Acer's updated Chromebook Spin 713 two-in-one is the first with Thunderbolt 4 support and is Intel Evo verified.
Josh Goldman/CNET
If you're looking for an affordablenew computer that you can take on the go, Chromebooksare a tempting option -- with some even dipping below $300. The web-browser-based Chromebooks, which come in bothlaptopandtwo-in-onedesigns, run on Google's minimalisticChromeoperating system. Before making the leap from aWindowsorMacOSsystem, it's important to consider whether a Chromebook will offer everything you need from a computer.
Read more:Best laptop under $500 for 2022
When Chromebooksfirst arrived in 2011they were routinely derided -- and rightfully so -- for their limited functionality and reliance on a consistent internet connection. The operating system turned 10 years old last year and today's Chromebooks are far from where they started, but some things haven't changed, and you might not be willing to work with the limitations they do have. [Also, if you don't feel like reading this and would just rather experience Chrome OS, here's how to temporarily run it on any laptop using an inexpensive USB flash drive you probably already have lying around.]
Video: Here's why a Chromebook might be all the laptop you need
What's the difference between a Chromebook and other laptops?
A Chromebook is a budget-friendly alternative to a Windows laptop or MacBook. Chromebooks run on the Google operating system Chrome OS, which means that Windows and macOS programs don't work on these devices. That doesn't mean that Chromebooks don't have advantages over other laptops. On this page, we'll explain the difference between a Chromebook and other laptops.
Apps
You don't buy a notebook for its nice hardware; you get it to run programs and get online. Windows still has the lead in quantity and diversity with many of the mainstays of computing, like the Office suite, Photoshop, Netflix and Spotify, plus a slew of games.
[Image credit: Tom's Guide]That said, with the addition of Android apps, Chromebooks are catching up quickly with many key applications, like Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Skype. On the other hand, all Chromebooks have a sell-by date, after which Google will no longer update the system's software. Although the same thing will happen to Windows 7 systems next year [after 11 years on the market], it occurs for Chromebooks after about six years.
Advantage: Windows 10
Security
Because Google controls the Chromebook ecosystem, it keeps a tight grip on security and frequently updates its code base to stay a step ahead of hackers. Despite Windows 10 having a big bull's-eye on its back for malware writers to aim at, there are cybersecurity advantages. Microsoft includes Windows Defender software that can effectively protect a system against break-ins, and you don't have to do anything to protect a new computer.
Advantage: Chromebook [for now]
What's the difference between Chromebooks and laptops and which should you buy on Black Friday?
By
Kim Key
last updated 1 December 21
Which one should you pick?