Chromebooks - latest news and discussion

[skyscraper101]

It's taken a while you know, but the price of these things, and the upcoming Samsung Galaxy X are really starting to tempt me back into Android land again.

 

[ATOMIC SUPLEX]

My Nexus 7 is slowly getting less reliable. What can I get that is exactly the same?

 

[editor]

My Nexus 7 is slowly getting less reliable. What can I get that is exactly the same?

If you're after an Android tablet this isn't the right thread!

This is a good Android tablet Buy Huawei MediaPad M3 8 Lite 32GB Tablet - Grey | Tablets | Argos

And more here The best Android tablets in 2018: the best slates running Google's OS | TechRadar

 

[ATOMIC SUPLEX]

If you're after an Android tablet this isn't the right thread!

This is a good Android tablet Buy Huawei MediaPad M3 8 Lite 32GB Tablet - Grey | Tablets | Argos

And more here The best Android tablets in 2018: the best slates running Google's OS | TechRadar

Thanks.
I think do need to chrome book for my daughter actually so I should probably take a look at this page anyway.

 

[Chz]

Do note that the Amazon 10" will probably be on sale again for Black Friday. At its normal price, it's a tough choice between that and the Huawei. On sale, it's pretty much unbeatable value. (And also note the smaller Fires have really gimped internals and aren't all that pleasant to use)

 

[editor]

If you're after a desktop Chromebook...

A great Windows replacement at a great price

What’s strange about reviewing a Chromebox is there’s no display, battery, keyboard or trackpad to test — you only focus on the meat and potatoes. In this case, it’s an eighth-generation Intel processor that’s more than capable of delivering high performance to a lightweight platform. Anything more than Intel’s ultra-low power mobile processor would simply be overkill.

Acer’s Chromebook is zippy and highly responsive. Unlike many bulky desktop solutions, it sports an attractive appearance and easily blends into a home or office environment. You can even mount it out of sight and keep your focus on productivity, rather than a loud, monstrous monolith sitting in your eyeline. There’s plenty of connectivity for external storage devices, peripherals, and the included mouse and keyboard.

Ultimately Acer markets this Chromebox to small and medium businesses, but it’s also an ideal device for students and general customers looking to ditch Windows. If you’re searching for a Windows desktop replacement, Acer’s Chromebox is a great entry into Google’s popular Chrome OS platform.

Acer Chromebox CXI3 review: Is this the ideal Windows replacement?

 

[cybershot]

Nice, whatever happened to the phones we would just plug into our monitors that would turn into full desktop systems?

This is where Microsoft really dropped the ball with their Windows phones.

 

[editor]

Nice, whatever happened to the phones we would just plug into our monitors that would turn into full desktop systems?

This is where Microsoft really dropped the ball with their Windows phones.

Samsung have already done that. But that's not a discussion for this thread.



Samsung DeX | Apps - The Official Samsung Galaxy Site

 

[editor]

I can't say that this floats my boat

Come Touch Google's Bizarre View of Your Computing Future

 

[Libertad]

I didn't know you had a boat editor, you kept that quiet.

 

[editor]

I didn't know you had a boat editor, you kept that quiet.

Yes. I paid for it from the CIA wages. Keeping Da Troof from you all doesn't come cheap. But don't tell Jazzz.

 

[Libertad]

Yes. I paid for it from the CIA wages. Keeping Da Troof from you all doesn't come cheap. But don't tell Jazzz.

Good investment move.

 

[skyscraper101]

$199 for the keyboard on that thing, with weird round keys.

LOL

 

[Chz]

Jeez, yeah. I thought the Surface Go was bad at £125 for the keyboard, and it looks nicer than Google's one.

 

[Throbbing Angel]

$199 for the keyboard on that thing, with weird round keys.

LOL

fkn'owmuch?

 

[skyscraper101]

fkn'owmuch?

I know, right?

Also according to the same article above "The Pixel Slate also works with a $99 stylus pen"

That'll be a no from me then.

 

[Throbbing Angel]

It was the £99 pen that put me off upgrading my iPad -
#fknowmuch

 

[emanymton]

So I have a couple of very basic Chromebook questions.

I'm thinking of getting one for my mum, she keeps getting, overpriced little Windows laptops. But all she does is a bit of very basic web browsing and play a couple of simple games like mahjong and Solitaire. She is very, very IT illiterate and keeps messing them up and me or my dad (they are divorced) has to go round and fix it for her. The one she has at the moment is broke and won't charge. I think a dirt cheap Chromebook might be a better option for her than replacing it or paying for repairs. But I want to check a few things out first.

1. Just how easy to use are they? It's taken a while to get her used to even the basics of windows and I'm a bit worried about switching operating system on her.
2. Since you can now get android apps for them there will be no problem getting the basic games she likes?
3. I assume they work with a normal USB mouse? She won't use a trackpad or touch screen. If she would I'd just get a cheap second hand android tablet.

 

[Treacle Toes]

We have basic ones fro. Work for work at home and on the go. The answer to all 3 questions is yes afaik.

 

[Throbbing Angel]

So I have a couple of very basic Chromebook questions.

I'm thinking of getting one for my mum, she keeps getting, overpriced little Windows laptops. But all she does is a bit of very basic web browsing and play a couple of simple games like mahjong and Solitaire. She is very, very IT illiterate and keeps messing them up and me or my dad (they are divorced) has to go round and fix it for her. The one she has at the moment is broke and won't charge. I think a dirt cheap Chromebook might be a better option for her than replacing it or paying for repairs. But I want to check a few things out first.

1. Just how easy to use are they? It's taken a while to get her used to even the basics of windows and I'm a bit worried about switching operating system on her.
2. Since you can now get android apps for them there will be no problem getting the basic games she likes?
3. I assume they work with a normal USB mouse? She won't use a trackpad or touch screen. If she would I'd just get a cheap second hand android tablet.

1. very easy to use in my opinion, they just work
2. not all chromebooks can install Android apps - only newer ones - it is processor dependent i think - so a 'dirt cheap' CBook might not do that - but - there are a lot of games that will work in the browser as an extension/plugin/whatever without having to install the Android app - Chrome Store: Chrome Web Store as opposed to the Play App store
3. Mine doesn't have normal usb ports - newer machine - USB C only (smaller)

 

[emanymton]

1. very easy to use in my opinion, they just work
2. not all chromebooks can install Android apps - only newer ones - it is processor dependent i think - so a 'dirt cheap' CBook might not do that - but - there are a lot of games that will work in the browser as an extension/plugin/whatever without having to install the Android app - Chrome Store: Chrome Web Store as opposed to the Play App store
3. Mine doesn't have normal usb ports - newer machine - USB C only (smaller)

Thanks. I know only only new ones can run android apps. I was going to check that out and check what ports it has before buying one. I've tried having a look at the store but I can't even browse it on my phone and I'm out at the moment.

 

[Throbbing Angel]

Would she use a touchscreen one - that's another consideration.

There are a few Mah Jong extensions in the Chrome store btw - and the other option for the mouse is a Bluetooth one - the chromebooks I've had have all had bluetooth.

 

[emanymton]

Well I can be pretty impulsive at times.
I popped into PC world to have a play on one and saw one of these on sale for £129. So now have one on order.

It looks to be aimed at kids and students but should be OK for her I hope. If not I guess I have a new toy.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/ASUS-C202S...ebook+C202&dpPl=1&dpID=41fHUQlvQyL&ref=plSrch

 

[editor]

If you're after a tough cheap (around £300) Chromebook, the Lenovo seems to be the one to go for. Comes with a Wacom pen too.

Lenovo 500e Chromebook Review - Tough, Fast, Affordable
Lenovo 500e Chromebook review: A true winner

 

[Throbbing Angel]

A friend at work has just bought one of those Leno's.

Mainly because of the pen. He loves it.

 

[editor]

A friend at work has just bought one of those Leno's.

Mainly because of the pen. He loves it.

If I didn't already have my Asus Flip, I'd take this on the road with me. Would love being able to use the pen.

 

[Throbbing Angel]

If I didn't already have my Asus Flip, I'd take this on the road with me. Would love being able to use the pen.

Aye, 11inch screen though, I think i would struggle with that

 

[richy trinity]

wow, The needed a new chrome book, so glad I found this thread… Thanks guys

 

[editor]

Aye, 11inch screen though, I think i would struggle with that

To be honest, I find it pretty easy to do stuff on an 11" screen, but whatever suits you best!

 

[Throbbing Angel]

There is £100 off the ASUS Chromebook C302ca @ John Lewis again at the moment if anyone's interested
Intel Core M3, 4GB RAM, 64GB eMMC, 12.5" £399.00 2 year guarantee included
editor and I both have one - both love it
Bought mine last time it was reduced to this price (August I think)

a quick Google reveals same price @ Currys and Amazon UK atm too

Can recommend the device - pick your own retailer, caveat emptor and all that