Chromebooks - latest news and discussion

[BoxRoom]

She is suggesting that Open Office documents are compatible (with her school system) - so can i assume that Open Office is included on chromebooks?

Just had a quick search and am pretty certain Open Office isn't available to work with on Chromebooks, unless there's an online version or something else I'm missing?

But with Google Docs you can download your document in Word format so that should be fine for her needs.

 

[BoxRoom]

Forgot this, there is also an online version of Office that she could use:
https://office.com/start/default.aspx
Which is still, I believe, dependant on an internet connection. Hoping that will change to be able to work offline at some point.

 

[redcogs]

Appreciate your input BR.

 

[elbows]

I suppose its possible that some talk of Open Office on Chromebooks could stem from some people putting Linux on their Chromebooks.

I want a Chromebook or Chromebox at some point. Since I seem to be spending a vast amount of time these days developing a web app at work, perhaps I can convince them to buy one so we can test that the system we are making works ok on these devices.

 

[FridgeMagnet]

Forgot this, there is also an online version of Office that she could use:
https://office.com/start/default.aspx
Which is still, I believe, dependant on an internet connection. Hoping that will change to be able to work offline at some point.

That is not OpenOffice compatible - google docs is (sort of) though.

Tbh if it was a laptop that somebody might take to uni I would probably advise not a chromebook - you never know what they might want or need to install.

 

[BoxRoom]

That is not OpenOffice compatible - google docs is (sort of) though.

Tbh if it was a laptop that somebody might take to uni I would probably advise not a chromebook - you never know what they might want or need to install.

I had no idea if Office Online was compatible with Open Office, thanks for the confirmation. Was just putting the info out that it was available to work on if she wanted to work with Word on a Chromebook.

And as far as I know all that the laptop is needed for is essays and internet so a Chromebook would be fine. Why have a Windows laptop that just gets slower with time and has stuff that's not needed? As a resource in an educational environment I think Chromebooks would do the job nicely in this instance.

I'm also quite surprised no one had called me a Chromebook fanboy yet! But I do love the bloody little things

 

[redcogs]

One worry that occurs to me relates to the usefulness of a chromebook if you have no internet access? Are they not usable at all when the wifi is down?

 

[editor]

One worry that occurs to me relates to the usefulness of a chromebook if you have no internet access? Are they not usable at all when the wifi is down?

Many of the apps can work offline too and sync once the connection is re-established - much like a regular laptop.

 

[BoxRoom]

One worry that occurs to me relates to the usefulness of a chromebook if you have no internet access? Are they not usable at all when the wifi is down?

You can't access facebook or twitter or anything else on the internet but you can still write essays!

Like ed says, there are many apps that work offline, there's a whole section for them in the Chrome store.

 

[redcogs]

Are you able to print docs via the usb when the net isn't available please?

Apologies to you boffins for the basic questions.

 

[BoxRoom]

Sorry, printing isn't my thing, I have no need of it at the moment. Plenty of helpful internet people out there somewhere that could assist.

 

[editor]

Are you able to print docs via the usb when the net isn't available please?

Apologies to you boffins for the basic questions.

You need to be connected to a network, but not necessarily the internet.

In order to print using the Google Cloud Print service, first connect your printer to the service. Google Cloud Print can print to either a Cloud Ready printer that can connect directly to the Internet or a classic printer that is plugged into a Windows or Mac computer with Internet access. If you are using a Chromebook and you attempt to print, you will be prompted to set up Google Cloud Print to connect a printer.

Using your Chromebook at work or school? Your network administrator might connect one or more printers for you, which will be available when you're signed in to your work or school account.

https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/1069693?rd=1

 

[redcogs]

Hmm. Our printer is an old steam one that isn't wireless. Can it be the case that there is no method of using it with a chromebook?

 

[redcogs]

Maybe a lenovo g505 is coming out ahead? Its the inflexibility of a chromebook that is slightly concerning.

 

[elbows]

Hmm. Our printer is an old steam one that isn't wireless. Can it be the case that there is no method of using it with a chromebook?

As the article editor linked to says, you can use it if you have a normal pc in the house that is connected to the net and the printer.

 

[elbows]

Maybe a lenovo g505 is coming out ahead? Its the inflexibility of a chromebook that is slightly concerning.

You should be concerned about such things, but its impossible for us to know how valid the concerns would turn out to be in this case. I'm sure a lot of people toy with getting a chomebook but back out for similar reasons though.

 

[redcogs]

You should be concerned about such things, but its impossible for us to know how valid the concerns would turn out to be in this case. I'm sure a lot of people toy with getting a chomebook but back out for similar reasons though.

In the end we got the Lenovo. It was on offer at Argus for about £250, which was comparable to the chromebook that we considered. What fucks me off was that Curry's, and PC World, and Tescos all advertised items on their websites that they do not hold in stock, and, once we were in their shops they were trying to steer us towards other laptops that we hadn't researched. Thankfully we resisted. Only Argos came good, so respect to them.

The idea of choice in a capitalist market dominated by a few superstores seems to me to be a sick and frustrating joke.

Still, our daughter is delighted with the Lenovo (she doesn't share my antagonism towards Microsoft), and it does look to be just the ticket.

Thanks for all the excellent advice everyone. Its a jungle out their, made less so by your practical input.

 

[editor]

Here's all the Chromebook reviews in one place: http://www.androidcentral.com/chromebook-reviews-find-em-all-here

The HP is one of the highest rated:
http://www.androidcentral.com/hp-chromebook-11-review

 

[Johnny Canuck3]

Chromebook sales are increasing?

I'm so pleased to hear that.

 

[editor]

Chromebook sales are increasing?

I'm so pleased to hear that.

Have you a point, here?

But yes, the rise of truly affordable, capable, and decent looking machines is something that I view as good news.

 

[BoxRoom]

They are brilliant. I haven't missed my old Windows laptop at all. Good bloody riddance to it.

 

[Johnny Canuck3]

The reviewer at PCMag didn't seem so stoked:

I honestly wanted to like the Chromebook, and I still won't write it off completely, despite my troublesome experiences. It's amazingly affordable, durable, and compact. I carried it easily in an oversized handbag without a sleeve or other padding. And some, but not all, of the problems I hit could have been overcome had I been using a Chromebook with a 3G data plan… except paying for 3G service thwarts the inexpensive factor.

But portability went down the toilet when I realized I couldn't actually use the netbook when I went to the places I needed to go! I hit roadblocks every time I didn't have an Internet connection, and that's just not acceptable for me and my work. What is the point of a highly portable machine if it doesn't work 75 percent of the times you remove it from your house or office?

If I'm going to be working at home or in the office, I'd rather have a larger device with a bigger screen and larger keyboard, as well as a little more power and speed. And when I'm traveling, it's crucial I have a device that works reliably offline. The Chromebook does not.

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2413773,00.asp

 

[gabi]

Here's all the Chromebook reviews in one place: http://www.androidcentral.com/chromebook-reviews-find-em-all-here

The HP is one of the highest rated:
http://www.androidcentral.com/hp-chromebook-11-review

Do you actually read the articles you link to?

A Chrome OS laptop with a bundle of great features, marred by a case of performance anxiety

Update: A statement from Google and HP confirms that the Chromebook 11 is currently no longer on sale, due to a small number of reports that the charger is overheating during use. We will keep up with this story as the situation develops.

 

[BoxRoom]

The reviewer at PCMag didn't seem so stoked:



http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2413773,00.asp

That review is from January 2013, also that reviewer is a blimmin' idiot.
My Chromebook doesn't need an internet connection if I want to work on it. There is so much you can do offline now that makes that review completely obsolete.

I have never been a fan of the HP Chromebooks and can't understand why people buy them, tbh. Especially when I hear continued moaning about ARM processors. At least they're offering free replacements of the charger but still, meh!

 

[editor]

Do you actually read the articles you link to?

Yes, and I've had a play on several Chromebooks and have got a good feel about some of their pros and cons. How about you? Or is quoting links from November 2013 as good as it gets?

 

[ovaltina]

My Samsung is still a boon after a year and a bit, although the battery life is not what it was. I hardly use my iPad now, and the old windows laptop is just for the few tasks the Chromebook can't do. The only regular annoyance is trying to access outlook online, Microsoft only lets you use the light version.

 

[FridgeMagnet]

The only regular annoyance is trying to access outlook online, Microsoft only lets you use the light version.

Tbh I find web Outlook impossible to use on my Macbook as well - it's just shite.

 

[slainte]

Hmm unfortunately they have removed from the chromestore the chrome app for open office but I have it and it still works it creates a local document when not on line and syncs when it is online and I can save in full open office format.. However the google docs suite for most people is fine for creating documents for most work except perhaps extensive in depth embedded other documents but its more compatible than going between various versions of word unless you save them in later versions of word as older documents. Same for excel and power point presentations.
Its good and its free. ...Saving to google docs format takes up no space on your given online storage and you get to keep the storage after the date of expiry but then not save so if I max out my 100Gig currently at 70 I will still have access to all my docs and other stuff there... win win..try that with sugar sync or dropbox ...you lost your stuff ..simple as...

I still have my Samsung chromebook which has 4Gb of RAM and an Intel (admittedly an celeron ) but I use it the most. Currently in Germany its been a God send over my normal laptop as I bought the data SIM version so Im good on the go all the time.
Printing I will admit is a bit fiddly but if you buy a google print compatible printer your flying and its handy as you can print to the location from ANYWHERE ..that useful trust me on this.
I truly have to say its the most convenient everyday laptop I have ever used. If I had a lot of money I would even consider ...hic the chromebook pixel but sanity prevails so that is a no on that one.
A lot of people whom knock them just fiddle with them in a shop or read the usual reviews or seem or want to come across as more "techy" so bash them out of habit.
However, I have a high powered laptop for certain things I have the chromebook for 80 to 90 of the usual stuff I do the rest of the time.
For kids and those whom don't need massive CPU power for running CAD or emulators or something like that they are ideal.
Hangout on the chromebook is an actual joy compared to either a tablet or phone and I speak as an owner of an ipad as well as nexus tablet
The google sphere of things is really not so bad and even though I do love my Apple stuff Apple could do with catching up with the offer which the chromebook and google world gives you.
1. A fully fledged word processor spreadsheet and presentation software suite compatible fully with Microsoft for free.
2. A dedicated online storage to read write and add to for a few years and full access after this with option of cheap storage if you want to add to this.
3. A dedicated hangout chat system of up to 9 people for free
4. A dedicated google play account to upload even from itunes to the cloud 25,000 of your own songs FOR FREE
5. Now they have added the feature of being able to play movie formats from your storage back on any device just like dropbox for free.
6.The option of adding 2 factor authentication via an SMS or via an app with changes your password and secures your email ...far better than hotshit..I mean hackshit no ..I mean hotmail. or outlook as its now called as well ..
7. Truly the ability to upload share and distribute photos and other items from your google+ account.

All this and a relatively cheap but decent laptop...bargain if you ask me

 

[Mapped]

Tbh I find web Outlook impossible to use on my Macbook as well - it's just shite.

It's been shit on the Mac for years, although my latest employer is using a later version, which lets you do radical things like searching your mail. I had 2 years of not being able to do that before I moved here.

 

[rutabowa]

I met get a 2nd hand Acer if it's cheap enough... I just want it for web, netflix, emails, the odd bit of typing (notes etc), and I already use google for loads of things, so a chromebook sounds ideal right? Could I record music on it too even?