A laptop is a portable computer whose main function is to be used while stationary, such as in an office or home. A Chromebook on the other hand has no moving parts and can only be used when connected to power outlets. The difference between these two devices exemplifies how technology evolves over time.
The “chromebook vs notebook vs laptop” is a question that has been asked many times. This article will answer the difference between these three devices, and how they are similar to each other.
What exactly is a Chromebook?, how does it function, how does it differ from other laptops, and why can it replace any Windows PC?
The vast majority of people believe that a laptop can only be Windows or Mac, but in recent years, a new reality has emerged that combines quality and speed of activity execution: we’re talking about Chromebooks, which are Google-made devices that run on Chrome OS, which is based on Google Chrome and is entirely online.
Switching to a Chromebook is a cost-effective way to get a genuine computer that can accomplish everything as quickly as the fastest Mac and is much simpler to use than a Windows PC.
We’ll show you the key differences between a notebook and a Chromebook in the following guide so you can make an informed decision about which laptop to purchase for business or school.
READ ALSO -> Best low cost Laptops above the minimum requirements (maximum € 400)
Table of Contents
What exactly is a Chromebook?
The Chromebook runs on Chrome OS, a Linux-based operating system created by Google to give a web-centric experience that differs from that of a standard laptop. Because of the system’s modest weight, Google may reduce hardware demand and so sell the Chromebook at a reduced price.
To explain well what the Chromebook is like it is necessary to present what is currently the best laptop of this type of computer for sale in Italy, namely the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 Chromebook. 
This laptop comes with 8 GB of RAM, Intel Celeron N4500 processor, 8 GB of LPDDR4x-2933 RAM memory, 64 GB eMMC internal memory, 15.6 inch FullHD screen, USB ports, HDMI, Wi-Fi 6 , webcam and audio outputs.
This Chromebook can be accessed with great speed (less than 3 seconds from pushing to the desktop) and, after establishing a Google account, we can instantly begin working by connecting to the Internet and launching the desktop with a start menu where we can run the Chrome-based programs.
A Chromebook’s Operation
The Chromebook may appear to be an extended version of the Chrome browser, so the question arises: does it work well only if it is permanently connected to the Internet? The answer is Yes and No at the same time! 
Even if all the main functions of the system work online (since Chromebooks are born as perennially connected systems) in reality they exist many applications designed for the Chromebook that work even offline when the computer is not connected to the internet.
So, if you’re concerned, the first myth has been debunked: Chromebooks operate alright offline, but they perform far better while connected to the Internet. Furthermore, many of the apps launch in a separate window, bypassing the browser: to do so, enter the app menu and search for the standard apps found on all Chromebooks (such as the calculator or the File application to browse folders and files in memory on the disk).
On the compatibility front, we must clarify what we assume straight away when we view Chrome OS as an operating system: since there is no Windows, you won’t be able to install apps like Microsoft Office, Acrobat Reader, or Photoshop, which you’ve been using for years.
When you open the Chrome web Store, the site where Chrome applications are collected, you will notice that there is a very valid and effective alternative for each program: for example, Microsoft Office can be successfully replaced by the Google Docs suite, which is in many ways even more convenient and effective to use.
You may therefore work securely on documents, spreadsheets, and presentations using Google Office programs, or, if we really must utilize Office systems, we remind you that Word, Excel, and Powerpoint all operate online through a dedicated website. If you’re concerned about your internet connection, be assured that the Google Office applications will operate even if you don’t have one.
In terms of other apps, we’ve previously seen the Chrome app to replace PC programs in another post.
Chromebooks include internal storage.
Because all of the papers and data we obtain from the Internet or via conversations may be synced in Google Drive, Google Photo, or other cloud spaces like Dropbox, Chromebooks’ internal storage space should only be utilized for the most critical materials.
With Chromebooks, we must place a greater focus on cloud storage and utilize it as the notebook’s primary memory; only this manner will we avoid overloading the internal space. However, if you need more storage space, you can simply add another memory card or connect an external hard drive.
Please read our article on how to utilize Google Drive Offline to view document files without an internet connection for more information.
Chromebooks can run Android applications.
With a new Chrome OS upgrade, Chromebooks can now install Android applications from the Google Play Store, including games, significantly improving the user experience.
Gmail, a mail management tool (even external to Gmail) that works without an Internet connection if you wish to view incoming messages, is one of the programs compatible with the Chromebook. In fact, anything that can be done on a Windows 10 or Windows 11 computer with the Mail app can be done on a Chromebook with the Gmail app, which is quite similar to the one found on Android tablets.
Chromebooks do not actually lack anything in terms of applications now that Android apps have arrived, since there are several well-known programs such as Microsoft Office, Photoshop, compressed file managers, image managers, and many more previously included in our top Android apps guide.
Read our guide to Chromebook tips for working online and offline for more information.
Security and dependability of Chromebooks
Another key consideration when considering Chromebooks is security. While a Mac is safer against viruses than a Windows PC, no machine is more malware-resistant than a Chromebook, which runs on Linux as its operating system.
Executable.exe and.msi files do not start on Chromebooks, safeguarding us from the majority of viruses that circulate online; add to that the fact that even viruses that propagate through email or chat messages (ransomware or cryptominers) have little chance on Chromebooks, as they are completely immune.
Another feature of security that should not be overlooked is the regular upgrades, which match those of the Chrome browser and have nearly no aging over time. The Chromebook downloads the newest security patches and upgrades without you having to do anything, so you never have to worry about having to reboot or stop working (as is often the case on Windows).
Internal verification on the Chromebook ensures that the operating system and Linux kernel have not been tampered with. Even if there were any security issues, a rapid system restoration would immediately clean everything up and restore the system to its former condition in a matter of minutes.
Even with external recovery tools, the internal memory encryption technology assures that nothing and nobody can access any of the data saved on the local disk. And, if a friend or colleague wants to use our computer, we can always set up guest access to ensure that no one can spy on what we’re doing on the computer while also ensuring that we won’t know what they’ve been looking at on the internet, as guest mode is the Chrome browser’s equivalent of private mode.
Conclusions
The Chromebook may be the greatest option for individuals looking for a computer that is ready to use right away, is quick, and powerful without breaking the bank: the finest Chromebooks are available for less than € 300, which is an unbeatable bargain for any Windows or Mac machine.
The Chromebook is the greatest computer for first-time users since there are no regular virus scans, maintenance, trash files to clear up, system settings to adjust, and so on. In essence, it proves that laptops can be made affordable to everyone: everybody who buys a Chromebook already knows they’re holding a laptop that turns on, uses, and shuts off without requiring any configuration or setup.
If we’ve persuaded you of the solution’s worth, we suggest reading our guide on the Best Chromebooks to Buy, Super Fast Google Laptops.
If you don’t like Chrome OS, you’ll be happy to learn that you can simply install Linux Ubuntu on Chromebooks and use it as an alternative operating system.
We looked at 10 reasons to purchase a Chromebook PC in another post to get a better idea of what this specific machine can achieve.
The “chromebook vs laptop for college” is a question that has been asked many times. The difference between a Chromebook and Laptop is the operating system, which is Chrome OS on Chromebooks and Windows 10 on laptops.
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