Chromebook vs. laptop: Which is right for me?
You're looking for a thin and light PC and have decided to buy either a laptop or a Chromebook. So which system is best for you? Will the laptop's overall versatility give it an edge? Or is a Chromebook's minimalistic operating system and focus on cloud storage and services more suited to your needs?
What's the difference between a Chromebook and a laptop?
Both laptops and Chromebooks are portable PCs intended to be used anywhere a computer is needed: at a desk, on the couch, or while moving from place to place. But there are some important differences:
- Laptop: Controlled by a PC operating system such as Microsoft Windows 10, with a "desktop" workspace from which the user launches previously loaded software programs. Internal storage is provided either by a spinning hard disk or a solid state drive. Typically has additional built-in features such as optical drives (DVD, CD, etc.), multiple ports to attach external devices, etc.
- Chromebook: Controlled by Google's Chrome operating system, which uses the Chrome browser as the primary user interface. Relies mostly on internet-based applications and cloud storage (internal storage is comparatively limited and always solid state). Additional built-in hardware features are intentionally omitted to keep system size to a minimum. Learn more at What is a Chromebook?
Some of the points mentioned above are not exclusive to one system or another. Laptops can make equal use of cloud storage and services, and Chromebooks have multiple external ports, just fewer of them (typically). The essential difference will always be that Chromebooks run the Chrome OS.
How are laptops and Chromebooks similar?
There are several categories where Chromebooks and laptops score roughly equally.
Battery life: Laptops can run for extended periods thanks to their typically larger batteries. Chromebooks get more from their batteries thanks to their intentionally minimalistic OS.
Portability: All Chromebooks are designed to be extremely thin and light. Laptops have a far wider range of sizes and weights but every manufacturer makes models that are Chromebook-size.
Durability: Laptops with sturdy frames and keyboards have long been popular for military and industrial use. Chromebooks are catching up, and with fewer moving parts may ultimately have an advantage.
Note that as the Chrome OS evolves, new, more PC-like capabilities become available. For example, some Chromebooks now provide an optional Windows-style desktop from which to start your work. Likewise, PC operating systems are in some ways becoming more Chrome-like, with some now capable of running mobile-style apps.
Comparing Chromebooks to laptops
Shoppers who are choosing between a laptop and a Chromebook can refer to the following table for a quick review of the comparative advantages of each system.
Advantages of a ChromebookCompared to a laptop, a Chromebook has these advantages:
|
Advantages of a laptopCompared to a Chromebook, a laptop has these advantages:
|
Shop Lenovo Intel® Evo™ Certified Products
Shop Related Products
Read More
Click To Review All Important Information Regarding Lenovo.com Pricing, Restrictions, Warranties, And More
Limits: Orders limited to 5 computers per customer. For larger quantities, go to the “Where to Buy” section of the website for details of resellers and retailers of Lenovo products
Offerings and Availability: All offers subject to availability. Offers, prices, specifications and availability may change without notice. Product offerings and specifications advertised on this website may be changed at any time and without notice. Models pictured are for illustration purposes only. Lenovo is not responsible for photographic or typographic errors..
PCs shown here are shipped with an operating system.
Prices: Web prices advertised include VAT. Prices and offers in the cart are subject to change until the order is submitted. *Pricing - savings referenced off regular Lenovo web prices. Reseller prices may differ from those advertised here.
**Battery: These systems do not support batteries that are not genuine Lenovo-made or authorised. Systems will continue to boot, but may not charge unauthorised batteries. Lenovo has no responsibility for the performance or safety of unauthorised batteries, and provides no warranties for failures or damage arising out of their use. **Battery life is based on the MobileMark® 2014 methodology and is an estimated maximum. Actual battery life may vary based on many factors, including screen brightness, active applications, features, power management settings, battery age and conditioning, and other customer preferences.
Finance is provided by Duologi. Duologi is the trading name of Specialist Lending Ltd.
General: Review key information provided by Microsoft® that may apply to your system purchase, including details on Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, and potential upgrades/downgrades. Lenovo makes no representation or warranty regarding third-party products or services.
Trademarks: Lenovo, ThinkPad, IdeaPad, ThinkCentre, ThinkStation and the Lenovo logo are trademarks of Lenovo. Microsoft, Windows, Windows NT, and the Windows logo are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Ultrabook, Celeron, Celeron Inside, Core Inside, Intel, Intel Logo, Intel Atom, Intel Atom Inside, Intel Core, Intel Inside, Intel Inside Logo, Intel vPro, Itanium, Itanium Inside, Pentium, Pentium Inside, vPro Inside, Xeon, Xeon Phi, Xeon Inside, and Intel Optane are trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the U.S. and/or other countries.© 2023 Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. All rights reserved. AMD, the AMD Arrow logo, Athlon, EPYC, FreeSync, Ryzen, Radeon, Threadripper and combinations thereof are trademarks of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. Other company, product or service names may be trademarks or service marks of others.
