What can Chromebooks not do?

Chromebooks excel in affordability, usability, and integration with Google’s ecosystem of apps, similar to Docs and Sheets. Nonetheless, because of ChromeOS and {hardware} constraints, they are not actually designed for greater than net and cloud-based duties with restricted file format compatibility. Even with that information, you could 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 enable you perceive what they will versus what they can’t do. Hopefully, by the top, you’ll decide if a Chromebook is sensible as your subsequent buy.

Neglect high-end gaming

Does 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 usually depends on Intel Celeron, Pentium, or mid-range Core i3/i5 processors.

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

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

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Not appropriate with superior software program

Largely due to the restricted ChromeOS working system

Acer

One of many fundamental limitations of Chromebooks is their ChromeOS working system, which is greatest for low-intensity net 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 in the event you’re into intensive graphic design or video modifying.

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

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Offline performance is restricted

Totally depending on an web connection

One other draw back of Chromebooks is their heavy dependence on a working web connection. All functions 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, until you set them up prematurely.

If you happen to reside in a low-signal space with frequent interruptions, a Chromebook is probably not appropriate. Nonetheless, in the event you’re a heavy Google Suite person (e.g. Gmail, Drive, Docs, Sheets) in an space with dependable web entry, one might be a superb possibility.

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Incompatible with sure file sorts

ChromeOS and its walled backyard

On account of ChromeOS’s walled-garden nature, Chromebooks do not assist conventional file codecs utilized by Microsoft Workplace and related applications. For instance, Chromebooks can not run Home windows executable information (.exe), macOS functions, high-end 3D modeling software program, or skilled audio codecs utilized by Avid Professional Instruments, a well-liked audio modifying software program.

Let’s not neglect Microsoft Workplace information like .xlsm and .doc, that are nonetheless frequent within the office. Whereas Chromebooks can deal with primary 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 must handle a variety of file sorts, keep away from Chromebooks and go for a standard Home windows or Mac laptop computer.

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A number of {hardware} limitations

Constructed for primary duties solely

Chromebooks are greatest for primary net or cloud-based duties that require restricted RAM and storage. They arrive with Intel Celeron, Pentium, or ARM-based chips, slightly 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 usually have not more than 8 GB of RAM, which solely lets you work with round ten browser tabs on the similar time earlier than experiencing sluggishness.

Chromebooks additionally fall brief in peripheral assist. They’ve restricted USB-A ports and little emphasis on specialised ports like Ethernet or Thunderbolt. They’re greatest suited to primary peripherals like exterior arduous drives, so you possibly can count on to battle with extra adapters or docks typically required for extra specialised gear. Something associated to audio and video modifying or high-intensity functions could be higher served by different mainstream laptops.

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Is a Chromebook best for you?

It depends upon what you wish to use it for

Andrew Neel / Unsplash / Pocket-lint

Whether or not a Chromebook is best for you depends upon 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 excellent for primary duties like checking electronic mail, net shopping, and writing Google Docs. Particularly since utilizing high-intensity software program like desktop-based functions similar to Adobe Photoshop or AutoCAD is a no-go, they’re a wonderful selection for college kids and light-weight utilization customers.

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