Switching from Windows: how the Chromebook plus became my primary device

The constant evolution of ChromeOS has transformed it into a mature and increasingly capable operating system. This fact remains unknown to a very large audience, as people remember Google's early attempts to make its own laptop based on ChromeOS, which resulted in devices that were best suited for school education, albeit with limitations. But 2025 is not 2014, and the situation is completely different!

The author has been using the Google ecosystem for personal needs for many years, including Nexus/Pixel smartphones, and at the same time has laptops and desktops running Windows. And for work, there is a corporate Macbook, and this experience is the envy of sincere Apple fans who have long enjoyed the excellent integration of the iPhone and Macbook. Since the smartphone is now the main "device", it was interesting to try to get something similar within the framework of the Google platform. Of course, the gaming setup remains as it is, but as a kind of extension to Android, a fairly capable Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514 chromebook was purchased. The result of the experiment, which has been going on for five months, is described in this article. Looking ahead, the experiment is successful and the chromebook has taken root, but "let's not get ahead of ourselves."

A brief history of ChromeOS

Google first announced the ChromeOS project in July 2009, introducing a groundbreaking concept for a cloud-centric operating system. The original vision was to create an OS where users' applications and data resided primarily online, leveraging the growing power of the Internet. ChromeOS is built on the open-source ChromiumOS project, allowing the community to contribute, while Google maintains the official ChromeOS. In December 2010, Google launched the ChromeOS pilot program, introducing an unbranded Cr-48 Chrome laptop prototype. This device was the first physical implementation of ChromeOS, distributed to testers to gather feedback before a public release. The first retail Chromebooks, manufactured by Acer and Samsung, finally appeared in June 2011, marking the official entry of ChromeOS into the consumer market.

ChromeOS initially supported mostly web apps. Over time, Google expanded its capabilities with the introduction of Chrome Apps. A significant turning point came in 2014, when support for Android apps was introduced via App Runtime for Chrome (ARC). This allowed Chromebooks to run a large library of Android apps from the Google Play Store, greatly increasing their versatility. Expanding its reach, ChromeOS gained the ability to run Linux apps in 2018 with Project Crostini, which addresses the needs of developers and users who need Linux-based tools. In recent years, Google has been promoting Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) as the modern standard for web apps that offer advanced features and the ability to work offline. To attract gamers, Google launched Steam for Chromebooks in beta in 2023, thereby adding a number of PC games to the platform. An important clarification: the phrase "web apps" does not mean that they literally open in a regular browser window. This is also possible, but many ChromeOS applications, from the perspective of the average user, work like native ones - they have their own launch icons, their own window (independent of Google Chrome), and the like.

The evolution of ChromeOS from its initial concept to its current state demonstrates an impressive transformation. Starting out as a purely online, browser-centric operating system, ChromeOS has gradually evolved into a much more versatile and feature-rich platform, ironically in the years since the availability and speed of mobile internet have steadily increased, making it easier to work with cloud services. But this path has helped overcome fair criticism of limited functionality by including support for different types of applications. Google’s strategic decisions to invest in app compatibility and even gaming with the introduction of Steam demonstrate a desire to position ChromeOS as a viable alternative to traditional operating systems for a wider range of users and use cases, beyond basic web browsing and productivity tasks. And it is this that has prompted the author to give the Chromebook a chance as an everyday device.

Why Now? The Modern Chromebook Experience

Early Chromebooks had several limitations, including a heavy reliance on an internet connection, often limited local storage, sometimes underpowered hardware, a relatively small selection of native apps, and a basic user interface. However, modern models have come a long way in overcoming these challenges. They boast increased processing power and more RAM, allowing for smoother multitasking and the ability to handle more demanding web and Android/Linux apps. Local storage has also increased, with many offering 128GB or 256GB SSDs, making it easier to work offline and install more apps. Offline capabilities have been greatly improved with PWAs and features like File Sync, which allows users to access their Google Drive files even without an internet connection. The app ecosystem has expanded significantly with support for Android apps from the Google Play Store and the ability to run Linux apps. The user interface has also become more refined and user-friendly, now including a traditional taskbar, window management capabilities, and a more desktop-like experience.

A key advantage of modern Chromebooks is their seamless automatic updates, which ensure that the operating system and applications are always up to date with the latest features and security patches without the need for user intervention. This contributes significantly to ChromeOS’ reputation as a secure system. Additionally, Chromebooks come with built-in security features, including verified boot, application isolation (sandboxing), and data encryption, providing a secure computing environment right out of the box.

The "Plus" Factor: what makes the Chromebook Plus better?

The Chromebook Plus designation is a relatively new standard for Chromebooks, designating devices that offer enhanced hardware specifications and integrated AI-powered software features. To qualify as a Chromebook Plus, devices must meet minimum hardware requirements, including:

• faster processor (Intel Core i3 12th generation or higher, or AMD Ryzen 3 7000 series or higher);
• at least 8 GB of RAM;
• minimum 128 GB of storage;
• Full HD (1080p) or higher resolution display with IPS panel or better, and a 1080p or better webcam with tone-noise reduction (TNR).

These improved specs offer several key advantages over regular Chromebooks. Chromebook Plus devices offer significantly improved performance and smoother multitasking. They also have higher-quality displays, which provide sharper and brighter images. An improved webcam provides clearer video calls. It may sound trite, but the fact is that ChromeOS's liberal hardware requirements and the high competition in the market mean that the cheapest Chromebooks are often built (which is logical) with the cheapest components that are barely able to work. Accordingly, the Chromebook Plus standard is guaranteed to provide a level of quality similar to Windows laptops, which prevents user frustration.

A significant addition is a set of built-in AI tools, such as Magic Editor for photo editing, Help Me Write for improving your writing, Gemini AI assistant, Live Translate for real-time translation, and AI-powered backgrounds and video call enhancements. The Chromebook Plus also offers enhanced offline capabilities with File Sync, allowing you to access your Google Workspace files even when you’re not connected to the internet. In addition, these devices often offer better integration with Adobe creative tools, such as Photoshop (web version) and Adobe Express.

The arrival of the Chromebook Plus signals a strategic move by Google to directly compete with mid-range Windows laptops by offering a “more premium” (okay, “less budget”) user experience with improved performance and integrated AI features. The guaranteed minimum specifications and emphasis on AI capabilities clearly position the Chromebook Plus as a more powerful and feature-rich category than standard Chromebooks, aimed at attracting users who need more than basic functionality. The deep integration of Google AI into ChromeOS on Chromebook Plus devices points to a future where AI will play an increasingly central role in enhancing productivity, creativity, and communication.

Meet the contender: Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514

The Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514 is designed as a versatile 2-in-1 convertible, offering the flexibility to switch between traditional laptop mode and tablet mode.

The combination of an Intel Core i3 processor, 8GB of LPDDR5X RAM, and a fast NVMe SSD points to a device capable of delivering a smooth and efficient user experience for the typical demands of ChromeOS, which is known for its lightweight and efficient nature. While the i3-100U isn't the latest generation from Intel, ChromeOS is designed to be less resource-intensive than traditional operating systems. 8GB of RAM meets the minimum requirements for the Chromebook Plus, and the fast SSD ensures that the system and applications launch quickly, which is a significant improvement over the slower eMMC drives used in some budget Chromebooks.

But the most important thing is the Spin suffix in the name. The integration of a high-resolution WUXGA touchscreen with a wider 16:10 aspect ratio, combined with the 2-in-1 convertible design, significantly expands the functionality of the device. This allows for a variety of usage scenarios, from traditional laptop tasks to a more interactive, tablet-like experience suitable for media consumption, note-taking (especially with the optional stylus), and interacting with touchscreen-optimized Android apps.

Life in Chrome: can a Chromebook handle daily tasks?

As a result, in my opinion, the Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514, with its specifications, looks well-equipped for a variety of personal tasks. After three months of daily use (albeit on top of a corporate Macbook and a gaming desktop setup), the picture looks like this:

Web and media content

ChromeOS is designed for web browsing at its core, with Google Chrome at its core, which provides a fast and efficient experience. Since Chrome is the de facto industry standard, browsing the web should be a breeze, and honestly, there’s nothing else to add here. The only thing: on the Spin 541, thanks to its transformer design, you can hold the device in a tablet configuration horizontally or vertically when consuming information, and if you need to use the keyboard a lot, you can return to laptop mode.

Access to YouTube and YouTube Music is seamless via their web apps or potentially via their Android apps. The Chromebook also supports a wide range of other streaming services, such as Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video, via web browsers or dedicated Android apps. The 14-inch FullHD display on the Spin 514 provides a crisp and enjoyable viewing experience for videos and other media, further enhanced by DTS Audio for better sound output. It's also very convenient to open the screen to about 300 degrees and place the device in an L-shape on a surface - something that tablets without a case lack. And tablets also lack screen size: 14 inches instead of 10-12 feels like a big improvement.

Given that web browsing and online media consumption are generally the primary activities for many PC or tablet users, ChromeOS's foundation on the Chrome browser, combined with the Acer Spin 514's powerful hardware, makes it well-suited for these tasks.

Productivity

For productivity, ChromeOS offers a few options. Microsoft Office apps (more specifically, Microsoft 365 Copilot) can be accessed via the web at office.com, Android apps from the Google Play Store (on compatible Chromebooks, which the Spin 514 doesn't include), and there's also compatibility with Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides for opening and editing Office files. Of course, it's Google Workspace, including Docs, Sheets, Slides, Drive, Gmail, and Calendar, that's seamlessly integrated as native web apps into ChromeOS, offering robust collaboration features and offline capabilities.

Adobe Photoshop is available on ChromeOS through its web version (photoshop.adobe.com) and the Adobe Express app. While the web version of Photoshop offers a significant feature set, it may not have the full functionality of the desktop application. However, it is sufficient for basic work.

For many users, especially those with less demanding workflows, the web and Android versions of Microsoft and Adobe's suites, along with excellent Google Workspace integration, should provide viable solutions for productivity and creativity.

Interaction with Gemini, Claude and ChatGPT

Chromebook Plus devices feature built-in integration with Google’s Gemini AI assistant, accessible from the taskbar, offering tools like Help Me Write, Magic Editor in Google Photos, and AI-powered wallpaper generation. Users can also access the more advanced Gemini Advanced model by subscribing to the Google One AI Premium plan.

There's a promotion going on right now, where new Chromebook Plus owners can get a 12-month free subscription to Google One AI Premium. This plan includes access to Gemini Advanced, Google's most capable AI model, along with 2TB of cloud storage for Google Photos, Drive, and Gmail, as well as Gemini integration into Gmail, Docs, and other Google Workspace apps. Users typically need to redeem this offer via the Chromebook Perks page within a specified time frame. This offer significantly increases the value of Chromebook Plus devices by giving them access to advanced AI capabilities and significant cloud storage at no additional cost for the first year. When you factor in the savings on the subscription (UAH 10,920 per year), it's already a compelling argument for buying a Chromebook Plus!

Google Gemini's direct integration into the Chromebook Plus makes this AI easily accessible for various tasks, while for Claude, Copilot, and ChatGPT, availability on ChromeOS is ensured by the web nature of the service. Other AI models can be easily used on ChromeOS via web interfaces via the Chrome browser or via browser extensions. It is also possible to use Android applications, but even in "tablet" mode they are less functional than the desktop web interface.

Gaming on a Chromebook: Steam, Android, and GeForce Now

For an alternative operating system, ChromeOS has a surprisingly good range of gaming solutions. But all with some caveats.

Steam for ChromeOS is available in beta on select Chromebooks that meet the minimum hardware requirements, which include at least an Intel Core i3 or Ryzen 3 processor, 8GB or more of RAM, and 128GB or more of storage. The Acer Spin 514 meets the requirements and the Steam client works fine on its own, but each game's compatibility needs to be considered individually. First, there's generally no way to run it via a Linux port. Second, the Intel Core i3-100U's integrated graphics won't provide the performance you need for complex 3D. All in all, this means that a lot of casual, older, or just plain fun games can run and play great on a Chromebook. What's more, the touchscreen and tablet mode actually make some PC games more playable than they were on the original platform (hi, Balatro!).

And if you want to run some Cyberpunk 2077 or Doom: The Dark Ages, then cloud gaming services such as NVIDIA GeForce Now come to the rescue. With at least a relatively fast internet connection (Starlink is enough), they offer a reliable alternative, allowing users to stream a large library of PC games to their Chromebook. Compared to the state of affairs a few years ago, the speed and quality of cloud gaming have improved significantly. The ability to run the latest graphically intensive games in maximum quality on minimal local hardware is literally worth the money (a monthly subscription), but the fact that the screen in the Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514 has a FullHD resolution, and not a higher one, allows you to save on the GeForce Now subscription level if you play on the built-in display. Connecting an external monitor via HDMI or DisplayPort in USB-C format opens up the possibilities of at least 4K, but then you need to take out the appropriate subscription.

Finally, a wide selection of Android games can be downloaded and played directly on the Chromebook from the Google Play Store. Here too, there are nuances for each game. For example, PUBG Mobile refused to launch, while Real Racing 3 ran without any problems. Again, less demanding games have a better chance of success: Austin's adventures from Homescapes or the inhabitants of Fallout Shelter look better on the big screen than on a smartphone, and the touch controls are just as good.

If necessary, USB and Bluetooth solve the problem of connecting a real gaming peripheral physically, and built-in ChromeOS functions allow you to reassign control to a mouse, keyboard or gamepad programmatically. In this case, the limit of ergonomic convenience disappears altogether and a Chromebook with a suitable game is in no way inferior to a PC or Xbox.

Better Together - ChromeOS and Android

ChromeOS devices and Android smartphones, especially Google Pixel phones, offer seamless integration and enhanced connectivity. Features like Phone Hub allow users to manage notifications, send and receive text messages, and even stream Android apps from their phone directly to their Chromebook (on supported devices). Instant tethering provides easy internet access, and file sharing between devices is simplified. This tight integration, in theory, creates a more unified and convenient user experience, allowing users to seamlessly transition between their Chromebook and Android. The ability to use Android apps on your Chromebook that complement the functionality of your smartphone further enhances this integrated ecosystem.

With all that, the Chromebook disappointed in this area. Perhaps it's a matter of personal habits, but it didn't work out to get a straight "seamless" user experience. Its integration with Google Drive and Google Photos is really very good, but objectively a close level can be achieved with Windows. The latest updates and fresh promises from Microsoft also give hope that their operating system will make it more convenient to use a smartphone. Thus, the best element of the Chromebook + Google Pixel experience is the possibility of a simplified login.

Making the transition

Switching from Windows to ChromeOS requires users to adapt to a different computing paradigm, similar to using a smartphone. While ChromeOS has evolved significantly, users who rely heavily on specific desktop applications available only on Windows may still face challenges as ChromeOS does not support them natively. Yes, for many years the classic example of a Chromebook limitation was Skype, but not only has that been gradually resolved, but Chromebooks have generally outlived the application itself.

However, the advantages of ChromeOS include its simplicity, fast performance, robust security, hassle-free automatic updates, and tight integration with Google services. Potential adopters should explore web alternatives for their essential software and consider the growing ecosystem of Android and Linux apps available on ChromeOS. And for those who aren't sure, there's one interesting method: installing ChromeOS Flex on an existing PC or Mac provides a low-risk way to try out the operating system before committing to a new device!

As a device, the Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514 is a very good buy. Its 2-in-1 design, combined with Chromebook Plus-class hardware, provides a solid foundation for everyday tasks without any compromises within the Chromebook range. While native PC gaming via Steam may have limitations due to processor compatibility, cloud gaming services like GeForce Now offer a viable alternative for casual gaming. Seamless integration with the Google Pixel 8A further enhances the user experience for those in the Google ecosystem. With the added benefit of a 12-month free subscription to Google One AI Premium, the Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514 offers significant added value.

But this concerns a specific configuration and specific needs of the user. If you approach a Chromebook with the same methods as a Windows laptop, you may be disappointed in the essence of interaction with it, which is more like a "prefix to a smartphone" than a computer. There will be no, say, WinRAR, Total Commander or the command line for those for whom this is still the basis of PC management. Even the approach to storing files is similar to Android, where the user does not have to worry about a specific location for storing a file. On the other hand, users who are accustomed to the Google ecosystem (Gmail, Photos, Drive, Docs, Sheets and so on) will be delighted with how natively it all works. For them, perhaps not all Chromebooks, but at least Chromebook Plus class devices are becoming a convincing and increasingly capable alternative.