K12 Tech Talk Episode 254 - Did Apple Just Release the Chromebook Killer?
On Episode 254 of K12 Tech Talk, Josh, Chris, and Mark break down Apple’s big announcement: the Mac Neo, a $499 laptop that many call a potential Chromebook killer. They compare specs, durability, repairability, management with Apple School Manager, resale value, and the extra operational costs and security considerations (EDR, content filtering, app installs) for school districts. The hosts debate whether the Neo could replace student Chromebooks or target staff and teacher devices first.
The episode also covers recent education tech news: a $1.1M California fine against PlayOn for deceptive data‑sharing practices, College Board’s ban on smart glasses during exams, and Arkansas HB78 proposing a ban on passive screen time in Pre‑K and Kindergarten with mandatory teacher training.
————
Sponsored by:
Meter - meter.com/k12techtalkVisit meter.com/k12techtalk to book a demo! Eaton -
SysAdmin. You live it. You know it. But how well do your colleagues actually understand what makes these teams tick? Eaton’s on the scene to clear up any misconceptions. They designed A User’s Guide to SysAdmins to help demystify SysAdmins and improve workplace interactions. This guide addresses everyday challenges and misconceptions that Sysadmins face and teaches your colleagues how to interact with you (their SysAdmin), what you wish they knew (but are too polite to say), and how to get their tech tickets to the top of the list. So go ahead: Print it. Forward it. Leave it in the break room with passive-aggressive annotations. Or read it aloud like dramatic slam poetry during the next all-hands. Read A User’s Guide to SysAdmins here.
Incident IQ Lightspeed Systems Fortinet Managed Methods————
MidwestTechTalk Security Symposium/K12TechPro Meetup (Midwest) March 12th-13th, 2026
————
Join the K12TechPro Community (exclusively for K12 Tech professionals)
Buy some swag (tech dept gift boxes, shirts, hoodies...)!!!
Email us at k12techtalk@gmail.com
OR our "professional" email addy is info@k12techtalkpodcast.com
Visit our LinkedIn
Music by Colt Ball
Disclaimer: The views and work done by Josh, Chris, and Mark are solely their own and do not reflect the opinions or positions of sponsors or any respective employers or organizations associated with the guys. K12 Tech Talk itself does not endorse or validate the ideas, views, or statements expressed by Josh, Chris, and Mark's individual views and opinions are not representative of K12 Tech Talk. Furthermore, any references or mention of products, services, organizations, or individuals on K12 Tech Talk should not be considered as endorsements related to any employer or organization associated with the guys.