If you’re new to the world of Chromebooks, one common question often asked is, is a Chromebook good for parents? If you’re a parent and wondering the same, this article is for you.
A Chromebook is an excellent choice for parents thanks to its family-friendly features. Whether working, learning, or playing, a Chromebook has many built-in features to keep your family safe while offering a simple, speedy computer experience.
In this article, I explore topics such as the best Chromebooks for parents, is a Chromebook a good family computer, what parents should look for when buying a Chromebook, and much more.
Is A Chromebook A Good Family Computer?
Designed to be fast, easy to use, and secure. Chromebooks are the perfect family computer that will keep everyone in your family productive, entertained, and safe while browsing online.
Editor’s Choice
Why you’ll love it. Built to stand the test of time, the Google Pixelbook Go Chromebook has a battery life that will outlast most laptops on the market. Complete with a 13.3 inch full HD touchscreen, high-resolution camera, and weighing in at a shade over 2 pounds, this Chromebook is the ideal family computer.
Chromebooks are easier to use and maintain than a typical Windows or macOS computer simply because Chromebooks run Chrome OS. Everything you do on a Chromebook outside of third-party apps happens in a Google Chrome browser. And so, Chromebooks are well suited for parents who need to keep their family productive, entertained, and safe while browsing online.
On the surface, Chromebooks and laptops look the same where design is concerned. However, there are some differences between Chromebooks and laptops, and as with any product, there are pros and cons too. With this in mind, let’s look at the pros and cons of a Chromebook below.
Chromebook Pros:
- Chromebooks typically cost less than a Windows or Mac laptop
- Chrome OS is incredibly secure with frequent updates provided by Google
- You can access your files from any Chromebook device thanks to cloud storage
- Parental controls through Google Family Link makes it easy to protect your family from unsuitable online content and much more
- Chromebooks are quick, easy to set up, and personalize. You don’t have to be a tech geek when it comes to Chromebooks
Chromebook Cons:
- To get the most out of a Chromebook you will need a WiFi connection
- If you have previously purchased any software programs like Microsoft Office you will be unable to install them on a Chromebook
- When it comes to storage, Chromebooks have smaller hard drives, if you have a lot of data, you will likely need to purchase cloud storage for your Chromebook.
The Benefits Of A Chromebook For Parents
There are many advantages for parents to having a Chromebook. A Chromebook is typically less expensive than a traditional laptop. A Chromebook is fast, secure, and easy to use. Chromebooks also have a long battery life that can last upwards of eight hours on a single charge.
Best 2-in-1 Family Chromebook
Acer Chromebook Spin 713
Why you’ll love it. The Acer Chromebook Spin 713 is a stunning 2-in-1 Chromebook that’s no slouch thanks to Intel’s Core i5 processor. The 360-degree flip-and-fold convertible design offers flexibility that the whole family will enjoy. With a 2K touch screen, this Chromebook will power you through a full day of productivity or entertainment.
Chromebooks Are Less Expensive
If you compare Chromebooks against laptops with a similar build level, typically, Chromebooks are less expensive. The reason Chromebooks are less expensive comes down to having smaller internal drives since Chromebooks leverage cloud storage, and Chromebooks also tend to have less memory than laptops.
Chrome OS Is Very Secure
Chrome OS comes with many features that parents will enjoy, particularly its security features. Chrome OS has features that include built-in virus protection, security check-up on every boot, and secure support for multiple family users. Automatic updates happen behind the scenes too. This means your Chromebook gets the latest software without interrupting you.
Chromebook Battery Life Is Outstanding
You can expect a Chromebook’s battery to last upwards of eight hours on a single charge. Compare this to a traditional laptop that will typically only last about half this time before needing to be charged.
Chrome OS Is Easy To Use
With a Chromebook, there is no need to worry when setting up. Just log into your Google Account and find all your Google files and preferences waiting for you – it couldn’t be simpler. The Chrome OS Everything Button makes it easy to find what you need fast. Looking for files or online answers? No problem, find them all from one easy-to-use place using the Everything Button. And finally, if you can use a Chrome Browser, you can use a Chromebook.
What Parents Should Look For When Choosing A Chromebook
Choosing the best family Chromebook can be tricky, especially if you’re not familiar with all the technical jargon. Fear not parents, below I’ve listed the key components you should consider when buying a family Chromebook.
Best Budget Family Chromebook
Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 4
Why you’ll love it. The budget-friendly Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 4 is a slim, lightweight, durable Chromebook with fantastic battery life on a single charge. Despite its low cost, this Chromebook still offers great performance for any family. Built to meet eight military-grade standards including, transit drop, vibration, high temperature, temperature shocks, freezing, dust, humidity, and low pressure.
Central Processing Unit Or CPU
The Central Processing Unit or CPU is considered the brain of any Chromebook. A CPU’s power is measured in Gigahertz (GHz). The higher the CPU’s Gigahertz speed, the faster the Chromebook will be at processing tasks.
Random-Access Memory Or RAM
Random-Access Memory or RAM is also integral to a Chromebook’s speed. Typically Chromebooks come with between 4 to 8GB (Gigabytes) of RAM which will be well suited for any family tasks.
Display Size
Chromebooks typically come in screen sizes ranging from 11.6 to 15.6 inches. Low-cost Chromebooks typically come with a screen resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels (HD), whereas higher-end models will come with 1920 x 1080 pixels (Full HD) or greater.
| Screen Display | Screen Pixels |
|---|---|
| 4K | 3840 x 2160 pixels |
| Quad HD | 2560 x 1440 pixels |
| Full HD | 1920 x 1080 pixels |
| HD | 1366 x 768 pixels |
| Non HD | 1280 x 720 pixels |
Local Storage
Local storage is smaller on a Chromebook and therefore it will typically vary between 16 to 64GB. Higher-end premium Chromebooks do offer much larger internal storage if that’s something you must have. Alternatively, if you need more internal storage, this can be expanded by using a microSD card or a USB-style external solid-state drive (SSD).
Ports
Just like Windows and macOS laptops, Chromebooks come with various input and output ports, typically USB, USB-C, and HDMI ports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hopefully, I have answered all of your questions related to, is a Chromebook good for parents. You may still have other questions surrounding Chromebooks. If you do, below, I have answered some popular Chromebook frequently asked questions.
Is a Chromebook a good family computer?
Can I use PowerPoint on Chromebook?
Can a Chromebook run apps?
Final Thoughts On Is A Chromebook Good For Parents
So, in conclusion, is a Chromebook good for parents? Chromebooks are the perfect device for a family computer. Being so secure, fast and easy-to-use parents don’t need to worry about virus protection, malware protection, and making sure the computer has the latest operating system updates. Lastly, with support for multiple users, parents also don’t need to worry about sharing their Chromebook accounts with their kids, and let’s not forget that a Chromebook won’t break the bank either!