Chromebook Quick Facts
What is a Chromebook?
 A Chromebook is a portable computing device which is similar to a laptop. With other laptop
computers, you run various applications from the desktop, one of which is a web browser.
With a Chromebook, your computer is a web browser, and you run your applications over the
Internet. Your files are stored on the Internet and not on the Chromebook itself.
What’s different about using a Chromebook?
 You do all your work in a browser - Send mail, schedule meetings, work on documents, edit
graphics, use custom apps, and more - all in a Chrome web browser!
 Use any Chromebook to access your stuff - Your apps, documents, and settings are all stored
safely in the “cloud” and not on your Chromebook, so you can sign in with your Google Apps
account on any Chromebook or computer and you’ll find your personal workspace and your
documents exactly as you left them.
 No updates or maintenance - Unlike a traditional PC, your Chromebook stays fast and up-todate on its own. Each time you turn it on, it updates itself with the latest apps, features, and
system upgrades.
 Fast boot, long battery life - A Chromebook needs little processing power or local storage since
all the heavy lifting happens in the “cloud”. As a result it boots in 8 seconds - and the battery
can last up to eight hours!
 Built-in security - Employs the principle of "defense in depth" to provide multiple layers of
protection, including sandboxing, data encryption, and verified boot. Each webpage and
application you visit runs in a restricted environment.
 Managed & Supervised Users - Parental Controls
Why are we using Chromebooks?
 Christ Lutheran School strives to provide the best possible education for each student.
Modern technology can be used to vastly improve that reality. By giving these modern tools
and training to students, we hope to better deliver individualized instruction for each child
which will promote their strengths and address the areas where they need remediation and
growth.
 The Internet has become such a great depository of useful information, much of which can be
used to support classroom instruction. It is no longer sufficient to allow students to have access
to computers and the Internet in a lab once or twice per week. Making these tools available
throughout the school day is essential.
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Giving a student knowledge is only a part of their education. It is equally important to make
them independent learners. We want to show students how and where to find their own
answers and how to do it safely. If you teach them to teach themselves, they will become
lifelong learners.
The Chromebook is the least expensive, most durable, and most appropriate solution for our
needs. There are more versatile devices like laptops, but they are usually more expensive,
heavier, less secure, and susceptible to malware. Netbooks are less powerful, susceptible to
malware, and not as sturdy. IPads are more fragile, more expensive, and do not support Flash.
In these economic times, we want to move forward with technology while placing the least
additional financial cost on our school families. Chromebooks are the best resolution to this
issue.
Where do I purchase a Chromebook?
 You can purchase a Chromebook directly from the manufacturers like Google or Samsung.
You can also order it online from an authorized vendor: Amazon.com, TigerDirect.com,
BestBuy.com, Microcenter.com, & NewEgg.com. Amazon seems to regularly offer the best
prices.
Which model should I buy?
 Presently, there are several companies that manufacture Chromebooks.
 Acer, Dell, HP, Samsung & Google all sell various models of Chromebooks. Prices range
from $199 to over $1499.
 Samsung (http://www.samsung.com) Overall, the Samsung remains our favorite
Chromebook, and we expect it will better endure the daily handling of students. Samsung
makes a better hinge for the screen/lid which will minimize the stress on the machine. It
also produces two of the most competitively priced models which are currently listed at
$249 & $319. Samsung is the model we recommend you purchase for your student. You
may also consider purchasing from HP & Dell which carry models in a similar price range.
We do not recommend Acer Chromebooks because of the weaker hinge on the lid.
 As tempting as it may be, we believe you should not buy a refurbished computer. You may save
money initially, but the machine may not last in the long run. We know of only one parent
that bought such a chromebook this year, and it failed before the end of the school year.
Should I buy the 3G or the Wi-Fi model?
 We recommend that you do not purchase the 3G model Chromebook. We hope your student
uses it primarily for school work while on campus or at home. To use the Chromebook at
home, you must have a wireless router installed. If you decide to buy the 3G model, the price is
$80-100 more. The data plans can also become expensive if you use 3G frequently.
What about warranty or insurance?
 The Chromebook comes with a one year warranty and one year of technical support. This
protection only covers original manufacturer defects and will not apply toward any damage
caused by the user.
 You can purchase an accidental damage insurance plan through a third party vendor.
These policies are available for one to four years and include all forms of damage or loss. A
popular company called Square Trade (http://www.squaretrade.com) sells accidental
protection on Amazon.com or their website. Worth Ave. Group
(http://www.worthavegroup.com) also sells accidental insurance policies.
What about accessories and other considerations?
 It is recommended that skins (decals) and other custom touches are used to physically
identify your device from others. Additionally, protective cases for technology are
encouraged. You can purchase protective sleeves, bags or cases for your Chromebook from
a computer store or Amazon.com. Amazon sells many inexpensive cases for $20 or less.
 You will also need a set of in-ear headphones, sometimes called ear buds. These need not
be high fidelity or expensive. You can find them at electronic stores, pharmacies or
supermarkets for about $5.