Key Takeaways
- Chromebooks aren’t suited for high-end gaming or intensive graphic design tasks.
- Offline functionality is limited. Most features on your Chromebook require an internet connection.
- Forget about using software like Adobe Photoshop, AutoCAD, etc., as Chromebooks rely primarily on web/cloud-based versions.
Chromebooks are affordable, easy to use, and integrated with Google’s ecosystem of apps like Docs and Sheets. But the constraints of ChromeOS and hardware mean they’re not great for anything other than web- and cloud-based tasks, where file format compatibility is limited. Knowing that, you might be surprised at what else Chromebooks can’t jump over.
In this article, we’ll break down the five main limitations of Chromebooks to help you understand what they can and can’t do, so by the end of this article, you’ll have a better idea of ​​whether or not to buy your next Chromebook.
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Forget high-end gaming
Not as powerful as the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 or Razer Blade 15
Nintendo / Pocket-lint
Graphics-intensive titles don’t usually run well on Chromebooks with Intel Celeron, Pentium, or mid-range Core i3/i5 processors.
These processors and GPUs are designed for web browsing and video streaming, not AAA gaming. High-performance GPUs capable of rendering complex graphics and supporting high frame rates can be found in laptops such as the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14, Razer Blade 15, and Alienware M18, which feature NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 graphics cards and Intel Core i9 processors.
At best, you’ll be able to play low-memory games supported by Google Stadia and apps from the Google Play Store. Certainly, some of the games you can enjoy on a Chromebook include Among Us, Asphalt 9: Legends, Terraria, Stardew Valley, and arguably one of the best multiplayer games of all time: Roblox.
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Not compatible with advanced software
Due to limitations of the ChromeOS operating system,
Acer
One of the main limitations of Chromebooks is the ChromeOS operating system, which is best suited for low-intensity web and cloud-based tasks that don’t require advanced desktop software like AutoCAD or Adobe Creative Suite (PhotoShop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro).
At best, Chromebooks offer stripped-down versions of must-have features for professional software, so they may not be enough for advanced graphic design or video editing.
Additionally, Chromebooks rely heavily on web-based and cloud storage; local storage is quite small at up to 64GB, so don’t expect much. The laptop relies on Google Drive for file access, which limits offline support for retrieving, uploading, and syncing files.
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Offline functionality is limited
Completely dependent on internet connection
Another drawback of Chromebooks is that they are highly dependent on an Internet connection. All applications are cloud-based and have limited offline capabilities. Without sufficient offline capabilities, you can’t access, edit, or save files from anywhere unless you set it up in advance.
If you live in an area with poor or intermittent signal, a Chromebook may not be the right choice for you. However, if you live in an area with a reliable Internet connection and you frequently use Google Suite (Gmail, Drive, Docs, Sheets, etc.), a Chromebook may be a good choice.
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Not compatible with certain file formats
ChromeOS and its walled garden
Due to the walled garden nature of ChromeOS, Chromebooks don’t support traditional file formats used by Microsoft Office and similar programs. For example, Chromebooks can’t run Windows executable files (.exe), macOS applications, high-end 3D modeling software, or the professional audio formats used by Avid Pro Tools, the popular audio editing software.
Let’s not forget Microsoft Office files like .xlsm and .doc, which are still popular in the workplace: Chromebooks can handle basic Google Workspace and Microsoft Office Online through their respective web-based versions, but they have limited functionality, especially with macro-enabled files, and they can’t use Linux files like .bin or .run.
Because Chromebooks are walled gardens, they can’t handle traditional file formats or high-end software like Windows executables or professional audio formats, making them less versatile for specialized tasks.
If you need to manage a wide range of file types, avoid Chromebooks and opt for a traditional Windows or Mac laptop.
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Many hardware limitations
Built for basic tasks only
Chromebooks are best suited for basic web- or cloud-based tasks that require limited RAM and storage. They come equipped with Intel Celeron, Pentium, or ARM-based chips rather than the more powerful Intel Core i5/i7 or AMD Ryzen 5/7 processors found in Windows laptops, or the M1/M2 chips found in Macs.
Additionally, Chromebooks typically come with 8GB or less of RAM, meaning you can only run around 10 browser tabs at a time before they start to slow down.
Chromebooks also have poor peripheral support, with limited USB-A ports and little emphasis on specialized ports like Ethernet or Thunderbolt. They’re best suited for basic peripherals like external hard drives, so expect to struggle with the extra adapters and docks required for more specialized equipment. Anything related to audio or video editing or heavy-duty applications will be better served by other mainstream laptops.
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Is a Chromebook Right for You?
It depends on what you want to use it for
Andrew Neil / Unsplash / Pocket-lint
Whether a Chromebook is right for you will depend on your operational needs and whether you want something simple or more comprehensive.
Chromebooks are a low-cost alternative that rely heavily on the Google ecosystem and are great for basic tasks like checking email, browsing the web, creating Google docs, etc. They are a great choice for students and light-use users, especially since they prohibit the use of heavy-duty software like desktop-based applications like Adobe Photoshop or AutoCAD.
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