Our team has been running the Samsung Chromebook Series 5 for a few months now and have really enjoyed the device. Samsung is offering the Series 5 in the US at $429.99 for the WiFi-only and $499.99 for the 3G version. The Series 5 offers many features of a laptop or notebook(minus the CD drive) with the unique functionality and style of a netbook. The thin form factor offers up a perfect sized 12.1-inch 16:10 display. We appreciate that Samsung has used one of its SuperBright LED panels, running at 1280 x 800. The non-gloss panel not only offers great colors, but makes it easy to use without reflections indoors and out. The lid also has 1-megapixel webcam for pictures and videos. The thin chassis only weighs just over 3lbs, so it's great "on the go" device. So let's take a look at the Pros and Cons of the Chromebook and the operating system.
Pros -
* Fast
The Chromebook boots up in about of eight seconds. Also, because the OS operates through a web browser, performance is also speedy.
*Protected/Worry Free
The Chromebook runs a Linux kernel for running processes. This also means users don’t have to worry about viruses.
*Automatically Updates
Each time the Chromebook is started, the system will check and download any updates. It will also fix any previous issues during the last use.
*Solid-State Storage
The Chromebook offers no moving parts, not even a spinning hard drive. The Chromebook comes with a 16Gig solid state flash drive.
*Long-Life Battery
Because the Chromebook runs on a very light diet of applications, it really and doesn't consume much battery life. Average users will see at least six to eight hours.
*Lightweight
The Chromebook weighs only three pounds. Not bad for stow and go.
*Wireless Broadband (Optional)
You can connect to the Internet via Wi-Fi, or tap into the Verizon 3G or 4G network. This may be a necessity for those on the go needing access to files.
*Automatically Updated
You don’t have to worry about downloading updates because Chromebook will do it automatically upon restart.
*Easy to Use
Since it is basically just an Internet browser, the Chromebook is very user-friendly and easy for everyone to use.
*Quick and Painless Recovery (Updated 2.18,13)
(See our February 18th post...we love our Chromebook even more)
Cons -
*Requires Internet Connection
Because everything is stored and operates in the cloud (Internet) rather than on the actual device, if your Chromebook is not connected to the Internet you won’t be able to access any of your files.
*Compatibility
You can’t run any Windows or Apple applications on the Chrome OS. Additional programs must be downloaded as Apps or Plugins.
*Cloud Storage
All data/file will be stored on Google’s cloud. Once again that means you will need an Internet connection to access this information.
*Cost
The Google Chromebook starts at $349 and goes up from there depending on the features. This is significant investment for a device that relies so heavily on an Internet connection for its use. It may be worth it if you just need a device to access the Internet for research, blogging or communication.
