x
Breaking News
More () »

Chromebooks are expiring and could cost taxpayers billions

During the pandemic, schools rushed to buy Chromebooks and other devices to help out with remote learning. They were cheap and had software that prevented viruses.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — CMS is one of the hundreds of districts across the country that utilize Chromebook computers. But what was once a cheap and easy way to get kids online, is now coming with a hefty cost.

Chromebooks are expiring and it could be costing taxpayers billions. Let's connect the dots.

⏯ Subscribe to WCNC Charlotte on YouTube to be notified of new Wake Up Charlotte videos

During the pandemic, schools rushed to buy Chromebooks and other devices to help out with remote learning. They were cheap and had software that prevented viruses.

But it wasn't all good news. Unlike your computer at home, Google imposes expiration dates on their computer, even if the hardware still works. The Wall Street Journal reports between this year, and next, the company will stop supporting more than 60 computer models. And often districts are blindsided.

Expiration dates aren't often advertised and are often focused on the cheap cost of the computer. Now some districts aren't able to sell them online, so they are having to pay companies to haul away the waste. 

Click here to sign up for the daily Wake Up Charlotte newsletter.

WCNC Charlotte’s Wake Up Charlotte has the latest news and weather from the WCNC Charlotte morning team. Watch all the latest stories from the Wake Up Charlotte morning team in the YouTube playlist below and subscribe to get updated when new videos are uploaded. 

Wake Up Charlotte To Go is a daily news and weather podcast you can listen to so you can start your day with the team at Wake Up Charlotte.  
SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts || Spotify || Pandora   || TuneIn || Google Podcasts   

All of WCNC Charlotte's podcasts are free and available for both streaming and download. You can listen now on Android, iPhone, Amazon, and other internet-connected devices. Join us from North Carolina, South Carolina, or on the go anywhere. 

Before You Leave, Check This Out