Google's Chromebooks became popular because of their combination of entry-level yet sturdy specs and inexpensive prices. In addition, the simplicity of having Chrome OS installed in the laptops has endeared the different lineups of Chromebooks to most of the basic users.
With the advent of Microsoft's Windows 10, some tech manufacturers are capitalizing in on the hype, as Microsoft touts its new OS to be a simple, fast, and reliable platform.
First among the top names in computing to release Windows 10-enabled laptops is Acer, and their newest additions to the lineups is a direct player in the budget laptop market. Dubbed as Cloudbooks, Acer's two new mobile PCs are also definitely aimed at the Chromebook market.
Design and hardware
Google has made a niche in its attempt to design budget-friendly laptops for those who are just have basic computer needs. Designed to be mobile and always on the go, Chromebooks are made lightweight and more often in the 11- to 14-inch display range, with the dimensions also made as minimal as possible.
Acer's Cloudbooks also share the same factor. The Cloudbook Aspire One series have 11- and 14-inch displays. Under the hood, the Cloudbooks also retain mobile computing in its basic form – an Intel Celeron processor, 2 GB of RAM, and storage that ranges from 16- to 32-GB versions.
Prices
Since both versions only retain the most basic of specs, both Chromebooks and Cloudbooks are most often in the budget-friendly category of laptop price ranges. The Cloudbooks, once released, will be priced at $169 for the 11-inch version and $199 for the larger 14-inch one when it launches next month.
Chromebooks, on the other hand, still retain their spot as one of the most price-competitive laptops in the market.
Software
In terms of platforms, one of the things that entices Chromebook users is that it frees them from the myriad of bugs and glitches with Microsoft platforms, without resorting to either getting a much-expensive MacBook or a tech savvy-focused Linux laptop.
Microsoft, in releasing Cloudbooks with Windows 10, undoubtedly hopes to familiarize users with the Cloud, and also promises that Windows 10 is stable enough that it will become a worthy competitor for the Chrome-based OS.
