Let’s face facts. Laptops are pricey bits of kit, some of which can be cumbersome to lug around and expensive to replace or upgrade. This is why Chromebooks should be the first stop for a compact and affordable study companion.
Anyone familiar with a computer will be right at home with a Chromebook, and for kiddies learning their computing ropes for the first time, this is a great place to start. Now, Chromebooks open; let’s learn the essentials of Chromebook-ing.
Chrome notes
Chromebooks cover the range of laptop-like gizmos that run Chrome OS, which is based on the super-popular Chrome web browser, making it easy to pick up and use. Instead of installing and multitasking software as you would on a PC or Mac, a Chromebook lets you pop the lid and get going with the basics.
If you need to perform a specific task, hit up Google Chrome’s Web Store to nab an app to help you get the job done. You can use some 200 apps offline, which is handy for when a web connection isn’t so handy, but Chromebooks are built to shine online.
No-nonsense computing
What makes Chromebooks more appealing for basic computing is speed and automation. They’re made to be intuitive to use out of the box, and they’re built to be and stay secure care of automated background updates. Unlike tablets, Chromebooks come with keyboards, though some work as 2-in-1s, meaning you can disconnect the keyboard to switch to the lighter, easier-viewing of tablet mode.
Chromebooks include inbuilt Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for straightforward, wire-free connectivity, and touchscreens are the norm, even on budget-friendly models, to offer greater freedom of interaction and control. They’re great for students because they easily slip into a school bag without adding a lot of weight, they tend to have at least all-school-day battery life, and they’re ready to use in about the time it takes to crack open a notebook and prep a pen.
It’s easy to see why schools are endorsing Chromebooks, more so because they’re built with education tools in mind. Chromebooks allow students to learn from anywhere, while educators can manage devices from a central administration console (if they so choose), while updates every six weeks help keep the devices secure and up to date for greater peace of mind.
Chromebooks to Go
One of the best things about Chromebooks is they don’t need to break the bank. You can get started for under $500 with choices like the Lenovo Duet Chromebook ZA6F0017AU. This particular Chromebook comes with 128GB of speedy SSD storage for apps and files, 4GB of RAM to keep up with basic computing needs, and battery life of up to 10 hours. As a 2-in-1 device, the Full HD (1920×1080) touch display can easily detach to use as a 10.1-inch tablet, too.
Step the budget up a bit and you can take advantage of the extra speed in the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 82B80006UX. This Chromebook has a speedier Intel Core i3 processor, 64GB of internal storage, and 4GB of RAM.
The 13.3-inch Full HD touch-screen display is attached to a backlit keyboard, for easier low-light computing. There’s also 10 hours of battery life, as well as multiple USB ports and a microSD card reader for connectivity versatility alongside Wi-Fi 6 for future-proofed wireless speeds.
If you fancy more battery life, the 14+ hours that comes with the HP 12b-CA0011TU X360 may be more your speed, more so with fast charging that offers 50 per cent battery in just 45 minutes.
This Chromebook has a compact HD (1366×912) display, which you can rotate all the way around for an impromptu tablet. Pair it with a stylus pen for digital handwriting or art. It also boasts an Intel processor, 64GB of internal storage and the 8GB of RAM makes for speedy multitasking.
Whether you opt for a budget-friendly model or a speedier pick, Chromebooks are compact and increasingly versatile devices that can help make a student’s life easier when it comes to hitting the digital books.