If you're considering purchasing a Chromebook, this guide is intended to help you consider everything you need to find the ideal one that suits your needs. Maybe you're deciding between a Chromebook and a laptop, and this list will help you find the perfect option for you.
Unlike a Windows or Mac laptop, the way a Chromebook works is primarily in the cloud. For this reason, you can save money up front on a machine that requires less power, since much of the storage and even processing work is done in the cloud. While this can be helpful in saving upfront costs, you need to make sure it will be used with a good internet connection or you could run into problems. That said, most Google apps also work in offline mode to let you switch between connections.
When searching for the best Chromebooks for schools You can consider the following categories to ensure you get the ideal make and model.
What is it for?
A good starting point is to think about how you are going to use your Chromebook. Is this for students or teachers, or both? If this is a unit that needs to be shared throughout the class or among students of all grades, then something solid and sturdy might be a factor to consider.
Then there is the question of power and life. Will it be plugged in or does it need a battery to run all day with no chance to recharge again? And the other type of power, processing, is also an area to consider, as you may want it for simple Google apps or something more intensive, like editing or gaming.
If you can solve all the Chromebook use cases, it will be easier to return to a model that covers all your requirements without needing to spend more on features you may never use.
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One of the main factors that influence the variation in Chromebook prices is the size and resolution of the screen. Since companies will charge more for a larger screen and higher resolution, it's worth thinking about what you'll actually need.
If the Chromebook is only going to be used to send messages to an interactive whiteboard, for example, then investing in a decent built-in display may be a waste of money. Or if students are only going to use this for word processing and web-based research, a more expensive display may not be necessary.
Consider how mobile the device needs to be, as a larger screen will add more weight and use up more battery, making it less ideal for someone on the go.
A larger or higher resolution screen will likely only be useful for those who edit images or videos, or perhaps for those who play games or need to use large spreadsheets for long periods of time during the day.
The touchscreen is also a consideration, as many Android apps can be used on ChromeOS but are designed with touch interactivity in mind.
Speed and storage
The processing power of the Chromebook will increase in price as it increases. While a faster laptop is always helpful, excess power that is never used is simply a waste of money. So if this is going to be used for Google apps like Docs, Slides, and Sheets, then it will rarely draw on the processor or RAM at any level that is too taxing.
Only if the Chromebook is going to be used for gaming, video and image editing, or a lot of heavy multitasking and dual-screen output, you may want to consider investing in a higher-end processor or more RAM. As a rule of thumb: around 4GB is enough for most tasks when it comes to teaching and working with a Chromebook.
The same can be said for storage, although since most of a Chromebook is cloud-based, there's little need for much solid-state memory. For that reason, a base configuration of 32 GB or 64 GB will be sufficient for most needs.
Connectivity
Ports can be an important factor to consider when purchasing a Chromebook, as they limit the degree of connection a person can have. Sure, there's plenty of digital connectivity with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, but for anything that requires a wired connection you'll want the right ports.
So, from outputting to an interactive whiteboard or projector to connecting your external storage or flash drive, ports can often be the fastest and most reliable options.
Some basic ports to consider include USB-C, USB-A, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a microSD card slot for optional memory expansion.
Prices
Chromebooks generally represent a financial savings compared to Windows or Mac laptops when it comes to initial purchase price. This may also extend to usage, as Google's suite of apps is also available free for use, although charges may apply for school-specific functionality.
Look at the different brands that offer Chromebooks, as they will offer competitive pricing as well as a variety of pricing options within their models. Going to the lower end doesn't mean losing much, as even the most basic model now comes with enough memory and battery life for most of the school day with all basic tasks covered.
One consideration is that each drive comes with a shelf life that indicates how long it will be supported. Additionally, build strength can vary, so it's worth considering both the warranty and the software support period when weighing the initial charge.
