STACK #244 February 2025

TECH FEATURE

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BACK TO UNI

Lenovo Duet 11” WUXGA Chromebook (MTK838) [128GB] This basic Chromebook is highly versatile and great value for money, with a detachable keyboard and a kickstand for switching to tablet mode. The WUXGA (1920 x 1200) display delivers bright high-res visuals, with a 16:10 aspect ratio for more screen real estate – perfect for art projects, annotating documents and streaming video content. Display: 11” Storage: 128GB RAM: 4GB Ports: USB-C x2 Battery life: Up to 12 hours Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth

Starting university can be expensive, but your laptop doesn’t have to be. Chromebooks, running on Google’s Chrome OS, are a cost effective and efficient alternative to traditional laptops, and perfect for students on a budget. Words Bec Summer CHROMEBOOKS The affordable uni companion

HP 15a-nb0009TU 15.6" Full HD Chromebook Plus (Intel i3) [128GB] Get a performance boost from this Chromebook Plus with a speedy Intel processor for smooth multitasking, and a big 15.6-inch display that’s perfect for long screen sessions, designing, video calls and remote lectures. Plus, built-in AI video call tools ensure you’ll always look your best on camera. Display: 15.6” Storage: 128GB RAM: 8GB Ports: USB-A 3.0 x1, USB-C 3.1 x2 Battery life: Up to 11 hours Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth v5.3

Why choose a Chromebook? Chromebooks are affordable because Google collaborates with manufacturers to keep the cost low. But don't let the price fool you – these devices pack a punch for everyday student tasks. If your course mostly involves online research, emails, writing essays or documents, dealing with spreadsheets, taking notes, or other things that don’t require a lot of computing power, a Chromebook could be the best thing for your budget. The Chromebook advantage Price isn’t the only pro – being smaller and lighter than most laptops, Chromebooks are even more portable. You can easily slip them into a bag or backpack and barely notice them as you rush between lectures.

A Chromebook’s simplicity also translates to faster boot times and a user friendly interface for a hassle-free experience, along with long battery life to keep you powered throughout the day. Chromebooks can be highly versatile, too, with detachable keyboards and kickstands for switching to tablet mode, and support for pens/ styluses for drawing and note taking. Security first Chromebooks prioritise safety, with built-in virus protection to keep them secure. A Verified Boot function keeps the system clean and malware free on start-up, while a technique called ‘Sandboxing’ isolates any potentially harmful software to prevent it from spreading. They also have an inbuilt, dedicated security chip for extra encryption of sensitive data such as user profiles, providing additional peace of mind. Seamless integration with Google If you’re already using Google services like Gmail, Drive, or Docs, Chromebooks make syncing and sharing a breeze. Logging in with your Google account lets you access all your files and settings across devices. Chromebook Plus for creative minds For uni students needing more power, Chromebook Plus models offer upgraded processors, more RAM, and sharper displays, making them ideal for photo editing, video production, and other advanced tasks.

ASUS CX34 14" FHD Chromebook Plus (Intel Core i5)[256GB] This premium Chromebook Plus has a spacious 256GB of storage and is powered by a 12th Gen Intel Core processor for peak performance during lengthy work and study periods. Optimised for multitasking, it’s ideal for photo editing and whatever demands your uni course requires. Display: 14” FHD Storage: 256GB RAM: 8GB Ports: HDMI x1, USB 3.2 x2, USB-C 3.2 x2 Battery life: Up to 10 hours Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth v5.3

20 FEBRUARY 2025

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