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Original poster

Which chromebook/laptop for schoolwork?

21 replies

howmanybiscuits · 09/03/2019 21:24

DS has SEN, including difficulty with writing. He's very bright however and loves computers.

His school says they'd give him a computer if they could, but they can't afford it. So I'm going to buy him one. Nothing too fancy, just something he can use for word, making power points, accessing the internet etc.

Has anyone got any recommendations?

He says he wants a Chromebook not a standard laptop (no idea why) but am I right in thinking they might be a bit cheaper anyway?

OP posts:
00100001 · 09/03/2019 21:35

Chromebook are great. I use an Acer and its good :)

he will need otbear in mind he won;t be bale to run some software on it. but for day to day use, it does the job :)

plus the battery lasts forever!

Original poster
howmanybiscuits · 09/03/2019 21:43

What software can't you run on a Chromebook?

Can you put Office on it?

OP posts:
StillMedusa · 09/03/2019 22:07

I've had several Chromebooks (as I kill them with coffee usually) and they are great. My new one is an Asus C302 ..its a bit more expensive that the usual ones.. it also flips to become a tablet and the screen is ultra responsive) but so responsive and the battery life is ace.
I use google Docs in place of Office with no problem.

Generally though most if the £200 Chromebooks do the job fine... have a gmail address for storage and Google docs and you are away!

The only thing you need to bear in mind is you need your printer to be wireless.. Chromebooks doesn't plug and play with non wifi printers.

Original poster
howmanybiscuits · 09/03/2019 22:24

The school says he needs Office, not any substitutes. Is that a problem?

OP posts:
Original poster
howmanybiscuits · 09/03/2019 22:25

I don't know how easy internet access will be through his school set up

OP posts:
Original poster
howmanybiscuits · 09/03/2019 22:25

He'll be using it in school, not just for homework.

OP posts:
00100001 · 09/03/2019 22:26

Why would he need office and not be able to use google docs or OpenOffice? And how would they even know?

Ask them what specific feature they use that are exclusive to office!

00100001 · 09/03/2019 22:28

Think of a chrome book as a laptop android.

He will be able to install any google play store apps, but not (for example) games like Minecraft, or other software. But ofte there are plays for alternatives

00100001 · 09/03/2019 22:29

Internet access is as easy as connecting any laptop.

A laptop running android*

00100001 · 09/03/2019 22:30

Go to somewhere like Currys PC world and have a play :)

Original poster
howmanybiscuits · 10/03/2019 08:12

Why would he need office and not be able to use google docs or OpenOffice? And how would they even know?

They will know because he will be using it in the classroom.

You need internet access for Google Docs etc. I don't know if he will be able to access the internet while in lessons.

I asked them what programs he needs and the only thing they said he needed was Office. I asked if substitutes would do and they said no. I'm not going to start arguing with them about this.

OP posts:
Original poster
howmanybiscuits · 10/03/2019 08:16

Internet access is as easy as connecting any laptop

He'll be using it at school, in the classroom. I don't yet know if the school will let his computer be on the school network, and even if it is in principle they may not let him on the internet in class.

My son has problems with writing and he's going to be using this when other kids are using pen and paper in the classroom - as well as for other stuff at home.

OP posts:
StillMedusa · 10/03/2019 08:35

If he needs a laptop and they insist on Office (which has to be because someone doesn't understand that the Google alternative is free AND compatible ) they they should be paying...! If a laptop has been deemed necessary surely it is written in his EHCP? Office is unnecessary these days. And yes you can use Google Docs offline!

It sounds to me like school isn't quite as up to date with technology as they might be. I use google docs off line when I'm somewhere with no internet. The only time it would be a pain is if he wanted to do real time live editing with someone far away!

Original poster
howmanybiscuits · 10/03/2019 08:42

The school is terrible at supporting my son, and they have no resources. They can't afford basics like enough glue sticks. He has access to a laptop at school but it's old and rubbish and he spends half the lesson waiting for it to come on. They're not going to pay for a decent one.

We're going to be moving next year but in the meantime I need to do what I can to make it work for him.

I have so many other struggles with them I'm not going to start on with them about office vs google docs. I'm picking my battles and this is one I don't want to fight.

Plus, it's good experience to know how to use Office.

OP posts:
Original poster
howmanybiscuits · 10/03/2019 08:45

He doesn't have an EHCP and the school have said T
there's no point in asking for one as only the kids with very high needs get one.

He's recently been diagnosed with autism and has troubles with writing that are as yet undiagnosed.

I wonder if the school are putting me off pursuing that as then they'd be compelled to spend money on him.

OP posts:
Original poster
howmanybiscuits · 10/03/2019 08:50

They haven't deemed a laptop necessary. His teacher says she tried everything and has no idea how to help him. She isn' t getting the support she needs from the school to support him and she tends to treat his autism as a behavioural problem.

So, this is my attempt to help him, suggested to me off-the-record by another member of staff at the school who we know and who has his best interests at heart.

OP posts:
2gorgeousboys · 10/03/2019 09:06

DS2 uses a computer in class instead of paper and pen as he has dysgraphia. He uses an Acer Chromebook with no problems at all. He will load his documents to a Google account for teachers to mark and send back to him. He uses Google docs instead of word but as they are compatible he can open word documents and type/complete as he needs to and save so that staff can read and mark.

Given he takes it between home and school every day in his bag we didn't want to spend a fortune. I also like the fact that Chromebook don't get viruses. School support the fact that he needs the laptop so he is allowed to connect to the school Wi-Fi. He knows that if he abused that his access will be removed.

I'd have a play at PC world or similar and see if a Chromebook will suffice and speak to the staff.

Original poster
howmanybiscuits · 10/03/2019 09:16

2gorgeousboys I think he may have dysgraphia - please can I ask how he got diagnosed? I only heard the word last week and what I've read describes him to a T.

He's always struggled desperately with writing, despite being bright and well ahead of his years in reading.

OP posts:
00100001 · 10/03/2019 19:03

He won't need internet access to use Google docs in its basic form. He will be able to save locally, so internet access will not be an issue.

An he can download OpenOffice.
Or use any form of word processor he likes.
.
He really doesn't need Microsoft Office. So, unless they are using Microsoft Office specific functions (which they won't be) he will be fine.

Original poster
howmanybiscuits · 10/03/2019 19:57

Thanks 00100001 but we're planning to get him a computer and Microsoft Office (by subscription).

I'd love some recommendations for computers that use Office.

OP posts:
00100001 · 13/03/2019 10:18

Well then buy any laptop within your budget.

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