A Chromebook is the easiest to use, affordable notebook computer available. Learn how you can get an ultra modern Chromebook with 100GB free cloud storage from Google, for just $149.
Our mission at CheapInternet.com is to help people on tight budgets get high-speed internet access at the lowest possible price. But you can’t get online if you don’t have a computer or other device that you can afford to purchase.
Smartphones and tablets may be sufficient for people who have simple needs. But for doing more sophisticated tasks, such as word processing, working with spreadsheets or just heavier browsing, you really need a traditional keyboard and a larger screen. This means you need a desktop, laptop, netbook or Google Chromebook.
Knowing our audience well, we understand that they want something very inexpensive, easy to use, and that doesn’t require any special technical knowledge to keep it up and running.
The problem with most desktops, laptops and netbooks is that they run Microsoft Windows. That’s fine if you are technically-skilled, and can handle system upgrades, keep Windows working right, defend against viruses, install/upgrade software, and do backups. If you are the typical non-technical user, a Windows computer will eventually become a living nightmare for you.
In addition, Windows on a low-priced computer is going to be severely underpowered. This goes for desktop, laptops and netbooks. Chromebooks aren’t necessarily more powerful, but they require less speed and memory to run their applications since they don’t run Windows. While you can’t run everything on a Chromebook that you can a Windows computer, most of those applications would not run well on a cheap, underpowered Windows computer anyway.
Note that Windows 10 is coming soon, and we’ll reevaluate our stance when we see the rumored $150 Windows 10 notebook computer. Microsoft promises a new experience, but given the history of Windows, we remain wary.
At this time, we can only recommend Chromebooks to our readers who want a usable, easy to run and maintain computer with keyboard at the lowest possible cost. This comes with the caveat that the user is just interested in web browsing, emailing, watching videos, word processing and spreadsheets, photo editing, social media and other basic functions for the least amount of money and the fewest problems.
What is a Chromebook?
A Chromebook is actually a type of netbook. Netbooks are small laptop computers that are designed to be used primarily, but not exclusively, when connected to the internet. Netbooks generally use Windows, and so suffer from all the issues involved with that operating system. A Chromebook, on the other hand, runs on Google’s Chrome OS operating system.
Chrome OS is an easy-to-use operating system that was designed from the start to be used in the modern world of cloud computing. Chromebook apps exist in the cloud, which is where your files such as word processing documents, spreadsheets and images will also live. And Google gives you a whooping 100GB of cloud storage free with every Chromebook.
Chromebooks began shipping in 2011 and schools became the largest customer by 2012 and due to their low price and ease of use. Since then, Google has broadened its customer base to include individuals looking for a simple computer experience.
Using a Chromebook
The first thing you’ll notice when you boot up a Chromebook is that you are up and running in just seconds, thanks to the quick Chrome OS loaded on the computer’s fast solid state drive. Once up you’ll sign into your Google account and be presented with a desktop where you’ll have icons for the Chrome browser, Gmail, and the apps you installed from the Chrome Web Store in the cloud.
Installing apps is as easy as going into the Chrome Web Store and selecting and installing from the cloud. Installing Chrome OS apps in this manner rather than installing traditional applications in Windows virtually eliminates the need for anti-virus software.
Aside from the familiar email and calendar apps, the most important and useful are Google Docs, Google Sheets and Google Slides. These replace the need for office applications such as Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Powerpoint. While these apps may not be as sophisticated as their Microsoft counterparts, they are easily sufficient for most all uses.
While a Chromebook is made for working while connected to the web, many apps also let you work with them offline. For example, users can access Google apps such as Gmail, Calendar, Google Drive and the family of Google Docs apps while offline. And Chromebooks come with a built-in local music player, photo editor and document viewer that work without the internet.
Buying a Chromebook
Google invented the Chrome OS, which is the required operating system in order for a computer to be called a Chromebook. Google sells some Chromebooks themselves and licenses other companies to manufacture and sell their own Chromebooks. In addition to buying from Google, you can get a Chromebook from names like Acer, ASUS, Dell, Haier, Hisense, HP, Toshiba, Samsung and others.
Prices vary from $149 for a couple new Chromebooks being released now, to well over $1,000 for beautiful, high-end models. Higher prices gives you faster performance, larger and higher definition screens, more memory and storage, better components and higher quality build.
But we’re CheapInternet.com and our readers want cheap computers go to with their internet. We’re going to keep away from anything over $200, and focus on newer models rather discontinued or aging ones. The Chromebooks we list below are all new for 2015 so you can be sure of getting the best product for your money.
Currently we recommend three models. The Hisense Chromebook is available now at Walmart online. The Haier Chromebook 11 is exclusively sold at Amazon, and the ASUS Chromebook 201C available at Amazon and other retailers.
All three Chromebooks have very close to the same specs, so it may come down to your brand or store preference.
Haier Chromebook 11
The Haier Chromebook 11 features an 11.6-inch screen with a resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels, a 1.8 GHz Rockchip processor, 2GB RAM, 802.11ac wireless, two USB ports, an SD Card reader, HDMI output, stereo speakers and a 720p webcam.
It weighs in at only 2.54 lbs, has a full-size keyboard and promises 10 hours of battery life. The price is just $149. Available exclusively at Amazon.
Hisense Chromebook
The Hisense Chromebook specs are very similar to the Haier Chromebook 11. It also has a 11.6-inch screen, 2GB RAM, 802.11ac wireless, 16GB flash storage, two USB ports, an SD Card reader, HDMI output, stereo speakers and a 720p webcam.
The Haier Chromebook 11 weighs in at 2.3 lbs, has a full-size keyboard and promises 10 hours of battery life. The price is just $149. Available exclusively at Walmart.
ASUS Chromebook C201
The ASUS Chromebook C201, scheduled for release in May 2015, is another new Chromebook that uses a 1.8 GHz Rockport quad-core processor to power the compact computer. It comes with 2GB RAM (option for 4GB), 802.11ac wireless, 16GB flash storage, two USB ports, an SD Card reader, HDMI output, stereo speakers and a 720p webcam.
The ASUS Chromebook Chromebook C201 weighs only 2.16 lbs, has a full-size keyboard and says it’s battery will last an astounding 13 hours. The price is just $169 and it is available at Amazon and many other retailers.
Misty K. says
I work for AARP with the 55+ training program. I work with people who cannot afford to purchase a computer and I am looking for a resource for the Iowa state area. Do you know of or are you that program? Please send contact info, thank you!
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Check with EveryoneOn.org to find out what’s available in your zip code.
Mr Banfill says
I am 62 year’s old and I’m on SSI and medscaid would I get a laptop
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
You can choose between a laptop and a desktop.
don says
I enjoyed reading your comments regarding the 2015 Chromebook computers. Can you tell us where we can find the same type of information on these computers now 2019?
Thanks for your reply,
Don
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Visit EveryoneOne.org, plug in your zip code, and you’ll find all the programs available in your area.
Marie Clark says
Absolutely Amazing!! I am elderly and low low income. Thanks for being so in formative! Like my grandchildren say, I can finally”Get with it’s!
THANKS, Love & Hugs, GRANMUM MARIE
Mary says
In your description to qualify for AT & T Acess you state: To qualify for Access from AT&T, and to get nearly unlimited high-speed broadband internet service in your home plus a low-cost computer for just $5.00 per month:. But in fact you are not offering a low cost computer but just telling people where they can buy an already low cost computer, isn’t that correct? Anyone can buy the computers you recommend whether they are low income or not, this is kind of misleading on your part. You are not helping people get a discount on a computer through your program because they are going to pay the advertised price for which ever one they choose.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
You say to-may-to, we say to-mah-to, Mary. A number of low-cost internet service providers work with EveryoneOn.org to offer inexpensive computers to low-income Americans. Not all low-income programs participate and do not offer these low-cost computers. Do you really want to quibble about the business structure these companies set up in order to provide these computers?
Here are the ways EveryoneOn.org says you can qualify for one of those computers:
Low-income (household of four: at or below $49,000 annual income)
Live in public housing
Participate in the National School Lunch Program (free or reduced lunch at school)
Participate in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (food stamps)
Participate in Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program (TANF)
Participate in Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Participate in Medicaid
Participate in Veterans Pension and Survivor Benefits
Participate in Community Eligibility Provision (CEP)
None of the above.
If you click “None of the above,” you will be told that nothing is available in your area.
Seriously, Mary, don’t you have something better to do than quibble about such minor definitional issues?
Oh, one other thing: “We” don’t offer low-cost computers because we are not a low-income internet service provider. “We” are an independent informational website with no affiliation with any of those providers, so “just telling people where they can buy an already low cost computer” is exactly what we are supposed to do.
We have a suggestion: Go find another website that offers information that is worded exactly the way you want it worded. Never darken our internet doorway again. Never.
Robin Jayne says
You know, I apologize, But I was led to believe the same thing. That I could get a computer for $5 a month through AT&T.
Richard Reguzzoni says
Your information is completely outdated it’s now 2018. What is the best recommendation for a laptop Netbook or similar as of 2018. I called AT&T about the access AT&T for $10 for Internet service and ask them about the $149 computer and nobody heard of it.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Take a look at EveryoneOn.org, Richard. Plug in your zip code and it will tell you exactly what’s available in your area.
Sarah Binnick says
I want cheap computer
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Did you read the article, Sarah?
Sharon Mangione says
We just moved to Colorado and started to receive the service in Nov. Paying a lot, thinking of getting rid of cable. Can we still get this low income price on internet. We recive free lunches and my husband is 68 recieving S.S.I.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Unfortunately, there is no low-income plan that includes cable TV, Sharon. But there are a number of low-income internet plans for which you may be eligible. Take a close look at each of the plans outlined at this link:
http://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Pay particular attention to PCs for People and 4GCommunity. They’re not available everywhere in Colorado, but you may be lucky enough to live in one of the towns in which they are available.
Lon-Yetta Smith says
My family and I already receive SNAP benefits. I am on SSI. Me, my daughter and my granddaughter are all Medicaid recipients. Is the AT& T service for low income participants available with TV service? Thanks!!!!
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Sorry, Lon-Yetta, but no TV is included in any of the low-income internet deals.
Thomas Mcvea says
Is there a low cost payment plan for the low income?
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
We think you’re asking if you can purchase one of the low-cost computers on an extended payment plan. If that’s correct, we’re sorry to say that we’ve not heard of any program of that kind, Thomas.
mr Jackie Peaker says
What do i have to do to get the cheap computer.I already get access from AT&T Low income Internet.please email back.
Thanks.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Since you already have AT&T’s Access low-income internet plan, contact the company’s customer service team.
Do says
Must have super cheap internet for work. No kids, very low income. Any suggestions? not in hud housing either but ony earn very small income.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
You fall into one of those gaps in service, Do. In other words, you’re not eligible for most of the programs currently available. Check out all the low-income internet plans discussed in this article:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Pay particular attention to the plan from PCs for People IF you live in an area served by the Sprint national cell network.
Shirley says
So can i cancel my budget mobile lifeline acct…I’ve had it over 60 days and get the inernet instead?
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
The Lifeline Broadband program does not begin until December 1, Shirley. On top of that, it’s not yet known if any companies will offer Internet for free or if it will only be discounted. Keep checking back here at CheapInternet.com for all the latest news.
Shirley says
Does direct tv have the low cost internet? I have wireless internet thru armstrong cable and direct tv…but i don’t think armstrong provides lifeline..we are two diabled people with one crappy phone thru budget mobile..i use my ol mans old lg volt for internet as my budget mobile phone is horrible….
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
DirecTV does not offer a low-cost internet plan. Here’s a list of all the programs currently available:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Shirley says
Can you get broadband internet if you already have a lifeline phone? Also armstrong cable is the only co. In Meadville Pa…where else can i get broadband from here?
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
You can only get one Lifeline discount. Here’s an article that explains a lot more about the upcoming changes that include Lifeline Broadband:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/fcc-introduces-lifeline-broadband
james selby says
@Lisa why wud U or a person worry about or want to mess with payments to buy a pc when they cud go into a place like shopgoodwill & in many cases pay a one time cost for the pc ??.., some of those older laptop pcs will run windows xp.., vista.., 7 & up & i’ve seen some for $5 plus handling & the shipping ! & after that – no payments wud be needed except for the wifi service or a good dedicated dial-up provider & there are some dedicated dial-up providers still around..
shopgoodgoodwill.com has both notebook/laptop & desktop pcs that start-out from $5 & up.., some are lacking memory/ram & a hard drive (HDD) & some even have that stuff installed alredy & all a person wud need from then on is add an operating system like xp.., vista.., w7 & windows 8 & some pcs in there have complimentry installs OR ” distros as theyre called ” on ubuntu linux & linux mint alredy installed ! & all u need then is the dial-up or wifi service for them after that.., some may be lacking usb wifi adapters incase theres no wifi system built in but the wifi stuff is both ez & cheap enuff to find if u need one JUST make sure u get a set-up cd for the usb wifi-adapter & that its compatible with the operating syatem u are putting on there – the same goes for dial-up modem too if u cant afford wifi service cuz dial-up is usually way cheaper at times.., but not always.., just do your’ research .. ..
shopgoodwill.com also has printers scanners copiers etc. & if u were to get one of them then u’d only need to buy a printer cable & ink & paper for them – most come with the printer drivers on a cd alredy & even if one doesnt have a printer cable or the printer drivers install cd if not included alredy – then a person cud goto a stables or best buy & purchase a 5 or 10 pack of cd\r or dvd\r disc to copy the files onto BUT if the pc u get has no cd drive then most-likely u’d need 1.44 flopy discs & then go to a municipal or public library & use the libraries’ computer to google the type of printer & find the drivers on the web & download’em from there for the hardware – BE SURE the drivers u download ARE FOR the operating system u have tho.. UBUNTU & LINUX MINT alredy have most printer drivers in their software distros to begin with so all u need is printer cable to fit the printer & ur pc .., PRINTER INK can be found reasonably at http://www.houseoftoners.com AND http://www.private.abacus24-7.com AKA abacus private & searching for the type of ink u need is ez on those sites & really reasonably priced .., same with commercial / namebrand AVs at http://www.trinitysoftwaredistribution.com & if its payments u prefer or need then open a paypal acct. if u dont have one alredy & 97% of all websites today accept paypal & they’ll send u a statement each month for the balance u owe’em ! ..,
either-way IT’s AFFORDABLE .., but for me i’d wrather pay the one-time price for the stuff & be done with it & not owe anyone from then on except my wifi or dial-up isp provider ! – its really upto the buyer ! .., GOOD LUCK in whichever route u choose to go..
james selby says
RE: CheapInternet.com Administrator
if a person can build a model or cook from a recipe then they can pretty much add things like memory a dial-up modem or a usb wifi connector themselves , it not as difficult as it once was for a person to do .., depending on the pc & stuff u buy.., – memory is plugNplay & all a person wud really need to do is google & get the instructions or directions..
& no-matter how u do it , its still far cheaper ” money-wise ” in the long-run PLUS a person wud the satisfaction of doing the work themselves & accomplishing something ..
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
We have to laugh, James, because you sound just like the CheapInternet.com tech guru. He understands all the tech stuff, but I’m quite willing to admit that my brain just isn’t wired to comprehend electronics. I could Google all night long and still have an unworkable system when morning rolls around. That’s why this website works so well — we have a tech guy who understands all the electronics and an administrator who doesn’t. Together we represent the two halves of the real world.
And to bring this back to your original comment, consider me representative of many readers who can’t boil water and whose model airplanes never ended up resembling airplanes.
james selby says
it’s cheaper for a person to go into ” http://www.shopgoodwill.com ” & u can find a laptop or desktop pc many times for $10 & depending on the type of unit u end-up getting they are usually lacking things like a modem , memory , monitor etc. & but even then by the time u buy the parts like memory , monitor , modem , or a wi-fi adapter OR a dial-up modem u end-up spending far less than $25 in most cases PLUS SHIPPING now .., so dont forget abt. that part..
i bought 2 desktop & 2 laptop pcs from that site & even tho i had to add memory & a couple of wi-fi adapters & dial-up modems & stuff – i pd. less than $100 for all of it ..
shopgoodwillDOTcom in my opinion is a site like ebay but the pcs are priced far less than ebays & all of the proceeds there go to charirty & people who are handicapped etc.
the site has other things like household goods & clothing too & is well worth the time to go in there & search for something like a pc if u kno what you’re wanting & stuff ..
u will need to establish a buyers account like is needed on ebay & amazon & other retail sites & they do accept paypal now also aswell as other methods of payment & if u kno what u can afford & whats best for you then its worth taking the time to go in there & look around & chances are you’ll find what you’re looking for.
http://www.shopgoodwill.com
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
That’s a great resource, James. Thanks. However, we worry that you’re far more technically adept than most of our readers (and us) and, therefore, much more capable of using add-on memory and configuring all the different pieces of equipment. But we’re posting your comment because we were completely unaware that Goodwill sells such low-priced computer equipment.
Henry says
A lot of people donate computers that they no longer need to Goodwill Industries to get the tax deduction benefit when they file their tax return. The other alternatives are to send it to the landfill or Best Buy or Staples stores (without any tax benefit) or sell it to others by way of Amazon, Ebay, Etsy, Mercari, Ebid, or any other seller website. Goodwill advertises on Ebay and sells computers on that site through either highest bidder auctions or buy it now listings. In general, prices on the Goodwill and Ebay sites tend to be lower than at other sites (some start as low as $1). Getting a computer cheap on Amazon is very difficult because most sellers list items based on current market values. The one good benefit of searching Ebay is that many computer refurbishers sell their reconditioned computers at prices that often are below those seen at the non-profit websites. They can sell at Walmart-like prices because of volume. Over the past three decades, the PC technology has sped by quickly at a rapid pace and PCs from the 1990s are worth barely anything now. The one caveat with shopping at Goodwill is that many donated computers can have hidden defects not mentioned by the donor. Goodwill may sell their items “as is”, so you might not be able to return items back to them. This is the risk you have to assume if you are looking to buy dirt cheap.
The Watson says
Why get a ChromeBook or a NetBook? NewEgg offers refurbished desktops for an average of 100$,excluding a monitor. You can use any monitor, your tv or get a refurbished one too. Its easiest to sign up for emails on deals, but may be a barrier to the audience here. Everyone can browse the site, as eady as reading here. The most recent has heen a Dual i3 equivalent with 4GB ram, with integrated graphics & various hard drive sizes. These units run Win7 or better and are eligible for Win10 (I don’t recommend it). Win10 is a long rant for me, just avoid the slow, buggy & childish looking upgrade. These refurbs can do allot more than a ChromeBook or NetBook and offline too.
~The Watson
(23yrs+ computer repair tech, currently disabled)
Henry says
Note that Windows 10 support ends in October 2025. Windows 11 is now being distributed to computers that meet the specific requirements issued by Microsoft (Intel 8th generation CPU and above and AMD Zen 2nd generation and above).
Chromebooks and Netbooks are for students who need minimal technical specs on their systems. Homework does not need a lot of the “fluff” associated with higher powered systems. They are comparable with the flip phones when you compare them with the Apple iphone 13.
Lisa says
So how about payments for computer
Kenty says
Walmart only takes payments on layaway or their credit card. If you want to make monthly payments, you’re best bet is to use a credit card and make payments that way. Rent a Centers and Aaron’s take monthly payments if you don’t have a credit card. Try E-Bay too-you might be able to find one on there cheaper than the $149. Some companies that make computers can set up a payment plan with you. Some that do won’t ship out the computer until it’s completely paid off. You might want to try going to some computer manufacturers and see if they can do it for you. Try Goodwill thrift stores-some have computer stores with dirt cheap computers that come with a warranty so if anything happens, you can get it repaired with little to no out of pocket costs.
Kim says
Who is this offer available too? My husband works at the prison as a correction officer but we are still scratching by. Our computer quite (It’s believed to be the hard drive) We don’t have the money to replace it and my kids are in Jr.High and High school, they need a computer for there classes. I’ve got Comcast internet (the lowest price I could get) by things are soo tight I just don’t know what I’m to do.
lisa says
Can you pay on them or u have to pay $149 up front
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
The vendors may or may not offer financing.
Kathee Wilkinson says
Will they let you play games like from the Google store!?!?!?
I am 60 somewhat disabled…. Don’t get out much… Mostly what I do is Gmail, facebook and my Games!!!! Lotsa games LOL
yelenazhang says
low income family need intenet service.
Paula Valentine says
I have a Hisense TV.. I am please with it. I am 65 and interested in obtaining a low cost internet service. I have no land line but i do have a cell phone. I am looking for the cheapest internet or wifi program.. I tried HotSpot it is too costly.
Denise Bethel says
I am a lw income recipiant. i am looking for the cheapest nternet or wifi progran.
tammy says
can i get chrome book with low income internet with paymwents
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
The Chromebooks are not aligned with a low-income program. You might be able to buy it on payments with Walmart or Amazon, but we wouldn’t know.
deborah hatchell says
I am interested in the asus chromeboook where can I get it
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
In the article above, we have links to both Amazon and Walmart you can click through to.
rebekah says
ASUS Chromebook C201… please let me know when it is available…
Joecille Santoloci says
I am interested in the ASUS Chromebook Chromebooki C201.
Let me know when available.