Which is better, Google or Apple?
The most recent iPad 9 and modern Chromebooks, both of which have been updated to be more effective than computers, are equally effective, so those on a tight budget no longer have to choose between them as their only choice. Both gadgets have a strong battery, a 2-in-1 hybrid form factor, and support for numerous applications. Which form factor, though, is ideal for the job?
The operating systems of Chromebooks and iPads differ, and each has a unique ecosystem of add-ons, applications, and multitasking options. Your needs and workflow, in addition to its merit, will determine which one is best for you. After contrasting the HP Chromebook x360 and the iPad (2021), you have all the information required to make an informed decision.
Software.
Chromebooks are powered by Google’s ChromeOS operating system, which was created with online users in mind. The system’s original design focused on the Chrome browser, but it later added support for Linux and Android apps. It even permits the use of Windows 11 if you have a volume license.
Undoubtedly, the 9th generation iPad runs Apple’s iPadOS. Even though it is a fork of iOS made for smartphones, it is a user-friendly operating system that has been tailored for tablets. You can work with email in a list and view the contents of individual emails on the second half of the screen, among other specialized features, thanks to the iPadOS multi-window application layout. A slide-out dock akin to a Mac is also available, as is a split screen for running two apps simultaneously.
The fact that Chrome OS is made for both tablets and desktop computers is the biggest distinction between the two operating systems. As a result, your Chromebook will display a familiar desktop environment with workflows, conveniently floating windows, and a pinned taskbar when you connect an external keyboard and mouse to it. When the hybrid device’s screen is removed, it transforms into a tablet with touch controls and full-screen apps.
The only devices that can run iPadOS are tablets. You must still deal with mobile features like full-screen apps and large, chunky buttons that are made for your fingers even when you plug in peripherals.
multitasking.
The biggest influence on multitasking comes from the ways that ChromeOS and iPadOS were developed.
Multitasking on Chromebooks won’t be alien to you if you’ve ever used a Windows or Mac computer. You will quickly feel at ease using Windows because it supports standard keyboard shortcuts and gestures. Any number of windows can be opened, and touchpad gestures can be used to switch between them. Additionally available are the options to open as many windows as you’d like, snap windows to the screen edges with a single click, and designate unique workspaces for different projects. The Chrome browser also has a few unique keyboard shortcuts that facilitate multitasking, like a three-finger swipe to switch between tabs. Other tablet modes available on the Chromebook include split-screen and picture-in-picture.
The majority of standard keyboard shortcuts, including Alt + Tab to switch between apps and swiping up with three fingers on the touchpad to access the overview screen, function on the iPad, but multitasking is a skill that requires practice.
There are no free-floating windows, so there can only be two applications open at once, and even this takes some getting used to. You must drag the dock while using one application in order to move the other application to either the left or the right. This mode won’t be as simple to launch as pressing a few keys. Another choice is to select the second app by selecting the split screen button at the top and then selecting it from the list of apps. And to make matters worse, you must drag and drop while still holding down the mouse button because iPadOS wasn’t intended for input from a touchpad. It doesn’t support the touch+hold gestures found on the majority of operating systems, including Chrome OS.
Thus, in order to carry out basic tasks, you are compelled to frequently use the touch panel. It completes the task, albeit naturally not as quickly as we would like. This is especially annoying in online meetings where you frequently need to check notes or other information. Apple’s “Slide Over” feature limits you to using just one of the two applications at once, though it might add some functionality.
Programs.
Operating systems for mobile devices include both iPadOS and its apps. Like on a Windows or Mac computer, you won’t find a collection of comprehensive desktop programs. Popular programs like Photoshop have iPad versions, but these versions lack some of the tools found in their desktop counterparts.
The iPad has one advantage over Chromebooks in that the latter due to the superior quality of innovative iPadOS apps. Professionals who plan to sketch on their devices in addition to using them for other computer-related tasks, like illustrators, will find this to be of particular use.
The Chromebook’s main draw is its Google Chrome web browser. Instead of the iPad’s severely constrained iOS operating system, you can use the Chrome OS desktop version. The vast majority of Chromebook users only use web apps for work as a result. Chrome OS can run Linux and Android apps if you need it to. While not always dependable, Android and Linux apps can still be useful for some tasks that a web browser cannot complete. In my opinion, the operating system could be better.
It is advantageous that the Chromebook app ecosystem works well with both touch and keyboard and mouse setups. The touchpad on an iPad isn’t always the most convenient way to interact with mobile applications.
Whether an app is available on Chromebooks or iPads depends on how often you use it.
Performance.
Compared to most Chromebooks in the same price range, the iPad 9 is more usable on a daily basis. Having a lot of open tabs and running apps is not a problem for tablets. Since web browsing was the focus of the Chromebook’s design, using one of these devices may be advantageous if that is what you do online most frequently. Another thing they have in common is that they should receive software updates in the coming years.
accessories and communication equipment.
Most Chromebooks come with at least a few standard ports, such as USB-C and USB-A, as well as slots for micro-SD and standard SD cards. Even HDMI is available if you can stand the thick design. Any peripheral device, such as monitors and hard drives, can be connected.
A different story can be told about the iPad, particularly the 9th generation model. It only has one Lightning port, like many other tablets, so you will need an additional adapter to pair the majority of peripherals, and even then, there is a chance that they won’t work. The Apple Smart Keyboard or Logitech Combo Touch are two recommended keyboard cases for iPad use.
The iPad is the ideal tool for illustrators, graphic designers, and artists, as was already mentioned. The stylus is supported, in addition to the fact that there are a ton of fantastic applications. The accuracy and naturalness of supported accessories like the Apple Pencil and Logitech Crayon are significantly higher.
There you have it.
If you need a regular computer with desktop-level multitasking capabilities, regular ports, an integrated keyboard and touchpad, and a web browser, a Chromebook is a more dependable option. However, for users whose workflow is concentrated on a small number of apps, the iPad is adequate, particularly for creatives.