When college students return to school, they must choose between a Chromebook or a laptop. Chromebooks are known for their zippy performance and low cost, while laptops offer the most options in hardware and support applications. Which is better for college?
The key requirements for students are easy enough. They need a price that is affordable, but enough power to perform all tasks. There are many options available to meet these requirements, but it all depends on what the user needs. While some students prefer web-based applications, others require more resource-intensive applications.
In this Chromebooks vs. laptop for college comparison, we assess each against common features–affordability, performance, storage, application compatibility, etc.–and see which of the two fits certain user types.
Why Use a Chromebook to College?
The Chromebook is similar to a Windows-powered laptop, but it runs on Google Chrome OS. This lightweight operating system keeps everything fast and responsive. Google created the Chromebook to allow users to use Google Workspace and other web-based apps. Everything is stored on the cloud.
The low price of the Chromebook is what attracts students’ attention immediately. While some Chromebooks can be expensive, there are many Chromebooks that are less than $200. It is an excellent choice for students who are looking for a device that can handle word processing, web browsing and video/audio streaming seamlessly.
Google Docs and MS Word Online allow students to create reports and documents and share them with their professors and/or peers. You can get more features, larger storage and graphics if you are willing to pay more.
You’ll have a longer battery life than most laptops, regardless of whether you buy a Chromebook at a low price or a high-end model. Chromebooks last about 10 hours on average, so college students can use them for a whole day without needing to plug them in. Another advantage of the Chromebook over a laptop for college is its inability support hard-core gaming. This makes it a more attractive option. Students can focus on schoolwork and not worry about this distraction.
What Does the Chromebook Lack in Comparison to Laptops for College?
The Chromebook has many benefits, but it is not the only device college students should carry. However, it does have some drawbacks that could hinder productivity. Potential users should carefully consider these before making a decision.
One, Chromebooks are designed for online use. It is best to have an internet connection at all times. While some web applications allow you to continue working offline (Google Suite apps already have offline functionality), it is essential to have reliable internet connectivity in order to make the most of any web-based application.
Chromebooks are cheaper because they require less hardware. They are typically smaller and use less powerful chips. Chromebooks can store 16 GB, 32 GB, or 256GB, respectively, which is more than enough for Windows laptops.
You would only be able to store very small files on your Chromebook due to its limited storage. You would need to use cloud storage which would again require internet connectivity. Laptops have larger storage capacities that allow you to store large files, as well as documents and applications. Chromebooks don’t have the same productivity apps and games as Windows.
Chromebook vs. Chromebook vs.
Instead of asking which Chromebook is better for school than the other, ask: Which one meets your specific needs?
A device that can be used to create documents, browse the internet, and stream content is the best choice for many students. It also comes at a reasonable price. The Chromebook is the perfect choice. It’s affordable, durable, and can do its job well as an online productivity tool. Its appeal is further enhanced by the addition of Google Play Store, Android apps and Chromebook. You can now use thousands of Android apps for both school and entertainment.
However, not all tasks can be performed on a web app and stored in the cloud. Some college assignments may require the use of special software that is not only compatible with Windows but also requires high-resources. If your course requires you to use Photoshop or CAD or advanced Excel functionality, it is a good idea to get a laptop.
Each Chromebook and laptop have unique advantages that can be used to convince students to buy one. Their strengths appeal to students with different needs. Before making a purchase, it is important to assess your needs and workload.
It allows users to provision Windows virtual environments so they can access and use Windows apps on their Chromebook without having to be connected to the internet.
This effectively eliminates the Chromebook’s limitations and makes it more usable by giving college students easy access to their most used applications.