Mobile Device Buying Guidance

Page Last Updated on 7th April 2020 20:30 pm by intranetadmin

 

Laptops/Chromebooks and Other Mobile devices

Over the last few days, we have had a number of queries from parents who are seeking to purchase their own hardware. Obviously there is a huge range of devices available although availability is likely to be restricted as the ongoing situation develops.

Whilst iPads and tablets/mobile phones etc are very useful devices for casual use longer-term work can be difficult when writing documents and putting together PowerPoint slides/Posters etc.

These days keyboard-based devices come into two forms “Traditional Laptops” and “Chromebooks”  These are fundamentally different devices with traditional laptops generally running windows and a Chromebook running Chrome OS.

The school recommended device for a student to use is a Chromebook for the following reasons:

  • Extremely cost-effective (start at about £150)
  • Integrates with google classroom very well
  • Very fast boot up
  • No virus or malware to worry about
  • You can add multiple users onto one Chromebook,so they can be shared in the household. 
  • The device cannot be compromised by the install of heavy games and other software

Obviously the smaller screen units are cheaper but students may find this arduous if using for long period of time. Look for 13″ screen minimum.

To use the Chromebook, students will need a google account (as part of the setup/out of box process).  However, students already have a Google account they can use (which is their school email address and school password, the same password as when in school)

Your email address is:  <yourusername>@chase.worcs.sch.uk   example  16smithj@chase.worcs.sch.uk

Your password:  Your normal password 

 

The other option is the traditional Windows laptop.

We would recommend should you prefer to go down this route:

Windows 10 (not Windows 7, or 8/8.1 as these are obsolete).

Look for SSD Drive units (not HDD)  This is especially important has represents a huge performance difference. SSD’s tend to be smaller in storage capability (120GB or 250GB are common).  This is more than enough as long as you not storing vast amount of video/films/games etc.  HDD drives generally show as 500GB up to as much 1TB.  In these days of cloud storage and streaming services this kind of storage capacity is becoming pointless.

4-6GB RAM

At least £4-500 spend.

Try to stick to Dell, Levono, HP  Asus (AVOID Supermarket brand cheap units  if at all possible)

Make sure you install a new version of Google Chrome web browser and keep it up to date.

Avoid Microsoft Edge, or Internet Explorer.