Chromebooks

We understand that, even though we are, ברוך השם, back in school full-time, some families may choose (or be forced by circumstance) to keep students at home for a period of time. We have compiled a list of devices we can recommend for families who want to purchase devices for student use and will update this page as new information becomes available.

Student Device Recommendations​​​​

There are an awful lot of people trying to buy laptop computers these days. First there was the original work-from-home rush, then the supply issues as the supply chain struggled with a reduced workforce. Then came tariffs and trade-wars and a second wave of outbreaks and many families now find themselves looking for affordable tech for students in a marketplace filled with backorders and shipping delays.

I’m writing this article to try to share some recommendations for appropriate devices you can purchase today; every item I am linking to is available for sale as I write these words. That will, of course, change over time, but I will do my best to keep the list current.

What do I need?

The most demanding thing your child will need his or her computer to do is Zoom, so I am only going to recommend devices that meet or exceed Zoom’s published hardware requirements. Basically, you’re looking for a device that can run Zoom, browse the web and run the apps in the Google Suite. This means you’re looking for one of the following:

• A Mac laptop
• A Windows laptop
• A Chromebook
• An iPad or Android tablet
• A desktop computer (like an iMac) is also a possibility, but many desktops come without webcams and that complicates things. For this reason, my recommendations will not include desktops.

I will recommend at least two items in each category, one more budget-conscious and one with more features or capabilities.