The large limitation with Chromebook software program is in downloading purposes from the online. With Chromebooks, you simply can’t. So meaning you may’t obtain extra superior software program like video enhancing, photograph enhancing, or industry-specific purposes. The one apps you may obtain are the Android apps you’ll discover within the Google Play Retailer. This may be useful to fill within the gaps, although a lot of the net apps can be higher options, as not all of those apps are well-optimized for touchpads. Luckily, there are a lot of touchscreen-enabled Chromebooks that really feel extra pure to manage.
As a result of it’s primarily an online browser, Chromebooks aren’t as helpful when away from Wi-Fi. You’ll be able to nonetheless use offline mode in some purposes like Google Docs, however for essentially the most half, you’ll wish to keep related. Today, I’m undecided that’s too totally different from how individuals use Home windows laptops.
{Hardware} compatibility is the opposite massive situation you could run into. Most printers, mice, keyboards, and different equipment ought to work simply high-quality on Chromebooks. In some circumstances, similar to Wacom tablets, there are some fashions that Google has particularly licensed. However once more, it’s a few of the industry-specific devices that may trigger issues with Chromebooks. For instance, I can’t use my USB colorimeter, which is how I take a look at and calibrate screens. As a result of there’s no suitable software program, that colorimeter doesn’t work. In contrast, Home windows is the default native working system, which means each utility possible is out there to obtain.
Chromebook Plus vs. Home windows Laptops
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{Photograph}: Luke Larsen
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{Photograph}: Luke Larsen
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{Photograph}: Luke Larsen
Whereas the most effective laptop computer {hardware} continues to be present in Home windows laptops and MacBooks, Chromebooks are catching up. The “Chromebook Plus” certification has helped over the previous couple of years, which is Google’s comparatively current program to extend the {hardware} requirements of Chromebooks.
Chromebook Plus fashions are required to have quicker chips, like an Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3, in addition to a minimum of 8 GB of RAM, 128 GB of storage, and a 1080p IPS show. You could find a whole lot of Chromebook Plus fashions for round $500, too, such because the Acer Chromebook Plus 515 or the HP Chromebook Plus x360.
However this yr, the usual received moved up even additional with the Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14. As I acknowledged in my overview, that is the most effective Chromebook ever made, going above and past the necessities of Chromebook Plus. It’s received a shiny OLED show, has a stable webcam and audio system, as much as 16 GB of RAM, and as much as 256 GB of storage. Much more importantly, it will get unbelievable battery life, aggressive with a few of the newest Home windows laptops. For $750, that’s a extremely stable deal for the {hardware}. It has a greater show than one thing just like the Asus Vivobook 14, and also you’d be hard-pressed to seek out one thing at this value with higher {hardware}. You may make the argument that you simply’re getting a extra restricted software program expertise, however when it comes to {hardware}, it’s an awesome worth.
There may be some Home windows laptop computer {hardware} you’ll by no means get on Chromebooks, similar to discrete graphics. You’re most likely not contemplating a Chromebook if you happen to’re a PC gamer anyway, until it’s only for recreation streaming through GeForce Now or Xbox Sport Go.
Why Purchase a Chromebook in 2025?
Chromebooks are extra than simply low-cost laptops, however that doesn’t imply they don’t excel at these decrease costs. Round $500 is the cut-off level for what I’d take into account to be actually low-cost laptops, and also you’ll at all times have to simply accept some degree of compromise in that tier. Home windows laptops beneath $500 are sometimes bloated, overly thick, poor performers which are each ugly and have disappointing battery life. Most frequently, they don’t seem to be good choices, even for college kids.
Quite the opposite, there are many Chromebooks beneath $500 that may do you significantly better. I not too long ago examined the Asus Chromebook CX14 and CX15, each of that are beneath $300. These aren’t excellent laptops by any means, with lower-quality screens than I would like. However as a primary laptop computer, it’s actually higher than any $300 Home windows laptop computer you’d have the ability to discover.