A Chromebook is a laptop running the Chrome OS operating system that relies primarily on cloud services and web applications. Chromebooks are known for being cheap, fast to boot, and highly secure, but they also have a downside in that they have a fixed automatic update expiration (AUE) date. This means that after this date, Chromebooks will no longer receive security updates or new features from Google.
Recently, the US Public Interest Research Group (US PIRG) found that 13 Chromebooks that have reached their AUE date this summer are still being sold at full price on sites like Amazon that don’t make it clear to consumers that the devices will not be available. Get back with Google again.
The US PIRG said the practice was “ridiculous” because it would pose a safety risk to consumers, generate e-waste and waste money. The group also criticized Google for refusing to extend the life of Chromebooks, especially during the pandemic, when many students and teachers need the devices for online learning.
The US PIRG recommends that retailers clearly display their AUE date when selling Chromebooks and remind consumers to check this information before purchasing. Additionally, the group called on Google to provide longer support times for Chromebooks that have expired or are about to expire.
It is noticed that there are currently 51 Chromebooks that will reach the AUE date next summer. According to US PIRG, “Parents and teachers buying back-to-school laptops don’t expect the device to have a ‘death date,’ and sellers don’t advertise the lack of support. A new laptop, with students doing All the features needed for basic homework, but no support. Students and the planet deserve better.”
Here’s the full list of Chromebooks that recently dropped support, 13 in total, as counted by PIRG:
