Chromebooks have progressed a lot since their beginnings as cheap cloud notebooks. The top Chromebooks are able to meet the description of viable alternatives for Macbooks or Windows laptops. Chrome OS runs a light operating system that can handle almost anything nowadays.
With the frequently low cost and small appearance, Chromebooks make a great alternative for kids at the house , or for students returning to school. Although children may know the meaning of is a Chromebook will be and precisely what they’re looking to buy but parents usually struggle to navigate the vast array of devices.
This is why we’ve made this guide of seven essential things every parent should be aware of prior to purchasing the Chromebook.
1. Chromebooks expire on a certain date.
Each Chromebook has the auto update expiration (AUE) date, after which Google ceases to provide updates to security (and additional software) updates. Although these Chromebooks will not suddenly cease to function but they aren’t as secure or useful as the latest models that receive updates. This is frequently masked by sellers who want to take off old Chromebooks to unsuspecting customers.
Google offers listed Chromebooks and their AUE date that you can go through to find out when the Chromebook you’re eyeing for will stop receiving updates. Even if you can find an incredible deal elsewhere the close date is essentially purchasing a laptop that’s not worth the cost instead of something that’s going to last for a long time.
Chromebook isn’t going to stop working once it reaches its AUE date, but If someone wants to keep updating your Chromebook after the date of their AUE date, there’s a feature known as the LaCrOs (Linux as well as Chrome Operating System) which is a way to separate Chrome with Chrome OS and allows Chrome OS to receive updates once Chrome OS has finished receiving updates. LaCrOs can be used to use your Chromebook in a secure manner to a certain extent.
The beauty in Chrome OS is the fact that it’s capable of running a variety of top Android applications and gives the user plenty of other apps to experiment with.
These apps, which cover everything from educational tools to games are made to function using the touch screen on your phone, so they can be a great way to make the move to a touchscreen on the Chromebook. As a majority of kids are growing up with touchscreens on their tablets and phones and laptops, the switch to a touchscreen-capable Chromebook is an obvious choice.
Although older kids and students are likely to be able to navigate with a keyboard and touchpad but having function of touch gives you a new level of versatility for the laptop at the classroom. Touch displays typically aren’t a major expense for the Chromebook which is why selecting a laptop that supports touch capabilities is highly advised.
3. Be aware of the durability
Shopping for a brand new Chromebook for the children usually requires something that is more sturdy. This is especially true for mature students who carry their laptops everywhere they go. in this case it is the most durable Chromebook sleeves will keep your device in good condition and looking brand fresh.
It’s not easy to know whether the Chromebook can withstand frequent use and abuse, this is why we advise reviewing as numerous review (professional or amateur) as you can. A durable purchase will prevent the time of going back to the store until you’re in the position to upgrade.
The same is true for the Chromebook. it’s worth mentioning how easy the process is of resetting the settings of a Chromebook should your child get into issues. Resetting your system in the factory mode of Chrome OS can take a couple of minutes.
All you need to do is wait until your apps are loaded onto the new system. This makes the job of a parent much easier as all they need to do when the system is reset is to sign their child into their account so that they can resume where they were.
4. A bigger screen makes it easier for multitasking
A lot of Chromebooks prefer to concentrate on portability. This means smaller displays set in smaller chassis. It’s great to have a laptop that can be carried around when you’re carrying it in your backpack all day, there’s an optimal point at which the cost of the laptop doesn’t impact productivity.
A majority of people prefer anything between 13 to 15 inches, particularly in the case of an aspiring student. If you choose to go smaller, your child may have trouble taking everything off the screen. Likewise, if it’s bigger, they will be unable to carry it as simple to carry around.
On the other hand when you’re shopping for a child who is younger it’s best to choose something that falls in the 11-inch range. It’s easier for smaller hands to hold and also cost less.
5. Convertible design offers the most versatility
There are three basic types to consider in the world of laptops. There’s the basic notebook which has a lid that opens up to around 180 degrees.
Then there’s the 2-in-1 model, in which the keyboard and touchpad separate totally from the tablet as well as the convertible that has lids that rotate around 360 degrees while staying in place.
Although all laptops are able to perform the same tasks, purchasing the convertible or 2-in-1 model for your child opens the possibilities of using them for more.
You’ll be able write notes using an active pencil (as as long as the Chromebook allows inking) and configure the laptop for viewing movies or television and use touch functions more easily when in tablet mode. Be on the lookout for these types of designs to boost efficiency and convenience to your kid.