Why Buy a Chromebook? (A Question from an On-the-Fence Consumer.) I have been considering a chromebook for a little while, mostly because my budget laptop is really slow, and the reason, I think, is the desktop and all the files I keep on it. But here's the question I keep playing in my mind: Why pay the money for a chromebook with no desktop (which limits what I can do, particularly when I may not always have internet connectivity), when I could pay the same money to buy a netbook with a desktop and STILL be able to take advantage of cloud computing? Give me some good answers, because I want as much info as I can be fore I decide. Thanks. Why Buy a Chromebook? (A Question from an On-the-Fence Consumer.) I have been considering a chromebook for a little while, mostly because my budget laptop is really slow, and the reason, I think,... » Read More Why Buy a Chromebook? (A Question from an On-the-Fence Consumer.) I have been considering a chromebook for a little while, mostly because my budget laptop is really slow, and the reason, I think, is the desktop and all the files I keep on it. But here's the question I keep playing in my mind: Why pay the money for a chromebook with no desktop (which limits what I can do, particularly when I may not always have internet connectivity), when I could pay the same money to buy a netbook with a desktop and STILL be able to take advantage of cloud computing? Give me some good answers, because I want as much info as I can be fore I decide. Thanks. « Show Less
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You can still save files on your computer if you wish. Of course, if you're just using Gmail then this is more or less a moot point since Gmail is so well integrated with Google Docs. However, with something like yahoo, you could always just type the document in Google docs (or any word processor of your choice), download it to your hard drive, and then attach it. There are also extensions that you can get off the Webstore that allow you to send attachments likewise. I hope that answer your question.
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It does; thanks. You sound like you really love your chromebook! Alas, I decided that since I want something that has a desktop (but the advantages of the cloud), I decided to get a "regular" netbook and install Joli OS onto it. Joli is a linux OS (based on Umbuntu) that is a halfway point between desktop based systems and cloud based systems. Really like it so far. Having no desktop was a little too much of a leap for me, as I don't want to be absolutely tethered to wi-fi.
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And here are two more questions while I am at it.Say I want to create an e-mail and attach a word file. How do I do that on a Chromebook? (I know that googledocs allows you to send documents by e-mail, but say I wanted to send the email w/ attachment from another e-mail account?) Second, I've heard that the google chromebooks don't heat up on your lap if they are used for an extended period of time. If so, that is a really sweet selling point for me, but is it true?
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Do you have to take this device out of your luggage at security? (Laptops require it, iPad/Kindle does not)
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A perfectly understandable decision. It was a big change for me, and you're right, I do love my Chromebook!That being said, I think it was good that you'll still be equipped for what I think is an impending "cloud revolution." I think people who spend a lot of money on giant SSD's will find themselves with some serious buyers remorse in a few years, simply because I think computing is moving in the direction of the cloud.I do hope you enjoy your new computer!
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You really can't download or install anything on a chromebook. You only will have a chrome web browser to do anything with.
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This is a fully functioning windows laptop. It is not a Chromebook. You should have no problem installing any windows based software. It is a good computer.
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Hi there, I had the same problem. The thing about chromebooks is that they are somewhat delicate and really wont survive a dropping, since their case is relatively flimsy to cut back on weight. Your screen is definitely broken, almost definitely beyond repair, and a dropped chromebook is not covered by warranty (learned all this the hard way). HOWEVER, the screen can be replaced easily and fairly cheaply, in part because of the same flimsy casing that makes it easy to break. This video is a good set of instructions on how to do it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_mgyuVTThfA his replacement screens are about $65 dollars, you can find one here: http://screensurgeons.mybigcommerce.com/samsung-chromebook-303c-lcd-screen/ however, I bought a glossy (not matte) screen for about $35 as my replacement. It worked great and was definitely the right screen, but matte would have been nice. It doesn't look like it's quite as cheap now, but I bought it from here without any problems: https://www.laptopscreen.com/English/model/Samsung/CHROMEBOOK~303C/ Good luck with all that. No problems in the year since the fix and my chromebook is one of my favorites of all my tech machines. It's not for everyone, but worth repairing if you've been enjoying it so far.
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The computer is now dated, so don't expect to have all the same features as the latest model, but if ya just want a big screen to watch dvd's and a decent experience on the web, it's good :) as for productivity, the apps on it are decent but ya can't update it, which leads to a dated experience, but still enjoyable. So if your looking for a cheap but decent experience it's good, if you want a "work horse" of a computer for productivity, then this is not it. Hope i helped a bit :)
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I'm waiting for the release of the 6 cell version. I don't want to have a small, take anywhere laptop that needs a plug to work after two hours of use. There are other, similar subnotebooks coming out soon too. The Acer one, Dell (whatever, don't know if it has a name), the new ASUS 901 and 1000 series, and, very likely, there will be more. Buying one now is great if you can find one, and I would like to, but I don't want to feel buyer's remorse in a short period of time.
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I don't know, but I can tell you it is the worst computer I have ever had. It is slow, windows 8 is unbearable, and it is very fickle with the internet connection. I keep it because I need Office for work related things, but I avoid using it at all costs because the computer is painful to use. I would not recommend. I am currently using a Chromebook and love it, but unfortunately, I can not do many of my work related things on it. Look at other computers trust me!
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This is an older model. I would get the newer ones. I had this one for two years and used it every day. I had to pop the case off in the back and resolder the power cord connection because it wasn't charging. Also the touch pad is getting worn out. But it still goes on and it isn't any slower than day one because unlike a Windows machine, it doesn't get clogged up with device drivers and other crud. Chromebooks are the perfect second or third internet device in the household. Half the cost of a less useful iPad.
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The price cut was expected for the Black Friday rush. However, let's say it drops to $249 - $199 after Christmas? That would be a fire sale not competitive pricing. Why Google of all companies did not market this product better is a mystery? Nexus 1...deja vu anyone? If Google dumps the Chromebooks, will current Chromebook owners no longer receive constant free updates to the CrOS? Basically, what I'm asking is if it's too risky to purchase a Chromebook now? Will they be around in 6 months? Will there be tech support next year?
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Sometimes, you could spend more time with this Chromebook than your wife. My wife will tell me to "go play with your little Chromebook" as she says it laughing as I "love" using the Chromebook and would never go back to Windows. Does this help a little? Most women I know like this Snow White color. Fits the decor if you know what I mean.
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Google stuff is nearly always free to the customer. They make their money in advertising. We've not had pay any additional costs on our Chromebook since we bought it.
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Robert, The only reason that I can run 8 GB is because of the Chromebook running on Linux. Windows restricts you to 4GB even if you are running 64 bit with the Home edition. I think you need the Professional edition to run more than 4 GB on 64 bit. Huge limitation that will hopefully drive more people to alternative operating systems.
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The keyboard is important because it's not like thumb-typing on a phone, because it's too big for that, but it is too small for comfortable regular typing like on a bigger laptop or desktop computer. It depends on the size of your hands. A lot of people find themselves having to hunt-and-peck on the netbook keyboards. You really should see one in real life if possible at a store (Best Buy or Target usually has some eee model on display) and try typing on it. The different models also have keyboards that feel very different when it comes to ease of regular typing. I think the Acer Aspire One has a better keyboard than the Asus eee 8.9 inch models, though the layout of the buttons for the touchpad is annoying on the Aspire One. Circuit City used to have the Aspire One in stock, which is how I got to look at one and tried it before buying. If you can live with the keyboard, netbooks are great because they are so portable, being about the size of a hardback book. Understand they can't do everything a full-size laptop can do since their Atom processors are less powerful than the processors than go into full-size computers, but for typing up papers, notes, internet browsing/email where there's wifi, it works well. If you wait a bit, next year there might be models that can connect to cell companies' networks, though I guess those will cost more over the long run since I think you would have to pay for a data plan.
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Search Chromebook 2 benchmark and see what you come up with. Some of the early indications don't sound real promising. Still, until there are some reviews that really put one through its paces its just speculation, as benchmark tests aren't always the end all be all of performance. I pre-ordered one and will be writing a review. Fingers crossed.
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Hey, Just noticed your post. I don't own either, but from what I've gleaned from my research, there really is no comparison. The Samsung has a bigger screen, a better processor, and most important a more ergonomic keyboard. The only advantages of the Acer is that it has a more svelt form factor, and is a bit heavier, neither of which are that huge to me. I'm on the fence between the two right now, and believe it or not, I'm leaning towards the Acer. Main reason is price. For all its advantages, I can't justify paying $221 more for a netbook. Last I checked, I can get an Acer 751 (with the 3 cell) for $279, vs. $500 for the NC20. I know the Acer's going to be slow, but I don't believe the NC20 is that much zippier. I'm hoping that the Acer with XP will run reasonably fast enough for limited internet usage and word processing, which is mostly what I need it for. Even if I ad a gig of ram for $30, it's still almost $200 cheaper than the NC20.
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I agree. I DID get a netbook for the kitchen and travel. The KeyIngredient website has alot of issues, so I use allrecipies.com and its great. Both of my daughters also listed their recipies on the site so we can go into each others cookbooks (no more calls of :Mom I need the recipie for...."although I'd better still get calls!! hehe).I just cannot figure out how Demy can justify the price for a gadget that merely holds info. even though I too justified the price of the Kindle. I find myself more and more going online for new recipies, and taking the netbook into the kitchen anyway so....maybe once the demy becomes worth it's price I may consider it, but until then....netbook is the way too go. I agree. I DID get a netbook for the kitchen and travel. The KeyIngredient website has alot of issues, so I use allrecipies.com and its great. Both of my daughters also listed their recipies on the site so we can go into each others cookbooks (no more calls of :Mom I need the recipie for...."although I'd better still get calls!! hehe).I just cannot figure out how Demy can justify the price for a gadget that merely holds info. even though I too justified the price of the Kindle. I find myself more and more going online for new recipies, and taking the netbook into the kitchen... » Read More I agree. I DID get a netbook for the kitchen and travel. The KeyIngredient website has alot of issues, so I use allrecipies.com and its great. Both of my daughters also listed their recipies on the site so we can go into each others cookbooks (no more calls of :Mom I need the recipie for...."although I'd better still get calls!! hehe).I just cannot figure out how Demy can justify the price for a gadget that merely holds info. even though I too justified the price of the Kindle. I find myself more and more going online for new recipies, and taking the netbook into the kitchen anyway so....maybe once the demy becomes worth it's price I may consider it, but until then....netbook is the way too go. « Show Less
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Hi Sheila, Yes it's a good idea to use it plugged in while at home if you have an outlet that is convenient. The battery use should be reserved when you need it. You don't need to take the battery out while using the Chromebook plugged in. Repeatedly draining the battery and recharging it is what shortens the life of the battery. Have you bought the Chromebook yet ? If not, be sure to read the literature and reviews on it to get an idea of its plus and minuses. I personally love my Chromebook. I have another laptop for windows based applications like Microsoft applications, but truthfully have haven't used it since buying the Chromebook. Enjoy !! Hi Sheila, Yes it's a good idea to use it plugged in while at home if you have an outlet that is convenient. The battery use should be reserved when you need it. You don't need to take the battery out while using the Chromebook plugged in. Repeatedly draining the battery and recharging it is what shortens the life of the battery. Have you bought the Chromebook yet ? If not, be sure to read the literature and reviews on it to get an idea of its plus and minuses. I personally love my Chromebook. I have another laptop for windows based applications like Microsoft applications, but truthfully... » Read More Hi Sheila, Yes it's a good idea to use it plugged in while at home if you have an outlet that is convenient. The battery use should be reserved when you need it. You don't need to take the battery out while using the Chromebook plugged in. Repeatedly draining the battery and recharging it is what shortens the life of the battery. Have you bought the Chromebook yet ? If not, be sure to read the literature and reviews on it to get an idea of its plus and minuses. I personally love my Chromebook. I have another laptop for windows based applications like Microsoft applications, but truthfully have haven't used it since buying the Chromebook. Enjoy !! « Show Less