Last Updated on June 10, 2019 by Husain Parvez
When it comes to choosing a laptop, there are many questions you may ask yourself or many doubts you may have about certain products. In this article, we will focus on breaking down the basics of two popular laptop models and identify their strengths and weaknesses to help you better understand each model and which one will suit your needs perfectly. If you are looking for a Chromebook our testing has shown that the Google Pixelbook is the cream of the crop. Likewise for Windows laptops you need look no further than the Microsoft Surface Book 2. However, the question remains; should you get a PC or a Chromebook?
In a Nutshell
In short terms, Chromebooks separate themselves from other laptops because most of the computer’s functions are located in the Cloud, rather than actual applications you can have on your desktop. Because of this, they are generally simple to use and only require an internet connection to access and work with.
Other laptops or computers (for example, windows), are a little more technical. They usually require you to download individual applications and work on a desktop-style display. Unlike Chromebooks, they are accessible without an internet connection, allowing you to perform limited tasks while off the net.
Understanding the Built-In Help Programs
To help you navigate your laptop and get on-the-spot assistance, both Chromebooks and Window PC’s have been built with pre installed programs such as Cortana and Google Now. While these features don’t matter for many people, they may play an important role in buying your new laptop. On the Chromebook side of things, Google Now is great for getting information that is straight to the point. For example, if you ask for the route from Washington to Miami, Google Now will get it for you and list off a couple more things relating to your topic.
Cortana, however, is considered to have more abilities and allow more interaction with the person using it. With Cortona, you’re able to book appointments, send emails, and tell jokes (if you really want to). As well, Cortana has the ability for you to translate things directly from your native language straight onto the laptop, therefore changing the languages to better suit your understanding.
Security
When it comes to security, Chromebooks are considered to be safer. As there are many measures Google has put in place with the Chromebooks, they will automatically scan and detect any viruses that may pose a threat to your laptop. There are a number of firewalls that have been put in place to protect your information. Because of this, Chromebooks haven’t been the target for many hackers. Windows computers, however, are a different story. Because there is no built-in antivirus software, nor built-in firewalls, you’ll need to manually download them. While there is software that is recommended, none are able to protect your computer fully. If the program isn’t a trusted one, there is the risk that it may compromise the computer easily.
This all being said, Chromebooks are generally safer laptops to use.
Internet Browsers
When it comes to surfing the internet, there is a large difference between Chromebooks and Windows.
Chromebooks are great in the sense that they offer a quick and easy-to-use internet browsing software. As Chrome is directly built into the laptop, you’ll be able to quickly access the internet with little to no outside interference. The only downside of this is that you’re unable to use any other internet software and are limited to the amount of applications you have.
Windows, on the other hand, offers you the chance to use almost any online internet browsing software you’d like, as well as almost any plugin you’d like. The large downside of this is that there are a lot of things that may slow down your internet browser speed, as Windows computers aren’t constructed around the internet browser like Chromebooks are.
Organization
The organization ability of each laptop depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re the kind of person who likes to have all tabs and folders saved online with the possibility of accessing them from anywhere, then Chromebooks are likely best for you. Everything you do is immediately saved to the Cloud and allow you to gain access to them from anywhere, assuming you have access to a Google account.
However, if you’re the kind of person who organizes things on your desktop, or likes to have all of your downloads in a folder on your homescreen, Windows laptops will be better for you. The only downside to this is that you’ll need to manually transfer these things online or onto a USB stick if you want to access them anywhere other than your laptop.
Gaming
If you’re looking to game on your laptop as well, do not go for a Chromebook. As Chromebooks are built around Chrome, there are little to no games you can play (with the exception of online games that don’t require downloads or external software).This being said, it is better to get a Windows computer that allows you to download gaming softwares such as Steam, or directly download games onto your desktop.
Price
When it comes down to price, Chromebooks can be almost hundreds of dollars cheaper when compared to Windows laptops. This mainly depends on the model of laptop you are buying and how new it is. In terms of Chromebooks, newer laptops with larger memory or display screens will run for more than the basic models you can find for cheaper prices. Regardless, they will almost always be drastically cheaper than a Windows laptop.
Productivity
If it’s work you want to get done, it’ll really depend on what you want to accomplish. Chromebooks are really good for people who want to do a lot of writing or online research. For students, these laptops are good for English, politics, or history majors. Their jobs usually involve a lot of writing and internet surfing. If, however, you’re focusing more on arts and are looking at programs such as Photoshop, having a Windows laptop will be better suited for you. This is because Windows PCs give you the freedom to install apps and software that Chromebooks don’t have.
Conclusion
In general, there are many differences between a Chromebook and Windows PC. While they both perform very well, it really depends on what you want to do with it. If you’re someone who uses the internet a lot and is looking for simplicity, Chromebooks might be best for you. But, if you’re someone who’s looking to be more artsy and use more apps, Windows PC’s may be more practical.
If you’re still confused even after research, never be afraid to contact your local computer or electronics store and talk to a professional about the differences and which one suits your specific lifestyle.
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