Chrome Experiment Step 1: Web Apps

You got to get yourself some Web Apps!

I've been using Google's Chrome web browser (and the Linux non-Google branded version called Chromium) for over two years. Like many users, I got hooked on using it because the minimalist interface is easy to use and it's fast...really fast. Although Firefox has gotten faster and Safari boasts similar speed, Chrome has been my browser of choice. So when I decided to start my Chrome Experiment in order to find out if I was a good candidate for a Samsung Chromebook, I knew the interface wouldn't be a challenge for me. But I realized there was one thing I would need to have if I wanted to conduct a proper Chrome experiment: Web Apps.

Chrome Web Store

Chrome Web Apps are available in the Chrome Web Store. When you open a new tab in Chrome and click on Apps, you will see an icon that says Web Store. The Web Store is where you can choose from thousands of web apps that work in Chrome. These Web Apps are integral to the Chrome OS that runs on the Samsung and Acer Chromebooks, however, you can add these web apps to the chrome browser on any machine. Before adding, select the app you're interested in and read the description and user reviews as well as system requirements. Although most of the apps are written in HTML5, some (such as the new Netflix web app) are not compatible on all operating systems...bummer for Linux users.

According to Wikipedia, "...a web application is an application that is accessed over a network such as the Internet or an intranet." This thin client type architecture is the main idea behind the Chromebook. This allows the operating system to be very lightweight, allows for better performance on less powerful (and less power hungry) processors, and allows users to work in the cloud without having to worry about storing files locally (think that isn't a benefit? ask anyone who's lost all their data in a hard drive crash what they think of local storage). An added benefit is that web apps do not require the user to upgrade the software, upgrades and added features are installed on the server and pushed out to users automatically. Some drawbacks include web browser compatibility issues, potential privacy issues from the company running the servers, and the fact that most web apps don't have the slick user interface and robust capabilities found on locally installed software application suites.

As you can see from my screen shot, I downloaded several web apps for my chrome browser that will help me with tasks I perform on a daily basis. I'm using as many of them as possible to try and find any shortcoming with the interfaces. At first glance, many of the web apps may appear to be nothing but shortcuts to webpages. However, there are several new apps, such as Google's gmail and Docs web apps, which are now in beta testing to allow for offline editing of documents and emails. HTML5's new Offline Storage Database API makes downloading web apps to local storage for offline use possible. This will address what many critics have said is the achilles heal of the Chromebook: The lack of the ability to work offline. To be fair though, unless you are a hard-core road warrior who spends a lot of time on airliners traveling for your job, more likely than not you will be able to find a wi-fi connection or, if you opt for the Chromebook version with 3G connectivity through Verizon Wireless, you will be able to find a Verizon signal. A third option that many laptop owners use is the ability for their smartphone to double as a wi-fi hotspot. A final option is the use of a ethernet to usb adapter, which will allow the Chromebook to be plugged into a network or modem via ethernet cable...could be helpful in an office where there's no wi-fi and an iffy 3G signal.

My point is, the capability to work offline may not be the deal breaker that some have made it out to be. Here's an idea, when you're on a plane with no wi-fi, listen to some music or read a book or magazine. Besides, you know the person next to you is watching everything you do on your laptop when you fly...