Which Chromebook for School BYOD?

RSmith on 01/02/2024 - 15:54

Hi,

Can you help me to figure out which one is a better device for the school BYOD?

$521
Lenovo 300e Chromebook Gen 4 / 11.6-inch Touch / MediaTek Kompanio 520 / 4GB / 32GB eMMC / Pen / Chrome OS

Model Number: 82W3S04G00

Powered by the MediaTek Kompanio 520 processor, this lightweight and convertible device is purpose-built to meet the needs of professionals. Its versatility enables easy document annotation and seamless collaboration. With up to 16 hours of battery life, users can work from anywhere without any hassle.

Specifications:

11.6 HD (1366x768) Antiglare Convertible Touchscreen
MediaTek Kompanio 520
4GB LPDDR4
32GB eMMC 5.1
Intel HD Graphics
MT7921 2X2 AX + BT WW
HD 720p with Privacy Shutter
Up to 11.3 hours battery life
Charger Included
Pen
Chrome OS
1 Year Return To Base Warranty included

Or

$477
Lenovo 11" IdeaPad Duet 3 Chromebook Snapdragon7c/4GB/128GB

10.95" IPS touch-screen display with a resolution of 2000 x 1200.
Octa-Core Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 Processor.
4 GB RAM.
128 GB eMMC storage capacity.
Integrated Qualcomm Adreno GPU graphics processor.
Connections via Bluetooth 5.1, WiFi, 2 x USB-C 3.1 (Data, Display & Power Delivery).
12 month warranty.
Up to 12 hours of battery life.
Chrome operating system.
5MP front-facing webcam or 8MP rear-facing camera.
Included accessories: IdeaPad Duet Folio Keyboard.
Storm Grey design.
Computing Chromebook

Comments

  • scotty on 01/02/2024 - 16:03
    +4

    IdeaPad Duet 3.

    Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 is already pretty slow even for Chromebooks, MediaTek Kompanio 520 will really help your school kids to practise patience.

  • scrimshaw on 01/02/2024 - 16:04
    +2

    Both are really low-end chromebooks and have truly awful underpowered processors and not enough RAM, but assuming that these are your only two choices, the Lenovo is the better device

  • o53djz7qTPY4der on 01/02/2024 - 16:32

    Why not buy a regular laptop and replace Windows with ChromeOS Flex?

    • RSmith on 01/02/2024 - 16:53

      I was thinking the same. Is it easy to do?

      • scrimshaw on 01/02/2024 - 17:20
        +1

        It isn't hard to do but be aware that Chrome OS and ChromeOS Flex are not the same and there's some differences.

        https://support.google.com/chromeosflex/answer/11542901?hl=e…

        Most importantly is that Flex has no auto-enrollment (important for education user), and it has no Android emulation Play Store.

      • bobokingdom on 01/02/2024 - 18:15
        +1

        Don't do it. Chrome Flex is like Huawei Phones without Huawei Stores. Everything need to be side loaded….

        Take a look at this if weight/size are suitable: https://www.officeworks.com.au/shop/officeworks/p/hp-chromeb…

        • RSmith on 01/02/2024 - 18:18

          The school recommended ones are 11" in size. This one is slightly bigger and 0.5 kg heavier. I think this will be a better option.

          • bobokingdom on 01/02/2024 - 19:46

            @RSmith: This one is Intel i3 N305 so it is way more powerful than the listed models.

            For school, will that be for Primary School or Secondary School?

            • RSmith on 01/02/2024 - 19:53

              @bobokingdom: Secondary

              • bobokingdom on 02/02/2024 - 09:07

                @RSmith: ….Secondary School, with their suggestions, it seems they only need it for simple online websites access. It will be pretty slow for more intensive work (like website access with lots of graphics or need to draw something on the screen).

                Aim for the highest specs model that you are willing to pay….i3 mimimum to be useable for the next 2-3 years.

      • loropy9 on 01/02/2024 - 18:31

        I installed flex on a 2in1 dell. It's very easy and you don't need to be tech head to do it. However flex doesn't have access to play store in case your school needs the kids to download apps. Our school doesn't require any downloaded apps.

  • jv on 01/02/2024 - 19:38
    +1
    • The IdeaPad Duet 3 has a larger, higher-resolution display, making it more comfortable for multitasking and media consumption.
    • The 300e Chromebook Gen 4 offers a pen for annotation and collaboration.
    • If performance is crucial, the 300e Chromebook Gen 4 with the MediaTek Kompanio 520 might be a better choice.
    • For portability and versatility, the IdeaPad Duet 3 stands out.

    Ultimately, choose based on your priorities: display size, performance, or additional features. Both are solid options, but your specific use case will determine which one suits you best!

    • RSmith on 01/02/2024 - 20:01

      Thanks. I will find out if the pen is needed. If not, the one suggested by @bobokingdom might be a better choice.

  • ozprash on 01/02/2024 - 22:44

    I had a similar question and doubts in the post below. Finally went with a ex-corporate Lenovo X1 Carbon 6th Gen Windows laptop in A grade condition from eBay for around $300.
    Also it weighs just 1.1kg so easier to carry daily.

    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/826910#comment-14861330

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