Have you seen the commercial featuring the guys from the show “Pawn Stars” telling a despondent “customer” that her Google Chromebook isn’t a real laptop? Well, there’s a reason why Microsoft is running that ad: They’re scared.

According to marketing research firm NPD Group, Chromebooks accounted for a whopping 21% of all laptops sold through commercial channels in 2013.

You were probably already aware that Windows-based PCs have lost a huge chunk of the computer market to tablets and smart phones, but the amazing success of the Chromebook probably surprises you just as much as it did me.

There are several reasons why Chromebooks are selling so well:  [Read more…]