A laptop is a small personal computer made to be more portable than traditional desktop computers. It is possible to fold a laptop for easy transportation. It has a screen and an alphanumeric keyboard, and a battery that can power it. Its name comes from the word lap, where you place it when using it. Most laptops function like desktop computers to run the same software and open duplicate files. Laptops have heavy processing power and lots of RAM to handle tasks.
Chromebook is a special kind of laptop, which helps you get things faster and easier. Chromebooks are powerful so that they can handle what is important to you. Chromebooks are much simpler, and they run a Chrome OS, essentially a chrome web browser vehicle. Generally, Chromebooks are portable computers.
Both laptops and Chromebook are portable personal computers intended to be used anywhere a computer is needed. But there are essential differences between the two. This article looks at some crucial differences between Chromebooks and laptops:
Operating system
The clearest point of divergence between the two is the operating system. Most laptops run on Microsoft Windows or Mac operating system, an entire edge OS designed for all kinds of stuff. On the other hand, Chromebooks use the Chrome Operating System from the chrome web browser with added functionalities. Chrome OS centers around the chrome app and web-based processes; unlike the windows and Mac OS, you cannot install third-party software.
Chrome OS is generally faster than Mac OS and, Windows since the former is not weighed down by processes running in the background. Google Chrome OS is straightforward to use compared to Windows and Mac OS.
Storage
Chromebooks are primarily designed for online use. Chromebooks do not need much storage, and if necessary, you can use SD cards or USB cards. Local storage is not that important in a Chromebook as it relies more on cloud storage files. Laptops, on the other side, have disks or high-performance SSDs used for storage. A typical notebook computer onboard memory varies wildly from 2GB to 16GB, and storage sizes go up to the terabyte level, allowing you to store as much as you want.
Gaming
With Chromebook, you can play games but are limited to the games available on the chrome web store. On the other hand windows, laptops are suitable for both offline and online gaming. Chromebooks are not equipped with your favorite game, unlike laptops, which handle games well.
Storage is a strong consideration for people who love online games such as poker, blackjack, and slots. A Chromebook may not be the best option if you have to download big files. However, it can be perfect when playing games on the cloud. However, ensure that you use reputable sites before playing live dealer games if you want to profit. There is also a detailed guide and information on live dealer casinos available for you to read before you sign up.
Access to a printer
Another difference between a Chromebook and a laptop is that you cannot directly connect to a printer via a USB port while using the former. Instead, you can use Google Cloud to print. Chromebooks only work with google cloud print-ready printers, but you can easily access a printer using a laptop from your network.
Cloud
A Chromebook is cloud-based in that the applications and programs are stored in the cloud. The chrome web browser relies on Google’s services such as Gmail, Maps, and Docs. A laptop, on the other hand, requires heavy processing power and a lot of RAM. Applications on a computer are stored storage devices.
Microsoft word
Unlike a laptop where you can easily install and use Microsoft office, you cannot install Microsoft Office suite on a Chromebook. Instead, you can use Microsoft’s cloud-based word, PowerPoint, Excel, and one-note. Chromebooks do not currently support the android versions of One-Note, Office and One Drive. Unlike Windows, Chrome OS does not allow you to download applications. Chromebook relies on web apps.
Price
For new windows laptops, you will spend more while purchasing compared to buying a Chromebook. Chromebooks are generally less expensive because they do not have much hardware
Battery life
Traditional laptops have a battery life of 3-10 hours depending on the use and model, while an average Chromebook lasts for 10 hours. Laptops with faster and more powerful processors will take up more battery life, but a budget Chromebook with a less powerful processor can last for 12 hours.
Generally, Chromebooks and laptops look the same with the same build, element, and design, but there are significant differences between the two. These differences are; different operating systems, storage, cloud, accessibility to a printer, Microsoft office, price, battery life, and gaming. With these differences, you can easily decide on either getting a Chromebook or a laptop.
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