Notebook and Chromebook: You need to know these differences before buying

Are you looking for a compact device on the go with which you can stream and do simple work? Then you are probably faced with a choice between a notebook and a Chromebook. Both devices are mobile, lightweight, and quickly set up. In this post, you will learn what makes notebooks and Chromebooks different and which model is more suitable for your digital everyday life.

A notebook is a compact and lightweight computer, designed primarily for simple tasks. It is extremely handy, but has less computing power compared to laptops. The following features are characterised of a notebook:

Main features of a notebook

• Usually runs with a Windows operating system
• low RAM capacity
• smaller screen sizes (usually between 11 and 14 inches)
• Integrated graphics unit
• No optical drive
• slim design and light weight (between 1.4 to 2.3 kg)
• Few connections and connection options

A Chromebook, on the other hand, is a type of notebook that ChromeOS uses, a browser-based operating system developed by Google. A Chromebook has the following key features:

Key features of a Chromebook

• uses Chrome OS
• short start times
• long battery life
• Integration with Google services such as Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, and other Google Apps
• low weight (between 1.2 to 1.6 kg)
• No optical drives and few connections
• low RAM capacity and low storage space

Direct Comparison of Notebooks and Chromebooks

Notebooks and Chromebooks have their greatest thing in common in design. Thanks to their slim measurements, they are both suitable for use on the go. However, there are more points at which they differ. The most important ones you should know before buying are:

• Operating system: While Chromebooks use Chrome OS, optimized for web applications, notebooks typically run on Windows and are designed for offline applications.
• Offline usage: Unlike notebooks, Chromebooks need to be connected to the Internet most of the time to support their core features.
• Hardware: Chromebooks usually rely on energy-saving hardware, as they only use cloud-based services. Notebooks, on the other hand, can be equipped with more powerful hardware, depending on the model.
• Browser: Chromebooks are mainly designed for Google Chrome, while notebooks are compatible with most browsers.
• Storage: Unlike notebooks that use offline storage via a hard drive, Chromebooks automatically store your data in the cloud.
• Cost: Chromebooks are usually cheaper, as they have less computing power, less RAM, and simpler hardware.
• Gaming: Chromebooks only allow mobile gaming or cloud gaming. But even with cloud gaming services such as Nvidia GeForce Now or Microsoft’s Xbox Cloud, the gaming experience is often disappointing, and many games do not respond properly.

How to buy the right device for you?

When purchasing, it depends on what you want to use the device for. If you are mainly on the web or use it for your studies, a Chromebook is enough. Finally, it is designed specifically for web-based tasks such as surfing, emails, and YouTube.

If, on the other hand, you work with more sophisticated applications or want to play on the go, a notebook is a better choice. It gives you access to a huge library of AAA games that doesn’t exist on a Chromebook. It also supports external graphics cards, which benefit the gaming experience.

You want to find out more about Chromebooks? In our Chromebook review, we introduce you to the device and take a look at the different Chromebook models.