Why Buy A Chromebook and What They Actually Are?
Chromebooks are laptops that run on Google's Chrome operating system rather than say Windows 11. They are designed to be lightweight, fast, and easy to use, with most of their functionality coming from internet-based applications and services.
One of the main benefits of using a Chromebook is that they are very affordable compared to other laptops, with prices ranging from around $200 to $1,000.
They are also known for their long battery life and security features, as they receive automatic updates to protect against viruses and malware.
Chromebooks are ideal for students and individuals who primarily use the internet for tasks such as browsing, email, and document editing. They may not be as suitable for users who need to run resource-intensive applications, such as video editing software or high-end games, as you often can't install applications on them (only pre-approved Google apps from their app store).
Best Chromebooks In NZ
1. HP 11.6 Chromebook G7 EE
The HP 11.6 Chromebook G7 EE is a sleek and light laptop catered towards simple processing work. This device is equipped with an 11.6” HD IPS screen that include an anti-glare element.
The graphics are integrated with Intel UHD Graphics 600. Inside this model is 4GB of RAM, 32GB of storage, and up to 2.6GHz Intel Celeron N4000 Dual Core Processor.
This Chromebook has a weight of 1.33kg and a long-lasting battery life of up to 13 hours with a fast charger included. This laptop is designed with a rubber lining around it to provide protection against drops.
There is an HD webcam with a resolution of 720p in addition to dual speakers. The keyboard of this laptop is full-sized and island-style which is both pick-resistant and spill-resistant.
Expansion slots include 1 microSD slot and there are 2 3.1 Type-C ports, one headphone jack and 1 USB 3.1 Gen 1 port.
A purchase of this Chromebook is inclusive of a 2-year Google Drive subscription, inclusive of cloud storage.
The operating system (OS) is Chrome and there is HP Classroom Manager included as software. Security measures on this laptop are reliant on a Nano Security lock slot and H1 Security IC.
2. Acer Chromebook C733T 11.6" Laptop
The Acer Chromebook C733T-C8E1 11.6” Laptop is a touch screen device catered towards young students and working professionals alike.
With an 11.6” multi-touch IPS LCD screen and a resolution of 1366 x 768, this a screen that is designed to provide vibrancy and clean images. With a weight of 1.26 kg, this is a lightweight and compact product with on-the-go convenience.
This laptop is driven by a 1.1GHz Intel Celeron Quad-Core N4100 processor which can go up to 2.4GHz.
Included is also an integrated Intel UHD Graphics 600 card. There are 4GB of RAM available in addition to 32GB of digital storage.The operating system (OS) is Chrome OS, providing a beginner-friendly platform to students and families.
The ports in this model include 2 USB 3.1 Type C ports in addition to a headphone jack that can also be used as a microphone jack.
There is 1 microSD card reader slot built into this product. Included in this laptop is a webcam with a resolution of 1280 x 720 and speakers already in-built with a microphone.
This Chromebook has a long-lasting battery life of 12 hours with typical use. The keyboard is standard sized and island-style.
3. ASUS Chromebook C403NA 14” Chromebook
The ASUS Chromebook C403NA-FQ0017 14” Chromebook is a laptop suitable for students and large families alike. The 14” screen has a resolution of 1366 x 768 which makes a large size for media consumption and word processing.
There are 4GB of RAM and 32 GB of storage with an Intel HD Graphics 500 card that is integrated into the device.
The operating system (OS) is Chrome OS and there is an HD webcam included at the top of the product. Despite the large 14” screen, this laptop has a weight of 1.70kg and is designed to be protected from bumps and falls with rubber edges.
There is also a textured surface to reduce scratches and finger-prints. The standard sized keyboard is also resistant to small water spills and is also tamper-resistant, blocking keys from being pushed out.
There are 2 USB Type-C and 2 USB 3.1 Type-A ports in addition to a microSD card reader. There is 1 built-in headphone jack and a microphone in the device. This laptop has an advertised battery life of 12 hours.
The security system involves an H1 hardware chips that protects passwords and a Kensington lock slot. There are 2 stereo speakers which are integrated into the product.
4. Lenovo 11.6 inch Chromebook 500e
The Lenovo 11.6” Chromebook 500e 2nd Generation Laptop is a compact and portable device that is ideal for students. There is an 11.6” IPS HD touchscreen display with a resolution of 1366 x 768.
The screen also features Gorilla Glass shielding to prevent cracks. This is a 2-in-1 device that can be used regularly as a laptop or as a tablet by turning the 360-degree hinge.
This product runs on a 2.6GHz Intel Celeron N4000 Dual Core processor and is driven by 4GB of RAM. The integrated card is an Intel UHD 600 Graphics card.
There is 32 GB of storage available as well and the operating system (OS) is Google Chrome. The webcam included has a resolution of 720p with the addition of a single microphone.
The ports on this product include 2 USB-C ports, 2 USB 3.0 ports and a dual headphone/audio jack. There is also 1 MicroSD card reader and in-built speakers. On typical use, this device can run for up to 10 hours before running out of battery.
The keyboard is full-sized and protection measures include a Kensington lock slot to prevent theft. This is a lightweight and slim laptop, coming in at 1.35kg.
5. ASUS C204EE Chromebook 11.6"
The ASUS C204EE Chromebook 11.6” Laptop is a small and portable device with a weight of 1.2kg, making it easy for on-the-go travel. The 11.6” display has a resolution of 1366 x 768 and is equipped with anti-glare protection.
The laptop has a 180-degree hinge which means that the screen can be placed flat on a surface to share images and information easily. This Chromebook runs on a 1.1 GHz Intel Celeron Dual-Core N400 processor and 4GB of RAM.
The storage allows for up to 16GB of files to be stored digitally. There is an embedded HD webcam and 2 stereo speakers with a single microphone. The operating system (OS) is Google Chrome which has built in security updates.
This product is designed to withstand heavy use with rubber bumpers on 4 edges and a spill-resistant keyboard to endure small drops and hits. The keyboard is a typical island-style and standard sized.
The ports and slots in this product include 1 audio jack, 2 Type-A USB 3.0 ports, 2 Type-C USB 3.0 ports and 1 microSD card reader.
There is also a dedicated volume button. The battery life is long-lasting, advertised at 14 hours of typical, continuous use.
What are the pros of buying a Chromebook?
Here are some of the pros of using a Chromebook:
Affordable: Chromebooks are generally much cheaper than traditional laptops, with prices ranging from around $200 to $1,000.
Lightweight and portable: Most Chromebooks are lightweight and small, making them easy to carry around.
Long battery life: Chromebooks are known for their long battery life, with many models lasting over 10 hours on a single charge.
Easy to use: Chromebooks have a simple and user-friendly interface, making them easy for anyone to use.
Automatic updates: Chromebooks receive automatic updates, which helps to protect against viruses and malware.
Internet-based: Most of the functions on a Chromebook are internet-based, which means you can access your applications and documents from any device with an internet connection.
What are the negatives of buying a Chromebook?
Limited offline functionality: While you can use some apps on a Chromebook without an internet connection, the offline functionality is generally limited compared to traditional laptops. If you live somewhere with no Internet access, probably not for you!
Limited software options: Chromebooks do not have as many software options as traditional laptops, as they rely on internet-based applications.
Limited/no gaming options: Chromebooks are not well-suited for gaming and you will definitely struggle, as they do not have the same level of graphics processing power as traditional laptops due to their cheap price.
Not suitable for resource-intensive tasks: Chromebooks will not be suitable for tasks that require a lot of processing power, such as video editing or 3D rendering.
Who invented the Chromebook and why?
The Chromebook was developed by Google in 2011. The idea behind the Chromebook was to create a laptop that was simple, fast, and easy to use, with most of its functionality coming from internet-based applications and services. Google saw an opportunity to make laptops more accessible and affordable by leveraging the power of the cloud.
Instead of installing software on the laptop itself, users could access a wide range of applications and services through the internet, which would be stored in the cloud. This meant that Chromebooks could be made with less expensive hardware, making them more affordable for consumers.
Google also believed that the automatic updates provided by the Chrome operating system would help to improve security and reduce the need for technical support.
Is a Chromebook suitable for children going to school?
Chromebooks can be a good option for children in school for a few reasons. First, they are generally very affordable, which can be a major consideration for families with multiple children and those who are struggling to afford a $1,000+ laptop.
Second, they are lightweight and portable, making them easy for children to carry to and from school.
Third, they have a long battery life, which is important for children who may not have access to outlets during the school day. You may get a full 10-12 hours of use.
Fourth, they have a simple and user-friendly interface, which can make them easier for children to use than more complex laptops. Finally, they receive automatic updates, which helps to protect against viruses and malware.
There are some potential drawbacks to using a Chromebook for school, however. One is that they may not have as many software options as traditional laptops, which could be a problem for children who need to use specific applications for their school work, so be sure to check with the school what apps are actually required. You will find Microsoft Word, Excel etc work well on a Chromebook.
Additionally, Chromebooks may not be suitable for tasks that require a lot of processing power, such as video editing or 3D rendering. Finally, some children may prefer the larger screens and more powerful hardware of traditional laptops, especially if they are interested in gaming.
What is the main difference between a Chromebook and a Windows laptop?
There are several key differences between a Chromebook and a Windows laptop:
Operating system: The most obvious difference is the operating system. Chromebooks run on Google's Chrome OS, while Windows laptops run on Microsoft's Windows operating system.
Software and applications: Chromebooks rely on internet-based applications and services, while Windows laptops can run a wider range of software and applications, including those that are installed locally on the laptop.
Price: Chromebooks are generally much cheaper than Windows laptops, with prices ranging from around $200 to $1,000. Windows laptops can be found in a similar price range, but they also come in a much wider range of prices, with high-end models costing several thousand dollars.
Hardware: Chromebooks are designed to be lightweight and portable, with most models featuring low-power processors and modest amounts of storage and memory. Windows laptops come in a wide range of hardware configurations, with some models featuring powerful processors, large amounts of storage and memory, and dedicated graphics cards.
Compatibility: Some users may find that certain devices and peripherals are not compatible with Chromebooks, while they may work with Windows laptops.
User interface: The user interface on a Chromebook is generally simpler and more streamlined than that of a Windows laptop. Some users may find the Chrome OS more intuitive to use, while others may prefer the greater customization options available with Windows.
Gaming: If you want to play games, whether they are basic simulators or advanced 3D or 4D games, then you will definitely want to avoid a Chromebook as the processor, RAM and graphics card will struggle with your game. You may also not actually be able to install the game at all.
Apps/Software: If you need to install custom software or vendor software for work, such as graphics, CAD or 3D drawing software, you'll be bum out of luck on a Chromebook. Not only can it not be installed due to the Chrome OS, but if you can install it, it will struggle due to the processing power, and memory utilisation on offer from your Chromebook. These apps need a powerful gaming laptop, and may even need a workstation due to the processing power required to compute images etc.
Where can I buy a Chromebook in New Zealand?
You'll find them on offer from specialist IT retailers such as PB Tech, MightyApe and other PC/Laptop specialists such as Gaming Lounge and Noel Leeming or Harvey Norman. Places like The Warehouse, Warehouse Stationary or Kmart are definitely not the place to buy a Chromebook.
For the more adventurous, buying on Amazon.com.au or Amazon.com, offers up huge savings and a much bigger range of Chromebooks with delivery to New Zealand. Restoring a Chromebook if something goes wrong is a piece of cake as it's all web based, so you never lose any data!
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