Last updated on March 3, 2022
The Benefits of Chromebooks vs. Laptops and iPads for Education
Chromebook usage skyrocketed in the education sector in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and the corresponding shift to remote learning. The demand for these devices more than doubled in 2020, as learning and working environments moved from schools and office buildings into people’s homes.
Thanks to their portability, long battery life, and ease of use, Chromebooks became a popular choice for students and remote workers alike, who viewed them immediately as one of the best options on the market.
Even with many students now back in physical classrooms, there remains a need for secure, accessible devices to ensure that students, teachers, and administrative staff have both the tools and flexibility they require to get work done.
In this article, we’ll explore how Chromebooks compare to iPad devices and other laptops when it comes to performance, affordability, security, accessibility, and more.
Chromebooks vs. Laptops
There are a few key differences between a Chromebook and a traditional laptop, the biggest of which is that Chromebooks are thin clients, which are devices that run on central servers instead of local hard drives. Chromebooks run on the Google operating system, Chrome OS.
Chrome OS differs from other operating systems because it is based on the Google Chrome browser. It operates from the cloud instead of running fully on the device itself, as is the case with commonly used operating systems like Windows and macOS.
Because Chromebooks run on Chrome OS, they can access Google’s full suite of productivity and collaboration tools seamlessly. This includes Google Classroom and Google Workspace for Education, the latter of which is used by more than 170 million teachers and educators around the world.
Processing Power and Hardware
Chrome OS is a lightweight operating system that requires less processing power than a laptop running Windows OS. Unlike traditional laptops, Chromebooks do not require a lot of random access memory (RAM) or high processing power to function well, and they’re lightweight, portable, and offer a long battery life.
Because they use web-based programs and Google cloud storage, Chromebooks don’t face lag- time due to other programs running in the background. With processes occurring within the Chrome browser or the cloud, Chromebooks can offer better system speed and efficiency than standard laptops.
Chromebooks also tend to have less hardware than other laptops on the market, which is why some models are significantly more affordable than other brands (although Chromebook Enterprise devices can be more expensive than regular Chromebooks).
Internet Connectivity
Since Chromebooks rely on browser-based applications, they typically include high-end internet adapters. A Windows laptop has various Wi-Fi adapter options, but they are also better suited to work offline thanks to locally installed applications.
When the first Chromebook models were introduced in the US in 2010, their functionality was limited because it relied on consistent internet access. Today, however, Chromebooks can work offline or online via Wi-Fi and mobile broadband connections.
Specialized Chromebooks are also available to support students with limited internet access. These “Always Connected” devices have an LTE connectivity option that enables internet connection using a cellular network.
Many Chrome OS applications are designed to work without an internet connection. For example, an offline user can create, edit, and view Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides. When the Chromebook is back online, changes sync back to the cloud automatically.
Internet Connectivity
Since Chromebooks rely on browser-based applications, they typically include high-end internet adapters. A Windows laptop has various Wi-Fi adapter options, but they are also better suited to work offline thanks to locally installed applications.
When the first Chromebook models were introduced in the US in 2010, their functionality was limited because it relied on consistent internet access. Today, however, Chromebooks can work offline or online via Wi-Fi and mobile broadband connections.
Specialized Chromebooks are also available to support students with limited internet access. These “Always Connected” devices have an LTE connectivity option that enables internet connection using a cellular network.
Many Chrome OS applications are designed to work without an internet connection. For example, an offline user can create, edit, and view Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides. When the Chromebook is back online, changes sync back to the cloud automatically.
Chromebooks vs. MacBooks
When comparing Chromebooks and MacBook computers for educational use, the two biggest differentiating factors are price and OS updates.
Pricing
Chromebooks and MacBook computers occupy very different places on the pricing spectrum. The starting price for a MacBook Air is $999, which provides a device with 16 GB of storage and up to 11 hours of battery life.
A 13-inch MacBook Pro starts at $1,299, and the larger 16-inch MacBook Pro comes at a price point of $2,399. Chromebooks, by comparison, average around $500 in cost with a battery life of nine to 12 hours, depending on the model and usage habits.
A Chromebook’s local storage is limited, but that is by design. Because they store most of their files and content in the cloud, Chromebooks require minimal hard drive storage.
While Chromebooks run Google applications natively, a MacBook user needs to download the Google Classroom application to run them on macOS. Installing new applications takes up storage space, and newer macOS versions (e.g., Big Sur) can take up 35 GB of space.
Every time you upgrade the macOS, it requires even more of the device’s available storage space.
OS Updates
In addition to offering more affordable devices, Chrome OS also offers superior security and functionality over macOS. According to the latest State of Malware report, detections of malware, ransomware, and other business threats increased by more than 61% in 2020.
An up-to-date operating system with the latest security fixes is key to protecting your device. With automatic updates, Chromebooks are always running on the most recent and secure version of Chrome OS.
MacBook computers receive a major operating system update yearly, but it is the user’s responsibility to download updates that address security risks and glitches in between those annual updates.
Chromebooks are updated more frequently, with major updates available every six weeks and minor updates occurring every two or three weeks. These updates happen automatically, requiring no effort on the user’s part and no disruption in usage.
iPads vs. Chromebooks
Like the Chromebook, the iPad has also made its way into the classroom thanks to its versatility and portability, as well as the development of interactive applications that can support learning processes. So, how do they stack up against one another?
External Accessories
The iPad is a touch-only device, but it can be connected via Bluetooth to a mouse, trackpad, and/or keyboard. However, budget-conscious school systems may be hesitant to invest in extra tools to move beyond touchscreen functionality.
Adding a smart keyboard can cost an additional $159—or more—per iPad, plus an extra $99 for a first-generation Apple Pencil. The keyboard makes the iPad more like a laptop for ease of use when writing essays and other assignments.
Apple Pencil is a digital stylus that can be used for drawing, editing, and note taking within iPadOS applications. The stylus gives users greater precision when using the touch screen, but it’s only compatible with newer iPad devices.
When you add these accessories into the purchase price, iPad devices can quickly become too costly for schools with budget constraints.
On the contrary, Chromebooks come with a built-in keyboard and touchpad, so students and educators can get to work as soon as they boot up their devices.
That said, there are external accessories available for Chromebooks:
- Monitor. External monitors enhance productivity by giving users more space for tabs and accessories. Monitors come in a variety of sizes and specs, with prices ranging from $175 to over $800.
- Docking station. A docking station connects the Chromebook to any external monitors. These stations come in all shapes and sizes with a price range from less than $100 to over $500, depending on the number of ports and other features.
- Mouse. While the touchpad gets the job done, many users prefer a wireless mouse for added comfort and precision. A basic wireless mouse can cost under $10, while one with an ergonomic design can be as much as $100.
- Keyboard. Chromebooks come with a built-in keyboard, but some users prefer the added ability to work with an external keyboard. A wireless keyboard that includes the Chrome OS function keys is available for $50.
IT Management
Chromebook installation and distribution is simple, and school IT administrators can manage devices remotely through the Google Admin console.
Distributing and managing iPad devices can be much more time-consuming. One K-12 school district, for example, reported that it takes less time to manage a fleet of 500 Chromebooks than a single iPad cart with 30 iPad devices.
Thanks to Chrome OS, Chromebooks update independently, with pending updates completed before the Chromebook is finished booting, which greatly reduces the workload of IT teams greatly.
Updating an iPad, on the other hand, is a manual process that requires both a mobile device manager (MDM) and Apple School Manager for IT teams to update these devices.
Multiple User Access
Because students access Chromebooks through their Google accounts, it’s easy to share a single set of Chromebooks across multiple classes. When a student logs in to their individual account, their settings, accessibility features, and extensions are loaded automatically onto the Chromebook when the student logs in.
Student information and work is saved to the cloud rather than a hard drive, ensuring that nothing is lost or compromised.
Schools must use shared iPad devices to replicate Chromebook’s process of saving and retrieving personalized student settings. Shared iPad devices store individual information locally, rather than in the cloud, so students are assigned to a particular shared device based on Managed Apple IDs that are issued by the school.
If a shared iPad device assigned to multiple students is lost or damaged, all those students can potentially have their information impacted.
Durability
Chromebooks are built for durability, but the same cannot be said for iPad devices. To protect them from bumps and falls off desks and device carts, Chromebooks are encased in thick polycarbonate shells and rubber bumpers.
Chromebooks are available with varying degrees of water resistance and drop protection—neither of which are associated with iPad devices. Chromebooks built specifically for educational use also include additional features, such as microbe-resistant screens to stop the spread of germs amongst students and educators.
An iPad can be easily bent by hand easily, especially if pressure is applied around the microphone or the small plastic area for wireless charging. It is not water-resistant, so users are encouraged to purchase Apple Care+ and water resistant cases to protect the iPad.
Optimize Chromebooks for Education with Parallels Desktop for Chrome OS
Chromebooks are increasingly popular classroom devices that are easy to use and deliver reliable performance.
Despite their numerous benefits, Chromebooks have one notable downside: They cannot run full-featured Windows applications.
Parallels® Desktop for Chrome OS eliminates this downside. With this solution, Chromebooks that meet certain system requirements can run full-featured Windows applications and legacy software, even while offline.
Users can run Windows applications in full-screen or side-by-side configurations with Chrome OS, without needing to reboot the device.
With Parallels Desktop for Chrome OS, students, educators, and school administrators can increase the functionality of Chromebook devices without having to invest in MacBook computers, iPad devices, or other laptops that may not offer the same ease- of- use and security features.
