The Best Chromebook Cases to Choose

1. amCase Chromebook

If you prefer modern design, then, this is the perfect case for you! The foam offers protection from the top of your laptop, to the bottom. Here’s what makes the case worthier to bring–it features easy handles, making the laptop so easy to carry along wherever you go.

2. iPearl mCover Hard Shell Cover

If you are a student who has more than just the laptop and the charger, this one is for you. It has two spacious pockets that can safely keep your accessories like headphones, laptop charger, mouse, tablet, smartphone, mouse pad, and more. This hard-shell Chromebook cover guarantees protection for your laptop regardless of the weather. It is made of waterproof material so the case can definitely shield your computer from any water splash or even on heavy downpour.

3. Case Logic Case

This is one of the most favorite Chromebook cases in the market today. If your Chromebook is netbook-sized or a mini laptop with an 11.6-inch display, this is definitely the one to you should choose. This features a thick and quilted padding that can keep your computer shielded. It also has padded handles so you can easily and more conveniently transport your Chromebook device from one place to another.

4. rooCase for Chromebook

This is made for smaller devices with up to 13.3 inches for display models. They appear to be a bit more stylish than the typical Chromebook cases you’ll find in the market. Therefore, if you want more style for your laptop, this is the best pick for you. The foam interior of this case doubles the protection of your case. You can even be surer of your Chromebook’s safety with the neoprene material of this case that’s weather resistant.

5. DataKeeper

Here’s something female students will surely love! This is one of the slimmest cases you can find for your Chromebook. It is designed to let the user work with the case on minus all the inconvenience and uncomfortable feeling. Since the laptop never leaves your case, your device is guaranteed protected any time, wherever you are. There’s a shoulder strap you may (or may not) use for easy carrying around your school

6. Flak Jacket

This case is designed ideally and most perfectly for school use! It is lightweight so it does not add any inconvenience as you carry your laptop along with your other school things. The outside pockets of this case are so perfect to store your other school essentials like pens and notepads on top of your tech gadget accessories such as chargers, earphones and power bank.

7. Caseable – the DIY Case

Isn’t it exciting to know that you can design your own case? If you want that level of excitement, this then is the best pick for you. This is perfect for your kids’ Chromebook laptop. The case entices them to bring out the young artists in them. This case is certainly worth spending for especially that the students can have the printed text, color, styles, images, and all things that can complete the case design, customized.

These just seven of the many cases you can get for your or your child’s Chromebook to keep it shielded from any danger when in school, or when in use for a project and assignments. Whatever your choice, it surely is to protect your device anytime, wherever you go.

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A popular app for streaming movies and television shows, Showbox was designed originally to be used on Android devices only. Eventually, this gave way to versions created for Apple, Windows, and Smart TVs, and fortunately, now it can be used on Chromebooks as well!

Among the reasons for Showbox’s massive popularity among users are its smooth user interface and intuitive navigation. There is no login account required for users and even better there are no distracting and annoying advertisements! Showbox users can filter all of the app’s movies by genre, type, rating, and/or year. Plus, Showbox users also have the convenient option to download the movies and then watch them later.

Chromebook users can install the Showbox app via Google and there are only a few easy steps required to install the app. Once you get through these steps, a world of fantastic entertainment awaits you!

Step 1: The first thing you will need to do is install an Android Emulator on your Chromebook, which is an app that converts the Windows platform into an Android platform. Two popular choices for emulators are ARC Welder and Bluestacks. Once you choose an emulator, the installation process will take just a few minutes to complete. Once this happens, in the top right corner of your screen you will see a message indicating “Add to Chrome,” and you click this to complete the installation.
Step 2: Now you will go to your apps on your Chromebook and open the emulator you have chosen (it will have an icon in your apps list) and you will be prompted to “add your APK.” This is where you will add Showbox.
Step 3: The next phase involves installing the Showbox app. Once the download of the app is complete on your Chromebook, you will select the Showbox APK from the downloads list.
Step 4: Finally, you will update the settings menu for Showbox according to your individual preferences and then you will select the “open” button to launch Showbox on your Chromebook. And now you can enjoy streaming entertainment options on your Chromebook!

By the way, if you wondered what an APK file is….
Some longtime television fans might think of one specific character when “APK” is mentioned (Michael J. Fox’s iconic role as “Alex P. Keaton” in the 1980’s classic Family Ties.) But APK in the digital world refers to an app created for Android. The emulator app is what allows you to use these files on a Chromebook.

Now that you know how to install Showbox, we will also explore some other apps that might tickle your entertainment fancy!

StreamDor

So how do 20,000 free movies sound? For anyone who uses a Chromebook as an entertainment device, this probably sounds like fantastic news! StreamDor boasts the web’s largest catalog of free movies. The catalog of movies is updated every day and there are no fees and no ads.

Netflix

Well, duh! More than 100 million subscribers worldwide have made Netflix one of the most popular choices for streaming entertainment so it is no doubt one of the favorite apps for Chromebook users. You can download the Netflix app from the Google Play store.

Stream Series

This app available in the chrome web store allows users to watch TV series online for free, making it another popular choice to add to your Chromebook.

HBO Now

HBO Now is a popular paid app for Chromebook users and its content differs from Netflix, which is why many users subscribe to both. In order to avoid technical glitches while using HBO Now, you want to ensure your Chrome OS is always up to date.

And a Note of Caution…or Disappointment

Some Chromebook users have reported difficulties using Amazon Video on a Chromebook, which may be frustrating to many, especially as Amazon’s entertainment programming choices continue to grow in popularity. Hulu is another wildly popular streaming option that does not support the Chrome operating system.
It is likely this will change in time and you may discover workarounds to get these apps up and running on your Chromebooks.

Music Options for Chromebook

In addition to the options we have outlined for streaming movies and television programs on Chromebooks, there are a number of great options for streaming music on Chromebooks.

Google Play Music

The Google Play app is one of the easiest to use on a Chromebook and it allows users to not only stream music but also to store it. Google Play is also the default music player on Samsung phones so those who use both Samsung phones AND Chromebooks will find it especially handy to use this music streaming service.

Spotify

Undoubtedly the most popular streaming service for music, Spotify can be used on Chromebook with a Chrome extension. This popular app allows users to create custom playlists and its easy interface makes it possible to quickly find favorite artists and albums.

SoundCloud

Another popular choice for Chromebook users, SoundCloud combines the best of music streaming with social media—where users can upload, promote, and share their own audio.

The post Showbox for Chromebook: How to Install Showbox on Chrome OS appeared first on ChromebookHQ.

Since not all Android games can be played on Chrome OS (because they were originally made for phones and tablets), it can sometimes be a downer when you don’t know the best games you can play on a Chromebook.

Which is why we came up with our top 7 picks of Chromebook games. No more searching for the best ones. This list is all you need!

And a quick note. Make sure you know how to update your Chromebook so that the games play without a hitch.

Best Chromebook Games

Pokemon Quest

This Pokemon game takes you to Tumblecube Island where everyone looks like cubes! (much like in Minecraft). Look for treasure with the help of your Pokemon friends. Heads up, you’ll need a touchscreen for this one.

Threes

Get ready to be addicted to this game of moving tiles in a grid while adding them together. Heads up, only for touchscreen for tap controls.

Injustice 2

In this game, you’ll get to join in battle with your favorite DC Superheroes & Villains. There’s no keyboard support though, so it would probably be best on a smaller Chromebook.

PinOut

Luckily, you can use your keyboard arrows to play this one, so you don’t need a touchscreen. This game is for pinball lovers everywhere!

Sonic the Hedgehog Classic

This is the Sonic game that started them all! Race at lightning speeds as Sonic the Hedgehog. It even includes keyboard support!

Fallout Shelter

This game is a hugely popular dystopian version of Sim City. Just make sure your Chromebook is set to tablet mode as it doesn’t support the keyboard.

Pac-Man

We can’t end this list without one of the original leaders; Pac-Man! And now that you can turn your entire screen into a Pac-Man playground, that’s even better!

While some of these don’t support keyboard, most of the Chromebooks now are touchscreen. We hope you spend many hours playing new (and some old) games on your Chromebook!

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Here are our top 5 reasons why we love working remotely.

1. No more commute. Think about how much time you’ll save by cutting out the commute back and forth to an office. You can then use those saved minutes or hours to focus on home life or getting some more work accomplished! You’ll also save money on gas and wear and tear on your car. Not to mention the bliss of knowing you don’t have to face that 5 o’clock traffic ever again! You’ll even help the environment by reducing your carbon footprint.
2. Location independent. Since you can work anywhere that has wifi, you aren’t tied down to a permanent office. Do you want to work while traveling in your RV? You can! What about working in your pajamas on your couch? You can! Or what about working while sun-bathing by the pool!? Work won’t seem like work when you can be somewhere you enjoy. Another great reason to be location independent, is you aren’t relying on local jobs only. This opens up the job pool to literally the entire world!
3. Flexible Hours. Gone are the days worrying about asking your boss if you can leave to pick up your sick child from school. By working remotely, you can come and go as you please as long as that’s been communicated with your clients. Do you need to go to a doctor’s appointment at 10 am? No problem when working remotely. Are you more of a night owl? No problem! Adjust your hours so you can work later in the day.
4. Increased Productivity. Without all the interruptions that a normal office environment brings, you’ll be far more productive by working remotely. This allows you to get more done in less time! Something we all strive for.
5. You don’t have to socialize. If you’re an introvert, then you will appreciate this reason! Introverts unite! Working remotely allows you to work without having to worry about all the socializing that normally comes with a job.

If you’ve ever thought about working remotely, we hope this list helped to convince you. It simply is amazing to be able to work remotely, wherever we want, whenever we want, and with whomever we want. Thanks to digital products, like the Chromebook, it’s very easy to achieve.

The post 5 Reasons Why We Love Working Remotely appeared first on ChromebookHQ.

The Best Gifts for Entrepreneurs

1. Chromebook – Of course, we had to put our favorite product as number one! A Chromebook is perfect for anyone living that laptop life. They are very affordable, fast, not prone to malware, and lightweight.

2. Planner – No one is successful without a plan! Some of our favorite planners for the entrepreneur are:

1. 1. ifocus business planner – This planner helps get anyone focused on the job at hand.
   2. Rituals for Living Dreambook– This is perfect for anyone with a little woo in their life. It focuses on the law of attraction, productivity, and happiness.
   3. High-Performance Planner  – This planner is massive and will help anyone realize where their focus needs to be and how to get there.
   4. Passion Planner  – If you need a planner for the goal-oriented, this is the one for you. It helps you create long-term goals and break them down to smaller, easier goals.

3. Bluetooth headphones – Entrepreneurs are on the go a lot, often times multitasking. Bluetooth headphones that can connect to phones and laptops are ideal! Some of our favorite ones are:

1. 1. TOZO T10 Bluetooth Earbuds – These come with a charging case and get this: both the earbuds and the charging case are waterproof! The charging case is also compatible with wireless chargers.
   2. COWIN E7 Active Noise Cancelling Headphones –If you like headphones instead of earbuds, these come with high reviews. They even have a microphone and can be used for up to 30 hours of playtime.
   3. LETSCOM IPX7 Waterproof Headphones – These are a very affordable option that offers a lot of features for the price. They are waterproof, noise-canceling, and up to 8 hours of playtime.

4. Espresso Machine – Entrepreneurs work long hours and sometimes we need a pick-me-up. Some of our favorites are:

1. SOWTECH Espresso Machine 3.5 Bar 4 Cup Espresso Maker – This Espresso maker is easy to use, compact, and very affordable. Brew like a pro with this one!
2. DeLonghi ECP3420 Bar Pump – This is an excellent choice for the beginner barista who wants to create exceptional espresso.

5. Portable Charger – Entrepreneurs are usually on the go and need their devices in working order at all times. A portable charger like the Anker PowerCore 5000 would be amazing for anyone out and about that needs a quick charge.

There you have it! Our top 5 gifts for entrepreneurs. Which one is on your list?

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What is a Pixelbook Go Variant?

The Pixelbook Go will have 16GB RAM and an 8th-generation Intel Core i7. It is set to sell for $1399. Even though this is the most powerful configuration we’ve seen for Chromebook, its maximum SSD storage capacity is only at 256GB. 

I don’t want to wait!

If you just cannot wait another day and need a Chromebook like yesterday, you can get the Pixelbook Go 16GB RAM variant Core i5 starting at $999, or one for 8FB RAM with core m3 and i5 starting at $649. All versions fo the Chromebook comes with a 13.3-inch display that supports either Full HD or 4K resolution.

Pixelbook Go Standout Features

One of the biggest standout features of the Pixelbook Go is the amazing battery life it offers. One test performed by Gizmodo said the battery life lasted about 13.5 hours, far exceeding any battery offered by other laptops. 

If you’re looking for something light to carry, then the Pixelbook Go is for you! At only 2.3 pounds, and 0.5 inches thick, this one won’t weigh you down like others!

The keyboard is also a standout feature as it’s not very noisy and feels good while typing.

Not only is it offered in standard black, but they also have a “not pink” to choose from. 

If you’re looking for a lightweight, sturdy laptop with a very long battery life, then the new Pixelbook Go is for you!

The post Pixelbook Go Release Date appeared first on ChromebookHQ.

With Black Friday quickly approaching, we wanted to give you a run-down on the ultimate tech-savvy Black Friday guide! And don’t feel like you have to wait until Black Friday to shop because some of these deals are happening right now!

It’s no surprise Amazon already has some great deals going on. Snag these before it’s too late!

Klipsch T5 True Wireless Earbuds

• Save $50 right now!
• One sleek set of wireless earbuds to rule them all.
• The Klipsch T5 True wireless earbuds are the ultimate combination of comfort, design, efficiency, and legendary acoustic clarity.

Amazon Echo Show 8

• This is a shocker because it hasn’t even been released! Save $30 now on your preorder!

Apple Watch Series 3 – GPS, 38mm) – Silver Aluminium Case with White Sport Band

• This watch is at an all-time low at $170 but keep in mind it will be $129 at Walmart on Nov. 27

LG 65SM8100AUA Alexa Built-in Nano 8 Series 65″ 4K Ultra HD Smart LED NanoCell TV (2019)

• You can save a whopping $502 on this deal right now!
• The LG NanoCell TV Nano 8 series, SM8100, delivers on picture quality, lifelike scenes and a spectrum of color.
• The power of the Quad-Core Processor makes everything look better. Local dimming control helps light levels.
• This LG AI TV is the world’s most intelligent TV with LG ThinQ AI and the voice control of the Google Assistant* and Alexa are built-in.
• *Service limited to certain languages. Some features require 3rd party service subscriptions.

The following will be on sale starting November 22, 2019

Kindle PaperWhite

• Starting on Nov 22, save $45!
• The thinnest, lightest, Kindle Paperwhite yet!

Fire TV Stick 4K with Alexa Voice Remote, streaming media player

• Save $25 starting Nov 22
• This Fire TV stick will give you brilliant picture and powerful performance.

Ring Indoor Cam, Compact Plug-In HD security camera with two-way talk, White, Works with Alexa – 2-Pack

• Save $40 starting Nov 22
• This Compact plug-in indoor camera lets you see, hear and speak to people and pets from your phone, tablet, or select Echo device.

These are just a few of the deals coming to you for Black Friday. Don’t miss out on these great deals! There’s a tech lover in every family these would be perfect for.

The post The Ultimate Tech-Savvy Black Friday Guide appeared first on ChromebookHQ.

With the ever-increasing use of technology, our students need to be able to integrate this into their daily lives at school. More and more schools are starting to implement the use of Chromebooks in their curriculum.

But what if your school isn’t one of those?

How do you pitch the benefits of using Chromebooks in the classroom?

1. Chromebooks are affordable. When needing to provide technology to a large group of students, affordability is a huge factor. Chromebooks can be purchased starting at $149, which makes it a great option. One of the reasons for their low cost is the use of Google Apps, which allows users to store information on the cloud instead of the actual device itself.
2. Chromebooks help the student prepare for the real world. With the increasing use of technology in everyday life, students need to know how to work a computer and the use of the cloud in order to be competitive. Gaining this experience while in school will help these students have a leg up on others.
3. Chromebooks keep students more engaged. While some feared that integrating technology into the classroom would distract students, it has done the opposite. Students stay more engaged and can even work together “virtually” while in different locations.
4. Chromebooks are environment-friendly. By using Chromebooks instead of printouts and the traditional book, we are using less paper and printer ink. That is a huge benefit! We are helping our kids improve the environment for the future.
5. Long battery life. Chromebooks have enough battery life to last an entire day at school without needing to be charged. Can you imagine all the docking stations needed if that weren’t the case?

Chromebooks in the classroom will soon one day become the norm. Help your school get on this technology train by using some of these pointers when you pitch to your school.

The post 5 Ways to Pitch the Idea of Chromebooks to Schools appeared first on ChromebookHQ.

Here we’ve listed our top 5 choices for laptop desks to help you with your decision.

1. Mind Reader LTADJUST-BLK

The Mind Reader is great for those who are on the go. It’s lightweight and easy to take with you. There are cushions on the bottom and has 8 different adjustable angles. Don’t worry about your laptop sliding off with the small clip at the bottom. The Mind Reader also provides proper ventilation for your laptop.

2. LapGear Home Office Lap Desk

This laptop desk fits most 15.6” laptops with a built-in mouse pad and phone slot. It includes cushions underneath for added comfort and heat reduction to keep you cool and comfortable. Be ready to get to work comfortably with these great designs.

3. Laptop Bed Tray Table

Get ready to work in comfort with this flexible design. This table has 4 combinations for right OR left-handed people, a center design, and a design with no stoppers for times when you just need a table. You can use this table in bed, on the couch, standing at a table, or for a children’s bed table. It includes auto-lock buttons and is portable.

4. Rolling Laptop Table Tilting Overbed Table

This table can easily be adjusted to fit over the bed or couch for ultimate comfort. It includes features such as locking wheels, can be tilted for the best comfort, and versatile in use. You can also assemble it for left or right-handed use.

5. Laptop Bamboo Desk for Bedroom

If you prefer a wooden desk, this beautiful, natural bamboo desk is the one for you. It is ergonomically designed for left or right-handed use, has adjustable leg height, and can also be used as a serving desk. It’s convenient to use in bed, on the couch, while traveling, or on the floor.

The post Our 5 Favorite Laptop Desks appeared first on ChromebookHQ.

You’ve built a music library on iTunes already. You bought a Chromebook and discovered (… probably with much frustration) that you can’t install iTunes on Chromebook.

Don’t worry. Your iTunes music library is still accessible from your Chrome OS device. Let’s take a look at how you can set this up on your Chromebook…

Add iTunes Library to Chromebook from a Desktop or Laptop

The primary way to access your iTunes library on Chromebook (and other devices you own) is to upload your music from a Windows Computer or Mac.

On a computer that already has your iTunes music:

1. Go to Google Play Music website
2. Click on the hamburger menu icon
3. Click “Upload Music”
4. From here, you can either drag songs to the website or click “SELECT FROM YOUR COMPUTER”
5. The upload process may take some time, especially with slower connections. Also, be aware that a large library could be costly depending upon your data limits

For Windows, the default location for your music library is

c:\Users\[your login]\Music\iTunes\iTunes Media\Music

For Mac, the default location for your music library is

/Users/[your login]/Music/iTunes

On your Chromebook:

1. Add the Google Play Music app, if it’s not already added
2. Activate Google Play Music, if it’s not already activated
3. Enjoy your music…

Install iTunes Library on Chromebook through Wine and Linux VMs

Here’s an iTunes for Chromebook hack that may work. If you really wanted to put iTunes on Chromebook, you could try Wine inside of Linux, but read the disclaimer below before you do.

Disclaimer: I have not attempted this method. There are several layers of compatibility concerns. Adding Linux to your Chromebook can add some security issues. This method would probably be resource heavy, so it’s less likely to work on older models. This method is only for the adventurous.

1. Install Linux on your Chromebook. I’m working on a guide to install Linux on Chromebook and will update this post with a link when I finish. Until then, a Google search will help.
2. In your Linux installation, install PlayOnLinux (or Wine)
3. Open the PlayOnLinux app
4. Click install and search for iTunes
5. Select the iTunes version
6. The PlayOnLinux installation wizard will guide you through the iTunes installation

To us, this method requires too much energy and has too many potential issues. We’d rather use Google Play Music to access our iTunes library on Chromebook.

To each their own…

When will we get the real iTunes for Chromebook?

Unfortunately, we wouldn’t expect this to happen anytime soon. Apple’s business model relies heavily on a closed, proprietary ecosystem. Opening their software to other platforms requires a lot of internal resources to maintain their ecosystem.

“Then why is there iTunes on Windows?”

There is a much larger market of Windows users that would benefit from having iTunes. Many people working 9-5 could now listen to music in their iTunes library to help with slower times (, and would pay to expand that library).

Apple at some point believed that iTunes on Windows would make more money than it cost, and they were probably right.

Should I convert to Google’s Ecosystem?

This isn’t really an easy question to answer. We, personally, prefer Google’s ecosystem because it focuses on openness and sharing.

This also leaves it open to more malicious players. We’ve been involved in computers and IT for more than 20 years, so we can smell activity with a bad scent. That may not be the same for all users.

The openness allows more peering eyes to discover exploits, but Google has done a lot to combat these problems, especially with Chromebooks. You can read why Chromebooks don’t need antivirus software.

What do you think?

Was this post helpful? Are there any thoughts, questions, or comments you would like to add? We would love to hear from you.

Please leave a comment or send us an email at team@chromebookhq.com.

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