With back to school shopping starting to kick off, it is time to get your BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) sorted for school. Not sure where to start? Unsure of the difference between a Chromebook or a laptop? Which is the best BYOD device for school? To point you in the right direction, we have broken down some of the differences between Chromebooks and Windows laptops, as well as factors to consider when selecting a device.

Chromebooks and laptops are the two most popular options for BYOD. While they may look similar, there are two differences between the devices – specifically the operating system and hardware. Chromebooks utilise a less demanding operating system, limited to running apps and programs on the Google Play store, meaning less powerful hardware is needed.
On the other hand, laptops running on Windows are multipurpose devices built with more powerful hardware capable of handling software and programs outside of the Windows OS. Windows laptops offer more flexibility and range with full-featured entry-level options, durable options designed with kids in mind, and mid to high range options geared towards more advanced and specific tasks.

What to consider:

• Use: If you plan on running additional or more strenuous software, you will need to consider that as this will affect the kind of hardware and operating system you require.
• Operating System: For students pursuing creative industries or soon heading into further education, a laptop offers more flexibility, as you can install external software in the future.
• Durability: You want your device to be able to handle everything that school can throw at it, so choosing a durable option is vital. Luckily, both Chromebooks and Windows have factored this in, with both devices featuring more durable options. Look for terms like reinforced hinges, shock-absorbent bumpers, spill-resistant keyboards and pressure-resistant screens. The Acer Travelmate range is a great starting point for a durable Windows device capable of more than base everyday functions.
• Battery: You do not want the school day to be disrupted at an inopportune moment or be struggling to charge in between classes. To keep going, you want to go for devices that offer all-day battery – this term generally means they can last up to 8 hours* on a single charge, but many laptops can last longer.
• Price point: How much you want to spend will play a part in how powerful a device you want. Chromebooks were traditionally the low-priced options, as the limited OS needed less power to function, allowing for more savings. However, this is no longer the case with plenty of entry-level Windows laptops available that offer full functionality like the Acer Aspire 1 14″ Laptop or Lenovo IdeaPad 1 11.6″ Laptop.
• Specifications & Power: Laptops have the edge when it comes to hardware and power. So, if you are planning on doing any creative or media work, a Windows laptop is the way to go as it will have the hardware to support these functions easily and with minimal lag.

So, depending on your needs, a Chromebook may get the job done, but a Windows laptop allows for more flexibility and range as your needs may change over the years.
Get back to school ready and head online or in-store to shop BYOD.

*Battery life varies with use.