What do you use your Chromebooks for?

[ackmondual]

For me, not for work. For leisure and self study.....
--internet browsing
I can do this very well on my desktop, but it's tied to the desk and doesn't leave the house, so the CB is nice while on a trip. I can do this on my phone, but having a keyboard and larger screen is nice for more heavier usage

--makeshift music stand
I can stand up sheet music on it when its open, not to mention view digital sheet music I have saved on there or from the internet

--Office stuff
Taking notes while studying for certs. General spreadsheet stuff more so for fun

--while cooking
Play music, or have recipes open

 

[B. Diddy]

I pretty much use my Chromebooks for everything. For work, I can log in remotely to the hospital's electronic chart system via Citrix, and I do all of the scheduling for my group using Google Calendar. For AC, I use it for virtually all of my forum responses and guides.

For leisure, I use them to play music and movies, sometimes casting to my AV system via Chromecast in the living room.

My smaller Acer C740 is perfect for travel, especially since I don't have to worry much about the security of my data, in case it gets stolen.

Fortunately, there's very little I need to use my Windows 10 desktop for these days!

 

[pbike908]

Honestly??? Mine sits in a corner collecting dust. I bought mine to support my Dad. I am primarily a Windows user. I feel an onsale Windows 10 laptop with an SSD is a better value. Since I am an Android user, I am anxiously awaiting Android app support in release edition. I do think there is value and potential for the Chromebook, but for me as a daily driver nyet as they say.

 

[B. Diddy]

I feel an onsale Windows 10 laptop with an SSD is a better value.

Just wondering -- have you tried to use the Chromebook as your daily driver for maybe a week or so? I think that's the best way to see if it works well for you, unless there are things you do regularly that only a PC can do (like certain programs that don't have an online or Chrome OS app alternative).

I think the frequent system updates, longer boot times (especially on a cheap Windows machine), and constant need to maintain an antivirus program would drive me nuts these days.

 

[pbike908]

Just wondering -- have you tried to use the Chromebook as your daily driver for maybe a week or so? I think that's the best way to see if it works well for you, unless there are things you do regularly that only a PC can do (like certain programs that don't have an online or Chrome OS app alternative).

I think the frequent system updates, longer boot times, and constant need to maintain an antivirus program on a Windows machine (especially a cheap one) would drive me nuts these days.

Yes. Reasons it doesn't work for me are 1) I use Outlook.com for email and have NO DESIRE to switch to Gmail. So sharing links and things like that is more cumbersome. 2) I use Spotify a lot -- web Spotify sucks. 3) I really like the Microsoft News and Sports apps; 4) Boot up time with an SSD Windows 10 is almost instant. Many can be had for $600 to $700 on sale with a back lit keyboard. 5) No antivirus needed with Windows 10 if folks use common sense. 6) Google print can be a PIA as no direct connect possible. This isn't a big reason. 7) Windows updates are only a problem for folks with poor internet at home which isn't a problem for me. 8) I have access to all Windows legacy apps -- not a huge reason but I can. I don't pay for MS Office as I use LibreOffice. 9) My Chromebook is under powered 11" screen and only 2GB. At some point I will probably purchase a 4GB Chromebook but waiting for mainstream Android support first.

I use Chrome as my primary Windows browser. I have an Android phone. Google things that are important to me --- Google photos; Google Drive (which I am beginning to appreciate more than OneDrive); and Google Maps are still available to me.

I look at Windows 10 plus Chrome as having the best of both worlds!

I have used Windows, Android, IOS and Mac.

It's no secret that Android experience on tablets is less than ideal. Android App experience on Chromebooks will be interesting to watch.

 

[B. Diddy]

All good reasons, although personally, I'd be very hesitant to go without antivirus in the Windows environment, even if using common sense. There just seem to be too many vulnerabilities, which are evident from the regular patches sent out via update (but at least they're patching them!).

I can't wait for Android apps on Chromebooks as well! It'll probably still be a while on my machines -- I'm hoping for 1Q 2017.

 

[pbike908]

All good reasons, although personally, I'd be very hesitant to go without antivirus in the Windows environment, even if using common sense. There just seem to be too many vulnerabilities, which are evident from the regular patches sent out via update (but at least they're patching them!).

Windows Defender is very, very good. Biggest reason folks get malware is AGREEING to downloads and clicking on silly links. I concur that Chromebooks don't have these vulnerabilities. Drive by browser vulnerability on Window's is very, very rare. I have been using nothing but Windows Defender since Windows 8.1 and have had ZERO problems. For non-experienced users, Windows Malware protection programs are more problem than they worth and experienced users find them inconvenient.

Chromebooks nor any Windows malware will protect one from phishing!