Cheap Windows Laptops vs Chromebooks: Which is Right for You?
The Return of Affordable Windows Laptops
A new generation of budget-friendly Windows laptops, starting with the HP Stream, is emerging, bringing the price point back down to around $200.
These devices represent a significant improvement over the previously criticized netbooks.
Comparing Windows Laptops and Chromebooks
However, it's important to note that Chromebooks often offer a more compelling experience in several key areas.
This isn't to suggest that Chromebooks are universally superior; rather, both Chromebooks and inexpensive Windows laptops cater to distinct user needs.
Each type of device possesses its own unique advantages and is best suited for different audiences.
Understanding the Target User
The suitability of either a Chromebook or a low-cost Windows laptop is highly dependent on individual requirements.
Not all users will find a Chromebook to be the ideal solution, and similarly, budget Windows laptops won't appeal to everyone.
Identifying the Right Device
Consider your typical computing tasks to determine which platform aligns best with your workflow.
Both options provide access to the digital world, but their strengths lie in different areas.
The Resurgence of Affordable Windows Laptops
The availability of inexpensive Windows laptops isn't a recent development. They initially gained widespread popularity with the introduction of netbooks. These devices experienced a surge in sales, but demand eventually diminished.
Early netbooks, while affordable and portable, presented several limitations. Performance was often sluggish, screen sizes were restrictive, and the typing experience was frequently unsatisfactory. The emergence of tablets further contributed to their decline, offering a more compelling and cost-effective solution for basic internet access.
With the release of Windows 8, Microsoft shifted its focus away from netbooks and discontinued the availability of low-cost "Windows 7 Starter" licenses. Consequently, the market for budget-friendly Windows laptops contracted as Microsoft prioritized higher-priced devices featuring touchscreen capabilities.
This created an opportunity for Chromebooks, which rapidly gained market share in the absence of competitive low-end Windows options.
Further Reading: Understanding "Windows 8.1 with Bing" – Is Bing Required?
Currently, Microsoft is actively seeking to challenge Chromebooks in the entry-level market segment. Laptop manufacturers are now able to produce affordable Windows laptops, such as the HP Stream, without incurring any licensing fees from Microsoft – a cost of $0.
This is made possible by "Windows 8.1 With Bing," a version of the operating system that is functionally identical to standard Windows for most users. Unlike older, restrictive versions like Windows 7 Starter, there are no imposed limitations on functionality.
Microsoft’s strategy is to encourage consumers considering a Chromebook to instead opt for a device like the HP Stream, positioning these laptops within the same price bracket and targeting a similar user base.
Image of the HP Stream 11 courtesy of Microsoft.
Chromebooks vs. Budget Laptops: A Comparative Analysis
Recent media attention has focused on devices like the HP Stream, often touted as potential "Chromebook killers." However, these represent distinct product categories, with Chromebooks offering a range of compelling benefits.
Key Advantages of Chromebooks
- Simplified User Experience: Unlike the HP Stream, which features a complete Windows desktop environment complete with pre-installed bloatware, Chromebooks utilize a streamlined desktop designed primarily for web browsing. This eliminates the complexity of managing multiple interfaces, such as the Windows 8.1 interface.
- Reduced System Administration: Maintaining a Chromebook is significantly less demanding. Users are spared the necessity of installing and managing security software and other utilities. Updates occur seamlessly in the background, typically requiring only a single, swift reboot for patching. This contrasts sharply with the frequent reboots and multiple patch installations often experienced with Windows systems.
- Enhanced Security Profile: While not entirely impervious to threats – malicious extensions from the Chrome Web Store represent a potential vulnerability – Chromebooks are largely shielded from the vast landscape of Windows-targeted malware. This inherent security advantage is substantial.
- Streamlined Device Management: Chromebooks excel in manageability, contributing to their rapid adoption within educational institutions. Schools can efficiently administer their Chromebook fleets through Google’s web-based console, bypassing the need for dedicated server infrastructure typically required by Microsoft solutions like Active Directory.
The inherent advantages of Chromebooks suggest that schools are unlikely to abandon them in favor of lower-priced Windows laptops.
Chromebooks continue to provide a compelling alternative.
Image of the Toshiba Chromebook 2, courtesy of Toshiba.The Advantages of Affordable Windows Laptops Over Chromebooks
A strong case can certainly be made for Windows-based systems. The primary benefit of Windows lies in its extensive compatibility and processing capabilities. It unlocks access to a significantly broader range of software, including legacy Windows programs, professional productivity suites, and a vast library of PC games available through platforms like Steam.
For users requiring these applications, a Windows PC is essential. Interestingly, even the Chrome browser itself can be operated within a Windows environment.
However, it’s important to acknowledge the limitations of budget-friendly Windows laptops. These machines are not ideally suited for resource-intensive tasks such as running Photoshop, utilizing demanding desktop applications, or playing modern, graphically complex games.
Their strength resides in handling lighter software and older game titles. To experience a more powerful Windows PC, a higher investment is typically required.
Furthermore, the Windows platform boasts a more comprehensive selection of robust and feature-rich software. While Chromebooks excel within the web-based ecosystem, users may encounter difficulties if their workflow extends beyond what can be accomplished online.
Making a Laptop Purchase
Related: Should You Buy a Chromebook?
When considering a new laptop, the central question revolves around which type to choose. For users primarily needing web access, Chromebooks generally outperform similarly priced Windows laptops. While technically proficient individuals may maximize the potential of a Windows laptop, a Chromebook offers a streamlined experience.
This simplicity makes Chromebooks ideal for those unfamiliar with Windows or seeking a device for less tech-savvy family members, minimizing the risk of malware infections and subsequent support requests.
However, if your workflow depends on specific Windows software and requires substantial processing power, a Windows laptop is the more suitable option. It’s crucial to evaluate whether a budget-friendly $200 laptop can adequately handle the demands of your intended software.
Often, investing in more powerful hardware is necessary to achieve satisfactory performance with a full Windows system. Higher-end Windows laptops can provide sufficient capabilities for desktop application users, but cheaper models may fall short.
The HP Stream, running Windows 8.1 with Bing, doesn't currently pose a significant challenge to Chromebooks. The inherent complexity of Windows and its management requirements remain obstacles when simplicity is a priority.
Nevertheless, if you find Chromebooks somewhat limiting in functionality, an affordable Windows laptop like the HP Stream could be a viable alternative. Microsoft’s renewed competition in this space is a positive development.
Ultimately, increased competition should result in improved products for all consumers, regardless of their laptop preference.