If you’re looking to buy a new computer, you might be wondering whether a Chromebook or Chromebox is the right choice for you. Chromebooks and Chromeboxes are like two peas in a pod, with one being a desktop-centric device and the other laptop-centric.
Chromebooks and Chromeboxes are both Chrome OS computers, but there are some key differences. In this guide, we’ll be comparing these devices to answer the question – what’s the difference between a Chromebook and Chromebox?
What is a Chromebook?
Chromebooks are laptops that run Google’s Chrome OS operating system. They’re designed to connect to the internet and use cloud-based applications rather than local applications. They’re lightweight and portable, and they tend to be less expensive than traditional PCs. While they lack many features that you would find on a Windows computer or Mac, they make up for it with their simplicity and ease of use.
What is a Chromebox?
A Chromebox is the desktop version of a Chromebook, and it runs Chrome OS, which means it’s designed for web browsing and light productivity tasks such as word processing, spreadsheets and presentations. Like traditional desktops, you will need a keyboard, monitor and mouse to use a Chromebox.
Form Factor
A Chromebook is configured from the factory to specifications such as the display, speakers, and internal battery. Chromeboxes don’t have any of these things, and you must connect them to a monitor, keyboard and mouse to use them.
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Battery Life
Chromebooks are well known for their good battery life. They use dynamic frequency scaling, which decreases their performance levels at specific periods so that they can save power. You can’t say the same for Chromeboxes, which require you to attach them to a power source to work.
Portability
Chromebooks are among the most portable computers in the world. They weigh about 1.5-3 pounds and are easy to carry. Some Chromebooks detach and function as tablets with additional controls for dedicated use.
Chromeboxes on their own are tiny desktop PCs that can even fit in your pocket. However, the need for a monitor, mouse and keyboard makes their transportation hectic.
Availability
While Chromebooks and Chromeboxes have been around for about the same amount of time, Chromebooks are more popular than Chromeboxes. The number of models available for purchase is greater for Chromebooks than Chromeboxes.
So, is a Chromebook better than a Chromebox? The answer largely depends on how you intend to use it and what your goals are. Chromebooks are laptops, and Chromeboxes are desktop computers. The similarity in name is that they leverage Google’s Chrome operating system.
