Often, when I write about Chromebooks, someone intrudes on me with a comment about how they are not “real” laptops, and people would be better off buying a Windows machine. When I write about a Chromebook that costs more than $ 400, someone inevitably complains that it is too much money to spend on a laptop with a damaged operating system.
But the problem with Chrome OS is that it is an operating system like any other. As About Chromebooks points out in a recent article on the subject, Google emphasizes speed, simplicity and security. Chrome OS works reasonably well on basic hardware, but like most operating systems, it works even better on devices with faster processors or more RAM. And things like high-quality screens, keyboards and touchpads cost money.
Not everyone wants to use an operating system designed around a web browser. But nowadays, many Windows and Mac users spend most of their time in a web browser anyway, and Chromebooks can also run Android and Linux apps.
So while Chromebooks may not be the best option for everyone, asking why there are expensive models is the same as asking why there are expensive Windows laptops. Of course, I’m sure there are people who are asking this question, especially when we see new models priced over $ 3,500.
Here is a summary of recent technology news (and opinions) from around the web.
- Best Buy just laid off 5,000 employees and will close more stores [CNN]
A few days after Fry announced it was closing the store, Best Buy announces layoffs and store closings. But this is probably not the end of Best Buy, but the last step in a transition. 40% of its sales are now online, against 19% two years ago. - FCC approves $ 50 monthly high-speed Internet grant [The New York Times]
The FCC has approved a program that will provide up to $ 50 a month for low-income families to help offset the costs of broadband internet. Families on Native American land qualify for up to $ 75 / month. - This is the Galaxy XCover 5, Samsung’s next rugged smartphone [@evleaks]
The robust smartphone Samsung Galaxy XCover 5 leaked, with 5.3 inches, 1600 x 900 screen, Exynos 850 CPU, 4 GB of RAM, 64 GB storage, 4G LTE support and a tough case. - The case of expensive Chromebooks [About Chromebooks]
In short, they are laptops that run Chrome OS. Why wouldn’t they be available in a price range, like Windows, Mac or Linux laptops?
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