Think a tablet might suit you better? Find out whether you should buy a tablet over a Chromebook.
Key Specs Explained
Let's understand a few of those spec differences between Chromebooks, Windows Laptops and MacBooks
Operating system
The main point of difference. Chromebooks run ChromeOS, a Google-developed operating system. If you've ever used the Google Chrome browser, it'll feel instantly familiar. Essentially, all your day-to-day computing happens through this browser. Chromebooks run “web apps” rather than programs that you need to install. Windows 10 is a far larger operating system – that's a blessing, and a curse. It means you have much more flexibility to run programs or do complex tasks; but, it's heavy going, and tends to be slower to load, needs regular updates and is a less secure operating system overall. MacOS is almost the best of both – fast and dependable, but able to run most programs, too.
Software on a Chromebook
As we mentioned above, Chromebooks don't actually run software; they use web apps. This doesn't limit you particularly, though. Want to type a document? You can use Google Docs, which backs up all of your work online to the cloud. It feels exactly like using Microsoft Word, but doesn't require a paid-for license. There are Chromebook web apps for all sorts of tasks, like creating spreadsheets, running calendars or an inbox, or streaming videos. However, this can be a deal-breaker if you need to use this device for work, as it can stop you from using more niche software that you need for your job. For example, if you needed a specific email marketing software for your job, and it wasn't available on a Chromebook, there aren't any workarounds you can do to get it – you'd be better off with a different product.
Chromebook Processors
On paper, Chromebooks haveterrible processors. In practice? You'd never know. The ChromeOS operating system is so light-touch, that you can run it with a basic processor. Chromebooks still start quickly and run smoothly, but on a processor that helps cut the cost of the computer. Windows laptops and Macs need much more advanced processors in order to run quickly. Macs always have a good chip (and you can pay more for agreat one), but cheap Windows PCs tend to be let down by cheap processors that make the system run slowly.
Chromebook Storage
Here's a big one to get used to: Chromebooks have virtually no built-in storage. You're not expected to keep files on the device. Instead, you back them up online to Google Drive. This is actually far more secure. If your laptop was damaged or stolen, all your files would be safe and sound. You can still plug in an external hard drive to access other backups.
Screen quality
This can vary hugely between the super-cheap Chromebooks and the top-end (Google-made) Pixelbook. But, the same is true of Windows laptops. The only brand with outstanding screen quality across its entire laptop range is Apple. And you pay a premium for those displays.
Chromebook Battery life
Chromebooks last and last: 10 or 12 hour battery life is typical. You'd normally have to pay Mac prices for such staying power. Windows laptops can last from 5 hours to over 10 hours, depending on what you spend. Again, it all comes back to the low-impact Chrome operating system, plus the fact there's no battery-hungry internal hard drive on a Chromebook.
Chromebook Security
Chromebook's are decidedly more secure than their MacBook and Windows laptop counterparts, as the protections are baked right into the design. Chromebooks can be set up to store virtually nothing on the device, and a company Google Drive would keep it all safe, so suffice it to say, you can feel secure using this device no matter what. And with the increase in working from home, with potentially sensitive data or information on our devices, the importance of security cannot be overstated.
