decide between a
Chromebook and a Windows PC laptop it can be difficult, and the decision must be based on the needs of the student. Whether you're looking for the best computer for you or your child, or looking for an inexpensive option for lessons, we can help you make the right choice. In this Chromebook vs Laptop guide, we will explore the advantages and disadvantages of the devices.
(Image credit: future)
What is a Chromebook?
A Chromebook is a personal computer running the Chrome OS operating system.. Anything you can do with the Google Chrome browser, you can do with a Chromebook. No need for updates or software, with a Chromebook you can charge it up, open the cover and start using it right away. We go into more detail in our What is a Chromebook? guide. Also, be sure to check out our best guide to Chromebooks for more buying advice.
What is the difference between a Chromebook and a laptop?
Physically,
a Chromebook and a Windows laptop are very similar. Both are laptops with a built-in keyboard, camera, screen, and usually include a touchpad. Many Chromebooks are clamshell, some have a touch screen and the ability to convert into a tablet. Within the devices, however, there are some important differences. Windows laptops are powered by various microprocessors, usually Intel and AMD chips. Meanwhile, Chromebooks have lower-performance chips that better meet Chrome OS's relatively slim requirements. There are expensive Chromebooks that run on Intel Core chips, but most low-end and mid-range Chromebooks have lesser-known processors. Traditional laptops run on an operating system called Windows 10 and run Windows applications. Windows PCs offer a wide range of features, including high-powered graphics cards, making them more versatile. Your student can use the same computer to write a dissertation during the day and play Overwatch at night. There are also laptops running Linux, an open source operating system, but they are relatively rare. Additionally, Apple makes its own laptops that run on its macOS operating system and are known as MacBooks. Chromebooks are much less complex. They run Chrome OS, which is based on the Chrome web browser. The latest Chromebooks can run Android apps, giving them more versatility than in the past. It's also worth noting that Windows laptops typically have plenty of local storage, starting at 128GB on the low end. Chromebooks typically come with around 16GB of storage. This is because Chrome OS and the apps it runs don't need as much storage space as Windows. Chromebooks are also designed to store your documents online in the "cloud," using services like Google Drive.
Is a Chromebook or Laptop Better for School Work?
A Chromebook is a good option for a student who primarily uses the computer for web browsing, word processing, or streaming video and audio. Storage is not a problem if Google-interested students can store their files with Drive. They can also use SD cards and USB drives to save their documents. A Chromebook is also a great low-cost option, with prices going up to $100 / £120 / AU$140 during the holiday season for lower-end models. However, the price of a Chromebook can skyrocket to $1,000/€1,000/AU$1,400 if you go for a corporate or luxury option like the Google Pixelbook. For school work, the Chromebook is a winner because it has so few features. Without extra games or lots of apps, the Chromebook becomes a homework powerhouse, allowing students to access their online lessons with few distractions. Students can write their articles with Google Docs and share their work directly from the Chromebook with their teacher or parents, without printing. The Microsoft Office suite is also available online so students can easily create Word documents. The Chromebook is also just a hard device to break. If your student is willing to install virus-laden programs, the Chromebook can be easily wiped and reset. If the child isn't particularly tech-savvy, there are some confusing features: The Chromebook is a plug-in and play device. Some of the newer Chromebooks are a bit more physically delicate, but most can fail since most parts are plastic.
(Image credit: Shutterstock) As far as a Windows laptop goes, this is more of an investment, but it offers plenty of versatility and convenience. You have the flexibility to create almost anything on a laptop and store files on it. There are also many drawbacks to a laptop associated with owning a complete computer. It will take a long time to get started, will require updates, and may even cause the occasional "blue screen of death." Chromebooks rarely crash, and when they do, a simple reboot is an easy fix. However, some tasks are easier on a Windows device. Chromebooks have had traditional problems with direct printing, while laptops have the ability to quickly print documents. Accessing and organizing files can also be a bit tricky on the Chromebook, but there are workarounds. In some ways, however, the versatility of a Windows laptop is a weakness, as more features are available for hackers to attack a laptop. PCs need regular maintenance to keep them secure, even if it's just staying on top of scheduled software updates. Chromebooks require a lot less maintenance, and Google built Chromebooks with security in mind, and there are defenses that work behind the scenes to keep you safe while browsing the web. One way to determine the right option for you is to try a Chromebook. You can try using Google Chrome exclusively as a browser on your desktop computer for a few days and see if your student needs more features than the browser can provide. Just use Chrome extensions and use online apps like Google Docs. However, Windows offers a much richer computing experience, but Google OS is a much cheaper and smaller alternative that may be exactly what your student needs in the classroom. Back to school 2020 will definitely be different and we are here to guide you through what you will need. Whether you're actually going back to school or taking online courses remotely, we've developed a series of step-by-step guides for students, teachers, and parents to make sure you're buying the right technology and accessories.