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Thread ID: 135693 2013-12-01 23:28:00 Computer @ School Cyberhuskey (13067) Press F1
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1361392 2013-12-01 23:28:00 Hi.

The school of my 8-year-old wants to introduce a bring-your-own-device scheme next year, preferably a device with a full keyboard. Their preference is the Acer Chromebook because of affordability (~$400), speed of booting, possibilities of productivity (Google Office, Drive, Search, and internet).

Is it appropriate to accustom our kids to Google products only? I would really appreciate any thoughts on this or suggestions of alternatives. Many thanks.
Cyberhuskey (13067)
1361393 2013-12-01 23:36:00 IMO better that than apple. :p

In that price range though, you're pretty limited.
wratterus (105)
1361394 2013-12-01 23:37:00 An 8 year old requiring a PC at school..?? paulw (1826)
1361395 2013-12-01 23:57:00 The OpenOffice suite of software - completely free - would be a great option. Greg (193)
1361396 2013-12-01 23:58:00 No different to the indoctrination tactics employed by MS & Apple, although Google's influence is much more pervasive and extends far beyond the device being used.

I would ask some questions of the school about compliance with the Privacy Act and Education Dept guidelines about the security of students data and personal information.

Are student's real names used?
Do the have advice about 'safe' use of such services and how so safeguard your future reputation?

Where is it stored?
Who has access to it?
Who's laws apply to it?
Can it be completely deleted at some point in the future?

For example, if little Johnny writes a story about killing the neighbours annoying cat, this has the potential to show up in future, and he may not get a job as the background check showed 'phsycopathic tendencies from a young age'...

Seems unlikely, but so did a lot of real things 20 years ago.
fred_fish (15241)
1361397 2013-12-02 02:49:00 Acer is junk. Go with Asus. pctek (84)
1361398 2013-12-02 02:57:00 Hi.

The school of my 8-year-old wants to introduce a bring-your-own-device scheme next year, preferably a device with a full keyboard. Their preference is the Acer Chromebook because of affordability (~$400), speed of booting, possibilities of productivity (Google Office, Drive, Search, and internet).

Is it appropriate to accustom our kids to Google products only? I would really appreciate any thoughts on this or suggestions of alternatives. Many thanks.

I think it is going to come down to what parents can afford to provide their kids with.

I think Chrome books need an internet connection/wifi to work properly, otherwise no access to your documents which are stored online. With all the other tablets and iPads etc, you are ok because your apps are on the device, as are your documents.

iPads have all the iWork apps for spread sheets, word docs and keynote = Powerpoint. They are all FREE with your iPad.

Windows has full blown Office for its Windows 8 Tablets.

Android has..?

I would also agree with fred_fish's comments regarding access to personal information and security.
Webdevguy (17166)
1361399 2013-12-02 03:14:00 I think it is going to come down to what parents can afford to provide their kids with .

I think Chrome books need an internet connection/wifi to work properly, otherwise no access to your documents which are stored online . With all the other tablets and iPads etc, you are ok because your apps are on the device, as are your documents .

iPads have all the iWork apps for spread sheets, word docs and keynote = Powerpoint . They are all FREE with your iPad .

Windows has full blown Office for its Windows 8 Tablets .

Android has . . ?

I would also agree with fred_fish's comments regarding access to personal information and security .

There are quite a few Free office apps for Android . I use kingsoft on Mine .

re windows 8 tablets -- are you meaning the full W8 or RT ?

RT comes with a version of office 365 preloaded designed for the ARM processors .
wainuitech (129)
1361400 2013-12-02 03:19:00 +1 for Kingston office, an excellent clone of the newer version of MS Office. icow (15313)
1361401 2013-12-02 06:11:00 I've got to say chrome books would probably be the best device for schools. Maintenance free, cheapish, full keyboard. Not quite sure why it haven't heard them suggested before. Perhaps their hadn't landed here. Although I did advise a friend of mine away from them for her kids. Mainly because it was for home only plod (107)
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