Lately, there have been some signs of rejuvenation for Google’s Chrome OS and Chrombooks based on the platform. As noted here, Chrome OS and Chromebooks got off to a shaky start due to the fact that they require users to use applications and store data in the cloud–a two-fisted approach that alienated some users who wanted local apps and data storage.
But since then, Chromebooks running Chrome OS have started to gain some traction in schools, and some people are doing what we predicted would happen in the first place: They are loading their favorite Linux distributions alongside Chrome OS on their Chromebooks.
Chromebooks and Chrome OS have a lot going for them. They offer airtight security, have solid hardware specs, boot almost instantly, and more. But not all users want to be painted into a corner in terms of using applications and storing data out in the cloud. In short, Chromebooks force a cloud-only compute model that leaves people used to working with local files and data in the cold.
