by AGParts Education | Chromebooks, Education Technology, Laptops, Notebooks, UL-Certified AC Adapters
With any educational technology program, AC adapters, aka power chargers, are crucial to sustain the daily functionality of your Chromebooks. AC adapters are a high-failure item, and therefore commonly replaced. It’s imperative when doing so to only purchase and use UL-certified AC adapters. While generic adapters may seem like a more budget-friendly option, they may cost more in the long run. More importantly, they could put your students and staff at risk. AGParts Education stocks 500,000 OEM new and recertified Chromebook parts, including authentic UL-certified AC adapters.
So, what exactly is a UL-certified adapter? Why is it so important to use only authentic UL-certified AC adapters? And, how can you spot a counterfeit adapter? Today, we’ll answer these important questions.
What is UL?
UL stands for Underwriter Laboratories. Founded in 1984 in Chicago, they are a third-party certification company that provides benchmarks and standards for products and processes in regard to safety, quality, security, and sustainability. Their mission is to make the world safer, smarter, more secure, and more sustainable.
UL holds manufacturers to higher standards during the manufacturing process, reducing risk and increasing safety. When a product bears the UL Mark, it means the product:
- Has completed and passed rigorous UL testing to ensure reliability, functionality, safety, sustainability, and overall quality
- Has been manufactured according to UL guidelines
- Meets operating standards set by the Original Design Manufacturer (ODM)
Non-UL-certified products may have been manufactured using substandard parts or under inconsistent manufacturing processes. This could lead to unpredictable output voltages, higher-than-normal operating temperatures, and overall lower quality and reliability for products. Overt time, this could lead to damage, failure, and possible fire hazards.
What is a UL-certified AC adapter?
A UL-certified AC adapter bears an authorized UL Mark. This means it has been evaluated and meets the appropriate Standard for Safety. These adapters comply with UL safety requirements for the US.
It’s important to understand that if an AC adapter bears a UL Mark, this does not mean that it is not a counterfeit or generic adapter.
Why is it so important to use a UL-certified AC adapter?
It’s simple: generic AC adapters are dangerous. We understand that electronic devices are expensive and generic accessories could seem like a good way to cut costs. But their risks far outweigh the money saved.
Counterfeit and generic AC adapters are often are made with substandard parts that fail to meet basic safety requirements. These faulty parts are a serious safety risk because they can overheat. Overheated parts can damage your equipment. More importantly, these sub-standard parts pose an immediate fire and burn risk and hazard.
Since generic parts are made with substandard parts, they also have a higher risk for failure. The money saved on buying a generic part quickly vanishes when your district has to replace the generic parts with authentic UL-certified adapters.
When you use a UL-certified AC adapter, you have the peace of mind knowing that this product has met stringent requirements for safety and quality.
Head-to-Head Testing: UL Certified Vs Generic
We internally tested generic adapters against the UL-certified adapters in our inventory. Here are our observations and results:
- Substandard parts which pose a risk for part and device failure, fire hazard: The generic adapters used substandard parts. One had a clip-type plug for the grounding wire, whereas a UL-certified adapter uses a solder joint. Another generic adapter had additional exposed wire not covered by an insulator.
- Above-average operating temperatures posting a potential fire hazard: Internal testing showed that some generic adapters ran 14% warmer than their UL-certified counterpart.
- Continuous voltage and current ratings outside of UL specifications: Internal testing showed output voltages registering less than the 5% variance acceptable under ODM standards.
While we could not verify the differences in the components, the results indicated that the clear difference between a reliable UL-certified adapter versus a substandard generic adapter.
How can you spot a counterfeit AC adapter?
If an AC adapter is branded and bears a UL Mark, this does not necessarily mean that it is a UL-certified AC adapter unfortunately. Most counterfeits will closely resemble an authentic UL-certified AC adapter.
To truly discern whether a product is fake it should not only be examined for label inconsistencies, but it should be tested by a trained technician. Below, we’ve outlined our process for authenticating AC adapters.
The first step is label inspection. There are several tell-tale signs on the label of an AC adapter to help you identify a counterfeit. These are easy indicators that you can spot yourself. The trick is to look for inconsistencies. Counterfeit products have phony printed logos, texts, and in some cases, typos. See photo below.
UL-Certified AC adapters should include:
- OEM logo
- Matching OEM part numbers
- UL Mark
- Clear text and no typos
If the label passes inspection, this still does not guarantee it is an authentic UL-certified AC adapter. That’s why further mechanical testing and inspection are required.
After label inspection, AGParts Education tests the AC adapters for power and current under load. Once the adapter passes, our technicians then perform an internal component inspection. We perform a spot check, opening a percentage of each shipment to verify:
- Industry-standard construction methods
- Authentic OEM identifiers
- Safety compliant materials
The best way to ensure that your school district has UL-certified AC adapters is to purchase from a supplier that sells authentic UL-certified AC adapters. At AGParts Education, the safety of your students and teachers are our number one priority. We only sell authentic UL-certified AC adapters.
For more information on how we can help with your district’s 1:1 Chromebook program, contact us today!
Originally published 7/14/2020. Updated on 8/25/2021, 3/30/2022.
by AGParts Education | Accidental Damage Protection, Chromebook Repair, Chromebooks
Chromebooks are the most popular K-12 device used in schools today. They are affordable and easy to manage. As students use the devices, accidents are bound to happen. What will your school do when your Chromebooks need repaired?
Determining the most cost-effective solution to managing your 1:1 Chromebook deployment can be challenging. There are two ways to manage your repairs. We’ll explore both options below.
Option 1: In-House Repairs
Performing in-house repairs is a cost-effective and timely solution for many districts. Since there are few moving parts In a Chromebook, repairs are generally simple. There is no time lost in shipping devices or waiting for devices to return after repair. Repair turnaround is controlled by your bandwidth.
Don’t have the tech team necessary to perform in-house repairs? Leverage your student’s interest and skill with a Chromebook Repair Program.
If your district chooses in-house repairs, you’ll need Chromebook tutorials, tools, and support in case issues arise. Most importantly, you need a partner you can trust for replacement Chromebook parts. When considering a parts partner, keep the following in mind:
Quality of Parts
Where your school sources parts from matters. There is reason why OEMs (Acer, HP, Lenovo, etc.) do not sell generic or counterfeit parts. It’s the same reason why we don’t.
Generic and counterfeit parts may seem like a great deal, but they could be more than you bargain for. Made with substandard components, these parts have a higher likelihood of failure. Even worse, they pose a serious safety risk to your students and staff. Due to their faulty manufacturing and substandard components, they are a fire hazard.
Choose OEM or equivalent parts and UL-certified adapters. You can still save money on these parts by purchasing recertified parts.
A vendor putting their name on a part still doesn’t guarantee the parts are authentic. The only way to guarantee a part is authentic is to purchase parts from a supplier that only supplies authentic parts like AGParts Education. All parts are inspected and tested to verify their authenticity.
Availability & Lead Time
With shortages pervasive in every industry, Chromebook parts are no different. Unfortunately, there are parts suppliers that will overpromise and underdeliver. They promise your part is in stock but intentionally send you another part to buy time until your part does come in.
We’re not going to pretend we’ve been impervious to these shortages, but our global resources have allowed us to fulfill our school partners’ needs often. You never have to worry about any bait and switch. It goes against everything we stand for. If your part isn’t in stock, we’re going to tell you. And we’ll tell you when it becomes available as well.
With in-stock parts, expect your order to ship the same day.
Warranty & Returns
All parts are backed by our industry-leading one-year or limited-lifetime warranty. Just another way that we stand behind all our parts and products. So, kiss 90-day warranties goodbye. Say hello to a one-year parts warranty on adapters, batteries, and motherboards, and a limited-lifetime warranty on all other parts.
Order parts from us your school no longer needs? We don’t want your district to be stuck with unnecessary parts—send them back to us! We offer an extended return policy. In the spirit of partnership, we don’t apply restocking fees to these returns.
Option 2: Accidental Damage Protection
Safeguarding your Chromebook investment with an accidental damage protection like AGiProtect is another cost-effective way to manage Chromebook repairs. Powered by our sister company, AGiRepair, AGiProtect is a complete accidental damage protection plan for K-12 devices.
Unlike other ADP plans, AGiProtect is a one-time fixed cost with no hidden fees and unlimited repairs. There is no deductible to meet or repair fees. Not only that, but the same company that supplies your protection plan also performs your repairs. Often, companies will outsource repairs to a third party. With AGiProtect, all repairs are performed at a state-of-the-art facility by AGiRepair’s team of highly trained technicians. All parts are provided by AGParts Worldwide, our parent company.
From Chromebook parts to tech buyback, AGParts Education can help simplify your 1:1 Chromebook deployment. Supporting over 7,500 U.S. school districts, find out how we can help your district. Contact us today!
by AGParts Education | Acer, Announcements, Chromebooks, Education Technology, HP, K-12 Education
The classroom environment is constantly changing. Educators and students need devices that can keep up. Check out these new Chromebook models for education currently available or forthcoming in 2022.
For Students
Updated: Acer Chromebook 512
New Model: C852
Announced: January 2022
Price: starts at $350
Processor: Intel Celeron N4500, Intel Celeron N5100, or Intel Pentium Silver N6000
Battery: 12 hours
Memory: 4-8GB RAM
Storage: 32-64GB eMMC
Screen: 12.0”
Resolution: 1366 x 912
Convertible: 180-degree hinge
Touch: Optional
Ports: (2) USB-C port, (2) USB-A 2.0 port, (1) Micro SD slot, (1) Headphone/microphone combo jack
Acer Chromebook 512 (C852) trades the traditional 16:9 aspect ratio for 3:2. This taller display makes it more suitable for reading and writing. With a 180-degree hinge and optional touch capabilities, it’s built for collaboration. Made with more recyclable plastics, it features a damage-resistant keyboard.
Updated: Acer Chromebook 511
New Model: C734/T
Expected Release: February 2022
Price: starts at $350
Processor: Intel Celeron N4500 or Intel Celeron N5100
Battery: 12 hours
Memory: Up to 8GB RAM
Storage: Up to 64GB eMMC
Screen: 11.6”
Resolution: 1366 x 912
Convertible: 180-degree hinge
Touch: No
Ports: (2) USB-C port, (2) USB-A 2.0 port, (1) Micro SD slot, (1) Headphone/microphone combo jack
Similar in specs to the Acer Chromebook 512, the Acer Chromebook 511 (C734/T) features the toy-safe plastic making it suitable for the youngest students. With 180*degree hinge, students can easily share their screen with others.
Updated: Acer Chromebook Spin 311
New Model: R722T
Expected Release: March 2022
Price Range: $400
Processor: MediaTek MT8183 2.0 GHz
Battery: 15 hours
Memory: Up to 8GB
Storage: Up to 64GB eMMC
Screen: 11.6”
Convertible: Yes
Touch: Yes
Ports: (1) USB-C port, (1) USB-A 2.0 port, (1) Headphone/microphone combo jack
Ideal for small hands, the convertible Acer Chromebook Spin 311 (R722T) features Antimicrobial Corning Gorilla glass for durability and enhanced hygiene. Keys are mechanically anchored to protect against curious students. The Chromebook is made of post-consumer recycled (PCR) making it particularly ecofriendly.
HP Fortis 11” G9 Q Chromebook
Expected Release: June 2022
Price Range: TBA
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c
Memory: Up to 8GB
Storage: Up to 64GB eMMC
Screen: 11.6”
Ports: (2) USB-C ports, (1) USB-A port, (1) Headphone/microphone combo jack
With a battery that charges 90% in 90 minutes, the HP Fortis 11 G9 Q is part of HP’s brand-new education series of the same name. It features an HD privacy webcam and an anchored, spill-resistant keyboard. The new Fortis line claims to be ideal for blended learning and the entire unit can be wiped down with household disinfecting and cleaning wipes.
For Educators
Updated: Acer Chromebook 314
New Model: C934/T
Expected Release: Second half of 2022
Price: $430
Processor: Intel Celeron N Series, up to Intel Pentium Silver N6000
Battery: 10 hours
Memory: Up to 8GB RAM
Storage: Up to 128GB eMMC
Screen: 14”
Convertible: 180-degree hinge
Touch: No
Ports: (2) USB-C ports, (1) USB-A port, (1) headphone/microphone combo jack
The Acer Chromebook 314 features a flare-reducing webcam and upward-firing, making this Chromebook ideal for educators in noisy, busy environments. It also has the same 180-degree hinge, popular in this year’s Acer models.
HP Fortis 14” G10 Chromebook
Released: January 2022
Price Range: starting at $349
Processor: Intel Celeron Pentium processors
Memory: Up to 8GB LPDDR4x
Storage: Up to 128GB eMMC
Screen: 14”
Resolution: 1366×768 or 1920×1080
Convertible: No
Touch: Yes
Ports: (1) USB-C port, (2) USB-A ports, (1) HDMI port, (1) headphone/microphone combo jack
Carrying the title of the world’s first rugged 14” Chromebook, the HP Fortis 14” G10 Chromebook is ideal for the educator seeking options. With option upgrade both storage and resolution, this Chromebook from the HP’s new Fortis line is sure to please.
From Chromebook parts procurement to buyback, AGParts Education is your number one destination for all things regarding your 1:1 Chromebook deployment. Supporting over 7,500 U.S. school districts, find out how we can help your district. Contact us today!
by AGParts Education | Chromebook Repair, Chromebooks, Education Technology
The popularity of Chromebooks is undeniable, especially in schools. Inexpensive and lightweight, they make for ideal student devices. But what happens when these devices breakdown? Today, we’ll cover exactly what is needed for in-house Chromebook repair.
Why In-House Repairs?
This is probably your first question when considering in-house Chromebook repair: why? There are three main reasons to consider:
- Ease of repair: Since parts of a Chromebook are few, repairs are generally easy and straightforward. This makes Chromebook repairs ideal to perform in house.
- Cost savings: In-house repairs save money as you will only need to pay for the cost of parts, rather than the cost of labor and parts.
- Time savings: Get your devices back into your students’ hands faster with in-house repairs.
What You Need for In-House Repairs
Before you get started, be sure to have the following lined up and ready to go.
Tutorial
Any successful in-house repair starts with thorough and reliable instructions. That’s where we come in. The AGParts Education YouTube channel has 200 plus Chromebook repair tutorials for 45 plus popular Chromebook models. Each teardown series includes four repairs: motherboard, battery, LCD, and palm rest replacements. Performed by an experienced technician with guided voiceover, these tutorials are essential for any repair.
Tools
Your district will need a set of standard tools to perform any Chromebook repair.
- Spudger or Pry Tool: Essential to any Chromebook repair, a spudger or pry tool safely separates pressure-fit plastic components without damage.
- Manual Screwdriver: Most repairs will require a #0 Philips manual screwdriver.
- Static Mat: An electrostatic discharge mat protects your devices, and the repairer, from any electrostatic discharge common to electronics.
- Anti-Shock/Anti-Static Wrist Strap: Also referred to as a grounding bracelet, these wrist straps attach to your static mat and protect your devices and repairers against static electricity.
Replacement Parts
Oftentimes Chromebook repairs require replacing a part like a battery as opposed to fixing a component. The most important thing to consider when securing a Chromebook parts supplier is the quality of parts. It cannot be overstated how important purchasing authentic OEM or equivalent Chromebook parts is. Generic, counterfeit parts are not only bound to fail but they pose a serious safety risk to staff and students as they are made with substandard components. Since counterfeits can be tough to spot, the only way to ensure that your district receives authentic parts is to purchase parts from a reliable Chromebook parts supplier only, like AGParts Education.
Support
Encounter an issue during an in-house repair? Be sure to have a team you can trust on standby. Our dedicated sales executives can connect you with our knowledgeable tech team to assist with any questions or issues regarding repairs.
A Repair Vendor You Can Trust
Prefer to send your repairs out? Enter our sister company, AGiRepair! Equipped to perform repairs for districts of any size, AGiRepair specializes in device repair for all K-12 devices. Their proprietary online work order makes entering and tracking repairs easy. Their knowledgeable techs and friendly team can assist with any of your repair needs. Get started by creating an account.
How to Set Up a Successful In-House Repairs Program
This all sounds great but how can your district set itself up for long-term success? Here are some ideas:
Assign a Dedicated Team for Repairs
Whether it is a team of one or 10, assign specific staff members to handle repairs. These in-house techs will accrue the most experience in repair and reduce the chance of device damage and repair failure. Having a dedicated repair team also ensures consistency in repair. Since Chromebook repairs are generally straightforward with reliable instructions, it doesn’t have to be electronics wizard.
It could be that you don’t have the available staff or bandwidth to take this on in house. If financially feasible, consider hiring a part-time staff member that serves as the dedicated repair technician.
Involve Students
A creative way to perform in-house repairs is by involving your students. This is a great opportunity for students to learn more about electronics and what it takes to maintain them. You can create an elective class or an after-school club that focuses on device repair. An added benefit of involving students is creating student ambassadors—students sensitive to how devices are handled and used.
However your district chooses to perform their repairs, AGParts Education is here for all of your Chromebook repair needs. Contact us for more information.
by AGParts Education | Chromebooks, Education Technology, K-12 Education
Have you heard the buzz about Chromebooks? Whether you’ve heard they’re being used by 40 million educators worldwide, or the fact that Chromebooks posted their best year in 2020, there is no denying their popularity. Which may make you wonder: why do schools use Chromebooks?
Today, we’ll answer that question and unlock why these devices are so popular, particularly in education.
What is a Chromebook?
Before we answer that question, we’re going to answer another: what is a Chromebook? A Chromebook is a type of laptop that runs on Chrome OS. Most work on a Chromebook is done via the internet, so having a reliable internet connection is essential. This doesn’t mean your Chromebook turns into a brick offline, but internet connection is necessary to provide vital updates, as well as sync and host apps.
Why do Schools Use Chromebooks?
First introduced in 2011, Chromebooks have only grown in popularity in both education and retail sectors. Four times as many Chromebooks were sold in 2020 than in 2019. In large part, this can be attributed to the shift to remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic; however, Chromebook sales continue to soar. They continue to be a popular choice for schools, especially those with an existing 1:1 digital learning program. Here’s why:
Price Tag
Perhaps the simplest answer as to why schools use Chromebooks is their price tag. The cost of a Chromebook simply can’t be beat. With some models less than a $100, the average price for a Chromebook for education runs from $150-300. Not only that, but Chromebooks have a low lifetime cost, generally requiring little maintenance or repair.
Secure
Operating system updates and vital security patches come directly from Google. There is no need for antivirus software, virus protection is integrated with these updates. Generally, these updates run automatically and in the background without disrupting users. Knowing your K-12 devices are protected without having to lift a finger give tremendous peace of mind to schools.
One thing to note about these updates: Chromebooks only receive updates until their Auto Update Expiration date. This date signifies when Google will no longer support the model. On a new Chromebook, you can expect a lifespan of eight years. However, the clock starts when the device is manufactured, not when the device is purchased. If you purchased a 2020 Chromebook with an AUE of June 2028 today, you would have less than seven years to use the device safely.*
Low Maintenance & Easy to Deploy
With automatic updates provided by Google, there is very little to do in terms of maintenance. There is little to no software to maintain or update. Plus, Chromebooks are lean in hardware making them less susceptible to damage (not to mention lightweight!).
Equally easy is deployment. All that is needed is a Google account to get started.
Naturally though, as Chromebooks are used and transported, damage is bound to occur. Here’s the good news—they’re easy to repair and parts are generally affordable. Many tech departments opt to perform repairs in house.
Long Battery Life
With most models boasting a battery life of ten plus hours, Chromebooks can easily power students through an entire school day with charge to spare.
Easy to Use
Chromebooks offer a straightforward user experience. Using a Chromebook is as simple as opening your internet browser. No fancy frills or hoops to jump through, making completing assignments and participation a cinch.
When managing your K-12 Chromebooks, be sure to partner with a company you can trust to assist with all your 1:1 Chromebook needs. From Chromebook parts to buyback, AGParts Education supports 6,000+ school districts across the United States. Contact us today to see how we can help your school district today.
*Based on date of publication (September 2021).
by AGParts Education | Chromebooks, Education Technology, K-12 Education, Laptops
What is the best type of device for your district? Chromebooks are stripped down laptops with a straightforward user experience. Windows laptops and MacBooks are more complicated devices but have their own benefits. Today, we’ll discuss Chromebook vs laptop for students, and what the best option is for your district.
What is a Chromebook? What is a Laptop?
A Chromebook is a type of laptop that runs on Chrome OS. Most work on a Chromebook is done via the internet, so having a reliable internet connection is essential. This doesn’t mean your Chromebook turns into a brick offline, but internet connection is necessary to provide vital updates, as well as sync and host apps.
In the simplest terms, a laptop is a portable computer, created as the compact and portable version of desktop computer. Notebooks are a thinner version and lighter version of a laptop, and Ultrabooks are thinner and lighter than notebooks typically with loads of features. For the purposes of this article, a laptop refers to any non-Chromebook portable computer, specifically a Windows laptop or MacBook.
Chromebook vs Laptop Side by Side
Operating System
Chromebooks run on Chrome OS, an operating system designed by Google. Windows laptops run on Windows, an operating system designed by Microsoft. Finally, MacBooks run on macOS engineered by Apple.
Each operating system carries its own strengths and weakness, and much is subjective to the user. Chrome OS and macOS have the most straightforward interfaces, making them easier to use for students, while Windows is most complex. MacOS is most intuitive when it comes to multitasking and having multiple applications and windows open. Chrome OS is likely the least multitasking friendly. Ultimately, this all comes down to the students’ needs.
Software & Applications
This is one of the biggest differences when comparing a Chromebook vs laptop. Chromebooks have virtually no software. Most applications run in Google Chrome. Applications are downloaded from the Google Play Store, and no third-party software can be installed on a Chromebook. This makes them boot very quickly.
Both Windows laptops and MacBooks have software, sometimes pre-installed, or bundled, software. Additionally, users often install software packages like Office 365 or Adobe.
No software makes Chromebooks extremely easy to deploy and manage. Setup on a Chromebook is generally simpler than its counterparts. Updates are generally easier to manage, and there is no need for your technology department to install software on hundreds, or thousands, of devices.
Storage
When comparing devices, you may be shocked to see how little local storage a Chromebook needs, especially when compared to its Windows laptop and MacBook counterpart. Chromebooks can run on as little as 16GB of local storage. This is largely due to no software. Additionally, Chromebooks rely on Google Drive as their cloud-based storage system.
Although a Windows laptop and MacBook both have their own cloud-based storage, they still boast a large amount of local storage. It is not uncommon to find a laptop with 128GB to 256GB to as much as 1TB. There really is no upper limit in terms of storage
Again, this makes Chromebooks very attractive to schools. Less storage means less money per device.
Virus Protection & Security
Another big difference in Chromebooks vs laptops—virus protection. Google designed Chromebooks with security in mind. For Chromebooks, there is very little to attack, which makes them protected and secure devices. Google delivers updates and vital security patches automatically until the Chromebook’s AUE. These updates require little to no maintenance or oversight making the process easy peasy.
Windows laptops, and MacBooks, are much more complicated devices. MacBooks are generally considered secure devices as macOS has many protections in place against viruses and malware.
On the other hand, Windows laptops are most vulnerable to viruses and malware. They own the market share, making them a more attractive target to malware makers. And while Windows does come with Windows Defender, these laptops generally require a third-party antivirus software in addition. This translates to more maintenance and oversight when using Windows laptops.
In this case, save the headache—Chromebooks are the easiest and bring most peace of mind in knowing your students and devices are protected.
Maintenance
Expect Chromebooks to require the least amount of maintenance, largely due to no software and integrated virus protection with automatic updates from Google. Generally, Chromebooks are also easy to repair in house. This is another attraction—repair can be as simple as ordering a part and watching a tutorial. We have a complete library of 175+ Chromebook repair tutorials for a variety of models.
Expect a Windows laptop to require the most maintenance in managing software updates and any other issues that may arise.
Price
While Chromebooks and some Windows laptops come in at comparable price points, MacBooks are the most expensive device. Unless your district plans to buy a refurbished model, expect to pay an upwards of $1,000 per device.
Chromebooks and Windows laptops for education are affordable and you can generally find models between $200-$400.
Chromebook vs Laptop: The Winner?
Chromebooks make an extremely compelling case for any district. Low price, low maintenance, and easy to use, Chromebooks have everything a student would need for their work. Ultimately though, the winning device all comes down to the needs of your district and students.
When it comes to your 1:1 Chromebooks, AGParts Education has your back. From Chromebook parts to buyback, we support 6,000+ US school districts. Contact us today to see how we can help your school district today.
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