When the first Chromebook was released it raised an interesting question, “do I need a laptop which is web-centric and can’t install native applications?” I, like many others, was skeptical. However I eventually bought a Chromebook and for certain tasks I have found my Chromebook to be my preferred device when I am away from my PC. It looks like I am not the only one who has discovered just how useful Chromebooks can be! According to the latest quarterly data from ABI Research, Chromebook shipments increased by 67% during Q2 of 2014, when compared to Q1, and it is projected that the number of units shipped in 2014 will be double that of 2013.


Consumers are hungry for a product that is cost effective but also provides the versatility and functionality of a laptop.​
Double growth in any industry is amazing, but even more so when you consider the slow sales of Chromebooks in 2012, as consumers wrestled with the “questionable need” for such devices. The top three Chromebook vendors are Acer, Samsung, and HP. Together they account for 74% of Chromebook shipments during the first half of 2014. Acer continues to maintain its lead, with a 37% market share, over the other vendors in the market, which also include Dell and Toshiba.



“Consumers are hungry for a product that is cost effective but also provides the versatility and functionality of a laptop,” commented ABI’s research analyst Stephanie Van Vactor. “The growth of the Chromebook market demonstrates a niche that is gaining traction among consumers.”

Chromebooks aren’t just about home-users, they are also selling well in vertical markets such as elementary education. What is interesting is that in emerging markets, like Asia-Pacific and Eastern Europe, Chromebooks aren’t a consumer choice, but rather a business choice. Business-purchasing entities account for 75% of Chromebook sales in such markets.

However the USA remains the biggest market for sales. ABI Research reckons that North America will account for 78% of the Chromebook market in 2014. By 2019 this will likely change with market growth in areas like Asia-Pacific and Western Europe.

Do you have a Chromebook? Would you recommend it to a friend or colleague?