Chromebooks: College And University Student Device Choice?

Chromebooks are a cheap, user-friendly brand of laptop from Google, which runs Google's Chrome OS. They are popular in schools, with 85% of schools and school districts in the US having a Chromebook program in place as of 2019. However, they are less common in higher education. This may be due to the limited software available on Chromebooks, which are unable to run desktop applications or specific Windows or Mac programs. For college students, this could be an issue if their course requires the use of specialized software. Nevertheless, Chromebooks are still a viable option for many students, offering good battery life, integration with Google services, and protection from viruses and malware.

Chromebooks are cheap and user-friendly

Chromebooks are a cheap and user-friendly brand of laptop from Google. They are a simpler version of a PC laptop, running Google's Chrome OS, which is optimized for web browsing. They are ideal for students as they are easy to use, have long battery lives, and offer good protection against viruses and malware. They are also lightweight, compact, and portable, making them convenient for students to carry around.

Chromebooks are also very affordable, with an average retail price of under $150, making them perfect for students on a budget. They are cheaper than Apple and Windows machines, and much less costly to maintain. Chrome OS, being an OS built around web apps, has fewer installation and fixation issues. Files stored on the cloud also mean fewer headaches for recovery and backup.

Google's office productivity services are good for most uses and work offline. Integration with Google services such as Gmail, Google Photos, and Google Drive is another advantage. Most models come with standard laptop ports such as USB, HDMI, and SD Card. They also have a built-in media player for music and most videos.

However, it is important to note that Chrome OS is built around using web services only, so users cannot install desktop applications. Google Docs can also be slow with larger papers. Additionally, Chromebooks may not be suitable for users who need powerful hardware or those who prefer to install different browsers. Onboard storage is also extremely limited and non-upgradeable, and most models lack Ethernet ports.

They have long-lasting battery life

Chromebooks are a cheap, user-friendly brand of laptop from Google. They are a popular choice for students, especially in K-12 schools. They are lightweight, have a long-lasting battery life, and are easy to carry around.

The long-lasting battery life of Chromebooks is one of their most attractive features for students. The battery can last up to two days, which is more than enough to get through a typical school day without needing to recharge. This means fewer interruptions in learning, making them ideal for students who need to work through long classes or study sessions without access to a power outlet.

The Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 (2024) is a great example of a Chromebook with impressive battery life. Its battery can easily last through a full school day, and its compact design makes it perfect for students who are always on the go. The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i Chromebook 14 (2023) is another excellent option, with a battery life of around 13 hours, allowing students to get through a typical school day with ease.

The long-lasting battery life of Chromebooks is a significant advantage, ensuring that students can stay connected and productive throughout their day without worrying about their device dying. This feature, along with their affordability, ease of use, and integration with Google services, makes Chromebooks a popular choice for students, especially those on a budget or with simple tech needs.

They integrate with Google services

Chromebooks are a cheap, user-friendly brand of laptop from Google. They run Google's own Chrome OS, a simple and sleek operating system that's optimized for browsing the web. They are popular for education, especially in K-12 schools. Chromebooks are also popular with college and university students.

Chromebooks integrate seamlessly with Google services. They come with Google's office productivity services, which are good for most uses and can work offline. These services include Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides, which are powerful and integrate with Zotero for bibliographic citation management. Google's office suite is similar to Microsoft Office, with Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides comparable to Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, respectively. Google's services also include Gmail, Google Photos, and Google Drive.

Google has been updating its tools to ensure seamless file and service sharing across ChromeOS and Windows devices, similar to Apple's long-standing integrated ecosystem. For example, ChromeOS now offers the ability to stream your phone screen directly to your laptop, reflecting its commitment to improving cross-device services and supporting a wide range of devices simultaneously.

Google also provides routine updates straight to Chromebooks, ensuring that users have the latest security updates and protections. Additionally, Chromebooks have good protection against viruses and malware.

Chromebooks also integrate with Google's cloud services, providing ample cloud storage for students' work. However, this also means that users are pushed towards using Google's cloud services for everything, as onboard storage is extremely limited and non-upgradeable.

They are good for virus and malware protection

Chromebooks are a cheap, user-friendly brand of laptop from Google, and they are popular for education. They are a good choice for students as they are budget-friendly and have good virus and malware protection.

Chromebooks run on ChromeOS, which is built on the Linux operating system. Linux is open-source, meaning that anyone can contribute to its development, and more people working on it raises the chances that bugs will be caught and fixed before they become problems. ChromeOS is also based on the Android operating system, so some Android antivirus apps work on it.

Chromebooks use the principle of "defence in depth" to provide multiple layers of protection. Each web page and application runs in a restricted environment called a "sandbox". If the Chromebook is directed to an infected page, it can’t affect the other tabs or apps on the computer, or anything else on the machine. The threat is contained. Even if malware manages to escape the sandbox, the Chromebook is still protected. Every time the Chromebook starts up, it does a self-check called "Verified Boot". If it detects that the system has been tampered with or corrupted, it will repair itself without any effort, taking the Chromebook back to an operating system that’s as good as new.

Chromebooks also have automatic updates, data encryption, and a fast, easy recovery option. They are designed with multiple layers of security to protect against malware and cyber-attacks, and they are considered to be one of the most secure types of computers that you can buy.

However, it is important to note that Chromebooks are not completely invincible against viruses and malware. While they are less vulnerable than other operating systems, they can still be affected by fake browser extensions, dangerous and insecure websites, scam apps, phishing, and suspicious sites. Therefore, it is recommended to use additional antivirus software for extra protection.

They are lightweight and portable

Chromebooks are lightweight and portable, making them ideal for students who are always on the go. They are designed with a compact build, making them easy to carry around and perfect for fitting into small backpacks. Their lightweight design means they won't weigh students down as they move between classes or travel to and from campus.

The Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 (2024) model, for example, is a sturdy and compact 14-inch device with a long-lasting battery, making it a great choice for students who need to work remotely or on the move. The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i Chromebook 14 (2023) is another 14-inch option with a traditional clamshell design. It offers excellent portability and ease of transport, along with a bright and colourful FHD display.

Chromebooks also have long-lasting batteries, which is a huge advantage for students who need to work through long days on campus without access to power outlets. The Lenovo Chromebook Duet 3 (2022), for instance, offers an impressive 14 hours of battery life on a single charge, ensuring students can work through a full school day without worrying about recharging.

In addition to their lightweight design and long-lasting batteries, Chromebooks also boot up quickly, connecting to networks in seconds, so students don't have to waste time waiting at the start of class. Their fast boot-up time, combined with their portability and long-lasting batteries, makes Chromebooks a convenient choice for students who need to work remotely or on the move.

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