Are you contemplating purchasing a new laptop with reliable performance at an affordable price? There is a wide selection of laptops available out there for you to choose from, but you may have already narrowed down your search to either a Chromebook vs Windows laptop. The problem is you might be still confused about which one will best suit your specific needs.
This guide is intended to help you decide between the two options, and also provide useful insight on what to consider when making a final decision.
A Chromebook is a laptop or tablet that runs a Google-owned operating system called Chrome OS. Google Chromebooks come bundled with a range of impressive features, including:
- Portable design
- Start fast and work fast
- Chrome is the default web browser
- Use apps downloaded from Google Play Store
- Internet connection required to use most apps
- Always-ready security
- Sign in through Google account
- Long-life battery
ASUS Chromebook C202 Laptop- 11.6″ Ruggedized and Spill Resistant…
- Ready for drops and spills with rugged construction with reinforced rubber guards, easy grip handles, and a spill resistant keyboard
- Lightweight 2.65 pound body and rugged construction that can be dropped from 3.9 feet so you can take it anywhere without disruption
- 11.6 inches HD 1366×768 anti-glare display, with 180 degree hinge for easy viewing
Benifits and Drawbacks of Chromebooks
Chromebooks deliver a range of delightful benefits to laptop users, but they also have a number of limitations. Continue reading on below to find out some notable advantages and disadvantages of these portable devices.
Here is a look at 10 amazing benefits that Chromebooks bring to the table:
Affordability
One of the things that price-savvy individuals consider when shopping for a new laptop is the price tag attached to it. Compared to laptops that run other OSes, Chromebooks are generally cheaper to buy. In fact, you can get a good Chrome OS laptop with a smaller budget. This makes them appealing to people who want to buy a laptop on a budget. If not having a lot of money is the problem, a Chromebook may be the solution you need.
Fast Work Speed
If you have ever used a slow computer, you can attest to the fact that it is a source of frustration, especially when you are working to beat a short deadline.
Chromebooks start up fast, but they also work fast. This is primarily because they run Chrome OS, which is designed to work fast without compromising on performance.
This makes Chromebooks the perfect productivity tool for people who need to complete work within tight deadlines.
Excellent Battery Life
One of the main reasons why many people invest in a laptop is so they can access a PC on the go. If you are going to be using your laptop on the move, you will want to make sure it can keep its charge for a reasonably long time.When fully charged, most Chromebooks deliver a minimum of 8 hours of battery life. This means you can get a lot of work done before your laptop finally requires a recharge.
Reliable Data Protection
Google’s Chromebooks are designed to ensure that you and your data are protected from potential security risks. Your laptop will come with built-in virus protection and software improvements that will be automatically updated when you’re connected to the internet. This way, the latest security-enhancing features will be added to your device without causing unnecessary lag time.
Easy to Carry Around
While portability is a key aspect of any laptop design, Chromebooks tend to be more portable than many other laptop designs. The overall display size range of these Google-designed laptops is 11.6-14 inches, and they are extremely lightweight. Take the HP Chromebook 13 G1 laptop with a 13.3-inch HD display and weighs only 2.86 pounds, for example. The laptop can easily fit in your backpack and is extremely easy to carry around wherever you go!
Great Accessibility
If you are a fan of Android phones and other devices that get apps and games from Google Play Store, you’re going to love the fact that you can get some of your favorite Google Play Store content on a Chromebook.
Yes, Google has brought the digital store to its Chrome OS powered laptops, so you can find apps you’ll need to make your user experience more enthralling.
Robust Construction
Another big advantage of Chromebooks is their sturdy construction. The all-metal hardware holds up against the extremes of normal use pretty well, so you won’t have to worry about needing to replace your device in a long time.
Beautiful Design
While laptop users want a durable device, they also appreciate something that has aesthetic appeal.
The thin, sleek profile of Chromebooks and their all-metal exteriors makes them pleasing to the eye.
So, if you’re looking for a laptop that offers both durability and visual appeal, you should consider getting a Chromebook.
Data Storage is Fully Automated
If you don’t usually save or back up your files, getting a Chromebook might be the best option for you. The Chrome OS will automatically back up your data to the cloud after every couple of seconds. In case you lose your files, you can always retrieve them from Google Drive on any computer device no matter where you are.
Signing in with Different Accounts
To start using your Chromebook, you need to sign in with a Google account. When you need to switch accounts, you simply sign out and sign in with another account.
Despite delivering the above-discussed benefits and many more, Chromebooks are plagued with a number of issues, including:
Requires an Internet Connection to Use Most Apps
Chromebooks need to be connected to the internet in order to run most apps. Laptop users may not always have access to a Wi-Fi or mobile data network everywhere they go. With that said, they might not get any meaningful work done when you’re offline.
Lack Microsoft Office Compatibility
If your line of work involves using Microsoft Office, then you may be disappointed to learn that Chrome OS laptops do not support this productive office tool. Before buying a Chromebook, you should keep in mind that you may need to provide files or document to other organizations in the widely accepted MS Office format.
Not all Android Apps Work on Chromebook
Even though some Chromebooks can access Google Play Store, not all apps and games are supported. This limits the amount of content that Chromebook users can download and install on their computer devices.
Lower Storage Capacity
Storage capacity is one of the most important computer device specs because it determines the amount of data that can be stored on the device.
Since Chromebooks are designed and built light and budget-friendly, most come with lower storage capacity, which might not meet the needs of some individuals.
- Access to Content Available on Google Play Store
- Data Storage is Fully Automated
- Signing in with Different Accounts
- Requires an Internet Connection to Use Most Apps
- Lack Microsoft Office Compatibility
- Not all Android Apps Work on Chromebook
Generally speaking, Windows refers to the whole raft of operating systems developed over the years by Microsoft for desktop computers, laptops, tablets, smartphones, apps and more. Therefore, Windows laptops are laptops that run Microsoft’s Windows operating system.
Since Windows 10 is the latest version of the Windows operating system available for laptops, it makes good sense to compare Chromebooks with Windows 10 laptops.
With that said, here’s a look at some key features of Windows 10 laptops:
- Start Menu, which is the primary access point to all apps and programs.
- Microsoft login required
- Password-free sign in with Windows Hello
- Microsoft Office
- Windows Updates with automatic updates enabled
- Both free and paid-for apps can be downloaded from Windows Store
- Cortana, a personal assistant
- Continuum
- Edge browser
- Xbox streaming
Benefits and Drawbacks of Windows 10
Windows 10 laptops offer a number of great advantages to laptop users, but they are also plagued with some notable disadvantages.
Laptops that run the Windows 10 OS deliver a number of incredible benefits, including:
Navigating Windows is Easy
One of the major selling points of Windows 10 laptops is the ease with which they can be navigated. To find a program or app that you need to use, simply tap on the good-old Start Menu on your desktop and a column list of options will appear. You’ll also see a tiled screen part just beside the list displaying the various apps on your computer.
If you don’t see what you are looking for, you can always type in the Windows search bar just beside the Start menu to find it.
This feature makes Windows 10 a user-friendly OS for many laptop users. In fact, almost anyone who has ever used a computer can operate a Windows 10 laptop.
You can Seamlessly Work Across Devices
One of the newest features on Windows 10 is Continuum. If you have a 2-in-1 PC, this feature enables you to switch from desktop to tablet mode, without having to alter the layout of your screen.
The feature allows you to stop working on one device, and then resume working on another without encountering any lag time or glitches.
Conforms to the Office Needs of Most Workplaces
Windows 10 laptops come bundled with Microsoft Office, which is 100% compatible with any files produced in workplaces across the U.S.
As a matter of fact, Microsoft Office is a model productivity tool for other software and systems.
Secure, Password-Free Login
Thanks to a new feature called Windows Hello, you can now log into your Windows 10 laptop without having to enter a password. Instead, you can use your face or fingerprint to log in. Either way, you will be able to sign in to your device faster and more securely than when using a password.
Fast Browsing Experience
If you need to browse the web from your laptop, using a fast browser is critical to getting the job done quickly. Windows 10 laptop runs a fast and reliable browser called Edge. Edge replaces Internet Explorer as Microsoft’s web browser.
With this newly-introduced browser, you can annotate directly on to web pages, and then save these screens for future visits.
Save Time and Effort with Personal Digital Assistants
Virtual personal assistants is one area Microsoft has specialized in over the years. Windows 10 laptops give users the opportunity to have Cortana – Microsoft’s virtual personal assistant – on their computers for the first time.
When integrated into the various apps on your PC, the digital assistant can help you set reminders, get weather forecasts, and use your personal information to provide you with the information you seek on the web.
The best part is that the assistant can be controlled using voice commands, meaning you can enjoy the benefits it has to offer hands-free. This will save you time and effort.
Comprehensive Security
Every laptop user wants adequate security protection for their device. Windows 10 is designed with this requirement in mind. This OS comes armed with integrated security protections to help protect you from software viruses, phishing and other data security risks.
In addition, Windows 10 delivers ongoing software updates, so you can get the latest security upgrades on your device.
Lots of Amazing Apps on Windows Store
Microsoft is stepping up their efforts to gain more app users on Window Store. As part of these efforts, the company has introduced Windows Store on its Windows 10 laptops.
You can now download and install your both free and paid apps and games from this digital platform.
Create More Workspace
When it comes to working on a laptop, you have to get everything done within the limited display size. If you are a multi-tasker, switching between program windows can be cumbersome and time-consuming.
Windows 10 can add virtual desktops to your main display. This way, you can arrange the apps you’re using into different desktop views. This can help you perform multiple tasks smoothly and effectively.
Lots of Entertainment from Xbox
If you are an Xbox fanatic, you are going to enjoy using a Windows 10 laptop for your entertainment. This is because the laptop is Xbox compatible.
If you are a serious gamer, you will enjoy streaming video games from your console to your laptop computer. Getting a Windows 10 laptop is a great way to work and play from a single computer.
Although Windows 10 laptops offer many remarkable benefits, they fall short in some important areas, including:
Continuum Feature Falls Short of Customization
While Continuum is a welcome feature for users of 2-in-1 Windows 10 devices, it lacks customization, which is vital to providing laptop users with a truly personalized experience.If you switch to tablet mode when you are using virtual desktops, your apps won’t configure on the different desktops. Having all the apps on the Start screen can make it difficult to pick up from where you left.
Serious Data Privacy Fears
By using a laptop that runs Windows 10, you agree – by default – that Microsoft can gather information about you through your usage of their operating system. Even though this is nothing new, the company is yet to make clear what information it uses to increase functionality in Windows 10. As a result, this has raised concerns over data privacy. Obviously, Microsoft needs to address these concerns post-haste.
Microsoft Edge is Yet to Stand the Test of Time
While Microsoft Edge has taken on the mantle of being the new default web browser for Windows, it’s early days – only time will tell whether it is the right replacement for Internet Explorer, and can give Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox a run for their money.
Windows 10 Takes a Long Time to Shut Down and Restart
Compared to its predecessors, Windows 10 takes longer to shut down and reboot. This disadvantage increases when devices with Chrome OS are brought into the picture.
If you don’t like to wait too long for your laptop to boot or shut down, this can be a deal breaker. It’s a serious issue that Microsoft should address quickly.
Failed Updates
Though automatic Windows updates are meant to protect you and your information, they are sometimes not installed successfully. This can lead to reduced performance of your Windows device considerably and even lead to considerable lag time.
- Seamlessly Work Across Devices
- Conforms to the Office Needs of Most Workplaces
- Secure, Password-Free Login
- Personal Digital Assistants
- Amazing Apps on Windows Store
- Continuum Feature Falls Short of Customization
- Microsoft Edge is Yet to Stand the Test of Time
- Takes a Long Time to Shut Down and Restart
The Verdict – Chromebooks vs Windows, Which One Suits You Better?
As you have seen above, both Chromebooks and Windows laptops have their benefits and downsides. This begs the question: which one of the two options should you go for?
Well, the answer to this question varies depending on what you do and what your particular needs are. When comparing Chromebooks with Windows laptops, determine which laptop features that mean the most to you, as well as those think you can do without.
If you need to produce and share MS Office compatible files and documents with others, a Windows laptop is the ideal option for you. If you often forget to save and back up important files and documents, Chromebook’s automatic data storage can really come in handy.
In short, carefully assess the features that both types of laptops offer, and weigh up the merits and demerits of each before making a final decision.