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By Isaac Fisher, junior

Google recently introduced a line of brand-new laptops that it hopes will revolutionize the market. The Chromebook, as it is called, runs on an entirely new operating system. It connects exclusively to the internet database that Google calls “The Cloud”.Chromebooks use no software: all documents, photos, presentations, and other personal files are saved and accessed online. Chromebook owners must either be connected to wireless Internet or subscribe to a data plan, similar to one for a smartphone.

This new product is Google’s response to the Apple iPad, which was currently the only other computer platform available at a low price. Chromebooks run anywhere from $300 to $600, making them more than half the cost of many laptops.

Google claims that Chromebooks boot up and are online in only 8 seconds. Because of their simplicity, they are also highly secure and easy to maintain. They update automatically, and have no need for expensive software downloads.

As part of its ongoing partnership with Google, Hopkins School District has shown interest in Chromebooks, and recently purchased a set of 40. They are the model produced by Samsung, and include a specialized Chrome cart for charging and storage.

Chromebooks appeal to educators because of their ease of use, security, and ability to access the Cloud from anywhere. They are ideal for anything from presentations to term papers, and don’t require portable memory sticks.

The Hopkins School District hopes to experiment with Chromebooks to see if they are a good fit for students. Mr. Sid Voss, director of educational and technology information systems for Hopkins, says that student input on the Chromebooks will be put into consideration as well. “We will ask for a little student feedback,” Voss said.

As the Chromebooks are still being set up, students will have to wait until they will be available for use in classes. If they are successful, Chromebooks may one day replace conventional laptops in the Hopkins School Districts.

 

Chins Asia Fresh and Leean Chin are both under the same company, however compete with one another. They each serve a Chinese cuisine, although, one is suited more for the fast food industry while the other is geared more for “in house” style.
For HHS students, Chins Asia Fresh is more often chosen over Leean Chin in an 82 to 18 percentile. “I see a lot of high school kids especially from Hopkins come in all the time. I think it’s nice for them because it’s close to the high school,” said Zoe Anderson, graduate of HHS, and manager at Chins Asia Fresh.
Both restaurants work hard to be healthy and nutritious and are therefore Trans Fat free/MSG free and have been since they opened in 1980. They also began to carry Red Cherry Frozen Yogurt in 2008 as a healthy dessert option.
Chins Asia Fresh and Leean Chin both offer food to go as well as a dine in option, however, Chins Asia Fresh is better known for it’s seating arrangement while Leean Chin is known for food on the run.
“The atmosphere in Chins Asia Fresh is nice and calming, it’s not to busy or too boring. It has a good balance of inviting and relaxing,” Anderson said. Customers have been known to come into Chins Asia Fresh with the intentions of making their order to go and deciding to sit and stay instead.
Although HHS students tend to lean toward Chins Asia Fresh, Leean Chin has better convenience opportunities. Leean Chin has 43 locations in and around the metro area, where as, Chins Asia Fresh only has the one Minnetonka location in MN and two WI locations.
One thing that separates one restaurant from another is, preparation of the food. At Leean Chin, the food is prepared ahead of time and waits in batches under heated lighting until ordered. Whereas, Chins Asia Fresh always prepares their food fresh, directly after an order is put in.
“I personally like Leean Chins better because it’s faster then Chins Asia Fresh” said Gabby Grey, senior. Benefits to having the food prepared ahead of time, means less waiting time for customers.
Although, when orders become more complicated, its easier for them to be prepared specifically rather then after the food has already been made. “Chins is unique because our fresh cooking allows for modification in our orders” Anderson said.
Other subtle differences in the two consist of menu items, and call in orders. Chins Asia Fresh takes call in orders, so when customers come in, their food is hot and ready, something that deems unnecessary to Leean Chin. Along with call in orders, Chins offers a menu specifically for children ten and under, whereas Leean Chin only offers the one main menu.
“I go to Chins Asia Fresh all the time and I love it because the food is good and its offered at a good price,” said Meme Halpern, senior. Chins Asia Fresh prices their meals higher, although, they serve larger portions than Leean Chin. Therefore, no matter where you go to eat, you’re always getting your money’s worth.