Yes there are always opportunity costs and no free lunch, but even with a less powerful processor, on average, the Chromebooks tend to browse faster due to the efficient browser based applications. It comes down to one's needs and laptop preferences too, but a good chromebook can achieve apple like speeds browsing with a less powerful processor. Having said that, chromebooks are a gray area between high functional laptops and tablets.
I am happy with my Toshiba Chromebook
