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Chromebook terms, in plain English.

The words you'll see on our product pages, quotes and offers. 25 terms in 4 groups.

01Chromebook basics

ChromeOS
The operating system on every Chromebook, made by Google. It starts fast, updates itself in the background and runs web apps and the Chrome browser.
2-in-1 (convertible)
A Chromebook whose screen folds all the way back so it can be used as a tablet. Every 2-in-1 has a touchscreen.
Touchscreen
A screen you can tap and swipe as well as use with the keyboard and touchpad. Not every touchscreen Chromebook folds into a tablet.
Memory (RAM)
The working memory a Chromebook uses for open tabs and apps, shown first in options like 4GB / 32GB. More memory helps when many tabs are open.
Storage
Where files and apps are saved on the device, shown second in options like 4GB / 32GB. Most Chromebook users keep files in the cloud, so small storage is normal.
Refurbished
A used Chromebook that has been cleaned, tested and graded before resale. Ours ship with a charger and a 30-day replacement warranty. How we test and grade

02Updates and school management

Update expiration (AUE)
The month Google stops sending ChromeOS updates to a model, also called Auto Update Expiration or AUE. The Chromebook keeps working after that date, but no longer gets new features or security updates. Every model page shows this date from Google's published list. Read the full guide
Google Admin console
The website a school's IT team uses to manage its Chromebooks, users and settings.
Enterprise enrollment
Registering a Chromebook to an organization's Google Admin console, so the school can manage it. An enrolled Chromebook keeps the school's settings until it is released.
Deprovisioning (releasing a device)
Removing a Chromebook from an organization's Google Admin console. Schools selling their devices do this first, so the next owner can set the Chromebook up as their own. Selling us your Chromebooks
Powerwash
Google's name for a factory reset. It erases the accounts and files saved on the Chromebook and returns it to its first-start screen.
Chrome Education Upgrade
The license a school buys so it can manage Chromebooks in Google Admin. It belongs to the school, so a school that buys Chromebooks from us manages them with its own licenses.

03Grades and condition

Grade A (Like New)
Professionally refurbished, fully tested, inspected and cleaned. Little to no signs of previous use, with minimal cosmetic imperfections, if any. The screen, keyboard, touchpad and casing are in excellent cosmetic condition, and all essential hardware works properly.
Grade B (Very Good)
Professionally refurbished, fully tested, inspected and cleaned. Light to moderate signs of use, such as minor scratches, scuffs or surface marks on the casing. The screen may have minor cosmetic imperfections that don't interfere with normal viewing, and the keyboard and touchpad may show light use. All essential hardware works properly.
Grade C (Good)
Professionally refurbished, fully tested, inspected and cleaned. Noticeable signs of use, including scratches, scuffs, worn keys or cosmetic wear on the casing. The screen may have minor scratches or blemishes that don't significantly affect normal viewing. Fully functional, with all essential hardware tested and working properly.
Cosmetic grade
Our grade describes how a Chromebook looks, not how it works. Every grade is tested and works properly. Grades and testing
What's in the box
Every Chromebook ships with a charger, original or compatible.

04Buying and selling

Retail price
The price shown on our product pages: the price for one unit, bought online with a card. School and bulk orders are priced separately by quote.
Bulk quote
One written price for a larger order, usually 10 units or more, covering several models and grades with shipping included. Build a bulk quote
Purchase order (PO)
A document a school or business issues to approve a purchase before paying. Tell us in your quote request if you'd like to pay by PO, and we'll confirm the terms with your quote.
Tax-exempt
Schools and many nonprofits don't pay sales tax on purchases. Mention it in your quote request and we'll tell you what we need from you.
Buyback
When we buy a school's retired Chromebooks, working or not. Send us a list or spreadsheet and we'll reply with a written offer. Get an offer
Trade-in
Selling us your old devices and buying replacements in the same request, so you get an offer and a quote together. Trade in
Asset tag
A sticker with an ID number that schools put on their devices to track them. Mention asset tags in your request if you have them.
Reference number
The code you get on screen after sending us a request, like CO-4F9A2C. Mention it when you contact us so we find your request quickly.
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