Chromebook’s computing style disrupts low-end PC, education markets

Chromebooks: cloud-centric, budget-friendly, fast-booting, secure computing devices that are more functional than tablets and less expensive than the average laptop PC are market changers, according to ABI Research (www.abiresearch.com).

In 2014, Chromebooks gained traction in North America, and are set to continue growing as streaming devices become more popular among consumers and purchasing entities. According to ABI Research, Chromebooks experienced 235% growth between 2013 and 2014, with shipments reaching 4.87 million in 2014.

“The rollout of cloud services and the 2009 global economic collapse created the opportunity for developers to provide a budget-friendly solution for consumers,”” says Research Analyst Stephanie Van Vactor. “Chromebooks were the result, and the ‘anytime anywhere’ access to content is a mobile-centric game changer.”

Deployments in the education market have increased substantially for Chromebooks, mostly because of Google Apps for Education, a collaborative platform that allows students and teachers to learn wherever and whenever. For 2014, business and education purchasing entities accounted for 62% of Chromebook shipments.

ABI Research combined data from select world markets; the growing consumption in North America combined with the frugal consumer has created a niche of success for Chromebooks. On average, weekly consumption in the United States for 2013 was US$600 and according to ABI Research, it takes less than a day of household income to purchase a Chromebook.

The ASP [average sales price] for Chromebooks in the United States is US$266.25, while for tablets it’s $420.90. For a consumer, the financial risk factor of investing in a Chromebook is significantly reduced at that price point, especially for the increased functionality.

“Google has taken to heart the popularity of mobile devices and ” continues Van Vactor. “This style of computing works for the on-the-go lifestyle people are becoming accustomed to and will continue to impact the future of computing as the market shifts and changes.”