Is a Chromebook the best laptop for teen?
Well, yes and no? I personally have a google chromebook and it's one of the best things I've ever bought. It's not for everybody but it does what it sets out to do brilliantly. I can see that there is a lot most teen boys will be able to get out of a chromebook and lots of advantages. Here is a round up of what's good for teens and why as well as any possible shortfalls.
It's Cheap
It's super cheap. You won't be able to get another laptop that offers so much for the same price. Also, if it does get damaged or lost it's not going to cost the same to replace as a mac book air or other laptop. This makes it a good option for a laptop that a teen is going to take out of the house (perhaps to school or college).
It's lightweight and super portable
The smaller size and weight of a chromebook means that it's easy to carry in a bag and transport anywhere without any hassle. It's therefore great to take to school or college. And again as its so inexpensive there is not such a big worry if anything does happen to it when you're out and about. If you're looking for a laptop to take between home and college or school - this could be it.
It has a full size keyboard
This is where it beats tablets hands down. The full sized keyboard means it's easy to type e-mails, notes for research etc.
It take seconds to boot up and get online. It's Fast.
This is one of the things I love most about chromebooks, you're online in seconds. As it doesn't run any software it takes seconds to start up and you're online. It's quick to use and as long as you have a good internet connection, it's fast to use the web. When yu need to take a break, just close the lid. When you're ready to come back open up the chromebook and you're right where you left all. All of these points make it great for doing online research for school or college.
No Anti Virus Software
You don't have to worry about installing or running any anti virus software. There's no Windows to shut down your computer to do updates. So you can work uninterrupted.
Chromebooks do need a wifi connection but it can be used offline too
Chromebooks are generally dependant on an internet connection as many of the apps you use with a chromebook need a wifi connection. However, there are over 200 apps that you can use offline including gmail, a drive app so you can access and edit google files offline, google calandar and kindle cloud reader.
With a bit of planning, it is also possible to read webpages offline. There are Chrome apps such as pocket which allows you to save entire web pages so that you can read them offline at a convenient time. This app also works across other devices, so if you see something on your tablet you can save it to your account and it will sync to your chromebook so you could read it there later too.
Also consider that other laptops can't access webpages, facebook, social media or check e-mail without a internet connection either.
With a bit of planning, it is also possible to read webpages offline. There are Chrome apps such as pocket which allows you to save entire web pages so that you can read them offline at a convenient time. This app also works across other devices, so if you see something on your tablet you can save it to your account and it will sync to your chromebook so you could read it there later too.
Also consider that other laptops can't access webpages, facebook, social media or check e-mail without a internet connection either.
Battery Life
Most chromebooks have excellent battery life. Around about 9 hours on average which is great as it could be used at school or college throughout the day without having to worry about charging it.
Screen size
The smallest screen size for a chromebook is 11.6 inches. This is a great size if portability is a factor. It does seem small at first if you are used to a laptop with a bigger screen. However, it doesn't take long to get used to the size.
The next size up is a 13.3 inch screen. This is better if you want to also use it to watch movies and videos. It sacrifices a little on portability because it is bigger but not much. It's still extremely lightweight.
There is now the Acer chromebook 15, which has a 15 inch screen. Obviously much better for watching videos too.
The next size up is a 13.3 inch screen. This is better if you want to also use it to watch movies and videos. It sacrifices a little on portability because it is bigger but not much. It's still extremely lightweight.
There is now the Acer chromebook 15, which has a 15 inch screen. Obviously much better for watching videos too.
No Microsoft Office But You Can Use Google Drive Instead
You need to know that a chromebook doesn't run any software so you won't be able to install Microsoft Office on the chromebook. If your teen is a Microsoft user it may not be for them.
However, there is Microsoft Office Online, which is a free cloud version of Office, and available as a series of apps for Chromebooks You can use google drive which can open and edit Microsoft documents (this is what I do and it's not been a problem) . Google drive will also enable you to create documents, spreadsheets, and presentations. You can also share any documents you create with google drive in a Microsoft office format so you can share them with Microsoft office users too.
If you're unsure as to whether you could swap Microsoft Office to Google Drive, just try it out before you buy the chromebook. You may be pleasantly surprised.
However, there is Microsoft Office Online, which is a free cloud version of Office, and available as a series of apps for Chromebooks You can use google drive which can open and edit Microsoft documents (this is what I do and it's not been a problem) . Google drive will also enable you to create documents, spreadsheets, and presentations. You can also share any documents you create with google drive in a Microsoft office format so you can share them with Microsoft office users too.
If you're unsure as to whether you could swap Microsoft Office to Google Drive, just try it out before you buy the chromebook. You may be pleasantly surprised.
Consider The Teen You Are Buying It For
If your teen wants to use his laptop to check email, build spreadsheets, write documents, watch movies on Netflix, check Facebook, share photos and stream music this could be a good choice. If they are already familiar with the chrome browser and use google drive, gmail and other google apps online they will probably take to it very quickly and find it very useful.
If he is heavily reliant on Microsoft office and has a lot of Microsoft office files they will need to convert, it may be worth looking for a windows laptop instead. Microsoft have released some low cost Windows 10 laptops to compete with the chromebook market and which may be worth considering. However, a chromebook is also a great second laptop if you have another main laptop in the home which does anything else you need to do. It's fantastic if you want a second, less expensive laptop to take out of the house. But if you do have another laptop, I bet the chromebook will be your teen's first choice.
If he is heavily reliant on Microsoft office and has a lot of Microsoft office files they will need to convert, it may be worth looking for a windows laptop instead. Microsoft have released some low cost Windows 10 laptops to compete with the chromebook market and which may be worth considering. However, a chromebook is also a great second laptop if you have another main laptop in the home which does anything else you need to do. It's fantastic if you want a second, less expensive laptop to take out of the house. But if you do have another laptop, I bet the chromebook will be your teen's first choice.
Games
The chromebook isn't designed to be a gaming machine and it definitely doesn't have the selection of on a Windows or a Mac laptop.. Having said this, you can still play some games on the chromebook, although only what you are able to find in the chrome web store.
What Else You May Need To Consider
If you need to use hardware such as printers or scanners with a chromebook you'll need one which is compatible so this can also be an issue. Also be aware, you will need an wireless internect connection to use your chromebook but as most homes, schools, libraries and many cafes have internet access now this hopefully shouldn't be too much of an issue.
If your teen is a photoshop user it may not be the machine he needs. There is currently no chrome app which can edit Adobe photoshop files.
If your teen is a photoshop user it may not be the machine he needs. There is currently no chrome app which can edit Adobe photoshop files.