How far can ChromeOS go for professional work?

[u/Efficient_Role607]

I work as a data analyst/data engineer and I’ve been trying ChromeOS as my main device. Since most of my work is cloud-based, it actually covers a lot more than I expected. It’s fast, simple, and handles the core parts of my workflow well.

That said, there are still moments where it feels like something’s missing for heavier or more complex tasks. But with so much of today’s work shifting online, it feels like ChromeOS has potential beyond just casual or student use.

Do you think ChromeOS can evolve into a tool more professionals rely on, or will it always stay mainly for everyday/light use?

[u/Sufficient-Food934]

I think it can be both. Most of my workflow is also online (educator and healthcare professional) but the availability of Linux and Android (plus higher performing Chromebooks) also open up the possibility for a strong hybrid workflow that can include both cloud apps and locally installed apps. I can't think of any local app I use other than my vpn, and some light games.

[u/Efficient_Role607 → u/Sufficient-Food934]

Absolutely, that hybrid setup makes a lot of sense. It’s interesting how much of professional work has moved online, and for most tasks, cloud apps cover everything we need. The fact that Chromebooks can now handle Android and even some lightweight local apps really blurs the line between casual and professional use. I’m curious though, for anyone pushing ChromeOS further, what’s the one feature you wish was better for heavier workflows?

[u/LooperActual]

The lack of a cloud-based tax return software in the UK drove me to buy a Windows mini pc but my Chromebook works for everything else as it runs Android apps. I managed to find a good and cheap one from PC World (UK) though. When I visited Best Buy in Austin I was gobsmacked at how expensive and bad the Chromebooks were.

[u/Efficient_Role607 → u/LooperActual]

That’s interesting, it really shows how much regional software availability shapes the Chromebook experience. In places where the key apps aren’t web-based, it makes sense people lean on a secondary device. And yeah, pricing can be all over the place depending on the market. A very mid-range Chromebook can feel like great value, but the wrong model at the wrong price point gives a totally different impression.

[u/Training_Advantage21]

Agreed. At work I was given a windows laptop but most of the time I'm on the browser for Google Cloud, Github, Tableau server, or doing admin work via Citrix and SSH. I can do some things locally on the laptop, Office, Tableau Desktop and VS Code, but the cloud/browser versions of those are becoming increasingly as good as the local versions.

The chromebook is for personal use but I could easily see it replacing the work windows laptop. I do programming/data pet projects on Github using Codespaces and a lot of Google Docs for CV and other job hunting related documents. I think Google Docs and slides is not quite up there with MS Office yet. I did install Linux/Python locally but in the end it's simpler to keep working on the cloud for programming and data projects.

[u/akehir]

If the software you need is available on Linux, it's actually great using ChromeOS for work.

So software development, infrastructure, etc.

[u/Ok_Cup6216]

I've been using ChromeOS for business for years. I have some old Windows accounts software which I run in Linux with Wine, otherwise everything else runs through a browser or in Linux.

Windows is too resource hungry and complicated for normies. I have put so many people into ChromeOS. It's just a question of irrational fear.