Chromebooks are a special type of laptop - here's what makes them different
- Chromebooks are a specific kind of laptop that run Chrome OS instead of Windows or macOS.
- Compared to Mac or PC laptops, Chromebooks put heavy focus on Google apps and websites.
- In short, all Chromebooks are laptops, but not all laptops are Chromebooks.
A few years ago, if you wanted to buy a laptop, you'd have two choices: a Mac or a PC. But these days, you've got a third choice: a Chromebook.
Chromebooks are probably pretty different than the laptops you're used to. Here's everything to know about the differences between Chromebooks and laptops.
The differences between Chromebooks and laptops
A Chromebook is a special kind of laptop, different from standard Macs and PCs.
Its operating system - the software that decides how the computer works and what programs it can run - is called Chrome OS. It's made and updated by Google.
As you might expect, Chrome OS is primarily built to run Google apps like Google Drive, Docs, and YouTube, which are all installed on the Chromebook by default (although you can emulate some Mac and PC apps). You log into the device itself using your Google account and password, and will need an internet connection to use most of its features.
The keyboard also has keys you won't recognize. Instead of a Caps Lock key, it's got a button called "Search" or "Launcher" (depending on the Chromebook) that lets you search your device or the internet for anything you type. And in place of the Windows or Command key, there's a key that'll bring up Google Assistant.
Finally, they're not as powerful as most high-end MacBooks, and nowhere near as powerful as high-end PCs. If you want a computer for gaming, animation, or image and video editing, look elsewhere.
The chart below compares a top-of-the-line Chromebook with similarly priced PC and Mac models. The best of every category will be highlighted.
| Acer Chromebook Spin 13 | Dell Inspiron 14 5482 | MacBook Air (13-inch) | |
| Processor Speed | 1.60 GHz | 4.6 GHz | 3.2Ghz* |
| Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics 620 | Intel UHD Graphics 620 | Apple M1 GPU |
| Storage Space | 128GB flash memory | 512GB solid state drive | 256GB solid state drive |
| Memory (RAM) | 8GB DDR3 | 8GB DDR4 | 8GB Unified |
| Screen Size & Resolution | 13.5in, 2256x1504 | 14in, 1920x1080 | 13.3in, 2560x1600 |
| Price | $899.99 | $889.99 | $999.00 |
*Based on third-party benchmark tests, as Apple hasn't released their own stats.
But when it comes down to it, a Chromebook is just another type of laptop. You can think of it like this: All Chromebooks are laptops, but not all laptops are Chromebooks.
Note: There are devices that will let you run Chrome OS on a desktop, but these are usually called Chromeboxes, not Chromebooks.
The most popular Chromebook models are the Google Pixelbook Go, the Acer Chromebook Spin, and the Lenovo Chromebook Duet. They all look like any other laptop, just with that slightly different keyboard layout.
If you mostly use Google apps, or are tired of Macs and PCs, Chromebook laptops might be worth a look.
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