Comparative advantages: Chromebooks vs. standard laptops
If you’re shopping for a new laptop-style device and are trying to decide between a traditional laptop and a Chromebook laptop, you’re not alone. Lots of people have questions.
To help, here’s a short list of the relative advantages of each device. When is a laptop the best choice? When would a Chromebook be better?
There’s really no “right” answer, since both standard laptops and Chromebooks have many similarities. But for certain users and certain needs, one type of device may be the best option. [For more about the basic differences between laptops and Chromebooks, visit “Chromebook vs. laptop: Which is right for me?”)
Advantages of a traditional laptop
Compared to a Chromebook, a standard laptop has these advantages:
- Flexibility and customization
A laptop with a full PC operating system, optical drive, and multiple slots and ports will always be more flexible than a Chromebook, which has a relatively limited user interface, fewer port options, and is more reliant on remote applications and services.
- Advanced software
Nearly every software program – from photo editing tools and PC games to spreadsheets and word processors -- can run on a laptop. The same can’t be said for Chromebooks, since not all software companies have developed Chrome-compatible apps. For now, if you’re looking for an advanced gaming box or powerful multimedia ultraportable, a traditional laptop is best.
- Processor speed
Laptop processors typically have faster clock speeds than the CPUs in Chromebooks. Even smaller laptop models have frame designs that can contain (and cool) the latest processors, additional RAM, etc. Chromebooks aren't slow, by any means, but a standard laptop will likely have more raw computing power.
- Business focus
Most analysts give laptops the edge for business use over Chromebooks, particularly when equipped with multi-core, multi-thread CPUs that enable extensive multi-tasking. So-called “road warriors” might opt for a Chromebook, but business travelers have long valued highly portable Lenovo ThinkPad X Series laptops.
- Function without Wi-Fi or Internet
On a laptop, you can stay productive (at least for a while) with a poor Wi-Fi connection or even no Internet at all. In contrast, the “connected for everything” nature of a Chromebook can make it hard to get things done in offline mode (i.e., with no access to the internet).
Ready to shop? Lenovo has a wide selection of highly portable Chromebook laptops and portable-yet-powerful standard laptops. There’s sure to be a Lenovo system that’s perfect for your needs.