Chromebooks are not a punch in the gut to Microsoft as suggested by Gregg Keizer (2013). First, Amazon is not the world. Second, many numerous industry analysts have been wishing for the demise of Microsoft for a long time. Let’s get a better view of Chromebooks and Microsoft.
Chromebooks are nice devices with plenty of options for individuals always connected to the internet. They are inexpensive. However, this is not bad for Microsoft. Competition is good.
Microsoft Office can be used on Chromebooks
One of the first things students and teachers will run into with Chromebooks is how to edit Microsoft documents. Some might argue the answer is Google docs but this is an incomplete answer. Google docs does not have the same feature set as Office. Instead, users need to recognize that they can use Microsoft Office in the Cloud.
Microsoft is finally promoting their online version of Microsoft Office, currently called Office 365. Anyone can try the product for 1 month free. Students can get an inexpensive subscription for less than $2 per month over four years. Everyone beyond college can get a subscription, too.
Microsoft Surface Pro is Superior to Chromebooks
Let’s consider the following statement: “Chromebooks increasingly threaten Windows’ place in the personal computer market, particularly the laptop side, whose sales dominate those of the even older desktop form factor.”
Wrong.
Microsoft has responded well with the Microsoft Surface Pro 2. This is the best tablet on the market. There are no comparisons. Yes, the Apple iPad has its place. Yes, there are a plethora of android-based tablets. Yes, you can find devices selling for less but this does not mean they are better. Cheaper is not always better. In fact, none of these cheap devices have the same features as the Microsoft Surface product line. Yes, even the RT outshines the androids.
Digital Inking Still Rules
Pick up a stylus for the Apple iPad and you’ll regret it. The Evernote 2 mm stylus is the closest but the workarounds for palm rejection still create an extra hassle. Instead, pick up the pen for the Microsoft Surface Pro and you have the perfect writing scenario. If you don’t believe me then go to a local store with the Surface and try it for yourself. Digital inking from Microsoft rules. No other “alternative” tablet can match the inking feature.
References
Keizerm, G. (2013, December 27). Chromebooks’ success punches Microsoft in the gut. ComputerWorld. Retrieved December 27, 2013, from http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/print/9245050/Chromebooks_success_punches_Microsoft_in_the_gut
Further Reading
Winer, D. (2013, December 28). Microsoft and netbooks. Scripting News. Retrieved December 28, 2013, from http://scripting.com/2013/12/28/microsoftAndNetbooks.html