Chromebooks
We are just starting with some Chromebooks and wondered which one is the most popular/reliable in schools. We would appreciate any advice. Thanks.
Replies
- Gabe.H (View all users posts) 26 May 2014 8:08pm ()
We are using the Samsung Chromebook in our 3 Intermediate classes and finding them really user friendly.
- Simon Ashby (View all users posts) 26 May 2014 8:12pm ()
The samsung models kick the butt of the acer
- Heather Harper (View all users posts) 26 May 2014 8:20pm ()
We have just purchased some Chromebooks the Samsung variety. Has a good name and fits the purpose. Steer clear of Acer they no good. Just had a link sent re the HP Chromebook, they look quite good too they have 2 USB ports (Samsung only have one) a bigger screen and look slim and classy, mind you the Samsung are classy and slim too. Price wise fairly similar. Love the instant power. HP claim to start up in 7 seconds, Samsung are 8 seconds (too similar to worry about)
- Andrew Wooster (View all users posts) 26 May 2014 8:58pm ()
There are plenty of good reviews around the acer chrome book and the only 'real' difference is 1hr less battery life. We have just bulk purchased 32 Acer720's for $350 each (around $100 less than others) and 30 apple iPad 4's at $450 each. We also got bulk covers at $25 each and very good quality so happy. We have a teacher using the Samsung chromebook so will be interesting and I will report book on any notable comparasons. Cheers, Andrew
- Heather Harper (View all users posts) 26 May 2014 9:44pm ()
I have just had technical issues with Acer in the past and that has prejudiced me against them. They certainly do what all the other chromebook s do. As Simon says shop around and see if you can get a demo product to tootoo with.
- Steve Trotter (View all users posts) 26 May 2014 10:03pm ()
Hey Andrew - sounds like your a great shopper! Where did you source your covers from?
Cheers
- Iva Hamilton (View all users posts) 02 Jun 2014 8:25pm ()
Andrew where did you purchase your iPads from and cover... Sounds very reasonable. We also want to purchase about 50 iPads very soon
- Andrew de Wit (View all users posts) 02 Jun 2014 9:26pm ()
If I'm the right Andrew! - we deal through Cyclone as we have had always had really good relationship with them. They have patience as we hum and arr, and change our minds as well as offering good support. Got both Chromebooks(Samsungs and IPads this way) at good price. Only big deal with the IPads now is the volume licensing and setup costs that need to be factored in. Chromebooks are pretty easy although their is a cost for their management system.
- annerotorua (View all users posts) 26 May 2014 9:18pm ()
Suggest you get some demo models and try them. We have Samsungs and are really pleased with them. Something I hadn't considered before the Google Apps for Education North Island Summit is the end of life policy. See http://www.google.com/intl/en/chrome/devices/eol.html. We are a school with Ncomputing systems, Ipads, Macbooks and Chromebooks - the Chromebooks are just fantastic if you have students on Google Apps for Education account - highly recommend Hapara Teacher Dashboard as well.
- Melinda Bolton (View all users posts) 26 May 2014 9:28pm ()
We are using the Acer chromebooks. My Year 3 and 4's have no problem using them :) I only had a couple of teething problems, nothing major - mostly due to my lack of knowledge with the first set up. Definitely shop around for the best deal.
- Monika Kern (View all users posts) 26 May 2014 9:57pm ()
Hi there,
I have a Samsung and I really like it. I have noted that a colleague's Acer has a longer battery life. Two of my schools have gone for Acer Chromebooks after lots of research and they seem to be very happy with them though I heard last week there have been issues with the touchpad for two devices in one of their classrooms.
As others have said above, get some of each different brand and trial them. I would really recommend having some students test, also, because they are the people who (I assume) will be using them after all. You want to make sure they suit your purpose and work in your environment. I assume you are a GAFE school as users need a Google Account to log in. I also recommend that you look at the Admin Console and Hapara Teacher Dashboard - unless you want to wait for Google Classroom.
I am not so worried about the End of Life Policy now; it basically means that at some stage a device will no longer get automatic software updates (e.g. my sons' old iPod touch did not update to iOS7). There was an extension to this recently, but I can't recall the details sorry.. I enjoy reading the posts in the Chromebook Edu Google+ Community where I have picked up a lot of interesting tips - have a look and see what you think.
Looking forward to hearing what you decide!
Monika
- Steve Trotter (View all users posts) 26 May 2014 9:59pm ()
We have Samsung model, been amazing, teachers love them (more than their ipads).
Only downsides I have with the Samsungs are the tracking pad, we find them horrible to use, some classes have mice for them - which limits some of the portability. Not sure if other models have better tracking pads? Also, the power cords on Samsungs appear very fragile, but so far none of them are bent.
- Lynne Crowe (View all users posts) 27 May 2014 7:59am ()
Thanks for all the replies. We are a GAFE school and just starting with BYODs. We have one Acer which does seem a bit tinny!! Have just purchased 2 HPs 14" which look good - nobody has mentioned using these! I'm keen to try a Samsung as that seems to be the Chromebook of choice from the replies.
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