Lap Of Honor: Chromebook Or Netbook

Which laptop will give you more bang for your buck?
The desktop computer may have survived recent assassination attempts from tablets and smartphones, but its enduring popularity is coming under renewed attack from a triumvirate of portable computers. Laptops and netbooks have long been favoured for their portability, with Google-powered Chromebooks representing a modern alternative. Since each device has its own benefits and drawbacks, it’s useful to consider which works best for different user requirements.
Best for cloud work – Chromebook
Chromebooks take their name from Google’s Chrome web browser and operating system, and these internet-dependent devices major on rapid boot-up times and safe browsing. With automatic updates providing real-time antivirus protection alongside the newest browsing functionalities, each Chromebook has been streamlined to prioritize web access. That’s ideal for regular users of cloud services like Dropbox, Spotify or Google’s own Docs package. However, the lack of Flash and Java compatibility can be problematic on certain websites.
Best for regular travellers – Netbook
For people constantly on the move, a netbook represents the optimal solution. Small screens and keyboards minimize their physical size, while their battery life can shame bigger devices that have to power larger displays and run more background apps. The UK’s patchy Wi-Fi infrastructure hobbles Chromebooks, which really need to be online to perform effectively.
Best for home workers – laptop
Apple’s MacBook Pro and Air represent the OS X platform with distinction, but a Windows-powered laptop is effectively a portable desktop PC. New laptops have HD screens and powerful processors, while their keyboards and trackpads are far more robust and useable than before. A docking station can transform a laptop into a proper desk-based computer with peripherals and a large monitor, capable of running everything from DTP packages to Office.
Best for affordability – netbook or Chromebook
The market is moving away from netbooks, as Chromebooks continue to tumble in price. If all you want is a cheap and portable device, the sub-£150 purchase price for basic HP and Lenovo Chromebooks is fairly compelling. Netbooks are even more affordable, though their limited specs and sluggish performance seem anachronistic in 2016.
Best for beginners – Chromebook
Because Chromebooks use a web-based interface, it’s easy for anyone with basic internet skills to acclimatize to them, particularly since Chrome is now the world’s most popular web browser. Netbooks and laptops will be powered by Apple’s less intuitive OS X or a Windows variant, although Windows 10 has the most user-friendly interface to date. Its easily identifiable apps and the voice-controlled Cortana assistant represent welcome steps towards simplicity, even if Chrome OS provides an easier introduction to computer ownership for beginners.
Best for gaming – laptop
Although the Chrome Web Store contains thousands of apps, Google’s Chrome OS isn’t particularly well catered for in terms of gaming. Software companies have traditionally focused their energies on the dominant Windows-powered PC market, and that remains the case today. Even a high-end laptop may struggle with the graphics requirements of modern MMORPG and FPS games, so choose a device with a powerful GPU.
Best for peripherals – laptop
Another win for the laptop. Chromebooks have issues even connecting to a printer, while activities like scanning are best delegated to friends or relatives. Netbooks have a different problem in that their antiquated OS (often Windows XP) and lack of memory turn everything into a struggle. Conversely, a decent laptop (particularly a high-end ultrabook) should be able to communicate with almost any peripheral currently on sale.

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