Chromebooks are no longer just the niche laptop with only a couple of options that they used to be, with loads of top-name brands now having at least one or two models available. ASUS entered into the mix last year, and this year at CES 2016 they have announced a new Chromebook meant to handle everyday abuse and give consumers the capability to easily replace parts should the unit become damaged physically. With ASUS introducing a more rugged version of the Chromebook C202 that has a slight modular makeup, consumers won’t have to worry as much about accidental drops or spills, specifically those in the education sector where these new models are sure to receive plenty of interest.
The new rugged C202 is not the first rugged Chromebook on the market, but it is the first model which makes it possible for consumers to actually repair a damaged unit themselves, which makes it a perfect candidate for Chromebooks for Education. What’s more, is that it won’t cost schools an arm and a leg and it’ll be ready for shipment soon, as ASUS states the Chromebook C202 will be launching next month in February and come with a price tag that will sit at either $219 or $229 for a model that comes with 4GB of RAM, although the cost is not yet finalized so it could be more or less.
ASUS will also be launching a 2GB model of the Chromebook C202 that will cost a bit less, and both models will likely come with 16GB of storage (although typically the 4GB RAM model Chromebooks come with 32GB), an 11-inch display with a resolution of 1366 x 768, and ports for an SD reader, HDMI out, 3.5mm audio out, and two USB 3.0 ports, and it’s powered by an Intel Celeron N3060 processor. In addition to the usual specifications, the actual design of the Chromebook is set up with a rubber bumper that wraps around the unit as part of the frame, and it features spillproof keys that can be swapped out if they need to be. The body is also scratch-resistant and other components like the battery and charging ports can also be replaced when necessary. On top of all that, ASUS states the battery life will last users about 10 hours without a charge, giving it another trait which makes it a perfect option for the classroom.
