You guys have been awesome, and, for a post that is clearly semi-off topic from typical android-centered fare, have given me a lot of good device.
A couple things: I mentioned the $325.00 price point, in part because, i bought my current desktop locally from someone I trust, and now has a newer system (obviously) that meets my needs for $325.
Secondly, when I bought one of my first systems back in 2000, it was prior to tablets/chromebooks, smartphones, and was the only way to get on the Internet. I dropped over a grand, not including the monitor, and didn't look back.
Now, tech is much different and I know it's not my only way connect. My XP system was around $300 4 years ago when I bought it and has served me well, so I don't feel any need to overspend.
I've always typically used my smartphone 10-20% as a phone and 80% as a mobile internet device, blessed with a Verizon Unlimited Data Plan. Since upgrading my old Samsung Galaxy Nexus to a Nexus 7, there are occasional days that I don't even use my desktop, so it doesn't make sense for my to buy a souped up system..
I am somewhat ignorant when it comes to chromebooks, because I've always thought of them as an android tablet with a keyboard and some USB ports attached. I am a little worried it would serve much the same purpose of my Nexus 7.
As an experiment a year ago, I took my old Xoom and a $10 Dell USB Keyboard SK-8135
Amazon.com: Dell SK-8135 Multimedia USB HUB Computer Keyboard: Computers & Accessories
The keyboard also has 2 external USB Ports. I used an adapter to connect the keyboard to my Xoom, then plugged a mouse into one of the keyboards USB and an external game controller in the other. It wasn't sexy, but it worked.
Realistically, it wasn't the most practical either, but it gave my Xoom a full sized keyboard and mouse functionality. I'm not going to say that I had anything remotely close to a chromebook, but I'd imagine I could also do the same thing with my Nexus 7.
I should use a chromebook as some have suggested, just to get a better understanding of them. They are probably so much more than an android tablet with a full keyboard. However, I am really leaning toward keeping a full desktop experience of some sort.
I know I'd pay a lot more for a Windows laptop and that's why I'd think I could get a lot more computer if I got a standard, non portable desktop.
I like having an attached DVD-ROM drive, even though I stream 99% of the time. If I got a desktop, it would have a blueray player and the current USB 3.0 standard ports--I only have 2.0 now. .I also like having a hard drive at least 500 MB and up. New system would come with 1 TB.
The way I see it, my Nexus 7 can do 80% of what I use my desktop for, and do it well. A chromebook could probably do 90-95%. However, it's that other 5-10% where having a desktop coukd make a difference.
I routinely use Remote Desktop apps on my tablet to connect to my PC. I also will charge 1 or 2 wireless devices directly from my computer.
The last time I really relied on my desktop was when I had to install Android SDK to root my Xoom, Nexus 7, and a Note 3. I also was greatful to have it when I downloaded Samsung's Odin flashing software to debrick that same Note 3.
To be fair, a chromebook may be able to do the same things. I really don't know and still haven't made up my mind. Like I said, the feedback and advice has been awesome.
One more question---as a chromebook neophyte--I am assuming Chrome OS and Android 4.4 are similar, lynx based, but also different.
(Thanks Google...)
The Three Differences between Chrome OS and Android | ZDNet
I know I wanted to I can attach a keyboard and mouse to my Nexus 7, but I'd still be running Android 4.4, obviously. Is it feasible to install Chrome OS on a rooted Nexus 7--just for the heck of it--warranty be damned....lol? It probably has no practical purpose, but it could be a fun weekend project--just to play around with operating system.