The Pros and Cons of Using a Chromebook for School Work
When it comes to choosing the right laptop for school, students have a lot of different options. There are general-purpose laptops as well as models that specialize in particular tasks, such as photo editing or music production. And there are Windows, Mac, and Chromebook computers suitable for school. Which one is best? It depends on your personal preferences and needs. To help you decide which computer best fits your academic situation, we’ll look at the pros and cons of using a Chromebook for school work.
Chromebooks Are Light and Portable
One of the benefits of using a Chromebook for school is that they’re light and portable. Many Chromebooks weigh 2 or 3 pounds, making them easy to carry in a backpack or laptop sleeve. Some Chromebooks, such as the HP Chromebook 14 and the Acer Chromebook 14 for Work, have a rubberized texture on the outside that helps them resist scratches and drops. Using a Chromebook as a school computer can be helpful if you spend a lot of time traveling between home and school or have to take your laptop on public transportation.
Chromebooks Are Reliable and Stable
Another benefit of using a Chromebook for school is that they’re reliable and stable. In general, Chromebooks don’t suffer from the same viruses and malware found on Windows computers. Chromebooks use Google’s Chrome OS, which is based on the Linux operating system. Because Linux is a Unix-like operating system, it has inherent security benefits, such as being less vulnerable to viruses and malware. In general, Chromebooks are more stable than Windows machines. This is because they have a small amount of internal storage and rely on the cloud for most of their data storage. If your school uses Google’s G Suite, then your Chromebook will be compatible with your online account. This will allow you to access your files remotely, even when you’re not connected to the internet.
Chromebooks Have Great Typing Features
Another benefit of using a Chromebook for school is that they have great typing features. Chromebooks have wide, spacious keyboards with a large space bar. This can help students who have to type out long papers or research papers. Some Chromebooks are also compatible with external mice, which are helpful for students who prefer a mobile mouse to a touchscreen or trackpad. Whether you use a touchscreen or mouse, you can type quickly and easily using the on-screen keyboard that comes with most Chromebooks. Chromebooks also come with a variety of special keyboard shortcuts for students who prefer to type using shortcut keys.
Some Chromebooks Are Not Durable
One thing to look out for when buying a Chromebook for school is that they’re not all very durable. They’re designed to be light and portable, and depending on the model, they may not be very sturdy. Be sure to read reviews and do your research before buying a Chromebook to make sure it’s durable enough to stand up to school use. Some Chromebooks are made out of aluminum or a mix of plastic and metal, which makes them sturdier than cheaper models that are made entirely out of plastic. If you’re concerned about the durability of a specific Chromebook, be sure to read online reviews to see if others have had any durability issues.
Chromebooks Can Be Confusing for First-Time Users
If you’re a first-time computer user, you should know that Chromebooks can be confusing for first-time users. Unlike Windows or Mac computers, Chromebooks run a different operating system and have different keyboard shortcuts. This is especially true if you’re using an older Chromebook model and not a more modern model designed for education. Newer Chromebooks, such as the Acer Chromebook Spin, have intuitive interfaces that are designed for first-time computer users. These Chromebooks are great for students of all ages and levels of computer experience. If you’re using an older Chromebook, you may want to practice using it at home before bringing it to school.
Chromebooks Don’t Offer as Much Software Selection
One disadvantage of using a Chromebook for school is that Chromebooks don’t offer as much software selection. Chromebooks run on Google’s Chrome OS, which means that you can only install apps from the Google Play store. While Chromebooks do offer a wide variety of apps and services, such as Gmail, Google Docs, and Google Sheets, they don’t offer as many apps as Windows or Mac computers. However, newer Chromebooks, such as the Acer Chromebook Spin, offer a desktop mode that allows you to access and use apps that are installed on the computer, such as Microsoft Office. This means that Chromebooks can now offer a wider variety of software selection, making them a better choice than they were in the past.
The Bottom Line
When it comes to choosing the right laptop for school, your decision may come down to choosing between a Chromebook and a Windows or Mac laptop. If you’re concerned about durability, then a Mac laptop may be a better choice. Windows laptops offer more software selection than Chromebooks. If you’re a first-time computer user, however, you may find that Chromebooks are easier to use. When all is said and done, the best laptop for school really comes down to your own personal needs. You can use our guide to help you decide which computer will best fit your academic situation.