Windows laptops and Macs need much more advanced processors in order to run quickly. Chromebooks still start quickly and run smoothly, but on a processor that helps cut the cost of the computer. The ChromeOS operating system is so light-touch, that you can run it with a basic processor. On paper, Chromebooks have terrible processors. For example, if you needed a specific email marketing software for your job, and it wasn't available on a Chromebook, there aren't any workarounds you can do to get it – you'd be better off with a different product. However, this can be a deal-breaker if you need to use this device for work, as it can stop you from using more niche software that you need for your job.

There are Chromebook web apps for all sorts of tasks, like creating spreadsheets, running calendars or an inbox, or streaming videos. It feels exactly like using Microsoft Word, but doesn't require a paid-for license. Want to type a document? You can use Google Docs, which backs up all of your work online to the cloud.

This doesn't limit you particularly, though. Chromebooks are perfect for this “always-online” approach, and they're so much cheaper than Mac or Windows alternatives.Īs we mentioned above, Chromebooks don't actually run software they use web apps. Your music and videos? Streamed, not downloaded. Your documents? Backed up to Google Drive or Dropbox. Your email account? Synced via the cloud. More computing happens online, rather than on your computer itself, these days. They're also quite secure, which will help guarantee that you aren't the victim of a security breach. In fact, unless you have to run a certain program that's only available on Windows (or Mac), we'd argue a Chromebook is the best purchase. With their cheaper prices and simple approach, Chromebooks are becoming a smarter choice than “regular” laptops. Today, the two are arguably a lot closer than they’ve ever been, and a newer challenger has entered the ring – the Chromebook. It was a choice between a Windows laptop or MacBook, with a well-established tribal loyalty to each. Picking up a laptop used to be fairly straightforward.

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