Michal Marek When you have an iPhone, iPad, MacBook lying on your desk and you're constantly looking for the Watch or the new Apple TV, it's hard to imagine that you could leave this so-called apple ecosystem with a snap of your finger. But I put on blinders and tried to replace the MacBook - my main work tool - with a Chromebook for a month.
To some, this may seem like a completely irrational decision. But after five years with a 13-inch MacBook Pro, which was slowly suffocating and preparing me to replace it with newer hardware, I simply wondered if there could be anything other than another Mac in the game. So I borrowed for a month 13-inch Acer Chromebook White Touch with a touch screen.
The main motivation? I set up an (in)equation where on the one hand the computer cost a third to a quarter of the price and on the other the inconvenience that this substantial saving brings, and I waited to see what sign I would be able to place in the end.
A MacBook or an overpriced typewriter
When I bought the aforementioned 2010-inch MacBook Pro in 13, I immediately fell in love with OS X. After switching from Windows, I was impressed by how modern, intuitive and maintenance-free the system was. Of course, I quickly got used to the perfect trackpad, high-quality backlit keyboard and a surprisingly large amount of good software.
I am by no means a demanding user, I mainly write texts for the editorial office and for school on the Mac, handle electronic communication and occasionally edit an image, but still I started to feel that the older hardware is already starting to call for a change. The sight of spending thirty to forty grand or so on a "typewriter" shifted my attention from MacBook Airs and Pros to Chromebooks as well.
A computer with an operating system from Google, based on the Chrome browser, (at least on paper) met most of the requirements I have for a laptop. Simple, smooth and maintenance-free system, immune to common viruses, long battery life, relatively high-quality trackpad. I didn't see any major obstacles with the software either, because most of the services I use are also available on the web, i.e. directly from Chrome without a problem.
The Acer Chromebook White Touch is completely incomparable with the MacBook with a price tag of 10 thousand and it is a different system philosophy, but I put my MacBook in a drawer for a month and dove headlong into the world called Chrome OS.
Please note that this is not an objective evaluation or review of Chrome OS or Chromebook as such. These are completely subjective experiences that I gained from living with a Chromebook for a month after years of using a MacBook every day, and which finally helped me resolve the dilemma of what to do with the computer.
Entering the world of Chrome OS was a breeze. Initial setup takes just a few minutes, then just sign in with your Google account and your Chromebook is ready. But since the Chromebook is practically just a gateway to the Internet and the Google services running on it, that was to be expected. In short, there is nothing to set.
Leaving the MacBook, I was rightly most concerned about the trackpad, as Apple is often far ahead of the competition in this component. Fortunately, Chromebooks usually have a good trackpad. This was confirmed for me with Acer, so there was no problem with the trackpad and gestures that I got used to in OS X. The display was also pleasant, with a resolution of 1366 × 768 similar to that of the MacBook Air. It's not Retina, but we can't want that in a computer for 10 thousand either.
The significant difference between this model and the MacBook is that the display is touch-sensitive. In addition, the Chromebook responded perfectly to the touch. But I have to admit that I haven't seen anything on the touch screen in a whole month that I would evaluate as a high added value or a competitive advantage.
With your finger, you can scroll the page on the display, zoom in on objects, mark text, and the like. But of course you can do all these activities on the trackpad, at least as comfortably and without a greasy display. Why mount a touch screen on a laptop with a classic design (without a detachable keyboard) is still a mystery to me.
But in the end, it's not so much about the hardware. Chromebooks are offered by a number of manufacturers, and even if the offer is somewhat limited in our country, most people can easily choose a device with the hardware that suits them. It was more about seeing if I would be able to exist within the Chrome OS environment for a longer period of time.
The positive thing is that the system runs pleasantly smoothly thanks to its undemanding nature, and the Chromebook is perfect for surfing the Internet. But I need a little more than just a web browser on my computer, so I immediately had to visit the self-service store called Chrome Web Store. Therein should have been the answer to the question of whether a browser-based system could compete with a full-fledged operating system, at least in the way I need it to.
When I went through the websites of services that I use every day on iOS or OS X through applications, I found that the vast majority of them can be used via an Internet browser. Some of the services then have their own application that you can install on your Chromebook from the Chrome Web Store. The key to the Chromebook's success should be this store of add-ons and extensions for the Chrome browser.
These add-ons can take the form of simple functional icons in the Chrome header, but they can also be almost full-fledged native applications with the ability to function even without an Internet connection. Chromebook stores the data of these applications locally and synchronizes them with the web when you connect to the Internet again. Google's office applications, which are pre-installed on Chromebooks, work in the same way and can also be used without an Internet connection.
So there was no problem with a whole range of activities on the Chromebook. I used Google Docs or the fairly solid Minimalist Markdown Editor to write the texts. I got used to writing in Markdown format some time ago and now I won't allow it. I also quickly installed Evernote and Sunrise on my Chromebook from the Chrome Web Store, which allowed me to easily access my notes and calendars, even though I use iCloud to sync my calendars.
As I already wrote, in addition to writing, I also use the MacBook for minor image editing, and there was no problem with that on the Chromebook either. A number of handy tools can be downloaded from the Chrome Web Store (for example, we can mention Polarr Photo Editor 3, Pixlr Editor or Pixsta), and in Chrome OS there is even a default application that enables all basic adjustments. I didn't come across here either.
However, difficulties arise if, in addition to the calendar, you also use other Apple online services. Chrome OS, unsurprisingly, simply does not understand iCloud. Although the iCloud web interface will serve to access documents, e-mails, reminders, photos and even contacts, such a solution is not exactly the pinnacle of user-friendliness and is more of a temporary measure. In short, these services cannot be accessed through native applications, which is difficult to get used to, especially with e-mail or reminders.
The solution - so that everything works with the same intentions as before - is clear: switch completely to Google services, use Gmail and others, or look for applications that have their own synchronization solution and do not work via iCloud. It can also be difficult to migrate to Chrome, which you basically have to switch to on all devices if you don't want to lose bookmark synchronization or an overview of open pages. In this case, it is necessary to replace the Reading list with another application, which has become a big benefit of Safari over time.
So there may be some problem with the Chromebook here, but it must be admitted that this is a solvable problem. Fortunately, a person basically just needs to switch to slightly different services, and he can continue to work with practically the same workflow he was used to on the Mac. More or less every Apple service has its competing multi-platform equivalent. The fact is, however, that the competition does not always offer such simple and user-friendly solutions.
Although I actually abandoned many services for a time because of the Chromebook and switched to alternative solutions, in the end I found that, as tempting as the idea of working within a single web browser may sound, native applications are something that I cannot leave in my workflow.
On Mac, I got too used to the convenience and ability to use services such as Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp in native applications, read Twitter through the unrivaled Tweetbot (the web interface is not enough for an "advanced" user), receive messages through ReadKit (Feedly also works on the web, but not so comfortably) and manage passwords, again in the unrivaled 1Password. Even with Dropbox, the purely web approach did not turn out to be optimal. The loss of the local sync folder reduced its usability. Going back to the web often felt like a step backwards, not something that was supposed to be the future.
But apps may not have been the thing I missed most about the Chromebook. It wasn't until I left the MacBook that I realized what a huge added value of Apple devices is their interconnectedness. Connecting iPhone, iPad and MacBook became so obvious to me over time that I started to practically ignore it.
The fact that I can answer a call or send an SMS on a Mac, I accepted in a flash, and I never imagined how hard it would be to say goodbye to it. The Handoff function is also perfect, which also makes you poorer. And there are many such little things. In short, the Apple ecosystem is something that the user quickly gets used to, and after a while they no longer realize how special it is.
Therefore, my feelings about the Chromebook after a month of use are mixed. For me, a long-term user of Apple devices, there were simply too many pitfalls during use that discouraged me from buying a Chromebook. It's not that I can't do something important to me on a Chromebook. However, using a computer with Chrome OS was far from as comfortable for me as working with a MacBook.
In the end, I put an unequivocal sign in the equation mentioned above. Convenience is more than money saved. Especially if it is the convenience of your main work tool. After saying goodbye to the Chromebook, I didn't even take the old MacBook out of the drawer and went straight to buy a new MacBook Air.
Nevertheless, the Chromebook experience was very valuable for me. It didn't find a place in my ecosystem and workflow, but while using it, I could think of many areas that Chrome OS and laptops are made for. Chromebooks have a future in the market if they find the right position.
As an inexpensive gateway to the world of the Internet that often does not offend with its appearance, Chromebooks can work well in developing markets or in education. Due to its simplicity, maintenance-free and especially minimal acquisition costs, Chrome OS can appear to be a much more suitable option than Windows. This also applies to seniors, who often do not need anything other than a browser. When, in addition, they can solve other possible activities within a single application, it can be much easier for them to master the computer.
I also drive in a similar mode Apple even 2x and Chromebook Asus CP100PA. Chromebook is more for traveling and thanks to its focus:
1) I experienced theft - (chromebook + good data protection, hw price during theft). If you have a Chrome Management License for it, it's an almost bulletproof secure ntb.
2) small, portable, I can easily put a basic work agenda on it
With Apple, thanks to software like Omnifocus, TextExpander and 1Password and others, I still work somewhat "better", if I also add graphics and photo work, Apple wins.
However, those who only use Internet applications will use Chrome with the advantage (price, update, etc.)
r.
Yes I agree. This is how I see Chromebooks myself.
Another Apple ad.
Can't you do anything else here in Jablíčkáří?
And how are you waiting on the server for Apple fans? Are we going to compare Dell with HP?
Jablíčkář clearly and distinctly informed that this is not a review, but a SUBJECTIVE opinion. Please take it as such.
Otherwise agree with Joker:) What did you expect? :))
Thanks for standing up. It was definitely not supposed to be an advertisement, and I'm sorry if the article affects someone that way. It certainly wasn't intended that way.
chromeshit vs apple? next time you will compare with apple what? excrement?
OMG did you read the article? The comparison is valid, and if you work almost exclusively with the Internet and documents, which is increasingly common, Chromebooks are a really great maintenance-free solution. I understand that for a person who has all Apple devices and has the money to do so, the transition is difficult, but for someone who is just looking for a work system, a chromebook can be a great choice.
Thanks for the review. I just didn't find out how it is, for example, with drivers for new Canon or HP multifunction devices, etc. Is it possible to scan and print via WiFi, where is it possible from woken or mac?
The printer needs to be connected to Google Cloud Print and then everything should work. Visit the page https://www.google.com/cloudprint?user=0#printers
After 25 years of using Apple, I don't do such stupid things anymore.
I put an SSD drive in the MacBook Pro 2011 and it's a young man again :-) I have it as a second machine next to the Retina and it's a good option. Otherwise, thanks for the comparison, because I'm quite interested in the Chromebook and it doesn't seem like a stupid option.
It's definitely not a stupid option. It is an interesting concept that has its place in the market in any case. I hope Google continues to work on it because the potential is huge.
I'm in a similar situation to the author of this article (I also have a 2010 MBP), but rather than buying an Air, I'm considering replacing the drive and adding RAM, as I'm happy with my "Apple" except for the occasional shortness of breath. So I guess I'll go your way…
I've upgraded my RAM myself over the years and it's helped tremendously, definitely do it. I also thought about replacing the drive with an SSD, but in the end I didn't go for it due to price reasons. But it's certainly not a bad idea either.
I also have a MacBook Pro 2011 with i7 and I changed the RAM immediately after purchase and I survived the first two years without an SSD. After the replacement, I see absolutely no reason to change the macbook, perhaps only if the hw failed. Replacing it with an ssd was not very financially demanding, definitely less than buying an Air, which will have a faster ssd one day, but everything else will be worse compared to the macbook. Not to mention the pricey display.
I have the same thing, but with a Hi-Res display, and I see no reason to buy another in the future. The i7, 8GB ram and SSD per system is better than the new 1,4GHz i5. I replaced the mechanics with a 1TB hdd, I also have Winy on the 256GB SSD (there is no other option for Sony Minidisc).
I'm in exactly the same situation, I'm just hesitating because the Nvidia graphics on my MBP Mid 2010 with Hi-Res mat is corrupting and crashing and the wifi module has gone. I will probably try to reball and replace the wifi module. Otherwise, I can't complain about the machine at all in terms of speed.
I have a MBP late 08′ and the world is amazed with 8GB of RAM, A 250GB SSD and a debugged OS X El Captain you can still work effectively.... And that's amazing for me, an investment that paid off.
Absolutely excellent article. I recently went through this experience myself (May - September), the main reason being that I didn't want to take my 15″ MacBook Pro on the road and it doesn't work well on an airplane. Alternatives - Air - no retina or $300 great Toshiba with HD on chrome. I confirm all of the above, but 2 weeks ago I sold chrome and humbly returned to macbook, iPad, iMac and iPhone. The only reason, the chrome simply did not fit into the apple ecosystem. That was the only tangible flaw, otherwise a great choice. It is a fact that the comrades from Google have their own ecosystem, which is not bad, but I have been with Apple since 2003, and the path did not lead here. And there is also no IMAP client, except for redirection to the otherwise great gmail environment.
If you want to save money, you can't go wrong with chrome, but then you want to look at Google tablets and phones as well. It makes no sense to combine it.
Thanks a lot. I'm glad we agree. :)
I completely understand you Michael. So I switched from Windows just a year ago and I can't imagine going back to them.