News Now's the best time to ditch Windows and switch to Chromebooks

[AC News]

We shouldn't think of Chromebooks as the red-headed step child of the computing world. Google's dedication and investment in ChromeOS is paying off in a big way, even if we don't yet have a new Pixelbook.

Now's the best time to ditch Windows and switch to Chromebooks : Read more

 

[rvbfan]

Ya no. Linux is where I'm headed as soon as my wife's accounting software supports it.
Plus I can't play my steam games on a Chromebook but I can on Linux.

 

[joeldf]

Still can't run AutoCAD, Revit, Lumion or Audition on a Chromebook.

Three of those are for my livelyhood. The last is just my hobby.

 

[klystron]

Great hardware with great features, for most non-technical users out there who want a device with a keyboard for work and a large format tablet for play.

However, with the slowing of Moore's law computing devices are increasingly used for longer timespans. Google's commitment to not supporting these devices after 10 years would be one thing. But in my experience it is tantamount to bricking these devices by preventing chrome updates - this also poses a big electronic waste issue.

A more creative path to sunsetting these devices a bit more gracefully would be better for their customers and their ESG credentials...

 

[rvbfan]

Windows 11. Speaking of an ewaste generator.

 

[CajunMoses]

Great hardware with great features, for most non-technical users out there who want a device with a keyboard for work and a large format tablet for play.

However, with the slowing of Moore's law computing devices are increasingly used for longer timespans. Google's commitment to not supporting these devices after 10 years would be one thing. But in my experience it is tantamount to bricking these devices by preventing chrome updates - this also poses a big electronic waste issue.

A more creative path to sunsetting these devices a bit more gracefully would be better for their customers and their ESG credentials...

Really? Do you really use computers that are more than 10 years old? Really? You DO know, don't you, that Chromebooks store all user data in the Cloud and not on the Chromebook itself, right? That's why you can pick up any Chromebook and immediately start using it interchangeably. Of course, if you really wanted to use a $200 Chromebook after 10 years, you could certainly do that. It doesn't "brick," as you suggested. But it simply wouldn't receive updates that block malware, fix bugs, and add features. But 10 years? Really? Ten years from now, you'll probably be in an elderly care facility playing dominoes.

 

[WillysJeepMan]

We shouldn't think of Chromebooks as the red-headed step child of the computing world. Google's dedication and investment in ChromeOS is paying off in a big way, even if we don't yet have a new Pixelbook.

Now's the best time to ditch Windows and switch to Chromebooks : Read more

One thing missing from this rose-colored glass look at Chromebooks is that nearly all software/services for Chrome OS have gone to a subscription model.

Subscriptions are the hidden cost to Chromebooks that aren't mentioned by Chrome OS advocates.

Gone are the early days of Chromebooks when these things were "free" as they were working to gain marketshare and mindshare. I remember those days. At the time, I was a big fan and supporter of the platform because of the value it offered. But times have changed.

Open-source software provides some outstanding offerings but running them on Chromebooks is not straightforward and requires mid to upper tier hardware.

There are also some other software options that provide a one-time purchase for a perpetual license. These apps don't run on Chromebooks.

 

[CajunMoses]

Still can't run AutoCAD, Revit, Lumion or Audition on a Chromebook.

There are also some other software options that provide a one-time purchase for a perpetual license. These apps don't run on Chromebooks.

Legitimate reservations. If I had to make a living running AutoCAD, I'd have no choice but to use Windows or MacOS. Also, I only use a few perpetual license purchases on my Chromebook, and they're all Android apps. Such software limitations present a challenge and an opportunity for Google, developers, and end users. But software solutions require business willingness more so than technological advancements. And they aren't an accurate reflection of the capability of ChromeOS and the Chromebooks that run it.

 

[Village_Idiot]

Why would I ditch an OS that actually works?

 

[SeeBeeEss]

In other news, now is the time to ditch your car and switch to a skateboard.

 

[dbareis]

I used Flex to create a fast Chromebook out of a very slow old windows laptop. I still use windows but the thing I hate most about Chrome OS is that it doesn't support the num lock key on external keyboards!

 

[SyCoREAPER]

Never a good time. It has its uses but for the majority of people is pointless. Wndowa, Linux, or Apple.

CbromeOS will never replace those at this point. It's been too long with not enough added. Also the price tag is way too expensive for what you get.

 

[Caish]

I've been using Chromebook for almost 2 years, I'm a Linux fan, been using Linux since Kernel 1.2.13 (pre windows 95) RH 2.1 in those days, and for the most part what I can't find ChromeOS I do find for Linux and use the Linux compatibility layer for it.
One place ChromeOS really sucks is PDF handling, it needs a onboard editor for PDF, to splice, cut, extract PDF pages. I do it with Linux PDF Arrange but would be nice to have a native app.
Would also be nice to see Google get onboard with WINE, and add a M$ compatibility layer, for the apps people can't work without.
Then it very well could be a swiss army knife OS that runs what people need.

 

[Windroid 2483]

Eh. Chrome OS is, at best, Android for laptops (and desktops). At worst, it's little more than a web broswer.

 

[Caish]

Eh. Chrome OS is, at best, Android for laptops (and desktops). At worst, it's little more than a web broswer.

You've obviously not used Chromebook lately. its advanced much further than that...

 

[Windroid 2483]

You've obviously not used Chromebook lately. its advanced much further than that...

I'll grant, the Chrome browser on Chrome OS has extensions, unlike on Android proper. There's also the option of installing Linix apps on some Chromebooks. Beyond that: I'm not seeing this advancement you're talking about.

 

[ad47uk]

You've obviously not used Chromebook lately. its advanced much further than that...

In what way? I know a couple of people who have chromebooks and they are happy with them, but they are getting on now and from the bit i have seen it is really just a browser. Not saying there is anything wrong with it, it does what they want. Just wondered in what way have Chrome OS advanced?