AJL <noemail@none.com> asked
> On 10/13/2021 9:24 PM, Robin Goodfellow wrote:
>
>> From what I can tell, Google _copied_ Apple's iOS gameplan with the
>> Chromebook on limiting the functionality available to the user by
>> limiting sideloading.
>
> I doubt that the average Chromebook user even knows what sideloading is.
> But my GUESS is that by limiting sideloading Google wants to protect the
> user from himself. Chromebooks are known for their security and
> sideloading can be a security problem...

Thanks for that assessment of the Chromebook on its lack of sideloading.
Google blocked sideloading for a reason, which we need to know why they did.

The reason it matters is Google apparently copied Apple marketing strategem.
a. Block sideloading
b. Claim security advantages
c. Completely ignore the astoundingly huge functionality disadvantages

While both the iOS device and the Chromebook are crippled in functionality,
that lack of functionality does have advantages in certain environments.

An advantage of blocking sideloading (e.g., for educational institutions) is
that the device can be kept to a minimum of focused functionality.

Of course, as you stated, blocking sideloading "may" also be to limit
security threats, but at the huge cost of crippling the functionality.

For an educational institution that doesn't want kids "playing around" with
the chromebook, I can see both advantages (in addition to the lower cost).

For the average user, other than the lower cost (which is an appreciable
advantage), I can also see the allure if they are using that chromebook for
a specific purpose (e.g., as a web browser only or to only play games).

I presume the chromebook uses all google apps (google docs type of stuff).
What do you think a chromebook is best for, when used by the average person?

I always wondered why people buy chromebooks, so I appreciate your advice.