Should i use my chromebook for college?

So I recently brought a chromebook as it was the cheapest option for me but I just wanted to know whether or not it would be good for college as obviously, you cannot use Microsoft powerpoint or anything.

Yes,you can use PowerPoint Word and Excel,but you need to use Office 365 web version

A Chromebook can be fantastic for college as long as you do not need to run any Mac or Windows-only application for your degree program. For general use, including Microsoft Office, a Chromebook will work just fine.

Chromebooks are very popular with college students. You will find that the Google Workspace products are quite adequate for most all of your classwork or undergraduate research. If your school is a Google shop, you will also have ample cloud storage as well for your work. Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides are quite powerful, and Docs will integrate with Zotero for bibliographic citation management. Unless your classwork is using specialized software that runs or is licensed to run only on Windows, you may find that a Chromebook will serve you well. My chemistry research undergrads managed well with Chromebooks, and I found that much of our specialty LInux software will run quite nicely in the Linux container.

You can 100% use PowerPoint. When will the stigma on Chrome OS end?

In fact windows is trying to be more like ChromeOS with each update :roll_eyes:

I also have one and i use It for college

Really depends on what you want to study. Most people go with windows computer because it’s a safe choice that has the maximum compatibility.

You should ask your future professor these questions, because they would have a better idea what exactly software you will need.

Chromebooks are amazing! You’ll do just fine. Google software is better than Microsoft software for the most part.

Yes, because Chromebooks are the best modern Computer for everyone. PERIOD!

I use a Chromebook for all manner of tasks, from simple web-based tasks to development! It’s definitely been said to be prepared to use Windows or Mac for Windows or Mac specific tasks, but a Chromebook can be useful for “real” work, too! Especially if you learn how to run the Terminal!

Depending in your field, a
chromebook is good for Linux-based and/or open source programs.

You may get a Microsoft 365 subscription via the university. It has browser based version of all the Office apps. That will give you what you want. Plus you have the Google equivalents.

If Uni doesn’t provide a M365 license, student licenses are very cheap.

I use one for studies and love it. As others have stated, you can use 365 online, but why bother google docs etc are great (plus online 365 Word have a few features missing, such as referencing!) Also, the free extra cloud storage it a bonus.

If you already have the Chromebook why would you even ask?

You say you bought the CB because it was the cheapest option so I’m guessing you don’t want to spend money on a laptop if you don’t need to. If that’s true then stick with the CB until you find that it won’t do what you need. Check what IT needs you’ll have when you choose your course and recheck before the start of each semester so you have time to find another laptop if needed.

It depends…

First, I’d check with the college to see what applications they require or recommend for assignments, and then assess your needs to provide the best compatibility.

Second, looking forward, what profession are you looking to go into? If it’s creative like graphic arts, music, or the like, focus on a MacBook. If it’s more business-oriented, you should get something that works well with the Microsoft ecosystem. If you are getting into education, consider a Chromebook as they are popular in education.

I think you can use some Chromebooks for college (and professional life as well. I’ve used a Chromebook for the past four years in the tech-sector). However, not all Chromebooks are created equal. I would try to stick with the Chromebook Plus models as they have just a little better graphics. But you’ve already bought yours, this is really advice for anyone who might be considering a Chromebook in the future.

i would rather kill myself than use a chromebook

  1. Use Google docs/Google sheets/Google slides instead.

  2. Use browser based office.

  3. You may be able to use the android app versions if that doesn’t work since Chrome OS can run most things that Android can.

  4. You can install Ubuntu (or any other Linux distro) onto a Chromebook, either maintaining the original Chrome OS or replacing it. I’m not sure if the Office products have Linux support but there are plenty of free options and you’re almost definitely not going to have any issues with the web versions.

Install Ubuntu on a Chromebook | Ubuntu (have Ubuntu and Chrome OS)

How To: Install Ubuntu on Chromebook and REMOVE ChromeOS - DB Tech Reviews (Replace ChromeOS with Ubuntu)

Yes Chromebook are very good for college, and you can have libreoffice and all Linux applications by using a few command from terminal.

Google play allows you to install Android apps very easily but they are full of trackers and ads.

If you find yourself in need of more (colleges usually have min computer specs)…

An interesting alternative is having a cheap used/refurbished desktop and use wake on lan settings + chrome remote desktop to use a windows PC from your chromebook.

If you get to have a desk, i recommend a monitor and mouse setup for your room.