In just a few short years, the Chromebook has become one of the most popular computer options. Many people are ditching their bulky desktop computers and traditional laptops for these sleek and stylish devices.

If you are wondering whether to join them, it is a good idea to look at the benefits and drawbacks of choosing a Chromebook over a laptop or desktop. Here are some important things to consider.

Why You Need a Chromebook

There is a reason Chromebooks have become so popular in just a short time. These devices have a lot to recommend them, and a Chromebook can be a smart choice for many types of users. Here are some reasons your next computer should be a Chromebook.

• Chromebooks are inexpensive. While a typical laptop will set you back at least $500, you can pick up a Chromebook for less than $200. That makes the Chromebook a compelling choice for budget-conscious users.
• Backup is a snap. Once you set your options, Google does most of the work for you. A Chromebook can be a particularly good choice for users who are not vigilant about backing up their data.
• Chromebooks come with security built in. A new laptop can be infected with viruses and other malware the minute it hits the Internet, so the fact that Chromebooks come with virus protection built in is a big plus.
• Chromebooks are ultra-portable. Most Chromebooks are very lightweight and easy to carry. That makes a Chromebook a good choice for people on the go.
• The update process is largely automated. You do not have to remember to install software updates; your Chromebook does it for you.

Why You Might Not Want One

A Chromebook can be a smart an economical choice for many users, but these laptop substitutes are not right for everyone. Here are a few reasons you might want to think twice before replacing your traditional desktop or notebook PC with a Chromebook.

• You will need an Internet connection to access most of your data. A Chromebook is a lousy choice for users who spend a lot of time offline. If you do not have a steady Internet connection, you will probably fine a Chromebook less than useful.
• Chromebooks have limited functionality. If you rely on a wide variety of software packages and Internet browsers to do your work, a Chromebook is probably not the right choice. As the name implies, Chromebooks come loaded with the Chrome browser, so using an alternative could be a problem.
• Chromebooks do not have a hard drive. If you are used to storing all of your files locally, it can be hard to adapt to the drive-less Chromebook. Your data is stored in the cloud, but moving from a traditional laptop to a Chromebook can still be quite an adjustment.

As with any computer purchase, there are both pros and cons to choosing a Chromebook. The best way to decide is to think about how you use your computer, which apps and software packages are most important to you and how often you plan to be online.