With everyone getting more an more on the go is a Chromebook my better option over a laptop? You want a thin and light PC, but which of these portable systems is best for you? Does a laptop's overall versatility make it the better option? Or is a Chromebook's minimalistic operating system (OS) and web-based usability more suited to your needs? Learn the differences between a Chromebook and a standard laptop, the relative advantages of each device, and which one will serve your needs with the most overall value.
What is the difference between an Chromebook and a Laptop? While both laptops and Chromebooks are portable PCs intended to be used anywhere a computer is needed – say, at a desk, on the couch, or while traveling – there are many differences between the two devices, some of which may be critical to your buying decision. Each device is portable and can be operated while resting on your lap. There’s more to it, of course. Here’s a quick look at how laptops and Chromebooks differ:
Laptops
Most users are already familiar with laptops. A laptop is controlled by a PC operating system such as Microsoft Windows 10 that provides the familiar "desktop" workspace where you launch programs, write documents, save files, and so on. Hundreds of gigabytes (at least) of internal storage are provided either by a spinning hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD). Laptops may also have added features such as optical drives (i.e., DVD, CD, etc.), and multiple ports to connect external devices and accessories. For instance a laptop can be built for either gaming or for business by changing the RAM, processor, graphics card.
Chromebooks
Unlike laptops that can slow-down when low on memory or accessing internal storage components, Chromebooks operate somewhat differently: Chromebooks are powered by the lightweight (compared to Windows) Google Chrome OS, which uses the Chrome web browser as the primary user interface (UI). Nearly everything is done online within the Chrome browser or via the cloud – improving system speed and efficiency across the board. Chromebooks are built to use web-based applications rather than software you load into local storage.
Another advantage of web-based apps is that they typically reduce demands on your RAM. And while there is some local storage on a Chromebook, users typically save their documents, photos, music, and other files on the cloud, with convenient features for syncing and storing data across devices (e.g., your Chromebook, tablet, and smartphone).
Chromebooks rarely sport the latest, fastest processors because they don’t need them. And many features are intentionally absent, such as advanced graphics cards, large storage drives, and so on – all to make Chromebooks more lightweight and streamlined compared to regular laptops.
How are laptops and Chromebooks similar?
Some of the points mentioned here are not exclusive to one system or another. Laptops can use cloud storage and web applications, just like laptops. Chromebooks have multiple ports and USBs, just fewer of them than many laptops.
The essential difference between Chromebooks and standard laptops will always be the Chrome OS and how it impacts operations. Plus, as the Chrome OS evolves, more PC-like capabilities become available. For example, some Chromebooks now provide an optional Windows-style desktop. Likewise, PC operating systems are in some ways becoming more Chrome-like. Windows 10 runs its basic apps similar the way the Chrome OS does. And you can obtain more apps on the Microsoft Store, just as you can get them from the Chrome Web Store and Google Play.
Is a Chromebook ideal for School?
With back to School just around the corner we all have the question is a Chromebook better then a laptop for school? And the answer is No. Chromebooks are not capable of multimedia project since they rely on apps to run and do not have processing capabilities like a laptop, also Microsoft office does not work on a Chromebook. Chromebooks have issues with accessing .exe files, software incompatibilities that may also cause printing issues. And limited internal storage space.
With all the advancement of technology and our need to have the latest and greatest of technology a traditional laptop is still the better all around suit out need device. I hope this information help with what suits your needs.