Google's Chromebook computers have surpassed Apple's Macbooks in commercial sales growth as educators opt for the lower-cost Chromebook in classrooms instead of the Mac, Mashable reported.

"There are no governments or IT departments running out to buy these products--they would be underwhelmed," said Tim Bajarin, president of California-based tech company Creative Strategies. "Instead, this growth is being driven by education."

A recent report from research firm NPD Group found that growth in the education sector contributed to Chromebook sales, Mashable said.

Chromebooks, the top choice for educators, experienced commercial growth along with the Android tablet. Together, the devices from Google saw growth to 1.76 million, which compares with 400,000 units last year.

Educators like the affordability and the functionality of Google's devices, which easily connect to such services as Google Docs and Google Drive.

"Certain organizations are looking for low-cost devices that have a strong connection to a set of Google services such as Google Docs and Drive," Stephen Baker, vice president of industry analysis at NPD, told Mashable. "Along with form factor and price, Chromebooks are a more compelling choice for students and companies over full-fledged notebooks or tablet."

Chromebooks made a big leap forward in 2013, accounting for 9.6 percent of the combined laptop and tablet markets in the first 11 months of 2013, compared with a mere 0.2 percent in 2012.

Usually priced between $199 and $299, Chromebooks are viewed by the tightly budgeted education sector as "a tremendous opportunity to bring cheap laptops into the classroom," Mashable said.

In comparison, an iPad typically starts at $499 and a Macbook at $999.

Overall, Windows and Apple are still winning in the sector with Windows notebooks taking 34 percent of the laptop and tablet market and iPads accounting for 15.8 percent.

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