The main difference between Chromebook and Laptop is that Chromebook is a laptop or tablet that runs Chrome OS as the operating system while a laptop is a small scale, portable personal computer.
A computer is a vital digital electronic device. There are various types of computers, and Chromebook is only one type of them.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Chromebook
– Definition, Features, Usage
2. What is a Laptop
– Definition, Features, Usage
3. Difference Between Chromebook and Laptop
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms: Chromebook, Computing, Laptop
What is Chromebook
A Chromebook is a laptop. Chrome OS is the operating system of Chromebook. This OS relies on Google based services such as Google Docs and Gmail. Most operations of the Chromebook depend on the browser. Therefore, the user can download the required apps from Google store. One advantage of this device is that data will save to the cloud rather than on the machine itself. It eliminates the virus threats of saving data to the device.
A Chromebook is lightweight and thin. Furthermore, it is light in design and functionality. There are at least two USB ports, SD card slot, HDMI and audio ports. It also supports wireless technology, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity for Bluetooth devices. Usually, Chromebook carries a lightweight workload. Therefore, the processor consumes a minimum current. It can work around 8 to 9 hours without connecting to an external power supply.
Overall, a Chromebook has the same functionalities as a laptop. At the same time, it works with apps similar to a smartphone or a tablet. Moreover, it is more suitable for day to day activities such as browsing the internet, watching HD videos, etc.
What is Laptop
The functionality of a laptop is similar to a desktop computer. But portability is its main advantage. Therefore, the user can easily fold and carry it with him wherever he goes. There are various laptops available in the market with different processor speeds, memory capacities, different models, and prices. Samsung, HP, Acer, Asus are some examples of laptop brands.
Laptop consists of features such as keyboard, hard disk drive, display screen, processor, memory etc. Latest laptops also have a touchscreen that works according to human gestures. It is possible to power a laptop using the internal battery or by connecting it to an external power supply from an AC adapter.
Overall, a laptop is appropriate as a general home computer as well as for office work. Users can install and run various programs and even perform complex business-related tasks using a laptop. It works as an educational tool, provides multimedia facilities, allows browsing internet, handling client details, developing software applications and many more.
Difference Between Chromebook and Laptop
Definition
Chromebook: A laptop or a tablet that runs a Linux based Chrome OS as its operating system
Laptop: A small-scale, portable personal computer
Operating System
Chromebook: Chrome OS
Laptop: Windows, Linux, etc.
Processor
Chromebook: Does not require a powerful processor
Laptop: Requires a powerful processor and more RAM to perform smoothly
RAM
Chromebook: 2GB -4GB
Laptop: Traditional Laptops offer more RAM (e.g. 8GB )
Application
Chromebook: Requires Google applications to function
Laptop: Requires programs to function
Hours of Working with Internal Battery
Chromebook: Works around seven to nine hours with the internal battery. It is higher than an average laptop
Laptop: Less than the Chromebook
Storage
Chromebook: No disk drives, but SD card or USB drive help if necessary
Laptop: Higher than the Chromebook
Weight
Chromebook: Light weight
Laptop: Other laptops weight more than Chromebook
Conclusion
The difference between Chromebook and laptop is that Chromebook is a laptop or tablet that runs Chrome OS as the operating system while a laptop is a small scale, portable personal computer. If the user wants to buy an affordable laptop to handles the basic operations, he can choose Chromebook. If it is necessary to install and run programs, then the better option is to purchase some other laptop.
Reference:
1. JimsReviewRoom. What Is a Chromebook – Explained, JimsReviewRoom, 7 Feb. 2014, Available here.
2. “Chromebook.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 7 May 2018, Available here.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Samsung-Chromebook-box” By Amin – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “971631” (CC0) via pxhere
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