How to find the best holiday deals on Chromebooks

If you or a family member is in the market for a new computer, black Friday is a great time to make a purchase! 

While specific deals will come and go, I’d like to explain how to spot the best holiday deals on Chromebooks.

During this episode I’ll be sharing the criteria I use to spot good deals on teacher Chromebooks and student Chromebooks.

I’ll also point you to a few specific deals for the 2020 holiday season.

How to spot a good deal on a teacher Chromebook

Teachers should NOT be using the same Chromebook as the students. Teachers need a Chromebook with more power and a larger screen, especially if you are teaching remotely.

John’s Chromebook teacher specs:

• 8GB RAM (required)
• 12” min. Screen (required)
• Touchscreen (preferred)
• USI pen compatible (preferred)

Chromebooks are better with a digital pen! Learn how to get the right digital pen for your Chromebook.

Here are 2 good deals on Chromebooks that match these requirements:

Acer Spin 713

• Pro: light and fast
• A bit on the pricey side
• USI compatible
• Cost: $549 (save $80) at Best Buy

HP x360 14c

• Fingerprint scanner
• USI compatible
• Tremendous value
• A bit on the thick / heavy side (not terribly portable)
• $499 (save $150) at Best Buy

How to spot a good deal on a student Chromebook

When purchasing a Chromebook for a student, durability is a key concern. I’m looking for a device that can withstand normal bumps, drops, and being smashed between history and physics textbooks inside of a backpack!

I want my students to create with technology, not just consume videos on YouTube. Touchscreen devices with pen support and dual cameras are a bonus.

John’s Chromebook student specs:

• 4GB RAM (required)
• Durable (required)
• Touch (required)
• Dual cameras (preferred)
• Pen compatible (preferred)
• Less than $300

I could only find 1 deal that matches the criteria listed above (there are more if you go up to $400).

Acer Spin 11

• 4GB RAM
• Convertible touchscreen
• Dual camera
• Supports EMR stylus (not included)
• $250 at best buy (save $27)

If budget is a factor, here is a solid device from HP that will do the job.

HP 11a (11A-NB0013DX)

• 4GB RAM
• No touch or pen support
• 1 camera
• $169 at Best Buy (save $50)

The device for the whole family

I’d also like to give an honorable mention to the Lenovo Chromebook duet. This is a GREAT deal on a very unique device that can do double duty as a tablet AND a laptop.

The Duet has a small screen and it’s not ultra durable, so it isn’t the best choice for a energetic middle school student, but it works great as a casual device shared by the whole family.

Lenovo Chromebook Duet (ZA6F0016US)

• Touchscreen with detachable keyboard
• USI compatible
• Small screen
• Not super durable
• $249 at Best Buy (save $50) on the 128GB model

Note: Walmart sells the 64GB model for the same price. Get the 128GB version if you can!

Stocking stuffer ideas: 

• Digital stylus: $20-50 (read this post for tips on finding the right stylus)
• Chromecast: $19 at Walmart (Black Friday only)
• Roku: $17 at Walmart (Black Friday only)
• External monitor (purchase used off of FB market place for the best deals)