Chromebooks now more popular than iPads in U.S. schools

[jamezr]

Chromebooks now more popular than iPads in U.S. schools

For the first time ever, Chromebooks surpassed iPad sales to U.S. schools. According to IDC, 715,000 Chromebooks were sold to U.S. schools in the 3rd quarter as opposed to 702,000 iPads for the same period. It might not be by much, but the spread is likely to grow.

It’s obvious the lower costs that Chromebooks enjoy is a big factor. Schools can buy Chromebooks for as low as $199 vs the iPad Air, which runs $379 after educational discounts. Let’s also not forget the full keyboard that makes things a lot easier. Last but not least, Chromebooks are easier to manage.


IDC analyst Rajani Singh said, “Chromebooks are really gaining traction. The growth of Chromebook is a major concern for Apple’s iPad. As the average age of the student grows the need for a keyboard becomes very important.”

If there is one advantage that Apple has though, it’s the number of educational apps. There are over 75,000 educational apps in iTunes. However, Google recently launched Google Play for Education, which could make a run for the money especially since Android apps can be adapted to Chrome OS.

http://www.talkandroid.com/228003-chromebooks-now-more-popular-than-ipads-in-u-s-schools/?utm_source=feedburner-ta&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+AndroidNewsGoogleAndroidForums+%28TalkAndroid+-+Android+News%2C+Rumours%2C+and+Updates%29

 

[maflynn]

Makes sense.

Schools are not flush with lots of extra money and the chromebook offers functionality for a lot less then an iPad.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

Yeah this isn't at all surprising considering the cost of a Chromebook can be half the price of the cheapest iPad. It also depends on the funding schools get as here in the United Kingdom iPads are very popular with a vast array of education apps being pushed to go with 'Interactive Whiteboard', and these are obtainable through government grants. Apple offer devices at reduced costs and this in turn acts as advertising for them as every child will ask for an iPad for Christmas if they don't already have one lol. Its obviously very different around the World.

 

[tbayrgs]

My kids have Google Docs/Drive accounts set up through their school and do the vast majority of their schoolwork on a pair of Chromebooks we have in our house. They'll eventually need greater functionality but at their current ages (6, 9, 11 yrs old) they meet their needs perfectly. The significantly lower price for Chromebooks makes this a no brainer, IMO.

 

[gotluck]

Never actually used a chrome book myself, but it makes sense

 

[Technarchy]

Never actually used a chrome book myself, but it makes sense

They're actually pretty capable machines. My wife has had one for two years. We both use it and have no real complaints.

Kids use it for games too and watching PBS.

 

[MasterRyu2011]

More productivity, less expensive, full keyboard, sufficiently lightweight....all round the chromebook is a much better deal for schools.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

More productivity, less expensive, full keyboard, sufficiently lightweight....all round the chromebook is a much better deal for schools.

It depends as a lot of education apps are available on the iPad at the moment and these are not necessarily PC based. Cost wise yes the Chromebook makes more sense.

 

[dejo]

Mod Note: Discussion continues here: Google's Chromebooks Overtake Apple's iPads for First Time in U.S. Education Market