Many people consider the Chromebook to be the sleeker, quicker, and even simpler cousin of the traditional laptop. Unlike a Mac or Windows system, a Chromebook mostly relies heavily on the internet for everyday tasks. 

Since they’re also typically less expensive, you might be wondering how a Chromebook compares to a regular laptop. Are they a waste of money or an affordable diamond in the rough? Read on to find out!

Both Chromebooks and laptops shouldn’t be expensive. Check out the best Chromebook deals and best laptop sales available now, if you’re looking for a discount.

What is a Chromebook?

When Chromebooks first appeared in 2011, they were lightweight, low-cost laptops based on Google’s new platform called Chrome OS. These laptops mainly relied on cloud-based applications rather than traditional software. Over the years, their more affordable nature has changed, but the value is still at the heart of what a Chromebook offers.

Acer, Asus, HP, Dell, Lenovo, and Samsung sell Chromebooks in various sizes ranging from the ultrabook-type design to 2-in-1 hybrids to the traditional clamshell laptop.

The cheaper models tend to be larger and less powerful than the slimmer, sleeker premium models. These lower-end Chromebooks are most often seen in schools or as first-time personal laptops. Higher-end Chromebooks like Google’s own Pixelbook feature premium aluminum bodies, fast Intel Core processors, and, in some cases, 4K screens.

Although you can’t buy a $2,000 Chromebook like you can a Windows 10 laptop or MacBook, there is now a wide range of options depending on your needs.

What can a Chromebook do?

Chromebooks ship with their own operating system called Chrome OS, which is based on Linux and uses the Chrome browser as an interface. It has basic computing elements, such as a file manager and an app launcher, but most of what you use are web-based apps that require no downloading.

That might sound limiting at first, but many popular apps already offer web-based versions like Spotify, Netflix, Slack, and Evernote. Due to the prevalence of web applications, many people spend the majority of their time in a web browser anyway. If your typical workflow resembles this scenario, transitioning to a Chromebook will be relatively smooth. Just connect to Wi-Fi and proceed with your browsing as normal.

However, with the addition of the Google Play Store, you can also download Android apps to fill in any software gaps. Their implementation in a laptop setting might be a little funky in some cases — some expand full-screen while others remain locked in smartphone screen mode — but Android apps are available if you really need them.

Chromebooks also support Linux software. If you absolutely need desktop applications, setting up Linux is certainly an option. There are Linux versions of Audacity, Firefox, GIMP, OBS Studio, Steam, VirtualBox, and many more, but your favorite application may not offer a Linux-based variant. Check the developer’s website first before ruling out a Chromebook.

Finally, if you’re a gamer, there are plenty of options, but you’re also limited. For example, your best bet is to install Android games or subscribe to Google’s new Stadia streaming service. Installing Steam via Linux is viable, but the typical low-end hardware and minimal storage will limit what you can download and play.

What can’t a Chromebook do?

The limitations of Chrome OS mean you can’t install some important software that you might otherwise need. Some notable examples include certain Adobe applications or any kind of proprietary software that’s restricted to Windows or MacOS. If you rely on similar applications, you’ll either need to find a Linux-based alternative or avoid Chromebooks altogether.

Limitations also extend to performance in general. Chromebooks do tend to run fast, but typically that’s due to the lightweight nature of Chrome OS — it’s not service-heavy in the background like Windows. However, in some cases, you’ll be limited by the components inside. Lower-end Chromebooks tend to use older or low-end processors that can’t compete with what you get in the Windows and Mac space, especially in terms of multitasking. Then again, if you’re looking at spending $200, a Chromebook is a far better option.

On the higher end, there are options like the HP Chromebook x2 or the Pixelbook, and you’ll find familiar processors like the eighth-generation Core i5, which features four cores and plenty of power — Chromebooks tend to fly with these faster options. Some newer Chromebooks, like Samsung’s Galaxy Chromebook and Acer’s Chromebook Spin 713, have Intel’s latest 10th-generation processors, further closing the Chromebook, MacBook, and Windows 10 laptop gap.

Who are Chromebooks for?

Chromebooks are designed with a few specific people in mind. At the forefront are students, as school administrations tend to favor Chromebooks due to their security benefits, sturdy build quality, and software limitations. That means you’ll find cheap Chromebooks in public schools all across the country.

Chromebooks go beyond just cheap, plastic laptops for kids. There are also higher-end options for professionals and college students. Because they tend to be lightweight with long battery life, they are great options for people who need to take their work on the go, whether that’s from class to class or on long flights. Some of these include the Google Pixelbook, Google Pixelbook Go, and the Asus Chromebook Flip C436.

There are certainly those same options in the Windows 10 laptop world. However, in the cheaper price range, Chromebooks can sometimes provide a better value. For example, approximately $500 is where Chromebooks thrive, but Windows 10 laptops at this price tend to get bogged down with a thick chassis and clunky performance.

What Chromebook options are available?

The most expensive Chromebook you can buy is Google’s Pixelbook, with a $1,000 starting price. It represents the high end not only in premium materials and build quality but also performance.

Overall, you’ll find Chromebooks ranging from 11-inch 2-in-1s up to 15-inch options for additional screen real estate. HD resolution is the standard, while Full HD, touchscreen, and 4K options are becoming more common. Intel Celeron processors are a popular choice for today’s Chromebooks — typically, dual-core versions that rarely rise above the 2.0GHz mark — although you’ll find Core i5 and i7 chips as the prices climb.

Most Chromebooks offer 2GB to 4GB of RAM, which is enough for average laptop tasks but low compared to traditional laptop models that regularly offer 8GB or 16GB of RAM. As for storage, Chromebooks don’t have large disk drives, as they depend on the internet for most data purposes. Storage can usually be augmented with an SD card or USB drive if necessary.

For ports, most Chromebooks are largely comparable to laptops, though fewer in number. USB-A, USB-C, and headphone jacks are common connections.

Most Chromebooks have a better battery life than the typical laptop. Although about 10 hours is most common, newer models are more likely to have 12-hour battery life. Windows 10 laptops are slowly closing the gap, but on average, Chromebooks last longer.

The truly high-end part of the laptop range, however, doesn’t include Chromebooks. You won’t find six-core or eight-core processors like you get on a laptop like the MacBook Pro 15, Razer Blade, or Dell XPS 15. These content-creation machines and gaming laptops will outclass any Chromebook in terms of performance.

Finally, Chrome OS tablets such as Google’s own Pixel Slate are available, but we wouldn’t recommend those without a keyboard.

Prices

Despite how expensive Chromebooks become, they are still a more inexpensive option than the majority of other brands. For instance, you could buy more than one Chromebook and still have some remaining funds rather than purchasing only one Microsoft laptop for a hefty $3,000. 

HP’s latest Chromebook 15 costs around $450, for example, and Lenovo’s Chromebook Flex 15 comes in at just $410. For $226, you can buy a well-known and loved 2017 Samsung model. Chromebooks are so widespread because of their affordability, which makes them accessible to a wider customer base. The only expensive commodity in the Chromebook world is the modernized, high-tech, supreme $1,000 Pixelbook.

A Chromebook’s features will never be able to compare with more expensive laptops, but they perform just about every task you’d need them to do. They are dependable, trustworthy products that meet spontaneous, budget-friendly needs and desires. Their simplistic design also makes them astonishingly user-friendly, which is always a great thing, as many people are technologically-challenged and may not be entirely comfortable when they have to work with laptops or computers.

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