Chrome OS: Becoming A Fanboy

Granted, my Linux experience is pretty much on par with everyone else besides the occasional flirt with the Xubuntu operating system and Android of course, but I can't help but find myself admiring and "geeking out" on Google's Chrome OS that comes with the various assortments of Chromebooks on the market.

It is eerily simple to get started. When you open up your Chromebook for the first time, there really isn't a whole lot to behold except the subtle genius that Google has become well known for and that is "simplicity." If you've ever used a Chrome browser then you are going to feel right at home with the OS.

In today's world, most folks simply don't need a full fledged operating system. In fact, many people don't even need a laptop or even a desktop for that matter. But Chrome OS seems to fill a niche - being that most Chromebooks are very inexpensive, lightweight and seemingly fit for the average consumer as well as the education sector.

hp Chromebook 11

It's A Computer Isn't It?

So what about these minimal machines would apply to a tech geek like myself? For one thing, trying out any new piece of equipment for the first time is and always will be a rush. For another thing, there is that feeling of adventure and exhilaration of stepping into the unknown.

Ok, ok...This isn't extreme computing by any means. Heck, there is absolutely nothing extreme about a quaint and curious Chromebook but I assure you -- It is a computer.

Lets examine some of the reasons that this Geek is becoming a fanboy: (Note - I rarely buy into any kind of fanboyism so please don't take it literal...I give all technology a fair shot in end.)

Acer Chromebook C720

Simply Simple

I like Chrome OS because of the simplicity and while (for me) it won't replace a hefty beefed out Windows machine, it still packs quite a punch and if left uncontested, could ultimately turn into the future of laptop OS design.

Quick On

When you press the power button on a Chromebook, it turns on and boots up in less than 10 seconds. That is extremely useful for someone like me who often needs quick access to a computer connected to the internet and especially jotting down notes and ideas.

Beautiful

The OS itself really looks nice and polished. Everything you need to run the computer is right in front of your eyes. At the start, you will have familiar taskbar with Google icons for some of it's web services. This and the Web Store is pretty much all you need as there are tons of apps in the Chrome Web Store that are pretty slick and polished and allow you to get things done like you would on a Windows or Linux machine.

Chrome OS Desktop

Familiarity

If you know how to navigate in a Chrome browser then you already know how to use Chrome OS. It's that easy! The secret is that many of the apps will simply open up the browser such as the Google+ app for example, will simply open up Google+. This is a good thing!

Good Battery Life

When an Operating System take up very little resources, it naturally consumes less battery! That is always a plus!!

It's Google-y

If you use Google's services frequently then you will find all the markings of what makes Google a household name all packed into the Chromebook. The smattering of white space along with the colors red, blue, yellow and green will surely be present on some systems.

It's Not TOO Linux-y

Let's face it -- Android feels VERY "Linux-y" right off the shelf and while that is good for many --It is not so good for others. I enjoy a variety of Linux based systems but surely not all of them and Chrome OS is based off the Linux kernel the same as Android. Some people just don't need all the customization options that Linux systems bring to the table.

It just doesn't have the same feel as many of the Linux systems that I've encountered and for me that is quite alright. If I want a Linux system then I will go for Linux Mint or Xubuntu and I like the fact the Chrome OS doesn't feel the same.

Inexpensive

You won't find very high specs on some of the lower-end Chromebooks but the current generations are certainly worth their price tags. A Chromebook 11 from hp should run you about $280 while a higher end Chromebook 14 will be about $349.

For Power Users Too?

A power user might snicker at these minimal machines but the power user sometimes loses the outlook of what a casual user wants in a computer and we've seen this with our iPhones and Android devices. Most people just don't need a whole lot of power under the hood and these smaller machines can be a greater value to the masses with price tags that more and more people can afford.

They aren't going to replace your enterprise machines or your gaming rigs but they can serve as a nice supplement to your other devices. And if you are a power user, then you're probably a Geek like me and just want to try it out anyways.

In The End

I feel comfortable recommending the current generation of Chromebooks, not as a replacement but supplement to the plethora of devices you may already own. I would also recommend it for someone's first ever computer as the simplicity of it is just stunning. It really starts to make you think about not needing a clunky Windows OS or an expensive Mac system. It all depends on what your needs are.

Am I a Chrome OS fanboy at this point? Nope. But it is surely growing on me!

A quick review of Google's flagship Chromebook called Pixel can be found here. Warning: This may amaze you! http://cnettv.cnet.com/hands-google-chromebook-pixel/9742-1_53-50141484.html