What is a Chromebook, its uses and how it differs from a laptop

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There are many brands that offer this equipment, from Lenovo to HP, Asus, Acer, Dell and Samsung, Among others. There is a wide variety of models, with traditional designs, ultrabooks or 2-in-1 hybrids. Low-cost models are usually usually seen in schools because their advantages, their autonomy and their limits are interesting. The more advanced ones can also be seen in schools, professional sectors and other fields and can have aluminum bodies, 4K resolution screens and fast processors, as well as a higher price. Even so, there aren’t as many models or as expensive as laptops with operating systems like Windows or macOS.

In order to better understand what they consist of, Chromium operating system is an operating system created by Google that differs from Android in many ways. Is based in the Linux kernelso it also supports this operating system if you want to incorporate it and use google browser as user interface main. Its appearance is very similar to Chrome, with a file browser, taskbar and other elements found in operating systems.

This operating system was created with the clear intention of reaching a specific target audience, since most people use the computer to surf the internetand this covers this need at a low cost and functionality. It was announced in mid-2009 to be cloud-based and web-based. Later, computers based on it arrived in which many things could be done on the Internet, such as accessing Google Drive tools or applications from the Chrome Web Store, as well as other functions without accessing Internet, although with greater limitations than even on laptops. . low end.

What can you do and what can’t you do with it?

Chromebooks have their own operating system with essential elements What file manager or application launcher. Apps cannot be downloaded, but run from browser. Downloading to many well-known services is not necessary as they have their own web versions which are just as or more functional than these, so in many cases you won’t see it as a disadvantage.

Moreover, since they already have google playalthough the initial implementation was not as easy as it looks, you can download from the App Store everything you need so you can do what you want. However, there are many apps that you won’t be able to have, and that can be a big limitation if you need it for your day-to-day work, study. Not everything is in the web app store, in an operating system, or on the web. One thing you can do in this case is use linux if you need desktop applications, because they support this operating system and it usually has many possibilities. This is something you should only evaluate if what you really need is possible to use it from this new operating system, which is not always the case.

what can you do chromebook

Some applications can be viewed in a small format, like on your smartphone, while others are viewed in full screen. This is something that varies depending on the service you use, although you will eventually get used to it. However, there are many programs and applications that you will not be able to install or use, such as Adobe services or software that you will only find on Windows or macOS devices, so if you need them, it will be a serious inconvenience to go for these low-cost equipment.

What’s Worrying Games, although it has many options, the offer is much smaller than other operating systems. You can use services like Stadiums, or even Steam if you’re installing Linux. Of course, with some limitations, which means that in more powerful games it doesn’t give you the performance you need.

Although they are generally fast and have a good performanceas it depends on the internal components, usually the cheaper low-end models have inferior features and processors than you will find in the same range of other operating systems, especially in multitasking operations. There are more high-end ones, but also more expensive and with the aforementioned limitations, so you have to assess if this is what you really want or if it is better to opt for a laptop.

Differences between a Chromebook and a laptop

Then we will tell you what are the Main differences between a Chromebook and a laptop, although you can already imagine them from what we told you before, price and operating system being particularly relevant.

Price

computers with operating system Windows 10, other versions of Windows or Mac, are usually more expensive compared to Chromebooks, because in the first case you pay for the operating system and it is not exactly the cheapest. the the price is one of the main advantages of the latter, since even the most expensive is in the same price range as cheaper laptops with performance superior to these.

As a rule, we must point out that they are cheaper than laptops and also in recent years they have been launched different models designed for virtually all types of users, both in the educational field in which they might initially concentrate and in the home and professional environment.

SE

One of its main differences is the operating system. While laptops can be purchased with Windows, macOS, Linux or even none so you can use whatever you want, Chromebooks use Chrome OS, a limited and specific system compatible with Android applications. This can be a determining factor for some people, while for others it is not a big inconvenience.

If you don’t have high demands or you use the computer a lot, the operating system may be the least important thing and all you care about is that it does its job. It’s something you should appreciate.

operating system chrome os chromebook

Security

Although laptops are somewhat Assurancefor this it is necessary to update the operating system, its programs and complete it with security programs, while Chromebooks due to their limitations They usually don’t need antivirus.

They won’t install or use almost anything that might affect them, so you don’t need to have any security programs to protect yourself. Of course, since they connect to the internet and that’s actually where you’ll reap their full benefits, it doesn’t hurt that you have one. On other operating systems, this is not only recommended, but there are many options to choose from.

anti-virus chromebook

Consumption and battery

Chromebooks are low power hardware who have a excellent battery life, which can reach 10 or 12 hours, something you will check in each of the models. However, laptops usually have lower battery life, hopefully 5 or 6 hours or more depending on the model.

As the latter allow you to do a lot more tasks, and at the same time they will consume a lot more. Although the power consumption of a computer is generally low, this is a factor that you can take into account. Also, although laptops are improving on this aspect, not enough and it’s usually at the cost of a higher price.

Compatibility

One of its main advantages is the lack of compatibility with Windows or macOS apps, so there are many programs that you will not be able to download or use because they are not compatible. If it is an ERP, accounting program or software that you need for your work or computer use, this is an obvious disadvantage. Besides, his storage is often limited (they don’t have a large hard drive capacity) and your low battery for the programs of editing of images and videos.

Talk about Games, you will be able to take advantage of those that you can use from your computer or designed for Android, but forget the others because they will not have compatibility, power or graphics for it. There may be a few exceptions, but if you really like gaming, you better not even think about it.

windows erp program

When is a Chromebook right for me?

Chromebooks are fast, cheap and very efficient computers, although they have some limitations regarding app compatibility. If what you usually do is to consult websites or consult social networks, you are undoubtedly interested because you do not need to pay more to have the same. In addition, they offer you great performance in these functions and excellent battery life that allows you greater mobility. So you can take it to the office, home, on a trip, on public transport or to the library.

If you need tasks, power or more advanced applications that you will not be able to install or use them does not suit youunless you find apps with similar functions that adapt to your needs, it is therefore necessary to see the use that you will give to your new computer, what you want to spend and if the models that you consult of each model according to your budget are in conformity with what what as- you need.

the chromebook suits me

Yes you don’t want to spend a lot and that you are not going to use the computer a lot, that it is not very greedy or that you only use it to consult the Internet, make conferences, contact other people by messaging, watch social networks, videos or edit documents, the The Chromebook can give you what you need. In addition, many options are available in the different brands and ranges. But think carefully about what you need, otherwise it might not be enough or even serve you.

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