A full wash: Just because Chromebooks use web apps doesn’t mean they don’t need resetting every once in a while. A reset is called a “Powerwash.” Sign out of ChromeOS, hold Ctrl + Alt + Shift + R, then choose Restart and Powerwash.
Don't get fooled into buying a useless Chromebook
When you think of expired items, your mind likely wanders to things like food, beauty and household products. However, computers can go bad, too … especially Google’s Chromebooks, and they’re not passing the sniff test.
Once a Chromebook reaches its Auto Update Expiration (AUE) date, it stops receiving important updates, like security patches and new features. This could leave you vulnerable to cyberattacks and other issues.
Wondering just how big of a deal this is? Here are all the details and how to safeguard your family from expired devices.
Scammed at school
Who gets hit hard when computers and tech expire? School districts.
Take California’s Torrance Unified School District. An estimated 20,000 of its Chromebooks will expire by 2030. The state’s Oakland Unified School District expects roughly 40,000 to expire within the next five years.
Schools must shell out big bucks to replace outdated devices and ensure they have current ones. Schools also have unique security requirements, which get impacted when devices aren’t up-to-date. For example, access to online state testing could be affected, which is less than ideal.
Past their prime
What’s even more surprising is that retailers still sell expired Chromebooks. Consumers are often unaware that these devices don’t come with regular security updates or new features. Although they technically function just fine, the lack of support is a major issue.
For example, you can currently buy an Asus Chromebook Flip C302 on Amazon for $550. You can also get it for $820 on Walmart’s Marketplace. This particular Chromebook reached its AUE on June 1.
A total of 13 Chromebooks expired this summer. Here’s the full list:
- Acer Chromebook 11 (C771, C771T)
- Acer Chromebook 14 for Work (CP5-471)
- Acer Chromebook Tab 10 D651N
- AOpen Chromebook Commercial Tab
- Asus Chromebook Flip C302
- Asus Chromebook Tablet CT100
- Asus Chromebook Flip C101PA
- CTL Chromebook Tablet Tx1 for Education
- Dell Chromebook 13 (3380)
- HP Chromebook 13 G1
- Lenovo ThinkPad 13
- Samsung Chromebook Pro
- Samsung Chromebook Plus
Check this list before you buy a Chromebook
There are plenty of laptop models to choose from, so deciding which one is right for you can be challenging. But if you prefer a system that requires minimal maintenance and gets automatic updates, you should consider a Chromebook.
All the new features coming to your Android smartphone
Android fans rejoice! The recent Mobile World Congress event in Barcelona was held, where some major Android updates were announced. You’re going to love some of the new features.
Read on for new Android and Wear OS features that will change the game.
9 things you didn't know your Chromebook could do
Chromebooks run on Google’s Chrome operating system. Compared to a traditional laptop running Windows or macOS, Chromebooks are typically easier to use and more friendly on your wallet. They rely heavily on a network connection rather than local storage, enabling shorter load and boot times.
ASUS Chromebook Flip
If you like Chromebooks, how about an evolved version? It’s an upgraded version of a beloved computer — and you can bet it has the chops to match.
With a bright screen and a flexible design, the ASUS Chromebook Flip is nifty, portable and powerful. It lasts for 12 hours on a charge and has 16GB of memory. It also has a hefty storage space — 512GB. Check out more of its specs below.
We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.
Chromebook pros and cons + 3 models we recommend
Thanks to the cloud, most of the apps we use for work, school and fun are actually running in tabs in our web browsers. When you think about it, isn’t a traditional PC kind of overkill? That’s where Chromebooks come in. Designed by Google and manufactured by premium brands like Samsung, Chromebooks offer a simpler take on portable computing.
6 pieces of cheap tech not worth the money
When you buy tech, you can spend less or spend more. You can pick up a $150 Chromebook or a $2,500 MacBook Pro. You can choose between $60 Cowin noise-canceling headphones or $400 ones from Bose. Logic dictates the expensive tech is better, but is this really the truth?