Chromebooks have become very popular among college students because they are affordable, lightweight, and easy to use. They offer many advantages for students, such as the ability to access the internet anywhere, the lack of software viruses, and the fact that they can be used on a variety of devices. However, Chromebooks have some disadvantages as well.
In this article, we will go over all of the benefits and demerits of having a Chromebook for college.
What is Chromebook?
Chromebooks are lightweight, affordable laptops that run on Chrome OS. They’re perfect for students, busy professionals, and anyone who wants a reliable computer without having to worry about viruses or software updates. Chromebooks also support Google Docs and other online applications which makes them great for working from home or on the go.
What Are the Differences Between Chromebook and Laptop?
While Chromebooks and laptops can both be used for education, it’s more appropriate to ask, “Which of the two best satisfies specific demands and workloads?”
The ideal device for many students would be one that can be used to create documents, browse the web, and stream internet content, all for a reasonable price, of course. The Chromebook is just what I was looking for. It’s cheap, lasts a long time, and does a great job of helping you get things done online. This new feature allows you to use Android apps for both school and recreational purposes.
A web app and cloud storage aren’t always the best solutions. It is possible that some college work necessitates the use of software that requires a large number of resources and is only compatible with Windows. You’ll want a laptop if you’re going to be doing any work in Photoshop or CAD or if you need to be able to do more complex calculations in Excel.
Each of the Chromebook’s and laptop’s enticing features can be used to persuade students to buy either. In the end, though, their strong characteristics appeal to various types of pupils with various requirements. Before making a purchase, do a thorough assessment of your workload and requirements.
Reasons for Using Chromebooks in College
The Chromebook’s low price point is the first thing that piques the interest of pupils. There are some Chromebooks that cost more than $700 nowadays, but there are also many Chromebooks that cost less than $200. This makes it a great option for students who want a low-cost tablet that can do everything from word processing to web browsing to video/audio streaming.
Google Docs and MS Word Online make it easy for students to create and share reports and papers with their teachers and peers. At least you can buy some nice extras like better graphics, larger storage, and faster processing power if you’re willing to spend a little extra cash.
Now, regardless of whether you buy a cheap Chromebook or a high-end one, you’ll enjoy a long battery life. College students will be able to use their Chromebooks all day without needing to plug them in thanks to the device’s average battery life of around 10 hours. Since hard-core gaming (which requires significant specifications) cannot be supported, this further distinguishes Chromebooks from laptops when it comes to the Chromebook versus laptop for college discussion.
Advantages of Using Chromebook in College
Students and professors alike can benefit from using Chromebooks as separate devices for their educational needs. Chromebook’s 8-10-second boot speed and 12-hour battery life make it a better option than other operating systems. Chromebook, on the other hand, is always up to date.
Viruses cannot infect this player because there are no applications installed on it, making it safe for collegiate usage. Also, you can use many educational apps made for tablets and phones on your Chromebook.
Chromebooks come in a variety of sizes and weights, making them convenient to transport. The device’s construction is also extremely durable, ensuring that no data is lost in the event of a general drop. Because they are half the price of a typical Windows laptop, Chromebooks are an easy fit into any budget.
So, these are the reasons why you should get Chromebooks for college. It’s time to go through why Chromebooks aren’t a good choice for your college.
Disadvantages of Using Chromebook in College
In order for Chromebooks to function well, they must rely largely on cloud-based storage. It’s possible that for some people, cloud storage is a total paradigm change from what they’ve been used to.
Internet access is a must in order to fully utilize a Chromebook. Some applications do have an offline mode that can continue functioning even if the user’s internet connection is lost. While some apps offer an offline mode, not all of them do, so if you don’t have access to the internet, the app won’t work for you.
Chromebooks will always have to compete with Microsoft machines in terms of software compatibility, despite the ever-growing number of Android apps available.
Chromebook gaming has come a long way in the last few years. Fortunately for Chromebook gamers, there’s no need to download or install anything in order to play games on Chromebooks. The disadvantage of using a Chromebook to play games is that you’re limited to Stadia, GeForce NOW, and Google Play mobile apps.
In the end, this may not be an issue for some people, but for others wishing to view a DVD or listen to CDs, the lack of a CD and DVD drive may be a step too far.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Chromebooks offer many advantages for students attending college. They are portable, which allows for easy transport from campus to campus. They also typically have a lower cost of ownership than other laptops, making them more affordable. However, Chromebooks do not offer the same level of performance and functionality as more expensive laptops.
