The Chromebook is different to other netbooks in that it runs on ChromeOS, a browser-based operating system. While Android, Google’s other operating system, is for mobile devices like smartphones and tablets, ChromeOS was developed specifically for the Chromebook. Instead of installing apps on the device itself, apps are accessed through an internet connection and web browser.
For this reason, the Chromebook has very little hard drive memory and relies on storing files on the web. It comes with Google's suite of web-based apps such as Drive, Gmail and Calendar. Other apps can be downloaded through the Chrome Web Store.
While the accessibility of Google apps has been criticised in the past, Google has been working to improve this. Last year, Google introduced a series of accessibility improvements to its apps including the Administrator Guide for Accessibility. In addition, Google introduced the ChromeVox screen reader which is the default screen reader for the Chromebook.
Accessibility features
The Chromebook includes adjustable colour schemes, a screen magnifier and Google's basic screen reader, ChromeVox. While users have reported that ChromeVox works well for standard web browsing, an AthenPro test reveals that there are issues with creating, editing and sharing documents while using the screen reader.
The Chromebook may lack the power and inbuilt memory of other traditional laptops, however its price, portability and built-in accessibility features make it an attractive option for blind and vision impaired users.
The Chromebook is available at JB Hi Fi and Harvey Norman and is available in two models:
Samsung Chromebook
- Battery life 6.5 hours
- Optional 3G modem
- 16GB of flash storage
- USB port
- Cost: $349
Acer Chromebook
- Battery life 4 hours
- 320GB hardrive memory
- Intel Celeron Processor
- USB port
- Cost: $299
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