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Introduced in 2011, the Chromebook has come to represent the best of both worlds for tablet lovers and die-hard PC users. Noted for its simple design, lightweight feel, and integrated features, Google has steadily been cementing the Chromebook as a contender in the market. And best of all? It's shockingly-low price points (the Acer model starts at $199). But, we get it; picking a laptop is no easy choice. Here, we provide 10 ways to tell if a Chromebook is for you.
If You're A Baller on a Budget
Times are hard and not everyone can afford to purchase a $1,000-computer. Luckily Chromebook's price points are some of the best on the market right now. The Acer Chromebook, which weighs less than three pounds and boots up in 20 seconds, sales for $199. Even better, the Samsung version will only cost you $50 more, running for $249, and it offers a bevy of cool features. The HP Pavilion Chromebook sales for $329 and comes equipped with a larger screen (14 inches) and provides 100 GB of Google Drive free for two years. And even if you have lucchini to burn (word to Camp Lo), the newly-introduced Chromebook Pixel, which sales for $1,299, still might be your best option if you're a stickler for compact, easy-to-carry hardware. Like the tagline says: It's for "a better way of doing."
If You Need A Second Computer
If you've already got a computer, but are in the market for a second one, the Chromebook is the perfect option. As The Verge's David Pierce so succintly put it, "Chromebooks are usually thought of as secondary machines for power users." This is not to say that Google's sleek computer-tablet hybrid isn't a great first choice, but as far as Plan Bs go, you could do a lot worse (did we mention it starts at $199?).
If You Have an Android Smartphone
If you're an Android disciple, as many are these days, then being able to sync information across all platforms and devices, as Chromebook let's Android users do, is a huge help. Being able to access your bookmarks, files, and custom settings from everywhere keeps you in the loop 24/7.
If You're an App Fiend
Choose from a seemingly exhaustive list of apps from the Chrome Web Store--from Angry Birds and Picasa to Evernote Web Clipper and The Economist Radio. What can we say, apps are making life easier. And the fact the Chromebook is built for smooth app functionality, makes the purchase that much sweeter.
If You Prefer the Google Chrome Browser Over Safari and Firefox
Picking your favorite browser is no easy decision. As your virtual gateway to the Internet, it's important to choose one that will operate without the threat of constant hiccups, be it freezing, crashing or taking minutes to load. So if you're a Google Chrome fanatic, then it's smooth integration into Chromebook might be a major selling point.
If You Don't Want to Carry Around a Real Laptop
It's become a trusim that we can no longer escape: laptops are heavy. Aside from alternatives like the MacBook Air (but that will run you over $1,000), the Chromebook's thin design provides on-the-go users with a lightweight option they're sure to love. With over six hours of battery, it weighs under 2.5 pounds and is less than 0.7 inches thin. Not bad at all.
If You Like Cloud Computing
All Chromebooks come with Google Drive, an online file storage service. You'll be able to upload, save, and access your files from anywhere in the world. And even if you happen to lose your Chromebook or damage it somehow, your files are safely stored in the cloud. Ditch the zip drive already. It's so 2008.
If You Want The Real Tablet-Computer Hybrid
As the tablet market becomes increasingly flooded with thinner and faster devices and Apple continues to push out more elegant hardware, Google has been able to find an ideal middle ground with the Chromebook. It merges the simplicity of tablets with the capability of PCs. And if you're not about that touchscreen life, Chromebook's stremlined keyboard will hold you down nicely.
If You Like Simple Operating Systems
What's great about the Chromebook, all Google products are built in and work effortlessly. Move in and out of Google Docs, bump the latest Kanye West track on Google Play, or easily video chat with Hangout. Move seamlessly knowing that Google Chrome OS is, to quote David Pierce at The Verge, "the most "stable version of Chrome on the planet."
If You're a Google Stan
If you've been down with Larry Page and Sergey Brin from day one then the Chromebook is definitely your jam. Do prefer Gmail to Yahoo? Are you constantly on Gchat with friends or having Google Hangouts with family? Were you an early adopter of Google+ (depsite what the haters said)? Are you in Google Docs all the time at work? The logical next step: Copping a Chromebook. Just do it already.