What can Chromebooks not do?

Chromebooks excel in affordability, usability, and integration with Google’s ecosystem of apps, resembling Docs and Sheets. Nevertheless, as a consequence of ChromeOS and {hardware} constraints, they are not actually designed for greater than internet and cloud-based duties with restricted file format compatibility. Even with that data, you may be stunned as to the place else Chromebooks simply cannot make the hurdle.

On this article, I will break down the 5 key limitations of Chromebooks and assist you to perceive what they’ll versus what they can’t do. Hopefully, by the tip, you can decide if a Chromebook is smart as your subsequent buy.

Overlook high-end gaming

Would not pack the identical punch because the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 or Razer Blade 15

Nintendo / Pocket-lint

Graphically intensive titles do not work properly on a Chromebook, which generally depends on Intel Celeron, Pentium, or mid-range Core i3/i5 processors.

These processors and GPUs are designed for internet shopping and video streaming, not for AAA gaming. Excessive-performance GPUs able to rendering advanced graphics and supporting excessive body charges are present in laptops just like the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14, Razer Blade 15, and Alienware M18, which characteristic NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 graphics playing cards and Intel Core i9 processors.

At greatest, you’ll be able to play low-memory video games supported by Google Stadia or apps from the Google Play Retailer. Granted, some satisfying video games on a Chromebook embody Amongst Us, Asphalt 9: Legends, Terraria, Stardew Valley, and Roblox, which is arguably among the best multiplayer video games of all time.

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Not suitable with superior software program

Largely because of the restricted ChromeOS working system

Acer

One of many important limitations of Chromebooks is their ChromeOS working system, which is greatest for low-intensity internet and cloud-based duties that don’t require superior desktop software program like AutoCAD or the Adobe Inventive Suite (PhotoShop, Illustrator, Premiere Professional).

At greatest, Chromebooks provide stripped-down variations of important options of professional-grade software program, which can not suffice if you happen to’re into intensive graphic design or video enhancing.

Moreover, Chromebooks rely closely on web-based and cloud storage. You possibly can’t anticipate a lot with its native storage of as much as 64 GB, as it’s extremely minimal. The laptop computer depends on Google Drive for file entry, which limits its offline help of retrieving, importing, and syncing information.

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Offline performance is restricted

Completely depending on an web connection

One other draw back of Chromebooks is their heavy dependence on a working web connection. All purposes are cloud-based, with restricted offline capabilities. With out sufficient offline performance, you will not be capable to entry, edit, and save information wherever you need, except you set them up upfront.

Should you stay in a low-signal space with frequent interruptions, a Chromebook will not be appropriate. Nevertheless, if you happen to’re a heavy Google Suite consumer (e.g. Gmail, Drive, Docs, Sheets) in an space with dependable web entry, one might be a great possibility.

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Incompatible with sure file sorts

ChromeOS and its walled backyard

Resulting from ChromeOS’s walled-garden nature, Chromebooks do not help conventional file codecs utilized by Microsoft Workplace and related packages. For instance, Chromebooks can’t run Home windows executable information (.exe), macOS purposes, high-end 3D modeling software program, or skilled audio codecs utilized by Avid Professional Instruments, a well-liked audio enhancing software program.

Let’s not overlook Microsoft Workplace information like .xlsm and .doc, that are nonetheless frequent within the office. Whereas Chromebooks can deal with fundamental Google Workspace or Microsoft Workplace On-line via their respective web-based variations, performance is restricted, particularly with macro-enabled information. Linux information like .bin and .run are additionally a no-go.

If you could handle a variety of file sorts, keep away from Chromebooks and go for a conventional Home windows or Mac laptop computer.

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Numerous {hardware} limitations

Constructed for fundamental duties solely

Chromebooks are greatest for fundamental internet or cloud-based duties that require restricted RAM and storage. They arrive with Intel Celeron, Pentium, or ARM-based chips, quite than the extra highly effective Intel Core i5/i7 or AMD Ryzen 5/7 processors present in Home windows laptops, or the M1/M2 chips present in Macs.

As well as, Chromebooks sometimes have not more than 8 GB of RAM, which solely means that you can work with round ten browser tabs on the similar time earlier than experiencing sluggishness.

Chromebooks additionally fall quick in peripheral help. They’ve restricted USB-A ports and little emphasis on specialised ports like Ethernet or Thunderbolt. They’re greatest fitted to fundamental peripherals like exterior laborious drives, so you’ll be able to anticipate to battle with extra adapters or docks typically required for extra specialised gear. Something associated to audio and video enhancing or high-intensity purposes could be higher served by different mainstream laptops.

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Is a Chromebook best for you?

It relies on what you need to use it for

Andrew Neel / Unsplash / Pocket-lint

Whether or not a Chromebook is best for you relies on your working wants — and whether or not they’re easy or extra complete.

Chromebooks are low-cost options that rely closely on the Google ecosystem, which makes them ultimate for fundamental duties like checking electronic mail, internet shopping, and writing Google Docs. Particularly since utilizing high-intensity software program like desktop-based purposes resembling Adobe Photoshop or AutoCAD is a no-go, they’re a superb alternative for college students and light-weight utilization customers.

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