Chromebooks are becoming very common in schools due to easier management on the software side as well as the fact they're usually cheaper than Windows devices while offering a lightweight experience. That said, just like a regular laptop, Chromebooks are also prone to wear and tear such as screen cracks, loose or broken hinges, and issues with keyboards. This is even more common than usual because these devices are usually being handled by a very young audience.
Sending Chromebooks off to repair centers can be an expensive process that is difficult to manage, especially if you run out of warranty. In order to tackle this problem, Google has devised a Chromebook repair program by partnering with OEMs like Lenovo and Acer to highlight how devices can be disassembled and repaired. Its dedicated repair site tells schools how to repair Chromebooks and identify components needed to repair them.
The online manufacturer guides show how to repair select devices, find the tools safely needed to repair them, and the process to get system update access, among other things. The guides are seemingly quite detailed with helpful diagrams for various processes ranging from minor repairs to major disassemblies. However, as noted by Ars Technica, the documentation only covers work that you can do with a screwdriver, so soldering-related activities are out of the question.
The guides also warn you that if you try to attempt self-repair, you will be voiding your device's warranty so it is probably best to go down this path only if your warranty runs out.
Moving forward, Google has encouraged schools to adopt Chromebook repair programs and also offer elective courses on the subject to students. The benefits include sustainability, quicker turnaround time for repairs, and students honing skills that they can also utilize in the IT industry later.
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