STACK #208 Feb 2022

LIFE TECH FEATURE

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Uni is a great time to try something different. And if you want a break from the conventional laptop, it’s a perfect time to consider the Chromebook. 4 REASONS TO CHROMEBOOK + 4 CHROMEBOOK PICKS

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CHROMEBOOK PICKS

FOUR REASONS TO GET A CHROMEBOOK: As the name implies, Chromebooks are devices that run Chrome OS, an operating system made by Google. All you need is your Google account and you’re set to go. Here are four reasons to Chromebook: 1 It’s designed with speed, simplicity, and security in mind Chromebooks boot up in seconds, and with automatic updates you get the latest software without being interrupted. Built-in virus protection defends your Chromebook from malware automatically. You can focus on what you need to do, instead of installing third- party security software. 2 Productivity at your fingertips You can stride into uni with confidence - From note-taking to presentation-making and everything in between, a Chromebook is a productivity powerhouse. A Google account gives you access to Google’s range of services - Gmail, Drive, Docs, Sheets, Calendar and much more. Whether on the web or with Play Store apps, there's a staggering range of third party Chrome OS Apps to enhance your assignments, collaborate online and unleash your creativity. 3 Chromebooks come in all shapes and sizes

HP 4K221PA 14" HD Chromebook (64GB) A laptop form factor that will suit coursework involving documents and spreadsheets. AMD’s mobile processor for Chrome will give you responsiveness when taking lecture notes, as well as long battery life for a whole day on campus. This is an entry level Chromebook at a great price. • 14" HD (1366 x 768) display • AMD 3015Ce Processor (1.2 - 2.3 GHz) • 8GB RAM • 64GB storage • 1x USB-A 3.0 port • 2x USB-C 3.1 ports • Bluetooth v5.0 • Wi-Fi ac • Webcam

Lenovo Ideapad Flex 3 11.6" HD Chromebook (64GB) The Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 3 weighs just 1.2kg, yet offers a full keyboard with spacious trackpad, plus a 11.6” HD touchscreen. The 360-degree screen swivel converts from laptop to tablet, or you can stand it as a tent for viewing. The IdeaPad Flex 3 is one to consider for portability as well as versatility. • 11.6” HD (1366 x 768) display • MT8183 2.0G processor (1.6 - 2.0 GHz) • 4GB RAM • 64GB storage • 1x USB-A 2.0 port • 1x USB-C 3.0 port • Bluetooth v4.2 • Wi-Fi 5 • Webcam

HOW TO ACCESS

Chromebooks come as laptops, convertible, detachable and even tablets. There’s sure to be a form factor to suit. You can also get PLUS Chromebooks that deliver faster performance and smooth video calls. PREMIUM Chromebooks are designed for multitasking and advanced workloads. 4 Switching is easy Using your Google Account, you can transfer everything from your old computer. If you’re on the Chrome browser, all of your bookmarks, passwords and settings will be saved for the switch. Otherwise, you can import them from another browser. From your old computer, you can also select folders and files for upload to Google Drive. Accessing them again is as simple as signing into Drive on your new Chromebook.

MICROSOFT OFFICE ON A

CHROMEBOOK: Most unis will provide students with a Microsoft 365 account, for Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote and OneDrive. On Chromebook, you can access the advanced features of Microsoft 365 apps via the web, by going to www. office.com and signing in with your Microsoft account. For access to Outlook, Microsoft recommends signing in and configuring via www.outlook.com

Asus CX1 15.6" Full HD Chromebook (64GB) If you're looking for a standard laptop form factor, the CX1 is worth considering thanks to a generous 15.6” display for total immersion and deep focus. It weighs in at only 1.74kg despite the substantive screen, and it’s US Millitary Grade certified, to handle all the wear and tear of life at uni. • 15.6" Full HD (1920 x 1080) display • Intel Celeron N5100 Processor (1.1 - 2.8GHz) • 8GB RAM • 64GB storage • 2x USB-A 3.2 port • 2x USB-C 3.2 ports • 1x MicroSD card reader • Bluetooth 5.0 • Wi-Fi 6 • Webcam

Lenovo Duet 5 13.3" Full HD OLED Chromebook (128GB) Move up in specs to the Lenovo Duet 5 and you get into the range of PLUS Chromebooks. These offer improved performance for multitasking, web browsing and video calls. With 128GB storage room for apps, photos and movies, the Duet 5 is ideal if you plan to create and edit multimedia projects. The Duet 5 is a 2-in-1 device that features a Full HD OLED display for stunning image quality. A detachable keyboard easily transforms the Chromebook into a 13.3” tablet. • 13.3” Full HD (1920 x 1080) OLED touch display • 4GB RAM • 128GB eMMC storage • SC7180 processor • 2x USB-C port • Bluetooth v5.1 • Wi-Fi 6

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