But it's true that with ChromeOS the entire usability of the product is massively different without Internet access. All of the "apps" don't work as well without an Internet connection. This doesn't happen with an ordinary machine (if you open Word whilst offline, it isn't crippled).
I think storing all of your data online is foolish, basically as it means that offline you're scuppered.
You need a connection for web-based use-cases.
You don't need a connection for non web-based use-cases (document editing, etc works offline).
The same is true of any OS.