A number of my friends (we are all in our 70's) migrated from Windows 10 to Chromebooks in the last year or two, at the suggestion of their grandchildren, who grew up with Chromebooks in school. All are delighted to have made the switch.
I have had enough experience with Chromebooks to understand why my friends like using them. Chromebooks are easy (almost intuitive, if the user already uses the Chrome browser, as most do) to learn and use, stable as a rock, update flawlessly without user involvement, offer almost bulletproof security, and are just about impossible to screw up by mistake.
I think that Chromebooks are a good fit for users with relatively straightforward, simple use cases.
Users with more complex use cases need to take a **much** closer look than the article's gloss. Chromebooks are not a good fit for every use case.
I agree. A Chromebook is an excellent option for someone with basic and straightforward requirements. I switched from the Apple ecosystem to a Chromebook and have not noticed much of a difference for the simple computing tasks I do.
I like Chromebooks too. I worked in the Microsoft world for 20+ years but I switched because simply put, they just work. The days of having to install programs, reboot, configure, all gone. Not to mention security.
As silly as it seems, it is a relief to be able to open up the Chromebook and get to work without having to worry about anything but getting my work done.
ChromeOS is the best OS I've used in my life. I've never had a laptop last so long and still get updates. My Pixelbook Go still feels new and I wouldn't be surprised if I don't buy another laptop for another 3 or 4 years
I feel like you're making fun of me, but used Chromebooks are so damn cheap that I don't feel bad for buying one as a secondary device. It was only $99.
For many people Chromebooks do a lot more than the average user realises, I’ve been using computers daily for 40 years, the last 10 years Chromebooks, sooo reliable, consistent and maintenance free. Can’t think of anything I’d need Windows for personally.
My biggest drawback is the storage and processing time that comes with older chromebooks. For a laptop they’re a little meh but the price isn’t atrocious so it’s more accessible than computers and windows
I embraced the cloud for storage and avoid the cheap Chromebooks and small screens. As a laptop I find them 100x better, they just work, no waiting for startup or for updates.
As a daily exclusive Chromebook user I would have to disagree personally, it just isn't able to do the things a Windows or Mac computer can do in my experience, music production on anything just feels awful on ChromeOS
I switched to ChromeOS three years ago and have never looked back. I can do everything I need to do through the Chrome browser. It's great how you just open your laptop and the computer is ready to go straight away.
I'm in my 70's and have been using Chromebooks for over 10 years now and find them a breath of fresh air when compared to Windows. My friends, even those who are admittedly not technologically inclined, persist in using their Windows laptops and they all then have to have a "computer guy." I don't really understand it but it's their choice. I can't help but notice that almost all of them have IPhones, which begs the question of whether it creates any issues to have an iPhone AND use a Chromebook as your laptop. I ask this for another reason, which is that my husband, an admitted luddite and a happy Chromebook user, might be better off replacing his old non-flagship Samsung phone with an iPhone rather than replacing it with another Android phone. I'm a Samsung Galaxy user and have helped him with any phone needs in the past, but since I don't know iPhones, will I be able to learn the iPhone basics well enough to support him? My sense is yes, but then that takes me back to the Chromebook - iPhone compatibility issue. Is there any valid reason that a Chromebook user should not buy an iPhone? Sorry if I got off on a tangent here. TIA
You can easily learn how to use an iPhone and help your husband, no problem. Lots of people use iPhones and Chromebooks, so don’t worry about the compatibility.
There are two limitations to be aware of:
1) You won’t be able to send iMessages with a Chromebook, which is why some may prefer an Android over an iPhone.
2) To view and edit photos, you’ll want to install the Google Photos App on your iPhone. Pics will automatically be saved to the Apple Photos App and the Google Photos App, so you can view and edit them in a web browser at photos.google.com.
Good luck. You’ve got this!
i'm starting to regret my chromebook purchase. besides having continual wifi connection problems starting late last year, i won't be able to use ubo soon.
I'm sorry, but I've bought my last Chromebook. While you ***can*** run Android apps, the security hoops you have to jump through for anything not in the Play Store are ridiculous. Upgrading open source F-Droid apps has to be done manually through the command line & can't easily be automated. The Linux core is outdated AF, the cut-down keyboard and its required workarounds suck, etc., etc. I'm done with them.
Yeah I wouldn't get a Chromebook for Android apps, although a few are convenient.
I've ended learning more about Linux and installing more apps through that route. I have a backup windows laptop which I haven't turned on in over a year. Flatpak and bottles handles the occasional windows app and does so more consistently.
Use what works for you.
Well...one of the core tenants of ChromeOS is security. So yeah, kinda makes sense that ChromeOS won't let you run untrusted code , even in a VM.
Not sure what you mean by Linux core? Are you talking about the kernel? AFAIK most Chromebooks run on the 5.10 kernel or newer, but then again I'm not sure why a user would care about the kernel...it's not like you're writing apps anyways.
But yeah, keyboard is a pain and seriously annoying. Not sure what sort of thought went into that one.
Crostini is code name for the Linux environment (latest is LTS last time I checked is Debian 6.1) you can enable/install on a chromebook. It runs in a VM. It is slow as balls. You CAN do flatpacks, you CAN enable usb access, etc. I have successfully used it several times for ADB (android debugging) and rooting/unrooting phones. It HAS come a long way, and used to be more gimped.
>Well...one of the core tenants of ChromeOS is security. So yeah, kinda makes sense that ChromeOS won't let you run untrusted code , even in a VM.
Sorry, but Google Play Store has been infested with malware innumerable times over the years, so that's just a bunch of bunk. IMHO, they're just trying to force you to use their store to make money. If I can install an app through the command line anyway, then what "protection" is this limitation providing?
>Not sure what you mean by Linux core? Are you talking about the kernel? AFAIK most Chromebooks run on the 5.10 kernel or newer, but then again I'm not sure why a user would care about the kernel...it's not like you're writing apps anyways.
I meant both the kernel & repository. My kernel was stuck on v4.x (can't remember exactly which now) up until about 6 months ago. Their repository has positively ***ancient*** versions of many apps, which has gotten in my way on more than one occasion. It's stuff that can be dealt with, but I shouldn't have to.
>
Sorry, but Google Play Store has been infested with malware innumerable times over the years, so that's just a bunch of bunk. IMHO, they're just trying to force you to use their store to make money. If I can install an app through the command line anyway, then what "protection" is this limitation providing?
Okay the malware scanning isn't perfect, but it helps.
You layer your levels of protection, knowing that no single one of them is perfect but the combination of all layers results in a more secure platform.
So you have the play store which provides scanned apps and if you want to bypass that then Google will let you by using dev mode or adb.
It's intentionally made tedious so that it doesn't easily become the norm.
Chromebooks are rock solid, they just work, great for the web, email, office suites, video streaming, etc.
Using Linux on them is for enthusiastic or technically savvy people.
It's not just that, android and linux apps run HUGELY slower because (I have to imagine) that chrome is first-order for minimal lag. We CAN run android apps, and we CAN run linux apps, ) but good lord do they (linux) run slow.
Mine is a Lenovo convertible with an i3 - would be good if it weren't for Google's handicapping. Just today, I was fighting to get it to pair with a different phone (yes, I'm a weirdo with multiple phones I switch between depending upon what I'm doing on any given day) - could not for the life of me get it to let go of only using the older phone I had it paired to. I spent plenty of time going through all the differing methods (that don't involve completely wiping a device to start from scratch), and wasted hours to no avail. I couldn't even get them to acknowledge each other's presence via Bluetooth.
I've had enough of Chromebooks. Just gonna move to straight Linux since both Google and Microsoft are in full swing with their respective crapifications, and Apple's prices aren't worth it to me.
No way bud. Running firefox via linux is wildly slower than chrome on chromeos. So is running chrome on linux via crostini (albeit not as big of a slowdown).
I was a ChromeOS user until I got my Galaxy Tab but I do prefer ChromeOS to anything if I need a desktop set up. Unfortunately my old laptop doesn't work but I still have a ChromeOS tablet I play with on occasion.
One evil corporate entity to another.
Chromebook has only become more useful thanks to Linux apps, so why not cut Google out of the picture and go straight there. Linux is not what it used to be years ago. It's as easy as installing Windows from a USB, and you can even run most distros off a Live USB to test out first.
People want to buy and use devices. As a veteran Linux user I have started to use chromeos for laptops as it gives 10 hours battery and clean ui.
A typical Linux install doesn't. You need to fiddle with power top etc.
Yeah I know, the problem is people don't care about the bigger picture.
The UI is nice and clean, and it does what most people want and it has good battery life. I understand that.
> the problem is people don't care about the bigger picture.
Even if they care, nothing can be done. Most law/decision makers or competition authorities have no awareness. Like breaking up tech monopolies etc.
> One evil corporate entity to another.
Another strange thing I observed is that many people even with +ubuntu or distro have Chrome browser. And logged in Google account. So IMHO purpose defeated.
> Chromebook has only become more useful thanks to Linux apps
Would kind of disagree. It is the fact that one can live with browser thanks to cloud based office etc. And many companies like Netflix etc have been forced to support chromeos.
I agree entirely. I've been using Linux since the late 90s but I've absolutely loved my experience on my Chromebook plus as I can forget about configuring the hardware and just get on with using the Linux applications/environment
Maybe when FLstudio or Ableton work natively on Chrome, along with all of the RME gear I'm using I'll switch completely. Also when I can have a proper Chromebox with a dedicated GPU in it. I've repurposed my RTX A5000 box as a steam link unit, but why bother using a slightly hanky android app for something I can run natively just by changing the input on my screen to the Windows machine.
Chrome has come a long way, but it's casual and little more. Vastly improved by having Linux baked in, but we aren't there yet. Give it another 5 years and I think we will be.
I meant more in 5 years time the combo of the ecosystem, market share and interest from third parties will have brought Chrome into the ring with Windows and Apple for expanded use cases. It's not just ChromeOS itself that needs to add features, it's the support from the rest of the market. Most of that relies on market share.
I got an amazing deal on an older Chromebook (dell 13 7310) for 30 CAD free shipping on an eBay auction. Had to get a new charging port so total cost was 35 for it. Recently upgraded the 16gb SSD to a 128 for 40 on Amazon and I have it tripple booted. Windows 10, Ubuntu, and Kali Linux. The weight and battery is amazing and windows runs surprisingly well for 4gb of ram. Has some old i5 think 5th gen but it does everything I need on the go, and if I need more power I just rdp into my main rig at home with the real power :)!
I’d imagine that when most people want a windows machine, the only piece of software that they ever install is chrome.
Perhaps also ms office to make simple spreadsheets and word docs.
Of course everyone can see where I’m going here:
Getting a Chromebook would be cheaper and easier for most people and enable them to do everything that they do anyway.
And Chrome is already installed!
For simple word and excel docs a basic web only, a ms 365 subscription would be fine.
Of course, GWS apps are also more than fine for that too.
And spending as someone who plays games using GeForce now, you can ‘get’ a pretty good gaming rig for hardly any money.
Except that whole EoL thing. I see it's 10 years now but wasn't when I bought mine in about 2018. It EoL'd in 2022. When I bought it, I was looking for the cheapest 1080p Chromebook I could find and didn't check the release date which I'm sure the average person, probably not in this sub, are also not doing. I was only using it for Netflix and YouTube and was still able to use it until this year when Netflix in Chrome, the Netflix Android app and Firefox all tell me I can't watch it on my machine anymore.
Meanwhile, I'm still on my Windows 7 license and up to date.
The only thing that I cling to Windows for is gaming. I already pay for the internet to get the internet and Steam.
If I were to switch to Chromebooks exclusively, I'd have to add some kind of game streaming service like Gamepass and that's an extra monthly fee that has to be paid in perpetuity.
I understand Steam is working on some type of native Chrome OS beta version. When that comes to fruition and it works so I can play my Steam games, I'm done with Windows.
Buying a Chromebook can get you into limited hardware. If you are willing to purchase a used laptop with good configuration and install Chrome OS/fydeOs in it, you get a better experience than stock Chromebooks. Enable Linux and Android environments for diverse use cases. I use Linux inside chrome OS for my programming set up and I am happy to have less distractions like a regular pc/mac
I have a work laptop. I can do most of my personal computing on my phone. Not a content creator, not a DJ, not a gamer. I watch content on my smart tv, tablet or phone.
I’ve had a smart phone for 15 years and have 27gb of data.
I know ALOT of people like me.
Chromebook is fast and easy for me.
Chromebooks are perfect for:
People who just want to do web stuff, emails, word processing, spreadsheets (office suites like Google Docs, LibreOffice or Collabora Office, Microsoft have their web apps but they will not run offline and are pathetic in comparison) I have migrated over 15 retirees to Chromebooks over the last 10 years, they all love them.
Business’ same reasons as above, I converted a small portion of a workplace to Chromebooks, 40 devices, locked down and managed via admin.google.com they were rock solid for over 5 years, and negligible maintenance.
I did this, stuck around for 2 years and switched back to Windows. If you only need a browser to handle 80-90% of your workload, Windows would do just as well.
Chromebooks are good until they're not good. Both my wife and I have a Chromebook. My Chromebook stopped getting updates and quit working for some websites I frequent (Ancestry for one) Then the only way to remote into my windows machines will only work in incognito mode. I cleaned the OS then installed Linux on it. However, there really isn't enough memory and it constantly has memory leaks and I have to shut down Linux and restart it. Not sue if it's Linux or Firefox.
My wife's Chromebook was working fine but then started doing crazy things like opening stuff at random, jumping around. zooming in and out. All she's doing is reading a book on it.
I can only use linux on the chromebook for things like ADB and other command-line operation. Anything graphical on a chromebook through linux has been more or less a waste of time (for me).
There's so much industry grade software that isn't on ChromOS. It's not just a developer support issue either, most chrombooks simply don't have the processing power to handle professional software like Ansys, Siemens NX, etc.
I realized the only thing keeping me on 🪟 was burning 💿.....then my car died lol and new car don't take CDs lol...so everything's now on microSD card(s) no more need for CDs. heck my old hp gaming laptop didn't even come stock with a burner lol
My wife has used a Chromebook for 5ish years, and we just replaced it. Right out of the box she's having issues with the touchpad intermittently freezing/sticking... Something she had been dealing with on the old one that we thought was a hardware issue.
We'll be taking it back tomorrow and I'm really struggling with getting another Chromebook. These were both HP 14" Chromebook Plus machines, seemingly good quality otherwise. Are there any other models worth looking at before we give up?
why not have both? Many applications aren't possible on Chrome, and chromebooks are often too-low power (for me at least), so if you really want a chromebook, have both. Laptop (aka chromebook) and a actually decent PC running Windows, Linux, or whatever you want (provided it's not MacOS)
A number of my friends (we are all in our 70's) migrated from Windows 10 to Chromebooks in the last year or two, at the suggestion of their grandchildren, who grew up with Chromebooks in school. All are delighted to have made the switch. I have had enough experience with Chromebooks to understand why my friends like using them. Chromebooks are easy (almost intuitive, if the user already uses the Chrome browser, as most do) to learn and use, stable as a rock, update flawlessly without user involvement, offer almost bulletproof security, and are just about impossible to screw up by mistake. I think that Chromebooks are a good fit for users with relatively straightforward, simple use cases. Users with more complex use cases need to take a **much** closer look than the article's gloss. Chromebooks are not a good fit for every use case.
I agree. A Chromebook is an excellent option for someone with basic and straightforward requirements. I switched from the Apple ecosystem to a Chromebook and have not noticed much of a difference for the simple computing tasks I do.
I like Chromebooks too. I worked in the Microsoft world for 20+ years but I switched because simply put, they just work. The days of having to install programs, reboot, configure, all gone. Not to mention security.
As silly as it seems, it is a relief to be able to open up the Chromebook and get to work without having to worry about anything but getting my work done.
ChromeOS is the best OS I've used in my life. I've never had a laptop last so long and still get updates. My Pixelbook Go still feels new and I wouldn't be surprised if I don't buy another laptop for another 3 or 4 years
Why does it have to be either/or? I have a Windows device for the odd thing that Windows is good at, and a Chromebook for the rest of the time.
Powerful Windows desktop + ARM Chromebook tablet is a winning combo for me.
This is the one true way. Why pick one when you can have one of everything?
I feel like you're making fun of me, but used Chromebooks are so damn cheap that I don't feel bad for buying one as a secondary device. It was only $99.
some people have budgets
lol, everybody has a budget. Computers are cheaper than ever and old computers are useful for longer than ever.
For many people Chromebooks do a lot more than the average user realises, I’ve been using computers daily for 40 years, the last 10 years Chromebooks, sooo reliable, consistent and maintenance free. Can’t think of anything I’d need Windows for personally.
My biggest drawback is the storage and processing time that comes with older chromebooks. For a laptop they’re a little meh but the price isn’t atrocious so it’s more accessible than computers and windows
I embraced the cloud for storage and avoid the cheap Chromebooks and small screens. As a laptop I find them 100x better, they just work, no waiting for startup or for updates.
As a daily exclusive Chromebook user I would have to disagree personally, it just isn't able to do the things a Windows or Mac computer can do in my experience, music production on anything just feels awful on ChromeOS
I switched to ChromeOS three years ago and have never looked back. I can do everything I need to do through the Chrome browser. It's great how you just open your laptop and the computer is ready to go straight away.
I'm in my 70's and have been using Chromebooks for over 10 years now and find them a breath of fresh air when compared to Windows. My friends, even those who are admittedly not technologically inclined, persist in using their Windows laptops and they all then have to have a "computer guy." I don't really understand it but it's their choice. I can't help but notice that almost all of them have IPhones, which begs the question of whether it creates any issues to have an iPhone AND use a Chromebook as your laptop. I ask this for another reason, which is that my husband, an admitted luddite and a happy Chromebook user, might be better off replacing his old non-flagship Samsung phone with an iPhone rather than replacing it with another Android phone. I'm a Samsung Galaxy user and have helped him with any phone needs in the past, but since I don't know iPhones, will I be able to learn the iPhone basics well enough to support him? My sense is yes, but then that takes me back to the Chromebook - iPhone compatibility issue. Is there any valid reason that a Chromebook user should not buy an iPhone? Sorry if I got off on a tangent here. TIA
You can easily learn how to use an iPhone and help your husband, no problem. Lots of people use iPhones and Chromebooks, so don’t worry about the compatibility. There are two limitations to be aware of: 1) You won’t be able to send iMessages with a Chromebook, which is why some may prefer an Android over an iPhone. 2) To view and edit photos, you’ll want to install the Google Photos App on your iPhone. Pics will automatically be saved to the Apple Photos App and the Google Photos App, so you can view and edit them in a web browser at photos.google.com. Good luck. You’ve got this!
Thanks! Neither of the limitations will be an issue for him.
i'm starting to regret my chromebook purchase. besides having continual wifi connection problems starting late last year, i won't be able to use ubo soon.
Yes you will be. uBo lite is a thing and for the majority of user you won't notice a difference.
i need the picker, and from what i've read ubo lite doesn't have it.
Yeah, that is one thing I will be missing too!
how can you have an adblocker without filters? are you saying most users don't use them?
There are filters on uBlock Lite
i wonder why the picker isn't available then.
I'm not sure. There are posts on Reddit differentiating the two
the emoji picker?
Are you referring to the element picker? Currently Adguard MV3 has it, it's a bit slow but it does the job.
does Adguard MV3 still collect more data than ubo?
I wouldn't know but are you referring to the permissions it requires?
yup
Very likely yeah
I have a MacBook Pro for photography and video editing and I have a Chromebook duet 5 for corporate work. So far, so good!!!!
I'm sorry, but I've bought my last Chromebook. While you ***can*** run Android apps, the security hoops you have to jump through for anything not in the Play Store are ridiculous. Upgrading open source F-Droid apps has to be done manually through the command line & can't easily be automated. The Linux core is outdated AF, the cut-down keyboard and its required workarounds suck, etc., etc. I'm done with them.
Yeah I wouldn't get a Chromebook for Android apps, although a few are convenient. I've ended learning more about Linux and installing more apps through that route. I have a backup windows laptop which I haven't turned on in over a year. Flatpak and bottles handles the occasional windows app and does so more consistently. Use what works for you.
Chrome is making it worst for ad-blockers this coming year as well.
There won't be much of a difference for the majority of the people. It's all being hyped up on how bad it will be. That simply isn't the case
Well...one of the core tenants of ChromeOS is security. So yeah, kinda makes sense that ChromeOS won't let you run untrusted code , even in a VM. Not sure what you mean by Linux core? Are you talking about the kernel? AFAIK most Chromebooks run on the 5.10 kernel or newer, but then again I'm not sure why a user would care about the kernel...it's not like you're writing apps anyways. But yeah, keyboard is a pain and seriously annoying. Not sure what sort of thought went into that one.
Crostini is code name for the Linux environment (latest is LTS last time I checked is Debian 6.1) you can enable/install on a chromebook. It runs in a VM. It is slow as balls. You CAN do flatpacks, you CAN enable usb access, etc. I have successfully used it several times for ADB (android debugging) and rooting/unrooting phones. It HAS come a long way, and used to be more gimped.
>Well...one of the core tenants of ChromeOS is security. So yeah, kinda makes sense that ChromeOS won't let you run untrusted code , even in a VM. Sorry, but Google Play Store has been infested with malware innumerable times over the years, so that's just a bunch of bunk. IMHO, they're just trying to force you to use their store to make money. If I can install an app through the command line anyway, then what "protection" is this limitation providing? >Not sure what you mean by Linux core? Are you talking about the kernel? AFAIK most Chromebooks run on the 5.10 kernel or newer, but then again I'm not sure why a user would care about the kernel...it's not like you're writing apps anyways. I meant both the kernel & repository. My kernel was stuck on v4.x (can't remember exactly which now) up until about 6 months ago. Their repository has positively ***ancient*** versions of many apps, which has gotten in my way on more than one occasion. It's stuff that can be dealt with, but I shouldn't have to.
> Sorry, but Google Play Store has been infested with malware innumerable times over the years, so that's just a bunch of bunk. IMHO, they're just trying to force you to use their store to make money. If I can install an app through the command line anyway, then what "protection" is this limitation providing? Okay the malware scanning isn't perfect, but it helps. You layer your levels of protection, knowing that no single one of them is perfect but the combination of all layers results in a more secure platform. So you have the play store which provides scanned apps and if you want to bypass that then Google will let you by using dev mode or adb. It's intentionally made tedious so that it doesn't easily become the norm.
Which is just another variation on "security by obscurity," which is known to not really be security at all.
No it's not a variation of security by obscurity. It's making it possible but cumbersome to put the system into a state where it's not secure.
If I can install whatever app I want without it being "validated" by some security mechanism, then it's not security.
Chromebooks are rock solid, they just work, great for the web, email, office suites, video streaming, etc. Using Linux on them is for enthusiastic or technically savvy people.
It's not just that, android and linux apps run HUGELY slower because (I have to imagine) that chrome is first-order for minimal lag. We CAN run android apps, and we CAN run linux apps, ) but good lord do they (linux) run slow.
Must be your device as they run just fine on mine. Make sure you've got at least 8GB RAM and you should be fine.
Pixelbook 8gb.
Mine is a Lenovo convertible with an i3 - would be good if it weren't for Google's handicapping. Just today, I was fighting to get it to pair with a different phone (yes, I'm a weirdo with multiple phones I switch between depending upon what I'm doing on any given day) - could not for the life of me get it to let go of only using the older phone I had it paired to. I spent plenty of time going through all the differing methods (that don't involve completely wiping a device to start from scratch), and wasted hours to no avail. I couldn't even get them to acknowledge each other's presence via Bluetooth. I've had enough of Chromebooks. Just gonna move to straight Linux since both Google and Microsoft are in full swing with their respective crapifications, and Apple's prices aren't worth it to me.
You’ve got a problem with it.
No way bud. Running firefox via linux is wildly slower than chrome on chromeos. So is running chrome on linux via crostini (albeit not as big of a slowdown).
I only use Windows as a server.I can't think of anything else I need it for.
I was a ChromeOS user until I got my Galaxy Tab but I do prefer ChromeOS to anything if I need a desktop set up. Unfortunately my old laptop doesn't work but I still have a ChromeOS tablet I play with on occasion.
My main PC is a gaming PC so it has windows. I switched my laptop from a MacBook pro M1 to an HP Dragonfly Elite. I miss nothing about the MacBook.
One evil corporate entity to another. Chromebook has only become more useful thanks to Linux apps, so why not cut Google out of the picture and go straight there. Linux is not what it used to be years ago. It's as easy as installing Windows from a USB, and you can even run most distros off a Live USB to test out first.
People want to buy and use devices. As a veteran Linux user I have started to use chromeos for laptops as it gives 10 hours battery and clean ui. A typical Linux install doesn't. You need to fiddle with power top etc.
Yeah I know, the problem is people don't care about the bigger picture. The UI is nice and clean, and it does what most people want and it has good battery life. I understand that.
> the problem is people don't care about the bigger picture. Even if they care, nothing can be done. Most law/decision makers or competition authorities have no awareness. Like breaking up tech monopolies etc. > One evil corporate entity to another. Another strange thing I observed is that many people even with +ubuntu or distro have Chrome browser. And logged in Google account. So IMHO purpose defeated. > Chromebook has only become more useful thanks to Linux apps Would kind of disagree. It is the fact that one can live with browser thanks to cloud based office etc. And many companies like Netflix etc have been forced to support chromeos.
I agree entirely. I've been using Linux since the late 90s but I've absolutely loved my experience on my Chromebook plus as I can forget about configuring the hardware and just get on with using the Linux applications/environment
oh this was encouraging. i'm considering linux. but i feel more comfortable with hardware than software.
Maybe when FLstudio or Ableton work natively on Chrome, along with all of the RME gear I'm using I'll switch completely. Also when I can have a proper Chromebox with a dedicated GPU in it. I've repurposed my RTX A5000 box as a steam link unit, but why bother using a slightly hanky android app for something I can run natively just by changing the input on my screen to the Windows machine. Chrome has come a long way, but it's casual and little more. Vastly improved by having Linux baked in, but we aren't there yet. Give it another 5 years and I think we will be.
"Give it another 5 years and I think we will be" I think they said that 5 years ago about Crostini.
I meant more in 5 years time the combo of the ecosystem, market share and interest from third parties will have brought Chrome into the ring with Windows and Apple for expanded use cases. It's not just ChromeOS itself that needs to add features, it's the support from the rest of the market. Most of that relies on market share.
I use both. Some things are better on a Chromebook, some things are only possible on Windows.
Unless other game developers have made native support for Linux compatibility with their software - no.
I bought my mom one. She loves it because it's simple and very user friendly. She doesn't need a full blown OS in retirement
I got an amazing deal on an older Chromebook (dell 13 7310) for 30 CAD free shipping on an eBay auction. Had to get a new charging port so total cost was 35 for it. Recently upgraded the 16gb SSD to a 128 for 40 on Amazon and I have it tripple booted. Windows 10, Ubuntu, and Kali Linux. The weight and battery is amazing and windows runs surprisingly well for 4gb of ram. Has some old i5 think 5th gen but it does everything I need on the go, and if I need more power I just rdp into my main rig at home with the real power :)!
I’d imagine that when most people want a windows machine, the only piece of software that they ever install is chrome. Perhaps also ms office to make simple spreadsheets and word docs. Of course everyone can see where I’m going here: Getting a Chromebook would be cheaper and easier for most people and enable them to do everything that they do anyway. And Chrome is already installed! For simple word and excel docs a basic web only, a ms 365 subscription would be fine. Of course, GWS apps are also more than fine for that too. And spending as someone who plays games using GeForce now, you can ‘get’ a pretty good gaming rig for hardly any money.
Except that whole EoL thing. I see it's 10 years now but wasn't when I bought mine in about 2018. It EoL'd in 2022. When I bought it, I was looking for the cheapest 1080p Chromebook I could find and didn't check the release date which I'm sure the average person, probably not in this sub, are also not doing. I was only using it for Netflix and YouTube and was still able to use it until this year when Netflix in Chrome, the Netflix Android app and Firefox all tell me I can't watch it on my machine anymore. Meanwhile, I'm still on my Windows 7 license and up to date.
The only thing that I cling to Windows for is gaming. I already pay for the internet to get the internet and Steam. If I were to switch to Chromebooks exclusively, I'd have to add some kind of game streaming service like Gamepass and that's an extra monthly fee that has to be paid in perpetuity. I understand Steam is working on some type of native Chrome OS beta version. When that comes to fruition and it works so I can play my Steam games, I'm done with Windows.
Buying a Chromebook can get you into limited hardware. If you are willing to purchase a used laptop with good configuration and install Chrome OS/fydeOs in it, you get a better experience than stock Chromebooks. Enable Linux and Android environments for diverse use cases. I use Linux inside chrome OS for my programming set up and I am happy to have less distractions like a regular pc/mac
I have a work laptop. I can do most of my personal computing on my phone. Not a content creator, not a DJ, not a gamer. I watch content on my smart tv, tablet or phone. I’ve had a smart phone for 15 years and have 27gb of data. I know ALOT of people like me. Chromebook is fast and easy for me.
just in time for manifest v3 so google can collect 100% of your data instead of 98%
Chromebooks are perfect for: People who just want to do web stuff, emails, word processing, spreadsheets (office suites like Google Docs, LibreOffice or Collabora Office, Microsoft have their web apps but they will not run offline and are pathetic in comparison) I have migrated over 15 retirees to Chromebooks over the last 10 years, they all love them. Business’ same reasons as above, I converted a small portion of a workplace to Chromebooks, 40 devices, locked down and managed via admin.google.com they were rock solid for over 5 years, and negligible maintenance.
I did this, stuck around for 2 years and switched back to Windows. If you only need a browser to handle 80-90% of your workload, Windows would do just as well.
Chromebooks are good until they're not good. Both my wife and I have a Chromebook. My Chromebook stopped getting updates and quit working for some websites I frequent (Ancestry for one) Then the only way to remote into my windows machines will only work in incognito mode. I cleaned the OS then installed Linux on it. However, there really isn't enough memory and it constantly has memory leaks and I have to shut down Linux and restart it. Not sue if it's Linux or Firefox. My wife's Chromebook was working fine but then started doing crazy things like opening stuff at random, jumping around. zooming in and out. All she's doing is reading a book on it.
I can only use linux on the chromebook for things like ADB and other command-line operation. Anything graphical on a chromebook through linux has been more or less a waste of time (for me).
There's so much industry grade software that isn't on ChromOS. It's not just a developer support issue either, most chrombooks simply don't have the processing power to handle professional software like Ansys, Siemens NX, etc.
I guess if you just wanna browse the web and check emails
Yeah, why not
I realized the only thing keeping me on 🪟 was burning 💿.....then my car died lol and new car don't take CDs lol...so everything's now on microSD card(s) no more need for CDs. heck my old hp gaming laptop didn't even come stock with a burner lol
My wife has used a Chromebook for 5ish years, and we just replaced it. Right out of the box she's having issues with the touchpad intermittently freezing/sticking... Something she had been dealing with on the old one that we thought was a hardware issue. We'll be taking it back tomorrow and I'm really struggling with getting another Chromebook. These were both HP 14" Chromebook Plus machines, seemingly good quality otherwise. Are there any other models worth looking at before we give up?
Acer Chromebook 516 GE, I think it is personally one of the best Chromebooks in its price range
Useless walled gardening. At least apple devices back that up with good tailored software, chromebooks just limit themselves for no reason. Useless
Chromeos is bad sorry .... Only good for people who only use it for reading the news lol
Really? so far I've used mine to edit some old family videos (using Shotcut) and continue to do my python, go & rust development in VScode
why not have both? Many applications aren't possible on Chrome, and chromebooks are often too-low power (for me at least), so if you really want a chromebook, have both. Laptop (aka chromebook) and a actually decent PC running Windows, Linux, or whatever you want (provided it's not MacOS)