I have been looking for a more portable computer for some time. First I scouted the Surface, but the “cool” keyboard you see in the commercials is crap and doesn’t even recognize my fast typing (seriously, I was a Mavis Beacon master as a kid). So, I moved onto getting a new battery for my husband’s loyal 10″ Acer Aspire One, but with an even smaller screen than my iPad (or at least it seems that way), and the slowness of Windows XP, I moved on to other options.
Obviously, as you can tell from the title, I went with a Chromebook: The Acer c720. This was after a lot of research that determined it was the fastest, lightest, and longest battery life, WITH the lowest price. Acer really should be given more credit. I think they are considered the KIA of the computing world but just like KIA, they actually put out a solid product for an amazing price.
the best google chromebook online and offline apps
All this being said, for people who love getting things done, no matter where they are, I’ve compiled a list of the best online and offline Chromebook apps (and yes, you can use them when they aren’t connected to the internet– but seriously, when aren’t you connected to the internet and actually wanting to work anyway?).
Pixlr
The web browser version of the Pixlr Editor was something I was already familiar with, but the Chromebook app allows you to do basic image editing in a layout similar to Photoshop. While this isn’t a total replacement for Photoshop, it will probably serve the majority of my purposes: cropping images and resizing images for blog posts or web work.
ShiftEdit
If you are a programmer or do any HTML work, this program will come in handy. It’s a light PHP, javascript, etc editor that has a text view and a live view to preview your work. This could be great for writing code from scratch or trying to debug an error.
shiftedit chromebook app
image via InfoWorld
Offline Google Docs and Gmail
These are one of the main reasons why I chose to purchase a Chromebook. Offline Google Docs will allow a user to write an article, create a spreadsheet, or work on a presentation while they aren’t connected to the internet. Once the Chromebook gets back online, it will sync these offline changes with Google Drive. Additionally, you can use Offline Google Docs to edit documents from a USB drive or memory card.
Offline Gmail works in the same way; you can send and read email and these changes are uploaded once the device comes back online. This could also be useful if you have a lot of email that needs to be read and managed but don’t have an internet connection.
MindMapr
This program allows you to create mind maps, which are great for brainstorming, organization, and project implementation. I have always wanted to use mind maps more, as it allows you to visually outline information, which may make it easier to absorb or explain. Here’s an example of a mind map (though much more artistic than the ones MindMapr allows you to create) from MindTools.com:
mind map
Gliffy Diagrams
Much like MindMapr, Gliffy Diagrams allows you to build mind maps, as well as other types of diagrams and charts. This could be very useful for creating images to share in presentations or to illustrate ideas for a project or blog post. Its basic layout seems easy to learn, which is great when you are on the go.
gliffy diagrams chromebook app
Image via PCWorld
Google Chromebook App Wish List
While I’m excited about everything that my new Chromebook as to offer, there are still a few apps I’m waiting on that hopefully will become available in the coming years.
Note: If these apps have already come out, let me know in the comments since I can’t search the Chromebook store on a laptop!
An Instant Messenger
I use instant messaging everyday to communicate with clients, colleagues, and even my friends. I would love an instant messenger app that I could use on my Chromebook to stay connected while I’m traveling. I’m sure Google offers their own Hangout messaging app, but one that connected to other services would also be useful for all my contacts that don’t use Google Hangouts. Here’s hoping one of my clients and favorite multi-protocol IMs, Brosix, is on the case!
Evernote
I LOVE Evernote and it would be awesome to be able to use it offline and be able to sync my notes and documents saved in Evernote with my Chromebook. The Chromebook store does offer a notes app, but since I don’t already use it on my other devices, it would be a lot harder to integrate into my normal work flow. Hopefully as Chromebook popularity grows, Google will partner with more external apps to create Chromebook versions I can use offline and online to stay productive.
A Blogging Platform
I’ve heard of many bloggers who haven’t made the transition to Mac simply because of Windows Live Writer. This free desktop program makes it so easy to create and format blog posts, even when you are offline. I would LOVE a Chromebook version of Live Writer, but as Chrome OS and Windows are competitors, I doubt this will ever happen. Still, a blogging platform that would allow me to write WordPress blog posts that could be uploaded when I’m online would be amazing.