Chromebooks vs Laptops: Pros, Cons, & Recommendations
With so many options available, selecting a suitable laptop is becoming a puzzle. The article targets the primary differences between a Chromebook and a laptop to help you understand the inner workings and what to consider when searching for your next computer.
The operating system is the primary dissimilarity between a Chromebook and other laptops that operate on Windows or macOS. The Chromebook is a portable device equipped and enabled with Google’s minimalist Chrome Operating System. Chromebooks are majorly efficient for online usage given their efficient Operating System, while laptops have a better offline performance.
Chromebook vs Laptop: Key Differences
Apart from the difference based on online and offline orientation, the following aspects can be used
to show various differences between Chromebooks and laptops.
- Operating Systems
Chromebooks solely support the Chrome Operating System, while laptops can run on Linux, Windows, or Mac Operating Systems.
- Efficient Speeds
Chromebooks boast high speeds given low-end specs, whereas laptops are particularly slow in
lower-end specs. Prompting extra costs in modification to attain desired speed and functionality.
- Offline and Online Orientation
Chromebooks bear very minimal offline capacity and capability. In contrast, most of the laptop’s software is fully enabled for offline functionality.
- Business and Gaming
In terms of gaming and entertainment, Chromebooks have systems that support Cloud Gaming and
Android Gaming. In comparison, high-end counterpart laptops are preferable for gaming. The current market provides high-end laptops custom designed for gaming.
- Prices
Lastly, in terms of price, low-end, mid-caliber, and top-tier Chromebooks go for $ 200-$400, $400-$700, and $700-$1500, respectively.
Chromebook vs Laptop: Pros & Cons
Apart from the major differences, it is paramount to address the pros and cons of Chromebooks and laptops.
Chromebook Pros
Chromebooks come along with a range of unending benefits from their usage. Some of these pros of using Chromebooks entail:
- After purchase from accredited vendors, Chromebooks have entry-level price limits supplemented by extremely low maintenance costs.
- They have very robust and lengthy battery life and shelf life.
- Chromebook’s Operating System is amazingly fast and smooth compared to others.
- They have more secure safeguarding and security features.
- Chromebooks neither require any initial settings.
- They come in light weights, making them feasibly portable.
- Lastly, Chromebooks bear supersonic, simple executions of Google Applications.
Chromebook Cons
On the other hand, Chromebook users are bound to come across the following cons in the course of their customer experience:
- Minimal offline functionality with extremely restrictive Windows Software.
- Chromebooks have printing issues, minimal local storage, and are incompatible with video editing and work on graphic design.
Laptop Pros
- Laptops have a wider range of software available and can be utilized offline unless the software is web-based;
- They have good battery life;
- Laptops come in handy for both business and entertainment uses;
- They are portable and compact to guarantee gadget safety;
Laptop Cons
- Mandatory update requirement of the software;
- Slow functionality, especially with low-end laptops;
- Laptops are cumbersome to customize;
- They have very high costs of maintenance and purchase prices;
Recommendation
Our recommendation on what you should acquire is solely based on what type of user you are: either online or offline inclined. If you incline toward web browsing, the best pick would be a Chromebook, given the Chrome OS, which is faster, easy to use, safeguarded, and affordable. However, laptops equipped with Mac OS, Linux, or Windows Operating Systems are the best if you operate more offline.
In other words, Chromebooks are primarily web-centered devices that incline towards mobility and ease of use, while laptops own the capabilities to operate on a desktop Operating System with maximum efficiency in the execution of all Personal Computer tasks with accelerated mobility.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to have a Chromebook or a laptop?
If you are working online most of the time, go for the Chromebook, but if you operate offline majorly, the laptop is the best fit.
What is the downside of Chromebook?
The Chromebook has a restricted Chrome Operating System that lacks compatibility with other versions. The restriction hinders upgrades and normal software transfers. Also, the Chromebook needs more credibility and capability for offline software and application functioning.
What is the difference between a Chromebook and a normal laptop?
Ideally, a laptop is a traditional portable computing device running on a desktop’s Operating System, whereas Chromebooks are devices running on Chrome Operating System, mainly for web-tethered functionalities.
Are Chromebooks safer than laptops?
Chromebooks are generally safer than ordinary laptops since they have built-in security features that prevent compromise by malicious codes or websites.
Can you print from a Chromebook?
Printing is enabled for printers connected via wire or Wi-fi connection. Always ensure your Chromebook is compatible with your printer. However, the Chromebook lacks any necessary features to allow for Bluetooth printing.
What is the main advantage of a Chromebook vs a laptop?
Compared to traditional laptops, Chromebooks exhibit multiple advantages, such as supersonic speeds, low ownership prices, and cheap and easy maintenance. They are also ultra slim and super light compared to other laptop models.
Is Chromebook worth buying?
Chromebooks bear modest specs relative to their Windows and Mac rivals. Hence, it is unlikely for you to come across Super processors or enormous spacious hard drives. Thus, they come in handy and in value for anyone who wishes to spend at least $500.
Can I use Windows on a Chromebook?
Yes, you can use Windows on your Chromebook, provided the software is well-installed and properly running. Chromebooks support all versions of Windows, inclusive of the latest Windows 10.
Can you use Word on a Chromebook?
Yes, any user, at any particular time, can access Microsoft Packages such as Word, Excel, Powerpoint, and Office Files on their Chromebook.
Can I watch Netflix on a Chromebook?
You can watch Netflix on your Chromebook or even Chromebox Computer directly through The Official Netflix app or Netflix website.
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