We are living in such times that it is virtually impossible to function without computers. And that stands when we are talking about kids too. Five years ago when our daughter started school, some teachers were already saying that we should buy one of the Chromebooks for elementary students. But we were under the impression that it was too soon. We didn’t have our PC growing up but we did just fine in school, we thought.
Pretty soon, though, it became clear that things are way more complicated. There were a lot of assignments that had to be done on the computer. Apart from that, all the resources were online. Plus, the school material already began to rely on the use of augmented and virtual reality. We considered the option of sharing our laptops with our daughter. However, with the amount of her schoolwork and our work it was impossible.
Hence, the decision to buy her a laptop was inevitable. The only question was which one to buy! We asked some friends who also had school children and they all recommended Chromebooks. But, as you can imagine, when we went to get on we were overwhelmed by a variety of Chromebooks to buy! Which one to get? So, we began to learn about Chromebooks and their different features and specifications. Besides that, we talked with few software developers to hear their opinions. After finding the model everyone liked we decided to create this review to help other parents in a similar situation.
What Are Chromebooks?
Okay, before we talk more about Chromebooks for kids we need to clarify what these computers are in the first place. So, a Chromebook is a budget-friendly alternative to standard laptops that use Windows and Macbooks. All models are generally smaller than laptops and are lightweight. They are also shock-resistant and spill-proof. They run on Google operative system, i.e Chrome OS. Because of that, it is not possible to use any of the programs designed for laptops and Mac computers. Nevertheless, they come with a lot of advantages especially for cautious users and kids and adolescents.
Why You Should Buy Chromebooks for Kids?
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The fact that they have different operative system makes some parents wonders are Chromebooks good at all?! The short answer is they are better than just good. You see, these are the most secure devices on the market. We all worry about the online safety of our children; right? Well, certainly when your kids are using Chromebooks for schools you can sleep peacefully.
Since these are cloud-based computers, all the information goes directly to Google drive which, means that there is no way that kids will lose assignments, etc. Apart from that, the risk of a virus entering the Chromebook is nonexistent. First of all most malware is designed for Windows and Mac. Second, even if something enters you can get rid of it by simply restarting the page or returning to factory settings.
If you get parental control software you can easily monitor kids’ activities online. The best thing you can do is arrange the setting on the home router. Also, you can buy a filter for your home network. Circle with Disney is a good option.
You may still wonder are Chromebooks good for students. They are excellent for students who need a computer to search for information, watch videos, or writing assignments. If your kid needs to create films or something like that then you need to consider purchasing another type of laptop.
Best Chromebooks for Kids
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Not all Chromebooks are the same. Some are, for example, more lightweight than others. Apart from that, there are other features that you need to consider before deciding on the model. The most important question is whether the kid needs it for entertainment only or school. In this part, we will list some of the best models in our opinion. Hopefully, after reading you will have a clearer idea about the model that suits the needs of your child.
Google Pixelbox Go
You and your kid are going to fall in love with the design of this model. It is as stylish as standard laptops, yet way more affordable. We picked it out because it has impressive battery life. Kids can use it all day in school without having to charge it. Apart from that, it can stay in sleep mode for several days. It also has an easy-to-use keyboard. It is one of the best quality Chromebooks on the market.
Lenovo IdeaPad Duet Chromebook
If your kid wants a PC and a tablet this the best you can find. Again, you will get a machine that has remarkably long battery life. When fully charged this computer can work for 22 hours nonstop. Can you imagine that? Besides, it is a very lightweight device, so you don’t need to worry about your first grader carry heavy stuff to school. It is also one of the most affordable Chromebook new models.
Samsung Chromebook 3
Is your kid a bit clumsy? Does he or she always spill juice or water while working on the computer? Well, in that case, you need this Chromebook for kids! If you get this model, you won’t have to continually remind your kids to be more careful. It is a waterproof machine. Besides that, it comes with a high-quality screen and excellent colors. It also has an excellent HD camera. It is a durable and shock-resistant device.
ASUS Chromebook Flip C214
Once you get a full picture of how Chromebooks are used in schools, it will be clearer why this is one of the best on the market. It has everything your kid and you expect from a school laptop. It is small and lightweight. It is very simple to use and even younger kids will easily understand how Chromebooks work. It is scratch-resistant. Kids like it because they can use it both as a laptop and a tablet.
Acer Chromebook Spin 713
If you are living with a little tech wiz who insists to have all the latest devices and programs, you should consider buying this machine. It comes with tenth generation Intel processor, a minimum of 8 GB of RAM, and an SSD hard drive. It also has a lot of ports, including HDMI and a microSD for additional memory. It comes with 13. Inch screen.
Dell Inspiron 11 Convertible 2 in 1 Chromebook
Kids who like tablets but need a laptop for school will be thrilled if you get them this Chromebook for kids. The screen is similar to the one you find on tablets, so they will be able to enjoy watching favorite cartoons, etc. The camera and mic are excellent for remote classes. It has a touch screen which will make kids super happy. The keyboard is spill-proof.
Lenovo Chromebook 100 e 2nd Gen
It is a stylish laptop and good for educational purposes. It doesn’t have a touch screen, though, so it cannot be used as a tablet. It is a durable and powerful machine that comes with 32 GB and 4 GB RAM. It is pretty cheap, so even people on a tight budget can afford it.
Conclusion
Here we are at the end of our review of Chromebooks for kids. As you could notice there are plenty of excellent models out there. They have many things in common. However, some differences can affect your decision. It is important to understand all the features and have the necessary information to choose Chromebooks best 2021. Have you used Chromebook before? What are your experiences?
Author’s Bio: Rachel Hudson is a journalist and a blogger living in California and writing articles for different websites. Since she is a parent she often writes about children-related topics, such as games, cartoons, and gadgets. Whenever she has time she likes to go on little trips with her kids and her partner.
