My promise to you:
In providing this page of resources, I have carefully picked out items and services that I genuinely think will help you, and have helped me to achieve success!
I never recommend anything I wouldn’t pay for myself, use love.
I am committed to helping you all on this journey, I hope that you will trust me to make suggestions that will help you to grow!
Please note that many of these links are affiliate links – As a result of using them, I make a small commission at no extra cost to you.
This helps me keep running this blog, so I really appreciate your support in using the links!
Technology:
Acer Chromebook.
This is the exact laptop that I use, you know that I am always honest with you guys and I honestly have almost no complaints about it!
(Please note: These are affiliate links, for every purchase using them, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.)
Chromebooks are essentially laptops that function primarily from the cloud, This means that you rarely download files and they are mainly for online use. Chromebooks are known for being low cost and powerful, making it the perfect student laptop!
This is possibly my biggest recommendation. With the uncertainty of COVID and many sixth forms operating lessons remotely, an affordable, reliable and super-fast laptop is essential.
Pros of the Acer Chromebook:
- it has a really sensitive touchpad and touch screen which makes it so easy to use as if it were a tablet.
- it has a battery life of 12 hours I honestly charge it hardly ever.
- Everything is stored in the cloud, some people might have an issue with this but it’s perfect for students! It means that I never worry about saving work and everything is accessible from school or the library at a drop of a hat!
- Chromebooks are honestly one of the most affordable and quality laptops, I wouldn’t recommend anything else for Sixth Form. So many of my friends use them too and love them!
- The design is completely lightweight, I carry it around in one hand with ease.
- I am able to use it for all of my online lessons, and the system is so fast!
- Chrome also has dedicated versions of Microsoft Office, Skype, Instagram and the likes, making it perfect for my online learning and writing this blog!
- They are much more resistant to viruses too! I have never experienced my laptop crashing or getting a virus.
- The amazing functionality of google docs and sheets allows for collaborative working, something that has been a lifesaver during COVID!
- I am able to process and construct my entire blog, an EPQ, three A level subjects and a series of essays from the Acer Chromebook and it never gets slow. This is the beauty of the cloud!
Cons of the Acer Chromebook:
Although I would confidently reccomend this laptop as the best purchase for any sixth form student , I wan’t to ensure you guys have more than enough information.
- The Chromebook is possibly not the best choice if you intend to use media software such as photoshop. These systems are not often compatible with the Chromebook, however, there are ways to get around this if need be.
- Chromebooks are slightly more humble than the Mac, but the brilliant thing is that no style or functionality is compromised. It really does have everything you would need in a laptop for sixth form or University. You also save bucket loads on price too!
- The Chromebook uses google docs, sheets and slides rather than the Microsoft word applications. this means you can access a limited version of word etc from your Chromebook but it won’t function in all the same ways.
- This is a slight downfall of this laptop. however, I really like the google software as it allows for multiple people to edit them at once and discuss the document whilst working on it.
- Perfect for group projects! In fact, I was able to put together an entire academic poster from home with my team working collaboratively through Docs!
So overall:
I can sing the Acer Chromebooks praise until the cows come home! I also think that it is a really affordable laptop when compared to others like the Mac or more expensive Chromebooks.
However, if the Acer Chromebook that I have recommended is a bit out of your price range, here are a few others that are similarly amazing and slightly less pricey!