SharpLance

Early in November 2014, Microsoft announced that Skype would work within a browser. For the time being, one would need a traditional computer to install a plug-in but only until Skype implements the WebRTC standard. After implementing the WebRTC standard, Skype would work on the Chromebook. Mozilla and Google are already far in the WebRTC development so the opportunity to Skype from a Chromebook is likely going to happen very soon. If Skype doesn't do it, they would be quickly moved aside by browser based WebRTC solutions such as Mozilla's Firefox Hello and Google Hangout. Here's a link to WebRTC if you want to look more into it. With Mozilla Firefox beta, you could try the WebRTC feature by using Firefox Hello .

Only you know what you need. All I can do is share my opinion and perhaps give you a new insight. For new laptops costing less than $250, I would pick the laptop which syncs with the office services you primarily use. If using Microsoft Office 365, a cheap Windows laptop would work nicely and don't expect it to run Premiere or the latest games at 24-100 fps. Think of it as an office machine with basic web browsing ability. Miscellaneous applications such as DropBox or Norton would work nicely on it. If using Google services such as Gmail, Drive, or Docs, go with the Chromebook. While it is true that the Windows laptop could still use Google services, one would be even more productive on the Chromebook. It is mainly a browser with some off-line capabilities which includes playing movies from Google Play. You'd spend less time updating the OS or applications. Chromebook does the browsing tasks well and stays out of the way like a tablet.