I was asked by a friend to explain the difference between a regular laptop and a Chromebook.
They need to buy a new computer and price is a major factor in their decision.
First let’s talk about the differences.
I think everyone knows what a laptop computer is — a full-blown computer, capable of loading and running applications, storing files on an internal drive.
A Chromebook is a different animal.
It doesn’t run an operating system from Microsoft or Apple — it runs an operating system from Google called Chrome OS.
Chromebooks are designed to be used while you are connected to the internet, because most of the programs you’ll run live in Google’s cloud. Likewise, documents you create will exist in the cloud.
A Chromebook has very little local storage. There is no hard drive installed. The last Chromebook I reviewed had 16 gigabytes of solid state storage.
When you set up a Chromebook, you’re asked to pick a Wi-Fi network and to enter your Google account information.
Regular connection to a Wi-Fi network is vital. Without a connection to the internet, a Chromebook has limited capabilities.
You can do a few things, like create or view a document or an email while you’re offline. You can listen to music or watch movies saved locally or on a USB drive.
When you get logged into your Google account, a desktop will appear with an application launcher in the bottom left corner, just like Windows.
The applications are all of Google’s cloud offerings, like the Chrome browser, Gmail, Youtube, Google Docs, Maps, Google Drive, Google Photos and several more.
There is a Chrome app store, where you can access free and paid apps like Microsoft Word or Netflix and plenty of games.
So if you’re spending most of your time in a browser, checking Facebook or surfing the web or emailing, a Chromebook is a good choice.
The Chrome OS can keep itself updated and virus protection is built-in and constantly updated (and free).
Price is the reason most people become aware of Chromebooks.
In checking on Chromebook prices at Amazon.com, I had to scroll down pretty far to find one that cost more than $200. Most cost between $150 and $200.
You can find Chromebooks that cost $300 or more, depending on the size and features, but at that price, you’re getting into low-end Windows 10 laptop territory.
I think the decision comes down to two factors: What do you want to do on the computer and will you have Wi-Fi handy?
Many people find a Chromebook to be the perfect second computer, or they find it a good choice for a student.
I realize this sounds like a commercial for Chromebooks, but I figure everyone knows the pros and cons of a Windows laptop.
Not everyone knows what a Chromebook does and why they might like to try one.
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ABOUT THE WRITER
Jim Rossman writes for The Dallas Morning News. He may be reached at jrossman@dallasnews.com.
