Ever since they were announced at the Google I/O conference in 2011, I’ve been a fan of Chromebooks.
I was thrilled when I bought my first Chromebook more than 10 years ago. Over the years, I’ve had two Chromebooks.
Size, ability to be connected, and use online services (like Gmail and Google Drive) have been my top reasons.
The Chromebook fits my needs, especially when I organized and hosted three to four meetups a month for years in metro Detroit and Ann Arbor, Michigan.
What keeps me using a Chromebook:
- Transition to online applications (I stopped using Photoshop several years ago, due to their ever-increasing licensing fees)
- Running Android apps (added in 2017)
- Working offline (Gmail, Google Calendar, and Google Drive)
With the pandemic and retirement, I don’t have as much of a need for a traveling laptop.
I have a desktop computer, but I appreciate having a lightweight laptop for when I write outside.
And with my retirement, I’m considering whether I need a desktop computer any longer.
Given Chromebooks have an Auto Update Expiration date, my current Chromebook no longer receives security updates and bug fixes.
Which has me searching for a new Chromebook.
Chromebook, So Many Features to Consider
In the past, choosing a Chromebook was an easier process: there weren’t a lot of different models to choose from.
For my past Chromebook purchases, I only had to focus on screen resolution, memory, storage, battery life, and ports.
In 2023, advancements in technology have me looking at more than two dozen features and specifications.
With more features to consider, it’s taking me longer to find a good fit for my requirements.
I’ve yet to find one Chromebook model with all my requirements.
When I find a Chromebook with a good combination of storage, memory, high-resolution screen, and webcam, I discover it has a dim screen.
Or isn’t very fast.
Or doesn’t have an HDMI port (which I discovered isn’t common for the Chromebooks I’ve considered) or a USB-C port for an external monitor.
Though you can use Chromecast to connect an external monitor wirelessly to your Chromebook.
Some Chromebooks only have one USB port.
And sometimes that port is USB-A, not USB-C.
What I’ve discovered in all the Chromebooks I’ve reviewed online: few manufacturers provide specifications on ports.
I really have to dig into the product description, or find third-party reviews offering port information.
It shouldn’t be so hard to include port details along with:
- Processor
- Memory
- Storage
- Weight
- Dimension
- Display
- Camera
- Wi-Fi
I continue my journey in searching for a new Chromebook.
