What can Chromebooks not do?

Chromebooks excel in affordability, usability, and integration with Google’s ecosystem of apps, corresponding 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 data, you is likely to be shocked 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 show you how to perceive what they will versus what they can not do. Hopefully, by the top, you can decide if a Chromebook is sensible as your subsequent buy.

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Neglect high-end gaming

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

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Graphically intensive titles do not work nicely 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 looking 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 function NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 graphics playing cards and Intel Core i9 processors.

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

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Not appropriate with superior software program

Largely because of the restricted ChromeOS working system

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One of many major limitations of Chromebooks is their ChromeOS working system, which is finest 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 finest, Chromebooks supply 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 may’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 help of retrieving, importing, and syncing recordsdata.

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Offline performance is proscribed

Completely 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 of entry, edit, and save recordsdata wherever you need, until you set them up prematurely.

When you 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 consumer (e.g. Gmail, Drive, Docs, Sheets) in an space with dependable web entry, one might be a very good possibility.

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Incompatible with sure file varieties

ChromeOS and its walled backyard

Attributable to ChromeOS’s walled-garden nature, Chromebooks do not help conventional file codecs utilized by Microsoft Workplace and comparable applications. For instance, Chromebooks can not run Home windows executable recordsdata (.exe), macOS functions, high-end 3D modeling software program, or skilled audio codecs utilized by Avid Professional Instruments, a preferred audio modifying software program.

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

If you must handle a variety of file varieties, 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 fundamental duties solely

Chromebooks are finest for fundamental 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 sometimes have not more than 8 GB of RAM, which solely permits you to 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 finest suited to fundamental peripherals like exterior arduous drives, so you may count on to wrestle with further adapters or docks usually required for extra specialised tools. Something associated to audio and video modifying or high-intensity functions can be higher served by different mainstream laptops.

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Is a Chromebook best for you?

It depends upon what you need 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 alternate options that rely closely on the Google ecosystem, which makes them ideally suited for fundamental duties like checking e mail, net looking, and writing Google Docs. Particularly since utilizing high-intensity software program like desktop-based functions corresponding to Adobe Photoshop or AutoCAD is a no-go, they’re a superb selection for college students and light-weight utilization customers.

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