Tech Tips

Choosing a Chromebook:

I am often asked for advice on selecting the "right" Chromebook.  Here's my advice.  When it comes to Chromebooks, I see it as a much easier process than buying a Windows computer.  It's hard to go wrong with a Chromebook in general; they are all made to Google specs, and those are relatively high - and uniform - standards.  Specifically, here's the process I recommend:

1. Find a good name brand that you trust, have had good experience with, or just feel comfortable with.

2. Of those, find the size screen you want, and if you want a "Flip" (opens 360 degrees) or a "2-in-1" (the screen detaches from the keyboard and becomes a tablet).
   > If this is going to be your "main computer" then get something with a large screen, and that is large enough to have a full-size keyboard.

3. Of those, make sure it has the number of USB ports you want, and an HDMI port if that is needed.
   > Keep in mind all your peripherals including external keyboard, mouse, printer, etc.  Also note that some peripherals will need to be plugged directly into a high-powered USB port on your computer as they may not work well being plugged into a  USB hub.
   > Not all Chromebooks come with an HDMI port.

4. Of those, identify the Chromebooks that have the most RAM.
   > GET AS MUCH RAM AS YOU CAN AFFORD!!
   > Avoid getting a Chromebook with only 2MB of RAM.  You would soon regret having so little RAM.

5. Of those, look at the reviews on Walmart, Amazon, Tiger Direct, and Best Buy.

6. Of those that get good reviews, check the Auto Update Expiration (AUE)* - basically, their "expiration date".  All Chromebooks come with an AUE date past which they will no longer receive updates.
   > Chromebooks that have outlived their AUE will still work, but their software - and their antivirus protection - will no longer be updated.  This means they will likely become slower, less compatible with new HTML standards, and more at risk of being infected with malware.
   > AUE dates are not all the same length on new units.

7. From those that remain, simply pick the Chromebook that has all the features you need from a brand you like, with the most RAM, in your price range, with good reviews, and the longest AUEs.

Voila!

* Here's the link to look up all Chromebook AUEs:
  https://support.google.com/chrome/a/answer/6220366?