Yep, for $159 and 100gb of free Google Drive storage, plus $25 credit in the Play Store and 1 year of some anti-virus software for my PC, I am not complaining. It's perfect for what it is. I wouldn't mind more RAM though!
Many people laughed when Google first released the Chromebook. Well, they're still around and doing pretty well.
If you want to use your Chromebook with Windows applications, you can try Ericom AccessNow, an HTML5 RDP client that enables Chromebook users to connect to Terminal Server or VDI virtual desktops, and run any Windows application (including MS Office) or even full desktops in a browser tab.
I know several high schools around here who have deployed them. I think the low maintenance, easy setup, affordable prices, and good battery life has reeally made them successful.
The new hp one launched this week is my favorite by far. It has an IPS screen for under 300 dollars.