I bought a Samsung Chromebook two weeks ago. I did not expect to have much trouble with it, and I really haven’t had any. The Chromebook is a different type of laptop. You don’t really save files to it, it’s all done on “the cloud.” You need a Gmail account, that’s not an option.

The laptop itself is very light weight. The case is sturdy. I can sit in a chair with it on my lap and work without feeling the keyboard will crack. The Microsoft Surface RT I’ve used for a couple years has reached a point of limited use. I am almost regulated to just using it as a Kindle device, reading ebooks.

The Surface keyboard is too flexible to use on my lap. That was another drawback I discovered. I tried taking the Surface with me to appointments and soon found the keyboard too weak to work with. Using the touchscreen keyboard isn’t for this writer. I need to feel the keys to know where my fingers are.

Before I purchased the Chromebook, I did look at some of the new Microsoft options. Microsoft is set to release a new operating system in July so I wanted to hold off. The Chromebook is kept constantly updated by Google. Plus, the Chromebook is for a different purpose. Once I get used to it I want to use it primarily for my Upcycle business. I am looking for apps in the Chrome Store that will help me track sales in a way I can share with my CPA.

The Chromebook can be used offline, but to what limit I don’t know yet. Several of the standard Google Apps are available offline, including Gmail.

I have noticed some minor differences in the keyboard. There is a “backspace” key but no “delete” key. I did find out I can hold the “alt” key and hit the “backspace” to delete. There is no “caps lock” key.

If you use Microsoft programs, you can reach them with the Chromebook by accessing your One Drive through the browser. It is limited, but you can make revisions and create documents. Of course, you have to have an internet connection to do that.

I haven’t seen an app that will help me track sales. I’d like to find one that lets me use PayPal or Square card swipe. I will keep looking.
I want to like the Chromebook. We’ll see how it goes once the honeymoon period is over.