A lot to my continued disappointment, Chrome OS {hardware} hasn’t drastically advanced for the reason that working system’s early days. Whereas we get yearly processor revisions and the odd spec bump or two, most Chromebooks nonetheless resemble skinny purchasers — a pc designed round a singular job (net looking) and never a lot else.
This was as soon as a hen and egg drawback, the place the software program wanted to mature earlier than the {hardware} might. However now? There’s extra cause than ever to enter the Chrome OS ecosystem, with assist for software program growth through Linux, Android apps, and even PC gaming.
To be clear, I’m not saying that you could’t purchase a robust Chromebook. You completely can; simply have a look at the HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook for proof. It’s a premium ultra-portable that may be configured to suit an Intel i7 processor and 32GB of RAM. Nevertheless, HP’s base configuration illustrates my level completely. For an eye-watering $1,149, all you get is an i3 processor, 8GB RAM, and 128GB of storage.
Cheaper Chromebooks with higher specs do exist, however solely in choose markets just like the US and Canada. And even then, nothing has actually stood out to me, for causes I’ll clarify later. That modifications at present, although, with the repair-focused {hardware} startup Framework saying its first-ever Chrome OS laptop computer.
Due to Framework, you now not must pay a premium for top-tier {hardware} paired with Chrome OS.
If the Framework Laptop computer Chromebook Version seems to be eerily just like the corporate’s current Home windows lineup, that’s no coincidence. The 2 share many specs on paper, which seemingly makes manufacturing and restore easier. What’s essential is that you simply gained’t pay a premium for Chrome OS. The $999 beginning worth for a twelfth Gen Intel i5 processor is about on par with the Home windows equal.
However I’m not simply enthusiastic about specs or worth right here. I imagine Framework’s newest launch has actual potential to disrupt the Chromebook market. To know why, it’s price having a look at the established order.
On fashionable Chromebooks just like the HP Elite Dragonfly, for instance, you may improve the storage if you will get previous the Torx safety screws, however you may’t swap out anything. The state of affairs is someway even direr while you have a look at non-flagship Chromebooks from different manufacturers.
Many inexpensive Chromebooks ship with not simply non-upgradable RAM, but additionally soldered eMMC flash storage. Even for those who’re prepared to shell out almost $1,000, you’ll be hard-pressed to discover a Chrome OS gadget with 1TB and even 512GB of storage. That makes little sense — the identical producers already promote Home windows laptops with that a lot storage, and infrequently at a fraction of the fee.
Chromebooks with wise reminiscence and storage configurations are uncommon and nearly none are user-upgradable.
Now, I do know that Framework’s increased reminiscence and storage configurations will value further — the $999 base mannequin consists of 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. However a minimum of you get the choice to scale, which is one thing you may’t say about nearly some other Chromebook in the marketplace. Extra importantly, although, you don’t must pay for the upgrades upfront.
On multiple event, I’ve been pressured to promote or recycle a wonderfully useful Chromebook just because it bumped into RAM or reminiscence bottlenecks after a couple of years. Even for those who’re not an influence person, it’s simple to replenish 8GB of RAM and 512GB of storage on a contemporary Chromebook. Android apps alone can take up an excellent chunk of these sources, as can Steam video games and Linux apps.
With assist for intensive duties like software program growth and gaming, Chrome OS can now make the most of highly effective {hardware}.
Framework’s repair-focused design implies that I can swap out components myself when the time comes. Anybody can do it, in truth, for the reason that firm even consists of the required screwdriver within the field.
And it’s not simply inside elements both. The ports on the Framework Laptop computer can all be swapped out — a giant deal as a result of only a few Chromebooks in the marketplace at present have HDMI and Ethernet ports. I’ve grown pissed off with having nothing however USB-C and a solitary USB-A port. Framework’s modular method implies that I may even hook up with a DisplayPort-only monitor with out a dongle.
The Framework Laptop computer even features a screwdriver within the field.
Does Framework’s modular laptop computer sacrifice portability in change for modular ports and upgradability? I don’t assume so. In comparison with my transportable each day driver — a 13.5-inch Floor Laptop computer 4 — the Framework Laptop computer is simply a contact heavier and thicker. The truth is, given the small distinction, I doubt I’d even discover it in the actual world. The additional heft lets you change the keyboard, trackpad, and battery if and once they fail — no glue, no nonsense. It’s the precise reverse of the lackluster self-repair packages we’ve seen from Apple and others of late.
What do you consider the Framework Laptop computer Chromebook Version?
6 votes
At one level, I’d all however given up on shopping for Chromebook {hardware} — regardless of my love for Chrome OS itself. Save for a disruptive product or a Pixelbook reboot, which we now know isn’t coming, I had determined that my finest plan of action could be to put in Chrome OS Flex on an everyday Home windows laptop computer. However with Framework’s modular Chromebook on the horizon now, maybe it’s time for me to rethink that call.