The Reality of Chromebooks as Disposable Computers

I’ve always thought of Chromebooks as throwaway computers. They’re inexpensive, lightweight, and functional – but ultimately, very wasteful. Designed to be cost-effective, they make sense for many people looking for affordable tech, but they lack the durability and longevity of other computers. Google’s recent policy changes highlight just how short-lived these devices are, even if they’re still running fine.

In 2023, Google imposed “expiration dates” on Chromebooks, restricting the length of time they’ll support these devices, even if the hardware remains perfectly functional. This year, Google will cease support for 13 Chromebook models. Next year, 51 more will join the list of unsupported devices. This essentially forces users to retire their Chromebooks, even though many are still in good working order.

Chromebooks often catch people’s attention because they’re affordable, and for good reason: they provide a streamlined solution for students, teachers, and anyone needing an inexpensive laptop for basic internet browsing and productivity tasks. The simplicity of ChromeOS​, their cloud-based operating system, allows Google to keep manufacturing costs low, making them seem like an easy solution for people who don’t want to break the bank for a computer. But while this approach may benefit consumers in the short term, the long-term effects are anything but positive.

To understand why I find this wasteful, it helps to consider that Chromebooks are hard to repair and upgrade. Most models are built with parts that are either difficult or impossible to replace or upgrade, meaning that once a part breaks or the performance starts to lag, the Chromebook’s days are numbered. Unlike traditional laptops, where you can usually add more RAM or upgrade the storage to keep it running smoothly, Chromebooks lack this adaptability. As a result, many end up being discarded sooner than necessary.

The way Google has designed the Chromebook experience is similar to their Android phone approach. Google offers software updates to Chromebooks, but only for a limited time. After a certain point – typically around five to eight years after the model’s initial release – the updates stop. Once that happens, the Chromebook can’t receive new features or security updates, which becomes a serious risk for anyone using it. It’s understandable why some might want a fresh device, but not everyone needs to replace their hardware that quickly.

This expiration model means that even if a Chromebook is still working well, its lack of updates makes it unsafe to use online. And so, while it might physically have years left, it’s practically forced into obsolescence. The result? Millions of Chromebooks may end up in landfills, contributing to an already overwhelming amount of electronic waste.

Electronic waste is already a serious issue. Each year, the world generates around 50 million metric tons of e-waste, only a fraction of which is recycled. Chromebooks contribute to this problem because of their relatively short life span and limited options for responsible disposal. With Google ending support for more models every year, I fear this wastefulness will only increase.

When it comes to sustainable computing, longevity is key. Computers that can be upgraded, repaired, and supported for years to come are much less likely to end up as waste. The Chromebook’s limitations make this hard to achieve. To me, this model of planned obsolescence feels like a step backward. It’s one thing for devices to eventually reach the end of their life cycles, but setting arbitrary expiration dates doesn’t sit well with me. In a time when technology plays such a huge role in our lives, I believe we have a responsibility to use it wisely.

As we look to the future of technology, I hope companies will place more emphasis on durability, repairability, and sustainability. Users should be able to keep their devices running safely and efficiently for as long as possible. Although Chromebooks have proved their worth as budget-friendly computers, I believe they should also strive to be responsible choices that don’t come at the cost of environmental health.

Until then, Chromebooks will remain, in my eyes, a disposable, wasteful solution – one that ultimately serves Google’s interests more than those of consumers or the planet.