It’s that time of year when you’re probably attempting to decide what tools you need or want in order to prepare for the upcoming semester. The shopping list keeps getting longer since you have to make absolutely sure you get all the required textbooks and supplies before you let your first class in.
The new M2 MacBook Air from Apple and even the M1 MacBook Air may seem like interesting choices, but they aren’t the most affordable choices. Therefore, where do you go if you want a trustworthy computer that can manage everything you need without spending a fortune? Chromebooks offer the solution.
Chromebooks with Intel’s 12th-generation chipsets have started to be released by manufacturers like Acer, ASUS, and Lenovo. Compared to upgrading from the 10th to the 11th generation, these don’t give significantly better performance, but they are still very potent. Even so, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to get a fantastic deal on one of the top Chromebooks from the previous year.
The short and obvious response to whether you’ll get by in college with a Chromebook is emphatically “yes.” Why? Let’s deep dive.
Years of Guaranteed Software Updates
Aside from performance, the most exciting feature is that many Chromebooks from the past couple of years will continue to receive software upgrades for a very long time.
For instance, until June 2028, the Lenovo Flex 5 Chromebook, which was our choice for the finest Chromebook of 2020, will continue to get monthly software updates. Even Google’s 2019 Pixelbook Go will receive updates through June 2026, allowing you to complete all four years of undergraduate.
All of your preferred applications and Add-ons
You’re better off even though the Chrome Web Store for apps is no longer a workable app option. Numerous Chrome extensions are available that can assist you in getting through each class while managing your to-do list and taking notes.
These web apps function just like “conventional” apps, as long as you’re using a PWA and not simply a web shortcut. For instance, clicking a link to Twitter will launch the relevant PWA, and selecting an email shortcut will launch the Gmail PWA. In addition, Google is developing a “tabbed mode” for PWAs that will let you open many tabs in a single PWA window.
It has the option of Linux.
With the release of ChromeOS 91, Google removed the “beta” label from Linux functionality on Chromebooks and other Chrome devices. You can access the command line and truly build a different enclosed environment while installing Linux on ChromeOS. From here, you can use the command line to inspect various elements of the computer, among other things.
But it also serves as a safe harbor to experiment with Linux without fully wrecking your computer. Obviously, you should continue with caution, but there are still potential outcomes. The best news is that some of the cheapest Chromebooks also support Linux, so you don’t have to shell out a ton of money to use Linux.
The final words. The last piece of advice we can provide you before choosing a Chromebook is to confirm that any school-required software is at least partially supported by ChromeOS. You don’t want to fall into the trap of looking for a new Chromebook just to discover that the program or service you require isn’t supported.
