Chromebook Buying Guide for Students in 2024

Choosing the right laptop for school can be daunting, especially with the diverse options available. Chromebooks, however, have emerged as a popular choice for students, offering a blend of affordability, simplicity, and security. But even within the Chromebook realm, navigating the various features and models can be tricky. If you’re baffled by what to look for in a student Chromebook, you’ve come to the right place.

This comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge to choose the perfect Chromebook companion for your academic journey. We’ll be highlighting the key factors to consider when choosing the perfect Chromebook to accompany you through your studies. At the end of it all, you’ll be able to figure out the best Chromebook for your student life without breaking the bank. So let’s get to it.

Form Factor: What’s Your Preferred Design

The first thing to consider when looking for a Chromebook is the design and its form factor. One of the standout features of Chromebooks is their slim and lightweight design. Unlike traditional laptops, Chromebooks are designed for on-the-go usage, perfect for students who need a portable device for classes, study sessions, and group projects. The slim profile and reduced weight make them easy to slip into a backpack or carry around campus without adding unnecessary bulk.

However, for added versatility, you can consider a 2-in-1 Chromebook. Most Chromebooks have a touchscreen display. In that context, a 2-in-1 Chromebook can function as both a laptop and a tablet, thanks to a flexible hinge or a detachable keyboard. This feature is excellent for students who want the convenience of a keyboard for note-taking and a tablet for more interactive tasks or entertainment during breaks.

Another factor to keep in mind is the screen size. Chromebooks come in various screen sizes, typically ranging from 11 to 15 inches. Choose a size that suits your preferences and the type of work you’ll be doing. A bigger screen size also means a heavier Chromebook, while a smaller screen-sized Chromebook would be lighter. Lighter Chromebooks are ideal for carrying around campus, while heavier models might be better suited for stationary use in your dorm room or library. So again, based on your utility and use case, you can decide upon a form factor.

Durability: Can It Withstand Your Rough Student Life

As a student, your Chromebook will likely face accidental bumps and spills. Therefore, it’s important to prioritize build quality and sturdiness. A robust chassis can protect the internals from accidental bumps and drops, ensuring your device stays functional throughout your academic journey. There are also Chromebooks out there that come with reinforced chassis, spill-resistant keyboards, and rubberized corners that can withstand everyday wear and tear.

Additionally, some Chromebooks come with MIL-STD-810G certification, indicating that they have passed rigorous durability tests. This certification ensures that the device can endure various environmental conditions, including vibrations, shocks, and temperature fluctuations. If you anticipate exposing your Chromebook to challenging conditions, a model with this certification might be a wise investment.

Performance: How Much Power Do You Need

While Chromebooks primarily run web-based apps, performance still matters for multitasking, research, and occasional light gaming. Both the processor and RAM still play a crucial role in overall responsiveness. For basic tasks, a MediaTek or an Intel Celeron-based processor can suffice.

However, you should ideally aim for at least an Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 processor and 4GB RAM. For heavier workloads, consider Chromebooks with Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processors and 8GB RAM.

Additionally, while Chromebooks heavily rely on cloud storage, local storage is still essential for offline access to documents and files. Consider a Chromebook with 64GB or higher of internal storage for ample space to store assignments, research papers, and multimedia files locally. Additionally, do make a note of the type of on-board storage.

Most Chromebooks come with eMMC storage, which can prove to be tremendously slow when running even two apps at the same time. As such, try to fork a bit extra to equip your Chromebook with SSD storage. SSD storage offers faster boot times and app loading, along with reliable performance.

Another factor that might concern some users is the graphics. Graphics performance may not be a top priority for every student, but if you’re involved in design, multimedia projects, or light gaming during breaks, you should consider a Chromebook with decent integrated graphics.

Connectivity: Stay Connected On The Go

Connectivity is a critical aspect of any laptop, and Chromebooks are no exception. Make sure to check the available ports on the device to ensure compatibility with your peripherals. USB-C, USB-A, and microSD card slots are commonly found on Chromebooks. Having a mix of these ports allows you to connect to a variety of devices such as external storage, printers, and projectors.

Secondly, a Chromebook is essentially an OS built inside a web browser, so it’s important to ensure that your device has easy access to internet connectivity. Ideally, you should shop for Chromebooks that support the latest Wi-Fi standards, such as Wi-Fi 6, for faster and more reliable wireless connectivity.

Additionally, you may want to keep the Bluetooth version in consideration as well. For instance, plenty of users prefer using a Bluetooth mouse with their Chromebook to avoid the mess of wires. Alternatively, if you’re interested in playing games via cloud services, a higher Bluetooth standard will allow you to pair your wireless controller with ease and enjoy lag-free gaming.

Software Support: Check the Expiry Date

One of the standout features of Chromebooks is their seamless software experience. Chrome OS receives automatic updates in the background, ensuring that your device is always running the latest security patches and improvements. However, each Chromebook comes with a limited period, post which Google will stop supporting the device.

If you’re shopping on a budget and need a Chromebook just for your school or college purposes, a 4-year support cycle should suffice. The good news is that if you opt to buy a new Chromebook, Google has assured up to 10 years of automatic updates. This applies to Chromebooks that were released from 2021 onwards.

Speaking of software, one of the best reasons to buy a Chromebook is that it allows you to run Android apps on it. This feature opens up a world of possibilities, allowing you to use apps from the Google Play Store alongside web-based applications. However, do keep in mind that some older Chromebooks do not support Android apps. As such, it’s important to check for the same if you’re shopping for an older model.

Price: Everyone’s Got a Budget

You might have noticed us mention ‘an older model’ multiple times. The fact of the matter is that for a student, most of their shopping decisions are bound by their budget. Being a student often means working with a tight budget. The good news is that Chromebooks come in a variety of price points, and there are budget-friendly options that still offer impressive performance and features.

You can easily shop for multiple Chromebooks for students under $500, or even look for Chromebooks for students under $300. Additionally, many manufacturers offer student discounts, making it more affordable for students to purchase a Chromebook. For instance, there are plenty of Samsung Chromebooks that you can score a great deal on with the help of your student ID.

And if you’re looking to save even more, you can consider refurbished or open-box Chromebooks. These are devices that have been returned, inspected, and certified by the manufacturer or retailer. While you can always buy a second-hand used Chromebook from sites like eBay or Craigslist, a refurbished option often comes with a warranty and can provide excellent value for budget-conscious students.

Go Get Yourself a Chromebook Made For Students!

At the end of the day, finding the perfect Chromebook for your student life involves a lot of factors. You should consider the form factor, durability, performance, connectivity, software support, and price, amongst other things. Consider your specific needs, budget, and learning style to find the ideal companion. With so many options for Chromebooks for Students, you should now be able to make an informed decision that enhances your academic experience