Chromebook Vs Windows 8.1 laptop: Which One to Choose?

The battle of which is the best between Windows and Chromebook is an old one and is probably going to stay for quite a long time. Whichever may be the best, one thing is for sure; Google’s Chromebook is definitely giving Microsoft’s Windows 8.1 computers a tough time. And this has been happening not just in the US but also in the UK, Australia and the rest of the world.

Yet, Windows has its own market and those who have been using Windows for years never even think of quitting or replacing it with any other system. Recently Microsoft launched the latest update Windows 8.1 in its operating system. Most of its features are quite attractive for tech savvy customers and thus it is believed to revive lost market of Windows. On the other hand, users that preferred simple desktop layout are once again disappointed as the new update has tile-shaped display for the apps.

Do you wonder what makes people choose Chromebook over Windows 8.1 or vice versa?

Let’s have a look at both in terms of: compatibility, interface, user friendly designs, price range and other such features.

User Friendly Design

The Verdict:

Windows
When it comes of design and interface Windows 8.1 looks very good. This latest update displays the icons in same tiles style fashion where all the open apps are shown on the screen and the user can swipe and select from them. Though the design looks beautiful and sleek, yet this design is very much appreciated by a business man or working woman who wants to see all the open apps on a single screen, it is usually troubling for someone who prefers simple and easy-to-use designs.

Chromebook
Chromebook on the other hand has one of the simplest desktop operating system. The app launcher is placed in down left corner of the screen. The interface of Chromebook is simpler than Windows 8.1 and thus those who prefer simplicity and ease-of-use over beauty and sophistication will simply prefer Chromebook on Windows 8.1.

Characteristics and Adaptability

The Verdict:

Chromebook
Chromebooks’s most of the characteristics are cloud oriented; all your data including apps, photos, files, documents etc is either completely placed on cloud or is synchronized with your Google account. This makes your Chrome account more like a personalized space where you can keep all of your important documents and data. Apart from this, the Chromebook experience is gradually improving because of introduction of constant updates by Google in Chrome OS system allowing you to make your android phone as well as laptop more synchronized with your Chromebook. New updates are making overall adaptability of the. Chromebook more productive and effective

Windows
Windows 8.1 on the other hand has all these features, as well as is more versatile when it comes of some professional characteristics like better printing option, ease of accessing data while you are offline. Overall, Windows 8.1 is more customizable as compare to Chromebook.

Better Performance

The Verdict:

Windows
Performance vise Windows 8.1 is definitely several steps ahead than its predecessors. While Windows 7 took several minutes to start booting, Windows 8.1 takes 20 – 30 seconds to boot. However, it is pertinent to notice that the booting time depends on RAM and processor of your computer. So far, quad core chips have provided fastest booting which starts within 8 – 20 seconds.

Chromebook
While Microsoft is working to evolve its OS system by providing faster booting and more memory, Chromebook is a monster; it typically boost in less than 8 seconds and does not require any additional software or hardware. This is one of the best features of Chromebook, even those who are not good at operating difficult operate systems of Microsoft, Linux, or Apple can easily use Chromebook. With the price range that Chromebook offers, the Chrome OS is the best that one can get.

Security and System Management

The Verdict:

Windows
All Microsoft services are under constant threat from hackers and cyber attacks. Also, each Microsoft user holds independent account and is responsible for managing and securing that account without any help from Microsoft. Although there are cost effective as well as free antivirus and anti-hacking programs available, there is always need of hiring an IT admin to track urgent and unexpected attacks or to find out glitches left out by cheap or free antivirus software.

Chromebook
On the other hand, Google handles all Chrome OS accounts, and also handles security threats. Usually security updates are installed as soon as the user comes online. Although the security system is not impregnable, Chromebook is also safe because it never requires you to install local apps or software which is considered to be one of the major resources of contaminating your system with virus.

Creating Documents

The Verdict:

Windows
Every one of us needs to write or edit documents, be it college assignment, university thesis, copy for your website, a business report or simply a resume, you will always need a good app to take care of your writing tasks. Microsoft Office has adroitly dealt with this crucial need of people belonging to all walks of life. The ability to work offline gave Windows an edge over all other systems for quite some time. Windows 8.1 too is well equipped with this tool. However, the monopoly of Microsoft on producing perfect documents is challenged by none other than the Chromebook.

Chromebook
With a Google account you can conveniently log-in, open Google’s Doc and can do all the writing editing work you have been doing on Windows. Interestingly, over the past few years Google has accommodated offline writing and editing of the documents which is then synchronized with the account as soon as you come online, isn’t it pretty useful?

The Best Touch

The Verdict:

Windows
Windows 8.1 offers finest and sharpest touch gestures; you can swipe pages, open and close files and do all the other tasks with fine gestures of your finger. Acer Aspire Switch Ten can give smoother and more flawless touch than ever.

Chromebook
Chromebook with touch screens are available at as low as $169 – $300, however, they cannot compete with Windows 8.1 touch screen. The fault usually lies in slow gestures and slower processing of information when a user types quickly.

The Best Cloud Connectivity

The Verdict:

Chromebook
With Chromebook Google has adopted a cloud-first approach that works excellently if you can stay online all the time. Not more than a couple of years ago it was nearly impossible to work offline on a Chromebook as all of the apps required internet connection to work. However, now Google has evolved its system and has introduced following three changes that have made working offline on Chromebook easier.

1. Google made Drive app an integral part of its Chrome OS which allows you to work offline and synchronize data whenever you comes online.
2. Google introduced Chrome extensions that allow you to work even when you are not online; and,
3. Chrome OS has been updated to support small native apps that run directly from the Chromebook or Chromebox.

These apps allow you to make notes, sketch document or do photo editing. However, these apps are yet at rudimentary stages as compare to Windows 8.1’s robust apps.

Windows
Windows 8.1 on the other hand offers more flexible online connectivity. The user can choose to come online at his ease or can choose to work offline for hours; however he just needs to install that particular software.

Price and Value

The Verdict:

The price range for Windows 8.1 starts from $200 and can go as up as several hundred dollars. However, with greater price you get the best features including long battery life, best touch screen, best RAM and other such amazing features. On the other hand, Chromebook price range lies somewhere in $200 – $400. With this price range Chromebook offers best connectivity and easy to use interface. Along with this you get nearly unlimited RAM as most of the data is on cloud, average 8 hours battery life, brand new product and an attractive and sleek design.

Conclusion: Chromebook or Windows 8.1 ?

Both Windows 8.1 as well as Chromebook have their positive as well as negative aspects. However, it is up to you as a user to decide which one best describes your needs and which one is just a waste of money and resources. While some prefer to use easy-to use interface of Chromebook others require much complex and advanced interface of Windows 8.1. Therefore, it is necessary to know your needs before choosing any one of them.

The comparison between Chromebooks and Windows 8.1 laptops leads us to another operating system, and that is none other than the most advanced version of Microsoft’s Windows. Microsoft has named Windows 9 as Windows 10. Some of its salient features include Windows familiar start menu, and a more organized in-cloud presence. Certainly Windows 10 wants to give Chromebook a tough time, but let’s leave this for another time; after all a Chromebook Vs Windows 10 comparison deserves a blog post particularly dedicated to the comparison wholly and completely, doesn’t it?

Let us know what you think about the best system out there. Do you prefer simple and elegant Chromebooks or elaborate programs on Windows 8.1? Which one of these two gives you a better value for your money? Or do you prefer a different OS system over these two? Do comment below!