An updated range of computers that don’t have hard drives has been launched by Google.
The Chrome desktop and Chromebook laptop do not need hard drives because users save all of their data in the Google ‘cloud’. They can also access software like Word and Excel through web apps, which quickens start up speeds and makes the devices far lighter than other alternatives.
Saving documents in the cloud means that user can access their files and documents anywhere in the world without having to use the same computer every time. This is especially useful if a computer is stolen – none of the files are available on the hard drive and the owner never loses their precious data.
A Google vice-president Linus Upson said: “This is as good or better than anything out there. We are changing it so you can do anything in the cloud. You can store everything there — music, videos, documents.”
Both computers need an internet connection to work because users need to access web apps. However, the firm will update the current system next week so that certain elements can be saved on the devices and used without a connection. Mr Upson himself said: “We need to keep improving what you can do offline.”
However, some advocates of Google’s newest line of computers believe the Chromebook could be useful in schools – many educational establishments need students to have more than just a tablet device in their hands so they can type, write essays and send emails.
The original Chromebook was first launched last year and has failed to account for a large percentage of computer sales. Google hopes the updated versions will prove more appealing to consumers.
