As if there aren’t enough devices out there for mobile computing, what with laptops, iPads, tablets, and smart phones, there’s another innovation that’s making waves, and that’s the Chromebook.

To put it simply, a Chromebook is a stripped-down laptop that is dedicated to web-surfing and light tasks. Is it worth getting? The best way to answer this is to compare it to its more powerful and versatile counterparts, the laptop or notebook computer, and since the Chromebook’s weight is closer to that of the MacBook Pro, we’re going to do a comparison between them both.

Chromebook? Mac? It depends on what you want it for.

What’s A Chromebook?

The Chromebook is a lightweight laptop created for people who really just want a way of accessing the Internet with the convenience of a mobile device. It uses an operating system known as Chrome OS, which has some similarities to the MacBook’s operating systems, although Chrome OS sits atop a Linux platform.

Chromebooks usually feature an 11.6-inch screen, although there are some models with a 13 or even 14-inch display. They provide roughly six hours of battery life, and usually come with only nominal on-board storage, somewhere between 16 to 32GB. The Chromebook instead relies on Google Drive cloud storage to handle the bulk of file storage tasks. In addition, Chromebooks don’t have an optical drive, so DVDs and CDs are useless for them. It also features 2GB of system memory.

The MacBook Pro

The Intel Core i5 model of the MacBook Pro has a 13.3″ display, 4GB system memory, 500 GB hard drive, and has an optical drive. And of course, it comes with a raft of software, including iTunes, QuickTime, and iLife.

The MacBook Pro is a complete system, ideal work or leisure. It’s a lightweight, versatile machine with enough self-contained storage and processing power to satisfy most users.

The Similarities

Both products feature built-in cameras, feature Bluetooth technology, and weigh in at around four pounds. They also have similar battery life, hovering around the six or seven hour mark. Really, beyond that, it’s hard to find anything the two systems have in common, unless you want to start getting ridiculous (“Oh, look! They both have USB ports!”).

The Differences

When searching for a good difference to lead off with, it’s easy to focus on the most profound one: the price. A good Chromebook will set you back about $250, though it’s easy to find one hovering around $200. On the other hand, that MacBook Pro will cost you around $1000. But it cannot be stressed enough: you get what you pay for.

In terms of software, MacBook Pro gives you an abundance of goodies, whereas Chromebook gives you … Chrome. Of course, not having a system choked with software makes for a much faster booting time, as in just a few seconds.

And whereas the MacBook Pro comes with a standard keyboard, the Chromebook’s focus on web surfing shines through with its keyboard, which is optimized for online activity. This comes as no surprise, since Internet access appears to be the Chromebook’s raison d’etre.

Which Should You Choose?

Let’s ask a different question: Which is the best automobile: a pickup truck or a sporty 2-door coupe? If your answer is “Well, it depends on what you want it for,” then you win a gold star. In the same way, both systems have a lot going for them, but it really boils down to what you want it for.

If you want a more fitting comparison of two similar products, check out “Notebook Vs Desktop, What To Choose?”. Hey, desktops are still around, and a case can be made for their continued existence!

In any case, if you’re simply looking for a means of accessing the Internet that doesn’t require you fumbling with tiny smart phone keypads, or you want a good first laptop for your children, go with the Chromebook. If you want power, storage, and utility, get a MacBook Pro.