Holidays are around the corner and just about everyone is looking for their cool new gadget to purchase. The Google Chromebook that launched last year is one such device that may have caught the fancy of most folks. While, Chromebook launched over a year ago through Samsung and Acer, the company has hardly focused on selling the Google Chrome OS powered laptops. HP is perhaps one of the first leading computer manufacturers to take a fancy for the Chromebook. HP has recently launched the HP Chromebook 11”and HP Chromebook 14”ahead of the holiday season. But in a world that already has the HP Pavilion and Envy series of laptops, how relevant is the HP Chromebook? Which should you buy? Here’s taking a look at the two options users have, HP’s line of Windows 8 Laptops, chiefly the cheaper Pavilion series and the Chromebook 14.
Operating System
Windows is the indisputable leader among desktop Operating system. Its latest iteration, Windows 8.1 may have its fair share of problems but does the job beautifully for most users. Be it, for the student, housewife or even the businessman, Windows 8.1 is both resourceful and relatively easy to learn and use.
In contrast, Chrome OS is more suited for the professional. Typically an online person who extensively uses Google’s multiple online products such as the Chrome Browser, Hangouts, Google+, and Search etc. The Chrome Operating System also doesn’t support any significant applications or Games other than the one’s available in the Chrome App Store.
Winner: HP Pavilion/Envy Notebooks
Hardware Specifications
HP Chromebook is a sleek machine. It’s designed to be light weight and provides a decent screen size. The device runs on a dual core 1.4 GHZ Intel Celeron 2955U processor with arguably the fastest boot time among all laptops. The device is minimalistic and aesthetically pleasing with a design reminiscent of the Macbook Air. Perhaps, the intention is also to be the Macbook Air alternative, as the device weighs just 1.84 KG, far less than most other HP laptops. The device doesn’t come with a DVD ROM, however does support USB 3.0 for all your input needs. The biggest Caveat of the Chromebook is the surprisingly low on board memory. At 16 GB, the laptop provides less storage than many smartphones. Google has compensated by providing 100 GB of cloud storage space in Google Drive.
In comparison most HP laptops today feature 1 TB of hard disk space and even come with DVD ROMs that let users’ access external storage devices such as CD, DVD. We understand the CD is all but dead, but there are still people who would like the option, especially students and businessmen. Faster boot time of the Chromebook is quite impressive, especially if you consider most Windows users take almost 2 -10 minutes to boot up their laptops. So if you are someone on the go, a writer, a traveler or just your average geek, the Chromebook should impress you despite its flaws. All in all, what the Chromebook does, it does superbly. We may just forgive the memory shortage.
Winner: None
Also Read: The best gaming laptops under the price tag of Rs. 40,000
Basic Functionality
The most differentiating aspect of the Chromebook is it doesn’t try to be a Laptop. It doesn’t promise you a portable Personal Computer, but rather a high power internet Device. The Chromebook is a dullard if you aren’t connected to the internet. Firstly most of your data is going to be in the cloud through Google Drive, even the basic Apps function online, although Google Docs are currently editable offline and syncs up when connected to internet, we are sure the capabilities of Google Spreadsheet is nowhere near to Microsoft Office Excel. Google Chromebook is a great device for the amateur user. If all you want to do on your PC is to browse, watch YouTube and network socially, the Chromebook is perfect. However, ask it to do anything else and the device throws up its hands. HP Pavilion laptops and other Windows 8 devices by sharp contrast actually promise absolute computing power in a small package. The devices provide you complete functionality be it to make spreadsheets, network online or even play games.
Winner: HP Pavilion/ Envy Notebooks
Price Advantage
HP Chromebook does win us over with its price. At $299(Rs 19000), it is perhaps one of the best deals for a high powered, technology up to date device. In sharp contrast most Macbooks and Laptops do cost anywhere between Rs. 76,000 and Rs. 150,000. However, HP pavilion laptops price in India does tend to lie between Rs. 19,000 and Rs. 68,000. For a bit more money, users thus get complete functionality as well. A comparable HP Pavilion laptop with 14”, dual core processor may set you back by as much as Rs. 35,000, but is definitely worth the money.
Winner: HP Chromebook
Use Case in India
HP Chromebook is a great device. Light users will not find a reason to complain (except when they may want to pop in that old DVD lying around). The device however is meant for the First and Second world countries. Third World countries such as India will find the device completely useless owing to our notoriously low internet penetration. Most users will find the device next to useless without a working internet connection. So if you are in India or one of the several countries without consistent broadband connection, Chromebook is definitely a device to stay away from.
Conclusion
This holiday, your choice of Laptop is simply about your requirements. If all you do on your laptop is to kick back, relax and surf the internet and occasionally work on minor spreadsheet related work, HP Chromebook is perfect for you. Provided however, you have consistent internet connection, Wi-Fi connections at Home and Office and perhaps a 3G/4G dongle in transit. If however, you are a student, a businessman or pretty much anyone else, Go for a proper laptop with complete functionality.
