What's the difference between a Chromebook and a laptop? - Coolblue (2024)

You can use a Chromebook for browsing the internet and watching movies, but also for gaming and photo or video editing. You can work directly from the Chrome browser or install apps from the Google Play Store. You can only download apps from the Play Store, not from the internet. Thanks to this, you're better protected against viruses. There are thousands of apps available in the Play Store, so you'll be able to find an app for all your work.

Windows laptops and MacBook models are suitable for all usage situations. You can send emails, process texts, create graphic designs, and play games. Depending on the processor and RAM, you can work in light or more demanding programs. Do you want to play games? You need a laptop with a dedicated video card. MacBook models are less suitable for gaming, because not many games are being released for macOS.

ChromeOS is based on the Google web browser: Chrome. In ChromeOS, you also perform many tasks online. You can work directly from the internet browser, but you can also install Android applications. ChromeOS is an energy-efficient and safe operating system. It's very fast and you're less dependent on the specifications of your laptop for speed and performance.

The speed at which Windows and macOS run depends on the specifications of your laptop or MacBook. The more powerful the processor and RAM, the faster your can work in programs. Unlike ChromeOS, you can download programs from the internet with Windows or macOS. As a result, you're less dependent on apps and you can install almost any available software.

On a laptop or a MacBook, you can download and install just about any application you want. If you need particular applications for work or school, a laptop or a MacBook is the best choice. When it comes to downloading apps from a store, you use the Microsoft Store on a Windows laptop and the App Store on a MacBook. You can also install apps and programs via the internet or other sources, which offers more freedom.

On a laptop or a MacBook, you can download and install just about any application you want. If you need particular applications for work or school, a laptop or a MacBook is the best choice. When it comes to downloading apps from a store, you use the Windows Store on a Windows laptop and the App Store on a MacBook. Or install software from other sources.

On a Chromebook, you automatically save documents, photos, and videos to Google Drive. Since ChromeOS is specifically laid out for this, Chromebook models often have less offline storage space than other laptops. That's why you receive 100GB of free online storage when you buy a Chromebook. Do you need more space? You'll always have the option to buy extra storage or use other storage services on your Chromebook, like DropBox. Chromebook models have offline storage, but this is often less than that of a Windows laptop or MacBook.

A laptop or Macbook has a hard drive or SSD to physically store your files. In addition, a Windows laptop or MacBook allow you to store your files online in the cloud. You can save files online on Google Drive for example, but you can also choose an alternative such as Dropbox or OneDrive.

A Chromebook is protected against viruses by default and doesn't require a separate virus scanner. Google protects your stored files, so threats and viruses have little effect on the operating system. The chance on viruses is even smaller, because you only download apps safely from the Play Store. That way, you can be sure a Chromebook is always secure.

On a Windows laptop, you need an antivirus program or virus scanner to protect you against viruses, malware, and spyware. At Coolblue, you get a free year of Norton antivirus if you buy a Windows laptop. MacBook models are less sensitive to viruses, but it's a good idea to install an antivirus program. As MacBook models are becoming increasingly popular, the number of threats is also increasing. Apple's built-in security doesn't always protect against this.

A Chromebook doesn't need a powerful processor, video card, or hard drive that uses a lot of energy. The operating system ChromeOS is light and requires little of the Chromebook itself, including the battery. That's why a Chromebook lasts a whole working day, without you having to charge it in between.

With a Windows laptop or MacBook, the battery life depends on the tasks you perform. If you perform demanding tasks like photo editing or gaming, your laptop will be empty sooner. The more powerful hardware of Windows laptops and MacBook models and the less energy-efficient operating systems require more energy than Chromebook models. That's why you have to charge these laptops sooner. MacBook models often have a longer battery life than the average Windows laptop