As a Microsoft partner we’ve been receiving information about how a Windows Machine can do so much than a Chromebook. This has definitely grabbed our attention as we recently did reviews on our Chromebook Experience, and now we want to delve deep into which option is better for your organization – The Chromebook or a Competitively Priced Windows Machine.
The Chromebook
The Chromebook options that start at $199 are perfect for certain organizations whose platforms are in the cloud or who can accomplish work with a simple web browser. This is a great option to keep your budget small, and not have any effect on your productivity. While it’s obvious that this isn’t the solution for everyone, we definitely feel that there is a place and a time for a Chromebook to replace your next laptop.
Windows Laptop
Windows has been advertising that with laptops that start at $249.99, the $50 dollar difference between a Chromebook and a Windows Laptop in a no-brainer. With a Chromebook you can surf the web and use web apps, but with a Windows Laptop you can do so much more:
- Microsoft Office and Other Windows Programs
- Skype, iTunes, Photoshop, Quicken and other essential programs
- Desktop – a place to save files locally
- Printers and peripherals compatibility
- Choose where to store documents for organization
- Media Consumption
When you breakdown the capabilities of a full laptop compared to a Chromebook, it’s hard to argue that a full laptop is definitely more scalable to your business than a device for web access.
Windows Laptop Lineup
If you visit Microsoft’s Store you’ll find a plethora of options in laptops that are extremely competitive with the price of a Google Chromebook, but with a laptop you gain more functionality.
The Verdict: Chromebook or Windows Laptop
Ultimately, if your business has not made the move to the Cloud completely, you may find that the Chromebook has some serious limitations. Now based on the volume of users that will need a device, this price difference may justify the limitations for a larger scale transition. However in our opinion, if you are not fully in the cloud, or if you think your business is still growing at a fast pace, the Windows Laptop’s available in a similar price range will definitely give you more freedom.
As we gravitate towards cloud based or internet based solutions as a society, there is definitely a spot in the market for a Chromebook. However, for many small businesses, looking to buy a small handful of these devices, the small cost difference cannot justify the added features that a full laptop can provide.
It is obvious that the Chromebook disrupted the market, and Windows Laptop manufacturers as well as Microsoft had to respond. I think they came back with strong points that make the full Windows environment still the default for business machines and the right investment when looking at a new workstation for your team.
