Why would we recommend anyone buy a lenovo Chromebook over Windows laptops – even after regularly writing about them, testing them, digging into them, and playing around with them? The answer is, for several good reasons, Chromebooks offer the best value for money for whatever purpose you’re buying them.
The Chromebook vs. laptops debate is less popular than the Mac vs. Windows debate but is as important because it helps users make informed decisions. After all, your computer is a long-term investment, and it is better to choose the right one to get a fine-tuned experience in your day-to-day tasks.
Laptops, in general, are designed to accommodate a range of tasks from office work to gaming and creativity to browsing the web and running applications on PC hardware. Meanwhile, Chromebooks are an affordable and practical solution for everyday computing activities. It can lean on the server to deliver the horsepower it can’t otherwise, and plenty of free online storage is a plus. An excellent operating system, ChromeOS, can tackle all the apps from the Chrome Web Store and the Google Play Store; even the Nvidia GeForce Now gaming services will allow you to enjoy your favourite gaming titles on portable machines not designed with gaming in mind.
So, depending on your daily computing tasks and needs, Chromebooks are your best bets, and we also call them “laptops of the future”.
What exactly are Chromebooks?
Chromebooks are budget-friendly devices that operate on the “Google OS”. They can do almost anything a laptop can, such as browsing the internet, writing emails, or performing everyday calculations. The critical difference is that their operating system relies more on software than hardware, making it more user-friendly and affordable.
Google wants its users to have 24/7 internet access, due to which there is little local disc storage available in most Chromebooks. And if you are a third-party user, then the benefits of a Chromebook might not fit your needs. You can’t download traditional Windows software like Microsoft Office or Adobe Photoshop on your Chromebook.
On the other hand, if you are comfortable with Google Ecosystem, opting for a Chromebook is an ideal decision. All installed apps are easily accessible online, and the boot time is quick. However, it’s noteworthy that you will need more flexibility to install third-party or specialised applications designed exclusively for the Windows operating system.
Not everyone requires high processing power and powerful graphics on their laptops. Chromebooks are technical laptops, too, and look like traditional notebooks from the design and build. If your tasks mainly involve playing songs on Spotify, editing documents, streaming Netflix, or carrying out regular computations, there’s no need to invest in a Windows laptop. When delving into the market, you’ll also see some flagship Chromebooks, which focus on better physical chassis, robust processors, discrete graphics, more storage, and several other fancy features.
These high-end Chromebooks provide a luxurious feel, making the experience more juicy with a 2-in-1 convertible design. However, how will you ensure that a Chromebook makes a big difference from a laptop? Let us throw some treats on that!
Chromebooks tend to be Cheaper!
This is not a blank of any sort. You can also find several budget windows out there, and there are some premium Chromebooks as well. Thanks to its streamlined ChromeOS, a Chromebook can be efficient without the presence of robust hardware. Whether you’re conducting all your activities within the Chrome browser or using other online applications, a Chromebook doesn’t demand a high-powered CPU, extensive RAM, or a spacious storage capacity. This efficiency meets your needs but also helps you save many pounds.
On the other hand, if you look at the Windows machines, these often need to be more underpowered. The less powerful hardware of these budget-friendly devices is expected to cope with the demands of a more resource-intensive operating system. So, a Chromebook is worth the investment, mainly if all of your tasks rely on the Chrome browser and apps available on the Chrome Web Store and the Google Play Store.
If we compare the pricing of Chromebooks and laptops, most budget laptops, though, push into the £300- 600£. A quick comparison with the Chromebooks available at Laptop Outlet shows a stark price difference: £200 to £400 or so. That’s a big difference, which means big savings, right?
Another good thing is whether you are looking for a 2-in-1 or convertible laptop, many Chromebooks are out there with 2-in-1 functionality that is not only versatile but also affordable.
Chromebooks Have Long-Lasting Batteries!
Gone are the days when you had to drop down in the middle of the task just to find your laptop’s battery dead. Most of the best Windows laptops can last more than 10 hours of juice, such as the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go, ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo 15, Lenovo ThinkPad T14s, and many other laptops are available through Laptop Outlet. However, laptops with longer battery life tend to be expensive at prices that are not affordable to most users.
Chromebooks, again, are the winners. Thanks to Chrome OS, which is optimised for efficiency, results in exceptional battery life. These power-efficient devices save you on electricity bills and expect upwards of 8 to 13 hours of use on a single charge, costing you much less. This makes excellent choices for students, researchers, travellers, remote workers, and on-the-go professionals.
You can expect 8-10 hours of use on a single charge, perfect for students, travellers, and on-the-go professionals.
Chromebooks are Exclusively Built for Web!
As said earlier, Chromebooks are web-exclusive devices that emerged when the internet was a new frontier. This essence remains relevant today as Chromebooks still rely on a solid internet connection to access the same web services present as dedicated apps on your phone.
This dependency upon a web-based interface is attractive. Generally, web apps are tailored for both laptop and mobile scenarios. You can run Microsoft Office/Microsoft 365 as a dedicated app on a laptop; the apps still want you to save cloud space. Alternatively, you can purchase Microsoft 365 and use it on a Chromebook. The distinction lies in working within a browser with a more user-friendly interface. Additionally, you’re always ready for newer updates since you’re working online.
However, not every Microsoft 365 app is executable on a Chromebook, but these include niche applications like Visio, Project, and Publisher, which you may probably ignore. But other fundamental applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook all function seamlessly on the web, which means they also work on Chromebooks.
Chromebooks are Easier to Use!
You will be surprised to know that there are how many people who are unfamiliar with their way around the Windows operating system. These people may find Chromebooks more uncomplicated and more straightforward to use. Things become more hassle-free if their tasks lurk around web browsing and mobile apps.
ChromeOS is designed with an interface almost similar to a traditional smartphone OS, making it incredibly easy to navigate for users of any age or technical skill level. Unlike Windows laptops, Chromebooks boot up in seconds, meaning you can hop onto your work or browse instantly. Under the hood, Chromebooks come with pre-installed software, resulting in a clean and organised desktop without many unnecessary applications or programs.
Chromebooks Can Be More Durable!
Chromebooks were tailored for educational purposes, and when it comes to education, we all know it’s just about kids. Children can be untidy, less careful, and drop things unocassionally. Accidental spills are not uncommon. Not every Chromebook is inherently more durable than a Windows machine, and not every laptop is intrinsically delicate.
However, a Chromebook is worth considering if you’re looking for a device to store in your garage shop or in a kitchen nook where it might be knocked over. Some high-end Chromebook models incorporate premium materials like aluminium, and many budget-friendly Chromebooks opt for plastic chassis. Despite not being as luxurious, plastic can be resilient and durable, especially against everyday bumps and drops.
Regarding the internal components, these devices have simpler hardware with fewer moving parts like spinning hard drives. This decreases the risk of internal components being damaged by accidental drops or shocks. Chromebooks commonly use solid-state drives (SSDs), which adds to their durability by eliminating fragile mechanical components.
Switching Chromebook is Not a Trouble!
Switching to a Chromebook can be surprisingly smooth and trouble-free, contrary to what you might expect. Unlike laptop computers, where there are many files and folders to transfer manually from your old device to a new one and many software and applications to reinstall, Chromebooks offer fast setups with no lengthy software installations and configuration hassles.
On ChromeOS, you’ve everything; all of your apps and files are already linked to your account, so transferring data from one Chromebook to another is just a matter of seconds, and you are ready to go with just your Google account.
Chromebooks are Capable to Print!
It’s commonly said that Chromebooks are incompatible with printers. It might be somewhat valid, but the problem is more with the printer. Many printers come with all types of reorder ink and manage print formatting, and Chromebook works perfectly to meet those requirements.
Chromebooks work with printers from well-known brands such as HP, Canon, Epson, Brother, and Lexmark. However, before purchasing a Chromebook, ensure your printer model is compatible. Find this information on the manufacturer’s official website or by contacting the Chromebook vendor directly.
Chromebooks are More Secure!
Windows laptops are more prone to cyber threats like viruses, malware, and hacking since it is the most used operating system, making them easy targets for hackers and cybercriminals. On top of this, Windows is unstable and prone to errors and issues, especially if you update it a little.
On the Chromebook side, you do not have to face such problems. It has pre-built malware and virus protection features, and each web app and Android app on Chromebook works in a dedicated virtual environment known as a “sandbox”. This system isolates them from the rest of the operating system, preventing malware or compromised apps from infecting other software parts or stealing data.
Another best part? Chrome OS updates automatically in the background, which ensures your system is constantly updated with the latest security patches and fixes installed. Plus, every time you boot up your Chromebook, it performs a self-check to verify the integrity of the operating system. The system automatically restores itself to a known good condition if any vulnerability is detected. This is not the case with Windows laptops. That’s why business users, educational departments, and financial institutions prefer Chromebooks.
Chromebooks Run Apps More Smoothly!
Let’s face it. Chromebooks have a hidden talent, too. All Chromebook models support almost all of the Andriod Apps, thanks to the flexibility of ChromeOS. Many Android apps for phones and tablets can also be used on a Chromebook. Some of the premium Chromebooks have convertible form factors, allowing you t fold them back and use a tablet – giving you the best of both worlds.
Over the years, Windows users often appreciate the convenience of laptops, highlighting their capability to run a wide range of applications. While this remains true, the need for multiple supporting apps has been eliminated with the invention of the Chromebook. The primary distinguishing factor between the two platforms lies in gaming. However, you must also remember that you can play each Xbox title on your Cloud.
Chromebooks Offer Easier Integrations!
Last but not least, Chromebooks can smoothly integrate with other Google services like Gmail, Drive, Docs, Calendar, Photos, and more. They run smoothly, access your data quickly, and act like natural system extensions. You can also use them offline to work on documents, edit presentations, and access emails. Likewise, they allow easy syncs across other Google devices like smartphones, tablets, and smart displays to deliver a cohesive and convenient experience, providing comfort to pick up where you left off on any Android device.
Who Should Buy a Chromebook?
Chromebooks are a fine fit for people who want to save money and work frequently on the web. A Chromebook supports Google’s ChromeOS, a more straightforward, cheaper, more optimised interface than Windows. You must consider Chromebook as a dedicated Chrome browser running on top of secure hardware.
From the price point of view, Chromebooks are hundreds of pounds cheaper than Windows PCs, even with the same CPU or RAM inside. These are the best solutions for your school-going kids and a parent whose child needs a simpler laptop for academics. Both the price and the privacy make it excellent for schools.
For college students seeking a device for writing essays and sending emails in Google Docs and Gmail, a Chromebook is a fantastic pick to save money and bear daily bumps. We strongly recommend Chromebook to a professional business user whose tasks lean primarily on Google Docs and other Google Workspace Apps.
Last, a Chromebook is the best bet if you are looking for a notebook for browsing the web, working online on documents, and using web streaming services like Netflix or Amazon Prime. The ChromeOS also lets you download your favourite Android apps for gaming and entertainment.
Visit Laptop Outlet to explore a cutting-edge range of Chromebooks from all the renowned brands. Don’t miss out on the exciting deals and discounts on your favourite tech products– shop now!
