Selection Criteria

CriteriaDetails
PriceNot more than $275.00 per device. Not more than $315 per bundle (Device, Case, Hapara, Filter, Management)
RepairabilityDevice should not require security fasteners or glue for basic repairs. Especially screen/battery/keyboard replacement.
DurabilityThe device should be sufficiently durable to survive desk height drops. Screen should be durable enough to survive minor abuse by students. Special attention should be paid to securing heavy elements in the device such as the battery. Hinges should not become loose after repeated opening and closing.
SizeForm factor should remain as a clamshell in the 11" inch range.
SpecificationsMinimum RAM size: 4GB, CPU: Newer models preferred, 1.5GHz minimum. touch screens will be considered. Display: Minimum 720p display 1080/equivalent preferred. Bluetooth required, 801.11ac required. HDMI output required. Camera required. Battery life should be at least 6 hours under web-surfing conditions.

Warranty

Minimum 1 year base warranty. Extended warranties to be evaluated case-by-case. Accidental damage coverage preferred.
White-glove ServicesIf cost can be integrated into maximum bundle cost, white glove services will be considered. Enrollment, asset tagged and unboxing preferred.
Availability / Cost of PartsParts via 3rd party source or preferably via a repair or warranty program must be available. Screen cost preferred at 25% device cost or less, motherboard at 50% or less, battery at 25% or less.
End of SupportPreference is given for devices with later end of support dates.

Performance Testing

Performance testing is split into subjective tests and non-subjective tests.

Subjective Tests

Subjective performance data is gathered primarily from pilot responses of students and faculty. The feel of the chromebook's performance is important to user experience and overall satisfaction with the device.

Technology dept. staff will also test selected chromebooks using media or javascript intensive web apps to get a feel for the chromebook's performance.

Non-Subjective Tests

Non-subjective data for selected chromebooks is gather by the use of benchmarking utilities. This utilities typically provide a score which may be compared across models.

Benchmarks which may be used include Octant 2.0 (https://chromium.github.io/octane/), Jetstream (http://browserbench.org/JetStream/) and Kraken(https://krakenbenchmark.mozilla.org/)

Battery Life test with Youtube loop

Durability Testing

The following tests will be performed on selected chromebooks before final selection, preference is given to those chromebooks which can pass the each test with minimal damage.

Test IDDescriptionRepetitionsRequirements
Screen CarryChromebook carried for 10 paces by upper-right corner of screen while lower case is permitted to swing freely.1Chromebook must suffer cosmetic damage only.
Charger DamageAC adapter left connected to chromebook while chromebook is pulled away from charger to stress the barrel jack connector.1Chromebook barrel jack must not be damaged before failure of the AC adapter barrel connector.
Pen CloseStandard bic pen or similar with cap set on keyboard fully in chromebook while lid is opened and closed.3Chromebook must suffer cosmetic damage only.
Earbud CloseSmall earbud headphones set on keyboard fully in chromebook while lid is opened and closed.3Chromebook must suffer cosmetic damage only.

Minor Drop

Closed chromebook dropped from desk height by being pushed laterally off desk at a height of 29 inches.3Chromebook must suffer cosmetic damage only.
Major DropClosed chromebook dropped from carrying height of 48 inches on left edge.1This test is expected to damage the chromebook severely. Preference is given to chromebooks which suffer cosmetic damage and screen damage only.
Open DropOpen chromebook dropped from desk height.1This test is expected to damage the chromebook severely. Preference is given to chromebooks which suffer cosmetic damage and screen damage only.
Water Infiltration
  1. 8oz of water spilled into keyboard and lower half of screen while chromebook is operating on battery.
  2. Five second wait time
  3. Chromebook force shutdown.
  4. Chromebook placed upside down to drain.
  5. One hour wait time.
  6. Disassembly and evaluation.
1This test is expected to damage the chromebook severely.
Preference is given to chromebooks which shut down but are able to be rebooted after disassembly and drying without long term damage.

Repairability Testing

Repairability is of great importance to maintaining a healthy chromebook fleet. Therefor repair testing is performed on selected chromebooks after they have completed durability tests. Selected chromebooks will be scored in the following areas:

  • Powerwash - time to complete.
  • Screen Replacement - time to complete and ease of replacement.
  • Battery Replacement - ease of replacement and safety of battery design (battery protection circuits, connector and battery case design).
  • Motherboard replacement - time to complete and ease of replacement.

 

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