Chromebook, Laptop or iPad keyboard

[CecyHall]

My laptop is no good anymore and I am starting an OU degree in October.

I was going to buy a new laptop but got really confused with the choices and then stumbled upon Chromebooks which are obviously cheaper and I like that they won't get slower as they don't fill up memory wise, it's all cloud based.

OU have confirmed that all my modules are online ones so I shouldn't need a CD-ROM drive. If I needed Microsoft Office then I could use the library. I've been using my iPad for everyday things, hence why my laptop has fallen behind with modern times, I could get an iPad keyboard but I'm not sure if I would like this set up for studying, with having no mouse/tracker pad thing.

I'm swaying towards the Chromebook (and quite like the idea of Chromecast which I could get with it) but does anyone have any words of wisdom?

[niceguy2]

Sounds like it could be a good fit for you but personally I'd be wary about tying myself into a closed system like that.

If I were in your shoes I'd probably look for a decent second hand laptop or even something like this:

Toshiba Pro C50d which won't win any speed awards nor will you be playing many games on it but it will surf the web & do office type applications without any problems.

Combine that with a free Office program like Kingsoft Office Free and you'd be well away.

[CecyHall]

Thank you for your reply.

I think my main issue is just whatever I do, it's a lot of money for something that won't last 10 years (like buying a dishwasher or washing machine feels easier somehow) and that's what I dislike!

[niceguy2]

10 years is like an eternity for a computer. It's just one of those things.

But I would argue a normal laptop will be better for you than a Chromebook since it will have a resale value whereas I wonder how much you could resell Chromebook's for.

[fluffycow]

I'd go for a laptop, you'll get sick of going to the library everytime you need to use Microsoft office. Chromebooks can't really do much, sticking a keyboard on your iPad will basically be the same as using a chromebook.

[Zorin]

Chromebooks are actually very good as long as you know their limitations.

You can use MS Word Online with them perfectly easily (& for free) through an officially supported App. They also have some local storage & a number of "offline apps" (that then re-sync when you are online) so that you can still work quite effectively without an internet connection.

The other advantage over a laptop is that they have good battery life and are lighter and more portable; the fact all your work is seamlessly backed up, no viruses or spyware etc makes the case more compelling.

I bought a Samsung Chromebook out of interest and have been really impressed; actually it is my "computer" of choice when out & about now (I travel a lot with work)...

Hope this helps.....

[Zorin]

P.S.

Oh & the other real positive is that as you log in and work from your Google account, you can simply login in at any other pc or mac or tablet and your work will simply be there for you to continue, edit, submit etc.

The Chromebook approach is extremely good; however it is a different way of using a computer, not better or worse than a windows pc, but it can be better or worse for an individual dependent on their individual needs.