Chromebooks for education aren’t just for students anymore.
This year, Google introduced Chromebook Plus: A designation of high-end ChromeOS devices ideal for working professionals. “We created Chromebooks to bring you easy-to-use computers that offer reliable performance and unmatched security,” says John Maletis, Vice President of ChromeOS Product. Google builds on that promise with Chromebook Plus, which delivers even greater power, speed, AI-driven features, and upgraded security.
In a school setting, Chromebook Plus is made for teachers and admins. They get the feel of a high-end laptop with luxury finishes and features, but with the sleek and slimmed down interface of ChromeOS. Teachers can operate within the same system as their students, with seamless connections to the Google Workspace app they use every day.
… and all at a significantly lower price point than Windows or Apple laptops.
Simplicity. Affordability. Connectivity. These are the cornerstones that make all Chromebooks a top choice for education. So how does Chromebook Plus take that even further?
Let’s take a closer look at what sets Chromebook Plus apart from their standard-made siblings, making them the ideal choice of device for educators and administrators.
What is a Chromebook?
In its simplest terms, Chromebooks are just laptops that run on ChromeOS.
As opposed to Windows or iOS, ChromeOS is an ultra-lightweight operating system made for running web-based applications. Because of this, Chromebooks typically have smaller internal storage and processing than their counterparts. This makes it possible for Chromebooks to come in at much lower price points than Windows and Apple alternatives–one of the many factors that makes Chromebooks appealing for K-12 education.
Over 50 million students and teachers depend on Chromebooks every day. They’re perfect for daily tasks like browsing the web, using Google Workspace apps like Docs and Sheets, and accessing online learning tools. They start up fast, update automatically for security, and offer an interface that’s easy for anyone to navigate—regardless if you’re a student or a teacher.
They are also straightforward for IT teams to manage. Built-in security features such as automatic updates, sandboxing, Verified Boot, and data encryption, Chromebooks help IT staff keep devices safe and up to date with minimal effort. This layered security approach supports a safer environment across schools, giving tech teams confidence that everything is running securely. And thanks to cloud-based tools, it’s easier to manage access and data across multiple devices, ensuring everything stays organized and efficient.
With all this in mind, it’s easy to see why so many schools are sticking to Chromebooks.
So where does Chromebook Plus fit into the picture for K-12 schools?
What Makes Chromebook Plus Different?
While traditional Chromebooks have earned their place in classrooms for being reliable and easy to use for students, Chromebook Plus takes it up a notch. Chromebook Plus devices build on the familiar simplicity, security, and cloud-based functionality of Chromebooks while adding features that can support a wider range of tasks and needs. This sets them up as great options for education professionals like teachers and office administrators.
Premium Feel
Schools that have Chromebooks for students, specifically, are probably more familiar with Chromebook for Education models. These models are ultra tough (often meeting military specification AKA “mil-spec” standards) to face the rigors of everyday classroom wear and tear.
They also were designed to be affordable.
Because of that, many people working in education have the misconception that all Chromebooks feel “cheap”.
However, Chromebook Plus devices are luxe! Built to satisfy the tastes of working professionals, these devices have luxury finishes and high end hardware. They also come in a variety of models and makes, colors and configurations.
More Power Under the Hood
One of the big upgrades in Chromebook Plus is its improved hardware. Equipped with faster processors, these models offer up to double the performance of standard Chromebooks. This means smoother multitasking, quicker loading times, and better handling of more demanding applications—perfect for those who have been looking for a bit of extra power in their Chromebook.
Director of Education Initiatives at Trafera, Josh Ratliff, uses his Chromebook Plus every day and never misses a beat. “I put my Chromebook through its paces too, and it always keeps up,” Josh commented. “The battery lasts all day, the camera looks great, I can have multiple windows open at the same time and don't have to worry about it slowing down my work.”
Enhanced AI Features
AI is everywhere right now, and Chromebook Plus integrates it right into the device. Tools like Help Me Write for drafting text and Magic Editor for adjusting photos are built into these features to make everyday tasks a bit simpler. For teachers and administrators,that means less time spent on drafting lesson plans or emails.
Better Displays and Cameras
If you’ve ever dealt with grainy video calls and the constant echoes of “Can you see me? Can you hear me?”, the upgraded features on Chromebook Plus could offer a welcome change. The full HD display brings added clarity to lessons and presentations, making content easier to see and understand. Meanwhile, the improved 1080p webcam reduces background noise and sharpens video quality, helping make online interactions smoother and more effective.
Stronger Security Features
Security remains a top priority for Chromebook Plus, which takes the already robust protection of traditional Chromebooks to another level. One of the standout features is the Titan C2 security chip, specifically designed by Google to guard against threats like viruses, phishing attacks, and brute-force password attempts.This added layer allows schools to feel more secure, knowing their devices have extra protection without any extra hassle.
Offline Capabilities and Storage
Even though Chromebooks are known for their cloud-based approach, Chromebook Plus models provide better offline capabilities. With improved file sync, users can work on Google apps without needing to be online all the time. This is helpful for teachers grading papers on the go or staff handling tasks in different locations. Plus, having more storage and up to 8GB of RAM allows these devices to handle more files and run programs smoothly.
Choosing Between a Chromebook and Chromebook Plus
Choosing between a standard Chromebook and a Chromebook Plus comes down to your specific needs. If you're looking for a device that can manage more demanding tasks, offers additional storage, or comes with enhanced AI tools, Chromebook Plus could be the better option. On the other hand, if you need a rugged, straightforward device for daily classroom activities, the standard Chromebook remains a solid choice.
If you’re considering whether Chromebook Plus is worth considering as an alternative to Windows and Apple laptops for teachers and admins, hopefully this gave you a clearer idea of what to expect from these sleek and budget-friendly devices.
Either way, Trafera is here to help you make the most of your choice. We understand that selecting the right technology is only part of the equation. Our team is ready to assist with setup, provide ongoing support, and offer Google Certified training so that you and your staff feel confident using these tools. And if you’re looking to get the most out of Google Workspace for Education, we’re here to ensure it integrates seamlessly into your teaching and learning processes.
