Why Writers Should Consider Switching to a Chromebook
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Chapter 1: A Shift in Perspective
In my high school years, every student received a laptop for classroom use and homework. It was a Chromebook, and I absolutely despised it. I can't pinpoint why; perhaps it was simply the stigma surrounding Chromebooks as inferior devices that got to me. My disdain led me to use it only for school tasks.
When I reached college, that negative perception lingered. I was proud of my high-end MacBook, which I believed was the pinnacle of technology. While it was indeed powerful and enjoyable to use, I soon realized it was excessive and costly for my needs.
After graduation, my writing journey began to flourish, particularly on platforms like Medium. I started with my Apple laptop, a 13-inch model, but quickly found it overwhelming and lacking in certain areas. Eventually, I decided to invest in a mid-range Chromebook, and I believe other writers should consider this option too.
Everything is Online
Unless your work involves heavy video editing or specialized software for tasks like coding or research, most of what you do is online or accessible via your smartphone. You stream YouTube videos online, jot down notes digitally, collaborate with teams in virtual spaces, and manage business tools online. Even your writing can be done online. The pandemic has only increased the reliance on Chromebooks, making them more efficient than ever as web applications became essential.
For example, if you need Microsoft Office tools, the online versions or web apps are often sufficient for most tasks. Many users have shifted to using their phones for photo editing and social media, but Chromebooks can handle those tasks too.
Embracing the Google Ecosystem
While not all Chromebooks are manufactured by Google, the operating system, ChromeOS, is a Google creation. Thus, Chromebooks serve as an ideal platform for utilizing Google Suite applications, which you may already be familiar with. Unlike Apple software, which is optimized for Apple devices, Google applications function seamlessly on a Chromebook, providing a refreshing experience.
This isn’t an advertisement, but if you're not part of the Google ecosystem, you should definitely consider it. The automatic saving feature for documents, presentations, and spreadsheets is revolutionary. Additionally, the collaboration tools offered by Google are invaluable, especially for remote teams working together in digital spaces.
And let’s not forget about Google Photos—definitely worth exploring!
Attention, Writers: The Keyboards Are Outstanding
Now, let's discuss the physical design of Chromebooks and why they might be the best choice for writers. If you write extensively, a keyboard with excellent tactile feedback is crucial. My experience with the butterfly keys on my MacBook left me wanting more. The shallow keys lacked satisfying feedback, prompting me to invest in an external keyboard.
Upon switching to my Chromebook, the Google Pixelbook Go, the typing experience transformed dramatically. The keys provided satisfying clicks with just the right amount of travel, and they are surprisingly quiet—ideal for returning to bustling coffee shops post-pandemic. Unlike my previous laptop, which wore me out after extended typing, the new keyboard encourages me to write all day long.
Unmatched Battery Life
When you're constantly on the move, the last thing you want is to be tethered to a charger. Thankfully, Chromebooks are renowned for their exceptional battery life. Since they don’t run a resource-heavy operating system most of the time, they can focus on providing a stable internet connection. My Chromebook consistently lasts over 10 hours on a single charge, a remarkable improvement compared to my MacBook.
Thinking About Your Next Laptop? Give Chromebooks a Chance
I may sound like a Chromebook enthusiast, and that's because I genuinely believe in their capabilities. For most tasks that people typically perform on laptops with full operating systems, Chromebooks can match or even surpass them. Mid-range to high-end Chromebooks often come at a lower price point than their competitors while delivering speed, excellent keyboards, and optimized battery life.
Just a year ago, I was skeptical about Chromebooks. If you're contemplating a switch, let this be your sign. Reflect on how you use your laptop. Is your work primarily online? Do you require just Google Docs, a comfortable keyboard, and impressive battery endurance? A Chromebook might just be the upgrade you need.
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