Google Pixelbook Go Chromebook.
Credit: Google
MacBooks are very obvious for students. But Chromebooks could be more suitable for many in 2021.
tl: dr: the MacBook Air is updated with Apple ‘s powerful M1 processor offering snappy performance and is cheap (for MacBook). But Chromebooks have become an operational choice.
The new MacBook Air with M1 processor power is an attractive choice in 2021 because it is cheap (base model *) but much more powerful than the Intel-based MBA.
The MacBook M1 is, in a way, a high-end version of the latest iPads. It uses the same processor architecture which means it runs native iOS apps and delivers much longer battery life than older Intel-based versions.
But in 2021 Chromebooks have emerged as a great choice for students. The platform is on mature and mainstream Microsoft applications such as Office running on Chrome in flexible resize windows. Perhaps more importantly, Android apps, including games, are compatible with Chrome.
In a short time, the Chromebook has already accomplished what Apple has always wanted to do: a laptop platform that runs mobile apps.
M1 MacBook Vs Google Pixelbook Go
(I use both the M1 MacBook Pro and Pixelbook Go, ie, I’ve tested both.)
M1 MacBook:
- Access to desktop applications (aka Adobe Premiere, fully integrated Microsoft Office)
- Running iOS apps natively
- Apple Ecosystem (iPhone, iPad)
- Long battery life
- Offers better performance than older, more expensive Intel-based versions
- Downside: price can be a barrier
Pixel Book Go:
- Cheap: Starting at $ 649 but not even an expensive higher version at $ 849
- Android ecosystem and Android apps
- Chrome OS snap on low-end Intel processors and 8GB of RAM
- Small storage requirements (128GB is more than enough)
- Long battery life
- Downside: does not run traditional desktop apps
Summary:
Everyone knows that the MacBook is a good choice. But if you’re an Android person and want a great laptop that’s an extension of that ecosystem and cheap and fast, then the Google Pixelbook Go is a great choice – not to mention other Chromebooks from HP , Acer, Asus, no Lenovo.
——
NOTES:
* $ 999 but often sold