With the one to one program in action and the new chromebooks released, there are many questions.  Many people are wondering how long the chromebooks will last.  I did some research on the chromebooks to find the answers.  Here is what I found:

The Acer Chromebook 11 N7 C731 is a very tough chromebook.  It is military grade and can withstand falls up to four feet.  Considering a chromebook would most likely fall from a desk, which most likely is not taller than four feet, it is safe to say that these chromebooks will not break for occasional falls.  In addition, the keyboard is spill resistant, so a spilled glass of water should be no problem.

The screen on the chromebooks is a standard LCD screen.  From an article I found, I learned that screens do not really “die” per say but do lose brightness over time.  The average LCD screen if used 5 hours a day for 16 years will fade to half its brightness.  Keeping in mind chromebooks will not be used all the time throughout the day and during vacation (especially summer), it is safe to say that the screens will not be an issue.  Even if a screen dies, it is easy enough to replace anyways.

The battery of the chromebook boasts a 12 hour life on one charge.  Obviously though, as the battery is used more and more, this incredible time for one charge will go down.  The battery, like most electronic devices is a lithium ion battery (yes, like the one in the explosive Galaxy Note 7).  According to my sources, “The typical estimated life of a Lithium-Ion battery is about two to three years or
300 to 500 charge cycles, whichever occurs first.”  Considering you would want the battery to last all four years, this is not good.  An unlucky student might have to replace their battery twice throughout their four years.

In summary, although the chromebooks are durable and have screens that will last long enough, the battery will likely be a big issue for both the school and the students.

Sources:

https://www.acer.com/ac/en/ZA/press/2017/223042

https://www.cnet.com/news/how-long-do-tvs-last-morrisons-mailbag/

http://www.battery-shop.org/laptop/acer-ap16j8k-battery%20packs.htm

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=17&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwianJaqpbfXAhUK0IMKHefcDwEQFgiCATAQ&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.newark.com%2Fpdfs%2Ftecharticles%2Ftektronix%2FLIBMG.pdf&usg=AOvVaw1mvDqtj7dY3EMzC72vvBCV