Chromebook vs. Laptop: Which Is the Better Option?

Are you wondering what the difference is between a laptop and Chromebook?  In this article, we explore the key differences between the two devices, the advantages of each, and which is most likely to best suit your needs. 

What's the difference between a Chromebook and a laptop?

While both laptops and Chromebooks are portable PCs that can be used anywhere a computer is needed — at a desk, on the couch, or while travelling — there are some important differences between the two devices to consider.

Laptops

A laptop is controlled by an operating system that launches programs, writes documents, saves files, and so on. Laptops offer hundreds, or even thousands, of gigabytes of internal storage, as well as added features such as optical drives and multiple ports to connect external devices and accessories.

Chromebooks

Chromebooks are powered by the lightweight Google Chrome operating system, which uses the Chrome web browser as the primary user interface. Nearly everything is done online within the Chrome browser, or via the cloud, and many features are intentionally absent, such as advanced graphics cards or large storage drives.

Aside from these differences, laptops tend to be faster and offer more processing power, while Chromebooks are known for their minimalism and simplicity. 

What’s the better option for me?

A Chromebook is a good, cost-effective option if you primarily surf the web, browse Facebook, catch up on email, etc. Documents/letters can still be created in Google Docs, and you can do things like keep track of your expenses/finances with the apps Google Sheets or Microsoft Excel for Microsoft 365.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for something more robust and versatile — and don’t mind spending a little extra — a laptop is the way to go, especially if you may want to use non-Google software or play games that require a graphic card, further down the road.

At RefurbIT, we offer a wide variety of laptops and Chromebooks to choose from, and our helpful staff will be happy to assist with your decision. Contact us today for expert advice, fair pricing, and a wide array of refurbished devices.