Chromebooks Outsell Macs For the First Time In the US (theverge.com)

An anonymous reader shares a report on The Verge: Google's low-cost Chromebooks outsold Apple's range of Macs for the first time in the U.S. recently. IDC analyst Linn Huang confirmed the milestone to The Verge. "Chrome OS overtook Mac OS in the US in terms of shipments for the first time in 1Q16," says Huang. "Chromebooks are still largely a US K-12 story." IDC estimates Apple's U.S. Mac shipments to be around 1.76 million in the latest quarter, meaning Dell, HP, and Lenovo sold nearly 2 million Chromebooks in Q1 combined. Chromebooks have been extremely popular in US schools, and it's clear from IDC's comments the demand is driving US shipments. Outside of the US, it's still unclear exactly how well Google's low-cost laptops are doing. Most data from market research firms like IDC and Gartner focuses solely on Google's wins in the US.

Comments

What a strange comparison

[ilsaloving]

So.... Chromebooks are selling like gangbusters to a demographic that is very likely to smash their devices, and it's easier to replace a $200 computer than a $2000 one? Holy crap, stop the presses!

Is it really so hard for Verge to maintain readership, that they need to do ridiculous name drops just to get attention?

Want to know what I *really* want to see? School boards finally realizing that blindly throwing technology at a problem isn't going to result in better outcomes. First iPads, now Chromebooks. They continue to increase the burden of already razor thin IT staff, and I have yet to see one single study indicating that education quality and grades have improved.

Re:What a strange comparison

[GezusK]

A neighboring school system, with more money than sense, did go all MacBook Airs. They are now getting rid of them, and going the Chromebook route. Easier to manage, no malware, and cheaper to replace.

We see them as just another tool. No different than a textbook or other material. They provide access to resources. It's still up to the teachers to use the tools they're given in the most effective way.

Re:What a strange comparison

[blind biker]

First iPads, now Chromebooks. They continue to increase the burden of already razor thin IT staff, and I have yet to see one single study indicating that education quality and grades have improved.

Actually, going from iPads to Chromebooks is an excellent way to decrease the burden on IT - the entire environment on the Chromebook is set and maintained online, and everyone gets his or hers based on their credentials. A Chromebook is a smart terminal par excellance.

Re:Time to

[hairyfeet]

Challenge accepted and please not that in pretty much every measure the PC is curbstomping the Mac on performance.