Around 500 Dell Latitude 5400 Chromebooks have been distributed at Venice High this year, said IT technician Orsy Giron. 

According to Giron, the district aims to improve the devices distributed to students. 

“They look for a laptop that is adequate enough for student activities but is better than the last they’ve sent out,” he said.

The laptops retail from $500 to $700, in comparison to previous HP 11G7 and Lenovo N23 Chromebooks that retail from $100 to $200.

“Technology is essentially a tool that is supposed to enhance the quality of life for all parts of society,” Giron explained, “Students and staff have more access to resources”

Some students have been extremely impressed with the new laptops. 

“I really like the new laptops because they provide more features and accessibilities,” said senior Izzy Beerensteyn, who got a new Chromebook this year. 

They’re more attractive and fast, too, she said.  

The original HP and Lenovo Chromebooks distributed to students have 11-inch screens and 8 GB of memory, in contrast to the new Dell Chromebooks with a 14-inch screen with 32 GB of memory. 

Beerensteyn is happy with the new models.  

“The last computer had more glitches and had a few of the letters not working, which made it a little hard to work. The new computer loads quickly and doesn’t lag.”

It’s all a part of LAUSD’s effort to utilize technology as a way to make education experiences stronger, Giron said. 

“Technology is essentially a tool that is supposed to enhance the quality of life for all parts of society,” he said. “Students and staff have more access to resources.”