This posting will review the Samsung Chromebook ("Chromebook") vs. the Apple MacBook Air
("Air").
In general, the Chromebook is built for light-weight access into Internet-based applications. With the Chrome Store, many tools can be downloaded for NO-INTERNET access to tools in a stand-alone mode. For example, I used the Google Docs and GMail tools with no issues and they synced to my Google Accounts.
Both the Chromebook and Air have simple ways for guests to log onto the machines and the ability to take a machine back to the factory settings in case you need to accomplish that. An example might be you are giving the machine to someone.
The keyboard is on the Chromebook is easy to type on but I do miss the back-lit keyboard of the Air. The case is a plastic finish which makes the machine very light but it has a creaking sound as you type on it. The Chromebook is very light and convenient to put into a purse or small bag. No case is really needed. The machine is well-lit, fast given the DDR disks and memory so it is a sufficient machine for most work duties. With the HDMI cable ports, it allows for the projectors.
The Internet speed is a bit slower on the Chromebook as compared to the Air. My guess is that the Air is much faster with the chipset that is in the device. As for fans, I did not detect any running so either the device runs cool or I was not taxing the machine.
For video conferencing, the Chromebook is fine. Skype and other general services are fine. On the Air, the experience is best using FaceTime ("FT") but FT is a 100% Apple ecosystem tool. You have to have an Apple-something to use it.
As for price, you can get a Chromebook from $199 USD up through $249 ish. I chose the $249 since it was Samsung and the company has produced some great products for usage. The $199 Asus looked to be a fine machine as well. There are multiple of brands of Chromebooks. The store-within-a-store Google area at Best Buy is fine to do show rooming. Be aware that Google does not really discount much online or with stores, so the price is the price.
In looking at price points, you might ask why not just get a tablet? Well, the keyboard and mousing are the deciding factors. For example, comparing computers to shoes, you would not use a dress shoe to go running with. You would wear a specialized running shoe. The purpose meets the need. For typing-centric, a Chromebook helps to fill that need.
Having the settings tucked away was difficult to find but once found, everything made sense. I downloaded the Kindle Cloud Reader and most tools and software can work without an Internet connections. A very refreshing option.
Now, comparing to the Air, you see the premium features that Apple put into the device. For one, the lit keyboard helps a lot. Even though I am a touch-typist, finding numbers and special characters is helped with the light. Speaking of keyboards and mice, I have the external versions of those devices and they help. I did not see those devices for the Chromebook.
iTunes was not present on the Chrome, of course, but books are covered by my Kindle software and for music, the iPhone serves well.
Multiple desktops and just a cleaner experience still is part of the Apple premium experience. I use about 8 - 10 key applications that are mainly browser-based so Chrome works. Google Docs provides the bridge for any Microsoft Office documents.
In regards to price, you will need to spend about $900 - $1,000 to get a decent Air. If you develop solutions (programming, design), the Air is needed since browser-centric, cloud software is only maturing now.
However, if a teenager is in need of a simple machine for homework and fun, the Chromebook fits the need. The same can be said for a light-weight functional worker who needs the basics, the Chromebook fits the needs. Printing is accomplished with Google Print and Wireless Printing is now the norm.
When a product comes down below about $199 and business uses the product, they become like a disposable contact lens. Use the item for the purpose and then get another if it breaks and bring the user up quickly to continue productivity and work. A wonderful thing.
If you have applications that can ONLY run Microsoft Windows or MacOS software, the Chromebook cannot help there until the software vendors bring out Cloud-centric and browser-centric versions of the software. However, you COULD use Microsoft Azure or Amazon AWS to run Virtual Machines (VM)s on those platforms. While an option, it is not standalone.
Another limitation that we have seen is that WebEx AND Join.ME as well as, we assume, most presentation tools do not seem to operate correctly in the Chrome browser. However, in that case, an iPhone or iPad is fine to render information for presentations. We are working with Google to see if this problem is sustained and if there is a fix.
In conclusion, the Chromebook meets the basic needs of a computer coupled with the Chrome Store collection of applications. For now, development, design, and Excel-centric needs are best met with the Air. However, the Cloud-enabled tools are progressing quickly so watch for when 'Good Enough' is good enough to meet your needs. If price is an issue, the Chromebook will meet the 80 - 90% of what you would use a computer for.
ONE MORE THING: Google gives you 100 GB on Drive for Storage.
