The main difference between Chromebooks and laptops is, of course, the operating system. While laptops run on the most popular operating system, Windows, Chromebooks run on web-based Chrome OS, which is basically a version of the Chrome browser with some extra features.
Chromebooks are laptops and two-in-one laptops that run on Google’s Chrome operating system.
The hardware might look like any other laptop, but the minimalist, web browser-based Chrome OS is different from the Windows and macOS laptops you’re probably used to.
What To Consider
Whether you’re considering moving from a Windows laptop or MacBook to one, your child has received one from their school, or you’re simply curious about Chrome OS, here’s everything you need to know.
Bottom line? Chromebooks are fast, easy to use, and cost-effective if you have a good internet connection to unlock their full potential.
Laptops have more storage, processing power, and compatibility, but they can be expensive or too much computer if all you need is a browser.
First off, a Chromebook is also technically a laptop.
Main difference between Chromebooks and laptops
It is a portable computer with a desktop operating system, just like the options, it competes with.
Chromebooks have been given a different name, mostly for marketing reasons, but also because they vary greatly in functionality, software, user interface, design, and overall philosophy.
This gap in the way Chromebooks and Windows or macOS laptops work keeps them in different areas.
Chromebooks run Chrome OS, Google’s own operating system that focuses on online use.
In essence, Chrome OS used to be a glorified Chrome browser.
More recently, Chromebooks made greater use of specialized software. After accessing the Google Play Store, Chromebooks have become much more functional offline and online machines.
In addition, Chromebooks now have access to Linux apps, significantly expanding their portfolio of desktop apps.
Can I Use a Microphone on a Chromebook?
Yes, you can use a microphone on a Chromebook! To ensure compatibility, there are laptop microphone checking methods you can follow. Simply connect your microphone to the USB or audio jack, then open the Sound settings on your Chromebook. From there, select the input device and adjust the volume as needed.
Differences in Operating System
Software availability is the main reason for a Windows, macOS, or even a Linux-based laptop instead of a Chromebook.
Most specialized software is released primarily for these three traditional options.
This is starting to change as the cloud and mobile apps are becoming more sophisticated.
Adobe’s photo editing software Lightroom CC is now almost identical to its desktop software counterpart, such as.
You can also run Microsoft Office online with the most important features available.
Even web apps for video editing are pretty sophisticated now.
How well a machine performs depends on its specifications, workload, and many other factors.
When we transfer the same specifications to a Chromebook, a Windows laptop, and a Macbook, the Chromebook always outperforms the others (at least for basic tasks).
Chrome OS is a lightweight operating system and doesn’t require a lot of power to run smoothly.
Now that you know the main differences between Chromebooks and laptops, which side do you choose?. A Chromebook and a laptop might look the same to the untrained eye.
After all, a Chromebook is technically a laptop, just with a different operating system.
Both are notebooks with a keyboard, camera, built-in screen, and trackpad.
And just like laptops, many Chromebooks are clamshell, while a few others preach touchscreen displays and a 2-in-1 form factor.
This convenience requires more computing power and often a higher price compared to most Chromebooks.
Office is now fully compatible with Apple products and can be run just as easily as on a Windows laptop.
On the other hand, Chromebooks can now be used for more than Android and browser-based games with streaming game services such as Google Stadia, Nvidia GeForce Now, and Xbox Cloud Gaming.
The energy-saving memory types and efficient processors keep them chugging around for much longer than Windows laptops.
Parallels Desktop for Chromebook Enterprise is a new feature that Google has just launched on Chromebooks, but not on all.
Of course, you can always get a battery to keep your laptop or Chromebook alive for longer.
Meanwhile, ultra-wearable Windows and macOS laptops are rarer, and the few that can compete with Chromebook portability are usually significantly more expensive.
If you need a laptop with a lot of power that can run a wide range of software, this is the MacBook you should go for.
Windows laptops also typically have a lot of local storage, starting at 128GB in the low end — these apps and files take up a lot more storage space after all.
With a wide range of designs, sizes, and styles that can be configured with all kinds of components and are available at prices ranging from a few hundred dollars to thousands, a Windows or Mac laptop offers a wider variety of performance and use, especially if you’re using software without problems or just want to play games available on these operating systems.
Accessing and organizing files can also be a bit of a hassle on the Chromebook, but there are workarounds.
Chromebooks can live on low storage space because they depend heavily on the cloud, especially Google’s own Internet services.
If you’re mostly using Google apps, or you’re tired of Macs and PCs, Chromebook laptops might be worth a look.
While you won’t be playing the latest Battlefield game on a Chromebook as a native app, cloud gaming services could help you, and running it is the next best thing to loading and playing it on the Chromebook itself.
