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Chrome Book anyone?
- Thread starter bluebird3
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If you just need the web, and web apps, then it'll be enough. If you need anything more, however, then it won't be.
Google is slowly expanding the capabilities of ChromeOS to allow more offline functionality. (not a reason to consider buying a Chromebook now though)
Having said that, I'm still puzzled by the apparent popularity of Chromebooks. To me, they're nothing more than a tech-refresh/remix of the old 3277 terminals of the 1970's.
I personally couldn't function only using a Chromebook but I picked up a refurb Samsung Chromebook last year for $160 to check it out. Definitely doesn't meet my needs but it's perfect for my younger kids. My kids (4th and 5th grade) are set up with Google accounts by their school and use Google's suite of apps for nearly all of their schoolwork--can store and submit/share all work via Drive. Most of their other computer work is via web based applications so the Chromebook is a very inexpensive way to meet all of their needs.
They'll most certainly need a more robust computer when they're a bit older but for now, a Chromebook is a great option--can see why it would be attractive to schools, especially elementary education.
They'll most certainly need a more robust computer when they're a bit older but for now, a Chromebook is a great option--can see why it would be attractive to schools, especially elementary education.
Got one for my dad (acer with a touch screen). He loves it. Has everything he wants - browser, email, contacts, you tube and is light. For these types of uses it's a great solution. For power users (probably only about 5% of us) maybe not so good.
They are popular, because they are cheap, don't need constant security updates like Windows, can do everything Microsoft Office can and allows for normal stuff like email and websurfing. A lot of people don't need a full computer to do these minor tasks. For these people the Chromebook is an awesome product.
The school systems are switching to more technology based learnng. Teacher have their students type up their work on google docs now instead of microsoft word, due to many students not having the program at home. Most of the english teachers at the local schools have an entire class set of chromebooks for the class. The other classes share class sets of original ipads and old windows xp dell laptops. The schools also have many computer labs. Every class room also has smartboards. All students have a school google account for their work which works great with the chromebooks. The teachers love the chromebooks because they boot up faster than all the other computers and all the students have to do is share their assignments with them like that. I however could not replace a regular laptop with a chromebook but for their price they are decent. I also saw they had released a 4g t-mobile version with 500mb of free 4g a month for free. Which make chromebooks a little more apealing.
I believe they can run android apps now, which makes them a better buy than a tablet for me personally. When I use laptop/tablet outside of work it is mainly to surf the web, which is a much better experience with a physical keyboard.
OP, you may find this article useful: http://www.androidcentral.com/chromebooks-101
One thing they don't mention in that article, and has not been mentioned in this thread, is printing. I haven't used a Chromebook but my understanding is that a Chromebook cannot print to a conventional standalone printer. You either need a Cloud Print enabled printer or a conventional printer connected to the web via a Windows, Mac, or Linux computer.
One thing they don't mention in that article, and has not been mentioned in this thread, is printing. I haven't used a Chromebook but my understanding is that a Chromebook cannot print to a conventional standalone printer. You either need a Cloud Print enabled printer or a conventional printer connected to the web via a Windows, Mac, or Linux computer.
I'm concerned about how the experience will be on a non-touchscreen device in regards to applications that are made for mobile.
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No, no, they do get constant security updates. You get a completely "new version" every 6 weeks or so. The difference is that it's more of a quiet update than Windows is. Also, I take it you really like it. I had one, it was pretty neat. Screen ended up crapping out shortly after I gave it over to my big sister.
Still can't find an offline image editor for it that's anywhere close to GIMP.
I hoped I would never have to remember my high-school classes (I just graduated). We had hp thin clients, which were slow even for Google docs
they started a laptop program when I was a sophomore so I didn't get one. The laptops are a different model every year but a lot better that our computer labs and thin clients. I also dislike this move to technologically impaired learning.
(used pencil and notebook most of the time, with the best notes you could ever copy
)My dad has the 2012 Samsung Chromebook. I'm not a fan of it myself because the screen is so awful and the plastic build of the computer feels so cheap. They also gimp the machine by only giving it 2 GB RAM. The new Sammy Chromebook 2 has 4 now but apparently the processor is still so underpowered that it feels slow no matter the RAM upgrade. Someone should but a mid-level Chromebook with a halfway decent display, processor, and RAM. As of now, you can either the low-end or the overpriced high-end Pixel. There should be a middle ground offering.
The whole lack of viruses thing is probably appreciated a lot by most people.
I don't quite understand why someone would go out to buy a Chromebook Pixel but the ones in the ~$200-ish price range is perfect. Especially if you really only need web browsing, which is becoming much more capable with offline features.
I don't quite understand why someone would go out to buy a Chromebook Pixel but the ones in the ~$200-ish price range is perfect. Especially if you really only need web browsing, which is becoming much more capable with offline features.
Myself, I picked up the HP Chromebook 11 a few months back.... I've hardly used my MBA since. That tells me everything about my usage patterns and that I need to sell the MBA really!
If the chromebook had exchange capability then I would consider it. However I don't see why I wouldn't use an ipad with a keyboard over a chromebook.
I am afraid Google Chrome OS will put Microsoft out of business in about 5 years. Google is working on Top secret at the Google Barge in Stockton Bay. 
SOME Android apps will come in the future. I only hope they do it properly. The new journal app by those Jotterpad guys looks great, a bit of tweaks, and that would be perfect for a Chromebook.
I agree with sdimas, I don't like this move either. I've used computers all my school life, but it was never an everyday thing. Looking at the work my 12 year-old brother came home with to finish on Google Drive this last year, I don't think the school district understands how to use it to their advantage either.
I tried using a Sony Vaio in 7th grade for note taking. It didn't work well so I've never done it again. I'm pretty sure something like the Surface would be better, but I take like three lines of notes in class these days. I take in information better if I just sit there and listen.
I agree with sdimas, I don't like this move either. I've used computers all my school life, but it was never an everyday thing. Looking at the work my 12 year-old brother came home with to finish on Google Drive this last year, I don't think the school district understands how to use it to their advantage either.
I tried using a Sony Vaio in 7th grade for note taking. It didn't work well so I've never done it again. I'm pretty sure something like the Surface would be better, but I take like three lines of notes in class these days. I take in information better if I just sit there and listen.