If you are looking to buy a new laptop, you might feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount of options. But, when it comes down to it, in 95% of cases you are choosing between laptops with Windows OS, Macbooks, and Chromebooks. Then, the question is, "Which type of laptop will best suit my needs?".

We've recently covered that Windows is the best OS for gaming, while Macbooks still have a long way to go. However, Apple's devices offer better protection from malware and tend to last much longer. Chromebooks, Google's minimalist machines, are much different from both of them. Today, we will cover the main differences between them and "regular" laptops.

By the end, you will know if Chromebook is the right choice for you.

What is a Chromebook?

They are a new breed of laptops designed with simplicity, efficiency, and speed in mind. This is achieved by utilizing a bare-bones, browser-based OS that works similarly to Android devices. Chromebooks load faster than regular laptops, and their portability makes them a convenient choice for students. They are also user-friendly and minimalist, which is why a lot of businesses started using them.

Chromebooks have come a long way from their humble beginnings.

Differences Between Chromebook and a Regular Laptop

Operating System

Chromebooks run Chrome OS, which is much lighter than Windows and Mac OS and therefore loads up faster. Basically, it acts as a beefed-up version of Google Chrome and allows you to run numerous apps from the cloud. This is why stable internet connection is important.

Chromebook OS is much safer in comparison to Windows, as you can mainly download web apps from verified store, similar to Android devices. It utilizes a Defense in Depth approach, stacking layers of security so that you are not at risk if one level is compromised. Another important feature is instant update, which runs in the background and allows you to continue working. Although it's possible to bypass this, users usually don't install new software on Chromebooks. This means that it would be very hard for it to be infected by malware and viruses.

All in all, Chromebooks are much safer than Microsoft's and even Apple's laptops.

Hardware

Since virtually everything is run on a cloud, Chromebooks don't require a lot of RAM or even a powerful CPU for a satisfying workflow. However, this means you can't use them for resource-intensive tasks like professional video editing, which requires a lot of processing power. Luckily, the same thing isn't true about gaming, which we will cover a bit later.

While regular laptops use HDDs and SSDs, Chromebooks can be equipped with USB or SD cards. This doesn't present much of a problem, as most of the data is stored on Google Drive.

Printer Access

Chromebooks can't be connected to printers via Wi-Fi or USB ports. Instead, you'll need to use Google Cloud Print every time you need to print something. The problem is that some printers don't have support for Google Cloud Print service.

Workflow

In comparison to Apple and Microsoft devices, Chromebooks are pretty limited by the number of apps that you can use. This can easily put a strain on your workflow. For example, popular apps like Photoshop and Adobe Premiere aren't available on Chromebook. Yes, there are alternatives, but they are usually lacking advanced features. This is yet another reason why Chromebooks are not suitable for professional video and photo editing. 

If your job relies on using Microsoft Office, Chromebooks will come in handy. Although you can't install the software, you can use an online version or a wide variety of progressive web apps if you wish to go offline.

Chromebooks easily sync with Android devices and come with usual Google services like Gmail, Drive, and Docs. This makes jumping between devices very straightforward and quick. 

Cost

Since they are stripped down to the bare essentials, it ain't no wonder that Chromebooks are so affordable. How affordable you ask? Well, you can find a solid Chromebook for less than $200. In comparison, you can expect to spend at least $500 for a decent Windows laptop, while Macs are more expensive. 

It's easy to see why plenty of students and people on a budget naturally gravitate towards Chromebook.

Can you use Chromebooks for Gaming?

Although you can't install games on Chromebooks, you can still use them to play the newest AAA titles. This is possible thanks to the rise of cloud gaming services, which run games remotely and stream them to your device, esportsheadlines.com mentioned it in their article covering gaming on a Chromebook. Basically, they do all the heavy lifting for you and are very reliable.

Platforms like Nvidia's GeForce Now, Amazon Luna, and Google Stadia all offer accessible gaming for free, with some limitations. For a reasonable price, monthly memberships give you access to better servers and longer sessions. Since Chromebooks also allow you to connect controllers, they are suitable for platformer and action games as well.

Another option that you might consider using is Steam Link. This service lets you play games from any modern device in your house, but you still need to have a powerful PC to run them. Considering Chromebooks have small screens, this really ain't the best option, but it might work for some. 

Why Gaming Laptops Can't be Replaced

While Chromebooks will work for casual players, they are not suitable for competitive gaming. There are plenty of reasons.

For one, their screens don't offer high refresh rates suitable for fast-paced shooters. Currently, Chromebooks have a refresh rate of up to 144 Hz, while professional players use monitors with 240 or 360 Hz. Better refresh rate reduces motion blur, making an image appear sharper, which gives you a faster response time.

Another big problem is the lack of dedicated hardware and drivers. Because of this, you can't tinker with game settings to find the sweet spot that gives you the best performance. Ultimately, this translates into a big disadvantage if you would use Chromebooks in a professional gaming environment.

If your dream is to make it in eSports, good hardware is a must. That's why we've created a list of the best gaming laptops, which will make a good player go to the next level.

When all is said and done, Chromebooks are most useful to casual users, students, and businesses. They are intuitive, affordable, and fast, but not suitable if you are looking for a laptop with raw processing power.