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We’re excluding Apple from this discussion because budget and MacBook don’t go in the same sentence.

Given the header on this website, you might think you already know how this is going to go.

Chromebook vs Windows laptops

Chromebooks have come a long way in recent times.

It’s better described as value.

There will still be limitations, but less than on a Windows laptop with this little memory.

Chrome OS itself has come alongway.

Black Friday 2023 deals at Windows Central

Chromebooks have come a long way in recent times.

Gone are the days that it was essentially a glorified web internet tool.

That includes if you’re in the Microsoft ecosystem.

Microsoft 365 is available as web apps, and they work really well.

Lenovo Chromebook C340 11

Chromebooks have come a long way in recent times.

There are evengaming Chromebooksnow.

At the right price, there’s a strong case to buy one.

you’ve got the option to grab one for yourself from Amazon and save more than 28%.

Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming Chromebook with Xbox Game Pass

There are even gaming Chromebooks nowadays. How ‘bout that.

Look no further than the Duet 5 Chromebook from Lenovo with its 13.3-inch OLED display.

A big part of that is the legacy of Windows.

I’m not talking about Microsoft apps here, of course.

Lenovo Slim 3 Chromebook (4GB/64GB): $319 $194 at Amazon

Rather, the wide-world of third party software.

Take creators, for example.

This is but one example, but it sets out the message.

Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 Chromebook: $499 $329 at Best Buy

Only on a Windows laptop are you going to find dedicated GPUs as well.

That’s not just important for gamers, but that’s an obvious target.

By contrast, a Windows 11 gaming laptop can pack an Intel Core i9 and an NVIDIA RTX 4090.

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga (Gen 8)

Windows laptops still have plenty to offer over a Chromebook.

That trend continues into storage and RAM, also.

Chromebooks right now seem to top out at 16GB, which for Chrome OS is plenty.

But heavy workloads will demand more.

Lenovo Legion 9i (Gen 8) on desk.

Chromebook gaming is OK, but serious gamers still need Windows.

There’s also the case of familiarity.

It may sound silly, but humans generally don’t do well with change.

Most of us have grown up using Windows.

HP Envy x360 | was $1,149.99 now $699.99

It’s a hard band-aid to pull off.

Of course, it’s also a traditional laptop with a refined design.

Right now, you’re able to save on Intel or AMD models of the PC.

MSI Thin GF63 — RTX 4050 | $999 now $872.75 at Amazon

An RGB keyboard, a 144Hz panel, and DLSS upscaling technology will all appeal to gamers.

Only you might make that decision.

Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 in photos

It’s a tougher choice than ever, choosing between a Windows laptop and a Chromebook.

Laptop Keyboard For Chuwi…

Avita Magus II

Microsoft Surface Pro 11 with Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite

Surface Laptop 7

Dell Inspiron 14 2-in-1 (7445)

Image of the ASUS Zenbook A14 (2025).

Image of the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 (2024) gaming laptop.

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during the United Nations General Assembly seen on a laptop computer in Hastings on the Hudson, New York, U.S., on Tuesday, Sept. 22. 2020.

Lenovo IdeaPad 5x 2-in-1 deal

Moto book 60

Renderings of the 50th Anniversary Exclusive Microsoft Surface Laptop.

Diablo 4 Season 7 Season of the Witch

Marathon gameplay reveal

Promotional screenshot of characters from Zenless Zone Zero

MSI Claw 8 AI+ propped up next to an ROG Ally X on a table.