How is It?

[LlamaGS]

So...instead of getting a new tab, I was considering this. How is it? And how does it fare with simple things like Youtubing, Netflix, Docs, etc.? I'm sick of Windows, so...how is...the OS itself?

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[B. Diddy]

I can't speak for the HP 11, but I can tell you that the Acer C720 works like a charm. Superfast startup, zippy performance (as along as you have a decent wifi connection). Perfect for web-based services, like the ones you mention. The HP 11 has a somewhat less powerful CPU, but the screen is supposed to be significantly better than the Acer's. And the HP just looks prettier, I'll give you that.

Of course, it won't replace everything a Windows machine can do. The main thing you have to ask yourself is if you need all of those things that Windows can do but the Chromebook can't. I find that I'm using my Windows machines less and less after getting the C720.

 

[LlamaGS]

I can't speak for the HP 11, but I can tell you that the Acer C720 works like a charm. Superfast startup, zippy performance (as along as you have a decent wifi connection). Perfect for web-based services, like the ones you mention. The HP 11 has a somewhat less powerful CPU, but the screen is supposed to be significantly better than the Acer's. And the HP just looks prettier, I'll give you that.

Of course, it won't replace everything a Windows machine can do. The main thing you have to ask yourself is if you need all of those things that Windows can do but the Chromebook can't. I find that I'm using my Windows machines less and less after getting the C720.

I was a big PC gamer, now, not so much. I tend to use consoles now. Aside from that...nope. I don't need the Windows things.

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[B. Diddy]

The best way to see if Chromebooks will work for you is to buy one from a place with a good return policy, like Best Buy or Costco, and use it for a good couple of weeks. If it doesn't meet your needs, return it. Even if you end up keeping it and find that it isn't the best thing since sliced bread, you're not down $400-500.

 

[LlamaGS]

The best way to see if Chromebooks will work for you is to buy one from a place with a good return policy, like Best Buy or Costco, and use it for a good couple of weeks. If it doesn't meet your needs, return it. Even if you end up keeping it and find that it isn't the best thing since sliced bread, you're not down $400-500.

What about buying from HP directly? Do you know anything about their return policy?

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[B. Diddy]

Sorry, not sure of that. Probably more of a hassle, though, since you'd have to mail it back.

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[LlamaGS]

Sorry, not sure of that. Probably more of a hassle, though, since you'd have to mail it back.

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It's an one hour drive to Best Buy. Do they have display models to play with?

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[B. Diddy]

They usually do, but you should call ahead to find out which models they have on display. The wifi at Best Buy is often pretty slow, so if you can tether with your phone's mobile data, that will give you a better idea of the performance.

Is there a Walmart near you? They have Chromebooks as well, and I think their return policy is also pretty good.

 

[LlamaGS]

They usually do, but you should call ahead to find out which models they have on display. The wifi at Best Buy is often pretty slow, so if you can tether with your phone's mobile data, that will give you a better idea of the performance.

Is there a Walmart near you? They have Chromebooks as well, and I think their return policy is also pretty good.

Yeah...but our Walmart lacks selection. It MIGHT have it...not sure.

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[B. Diddy]

Just call them, or check walmart.com.

 

[LlamaGS]

Based on reviews, it seems the Acer C720 is substantially faster. Is the screen really that bad? Or is it still decent?

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[B. Diddy]

I think it's fine. From my limited experience with the HP 11 as a comparison, the Acer's screen seems more matte and less vibrant. But it gets the job done.

 

[CHIP72]

LlamaGS - if you are looking for an introductory chromebook, I think the Acer C720 is your best choice right now. By contrast, if you are looking for a chromebook with a cellular connection, the HP Chromebook 11 is, at least IMO, by far your best choice right now, despite having relatively poor battery life. (NOTE - not all HP Chromebook 11 models include 4G LTE connectivity; some are Wi-Fi only.)

The general strengths and weaknesses of the HP Chromebook 11 and the Acer C720 are as follows:

HP Chromebook 11
+Excellent screen quality (best outside of the Chromebook Pixel and possibly the soon-to-be released 13.3" model of the Samsung Chromebook 2)
+Very light (about 2.3 pounds)
+Attractive design
+4G LTE version available
-Relatively poor battery life (about 5 hours)
-Relatively underpowered processor (still good performance though)
-Relatively expensive for a 11.6" chromebook

Acer C720
+Very cheap ($200)
+Excellent battery life (roughly 9 hours)
+Relatively good processor
-Average design
-Average weight (about 2.8 pounds)
-Relatively poor screen quality

I do not own the Acer C720, but from my limited exposure to it, its screen is perfectly acceptable for a $200 laptop form factor device with an 11.6" screen.

 

[LlamaGS]

LlamaGS - if you are looking for an introductory chromebook, I think the Acer C720 is your best choice right now. By contrast, if you are looking for a chromebook with a cellular connection, the HP Chromebook 11 is, at least IMO, by far your best choice right now, despite having relatively poor battery life. (NOTE - not all HP Chromebook 11 models include 4G LTE connectivity; some are Wi-Fi only.)

The general strengths and weaknesses of the HP Chromebook 11 and the Acer C720 are as follows:

HP Chromebook 11
+Excellent screen quality (best outside of the Chromebook Pixel and possibly the soon-to-be released 13.3" model of the Samsung Chromebook 2)
+Very light (about 2.3 pounds)
+Attractive design
+4G LTE version available
-Relatively poor battery life (about 5 hours)
-Relatively underpowered processor (still good performance though)
-Relatively expensive for a 11.6" chromebook

Acer C720
+Very cheap ($200)
+Excellent battery life (roughly 9 hours)
+Relatively good processor
-Average design
-Average weight (about 2.8 pounds)
-Relatively poor screen quality

I do not own the Acer C720, but from my limited exposure to it, its screen is perfectly acceptable for a $200 laptop form factor device with an 11.6" screen.

How much is the C720 4GB?

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[CHIP72]

The 4GB version of the Acer C720 is $250. However, it is very hard to find.

 

[ackmondual]

So...instead of getting a new tab, I was considering this. How is it? And how does it fare with simple things like Youtubing, Netflix, Docs, etc.? I'm sick of Windows, so...how is...the OS itself?

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YouTube has been good. I don't use Netflix.

Docs has been good as well. I just use Google Docs. There's a setting you can check so it works offline. When you get back online, it syncs changes back into the Google Drive cloud. Not sure how you would transfer files from there, onto a PC if you'd like to pick up your work on a Windows machine with Office or whatever. I guess you could just email the files to yourself? the CB does have USB ports so if you can find out where the files are (for when they are local), you can just use a USB thumb drive if internet connection isn't too great.

BTW, I use an HP Chromebook 14. 14" screen, just under 3.5 lbs. Got it for $190 after shipping on Woot.com. It was a refurb, but working pretty well. Did get a column of keys that didn't work, but it was still under HP 90-day warranty, so I sent it in, they fixed it, and they sent it back fine. I do get issues like the thing restarting on me, or out of memory (that's what the browser tab says), but those are far and few