you won’t be able to do so on a Chromebook. What’s more, if it gets broken or stolen, it’s likely to have a much less significant impact on your bottom line than the loss of a $2,000 MacBook.Ĭon: Their functionality is limited. Even if you don’t have much of an equipment budget, you can probably afford one. With the exception of the Google Pixel, the Chromebooks are some of the most affordable new laptops on the market. When evaluating purchasing a Chromebook as your primary work computer, here are a few pros and cons to consider: The prices range from $199 to $329, with the exception of the Google Pixel, which comes with a high-resolution display and starts at $1,299. Nine models are currently available from four manufacturers (Acer, HP, Samsung, and Toshiba). So you’re thinking of replacing your laptop this year and the inexpensive Google Chromebook - a PC with the cloud-based Chrome operating system - is an enticing option.
