I move back and forth between GoogleDocs, etc. and Office regularly, without any particular inconvenience, but do know that our students, who are in an all-Chrome environment, have occasional complaints about documents disappearing, as well. Though most lose more documents IRL, so an all-Chrome environment is a net improvement for them!
The other issue is that, without internet access, it's pretty much a $100 doorstop.
And yes, Google For Education has steep discounts on Chromebooks and apps.
iPads still have better AT options, though.
