The massive limitation with Chromebook software program is in downloading purposes from the online. With Chromebooks, you simply can’t. So meaning you possibly can’t obtain extra superior software program like video modifying, picture modifying, or industry-specific purposes. The one apps you possibly can 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 will probably be higher options, as not all of those apps are well-optimized for touchpads. Happily, 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 probably the most half, you’ll wish to keep linked. Nowadays, I’m unsure that’s too completely different from how individuals use Home windows laptops.
{Hardware} compatibility is the opposite large subject chances are you’ll run into. Most printers, mice, keyboards, and different equipment ought to work simply effective on Chromebooks. In some instances, 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 can trigger issues with Chromebooks. For instance, I can’t use my USB colorimeter, which is how I test and calibrate screens. As a result of there’s no appropriate software program, that colorimeter doesn’t work. In contrast, Home windows is the default native working system, which means each utility conceivable is obtainable 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 one of the best 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 latest 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 no less than 8 GB of RAM, 128 GB of storage, and a 1080p IPS show. You could find numerous 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 obtained moved up even additional with the Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14. As I said in my assessment, that is one of the best Chromebook ever made, going above and past the necessities of Chromebook Plus. It’s obtained a brilliant OLED show, has a strong 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 very strong 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 can also make the argument that you just’re getting a extra restricted software program expertise, however by way of {hardware}, it’s an excellent 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, except it’s only for game streaming via GeForce Now or Xbox Sport Go.
Why Purchase a Chromebook in 2025?
Chromebooks are extra than simply cheap 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 all the time have to simply accept some stage of compromise in that tier. Home windows laptops below $500 are sometimes bloated, overly thick, poor performers which might be each ugly and have disappointing battery life. Most frequently, they aren’t good choices, even for college students.
Quite the opposite, there are many Chromebooks below $500 that can do you significantly better. I just lately examined the Asus Chromebook CX14 and CX15, each of that are below $300. These aren’t good laptops by any means, with lower-quality screens than I might like. However as a primary laptop computer, it’s definitely higher than any $300 Home windows laptop computer you’d have the ability to discover.
