Chromebook Recommendations?

[msfiddlestix]

Recently received an OS support expiration notification for a chromebook I purchased a year ago.

It was only $140 on amazon. I suspect that this is likely a super old version, but I don't know for sure.

Now I have to spring for a new chromebook, or a laptop and I'm just flummoxed.

Any suggestions from Computer community would be so appreciated.

[CentralMass]

1. Here is a link with suggestions on what to do with your current chromebook.

https://www.lifewire.com/find-chromebooks-end-of-life-4842586

[msfiddlestix]

2. thanks I'll check it out..

[msfiddlestix]

9. This has been a very helpful link.

I read it over and decided to upgrade to a Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 and will be giving my current chromebook to a neighbor who doesn't have a computer at all.

One of the things that hadn't occurred to me which i learned from the link you sent me, is that an old chromebook can be repurposed or rather converted to be used as a PC with either Linux or Windows operating systems. Holy Moly!

INSTALL LINUX ON YOUR CHROMEBOOK
Installing Linux on a Chromebook is a more straight-forward process than installing Windows. You can even switch between Ubuntu Linux and Chrome OS using a program called Crouton.

INSTALL CLOUDREADY
CloudReady is used to run Chrome OS on Windows PCs, but you can install it on a Chromebook and continue receiving updates from Google. This requires opening up your device and replacing the system BIOS. It may be worth it to buy a new computer since your device may not be able to take advantage of new Chrome OS features.

what a great idea!

[CentralMass]

11. I am glad it was helpful and you are quite kind to help out your neighbor.

[bucolic_frolic]

18. I love Linux

I skipped from Vista to Linux Mint 18, now 20.

I thought it had glitches but it was three things: a bad mouse, locked files transferring from XP to Linux, and a state website that finally admitted everyone was having problems with saving the data in tax forms. They now can print to pdf.

There is a learning curve with Linux, learning to use terminal. But updates are far more automatic than ever advertised.

[msfiddlestix]

19. so my spanking new galaxy chromebook 2 just arrived and I'm posting on it.

The first thing I opened in the files and an item was there which I totally didn't expect, and that was the Linux manager.

Apparently I can run Chrome and Linux which is amazing. I haven't attempted to run it yet, because I know I won't know what I'm doing and will need tutoring and guidance. I don't want to screw things up. I'm loving the slick feeling keys under my fingertips. I feel like I'm gliding over the keys with no friction. the resolution on the display screen is so amazing.

I can't wait until the next zoom jam session to test out input/output quality. I also didn't realize that it functioned like a tablet and a computer. It's smaller than my other chromebook but it's also sleek and thin, less weight.

A few things to get used to.. I certainly want to learn more about working with Linux and what the impact will be with regard to chrome os. I mean, my intuition is you run one or the other right? I mean almost have to kind of over ride chrome?

I don't know how that would work. will i be able to access my drive .. Not sure I actually need Linux. Something for me to explore a little bit.

[bucolic_frolic]

20. Glad you're really happy!

My months on this PC are numbered. It's 12 years old I think. It's a physical wreck. I've looked at several PCs, sorting through what I might buy. I have no experience with Chrome so I can't advise you. I do run Chromium browser here on Linux, but I'm not proficient with it, just need it for Zoom. I know Linux can be installed alongside other operating systems in a dual boot - choose one or the other at startup. But Chromebook has a minimal storage as I understand? So prob best to learn Chrome since you're familiar with it. That's an enviable place from my perspective.

[msfiddlestix]

21. Oh I do Zoom on Chrome..

Before I purchased my first chrome book, I had been using Windows 7 on a pc lap top I bought back 10 years ago..

I think it was last winter when Windows ended support.. might have been before then, but I just kept using it anyway.

But it had become dreadfully slow to the point of just being useless. I'm low income, and didn't have the money to buy another so I purchased a chromebook online from amazon for $140; since I used chrome on my pc and i store a lot of stuff on google drive anyway.

It was a cheap purchase and what I didn't know to look for is the expiration for support date. A few weeks ago, a notification popped up making me aware that the support was to expire in Sept 2021.

Yikes That was the moment I knew I needed to make another purchase. I like most things about chrome, although I do miss certain function keys on the regular pc. But I'm grateful I've been able to do Zoom for the past year even though the volume levels is left a bit to be desired. I have to check that out on the new one.

[LeftInTX]

22. My chromebook freezes in Zoom...But my chromebook is 3 years old...

My friend with the same chromebook also can't do zoom with his. Same issue. I use my hubby's old lap top for zoom

[teach1st]

3. I'm happy with all of my Chromebooks

I'm not going to recommend one, but you should know that all Chromebooks have an end of support, so when you do buy another one, check the make and model on this page (scroll down):

https://support.google.com/chrome/a/answer/6220366?hl=en

Most Chromebooks have a five or six-year support span, but two brands have increased it to eight years.

https://www.androidpolice.com/2020/02/07/chromebooks-will-now-get-up-to-eight-years-of-chrome-os-updates/

To check a Chromebook for when its support ends:

* At the bottom right, select the time.
* Select Settings.
* On the left panel, at the bottom, select About Chrome OS.
* Select Additional details.
* In the “Update schedule” section, you'll find when your Chromebook will receive its last update.

One last thing: You can still use your Chromebook after support ends. The link below details some of the risks.

https://www.theguardian.com/technology/askjack/2019/sep/12/can-i-still-use-my-chromebook-now-it-is-no-longer-supported

[msfiddlestix]

4. this is great. I just ordered the Galaxy Chromebook 2

It had the longest support period, i think it's 8 years as you mentioned.

I do a lot of jam sessions and workshops via Zoom and sometimes facebook, when someone hosts those. The workshops are recorded by the host and the mp4 files shared via dropbox. I then transfer/download those files onto a flashdrive but the process has been painfully slow and somewhat clunky.

The Galaxy Chromebook promises a much faster file transfer/download and smoother experience. And the volume levels and output promises to be perfect for music purposes. Or at least far superior to my low priced chromebook I've been using all throughout the Covid pandemic which has been extremely challenging to play music with other musicians. I know it's still going to be challenging to play in real time, because of the connectivity variances, but at least I should be able to hear others when I'm playing and be heard better. Saw a deal with the Samsung Galaxy and the features seem very appealing.

I'll be wiping this chromebook clean and giving it to a neighbor who only wants to play poker and other games. But I'll see about how to possibly extend the life of this one beyond support dates, with the caveat that she should upgrade after familiarizing with this one.

One thing I failed to learn before making the purchase of the Galaxy is whether there have been any improvements on file management functionality. I've been so accustomed to the right side/left side click for performing basic tasks, such as insert, delete, rename, cut and paste, etc. Cut and paste I use key commands, but I don't know what those key commands are with other tasks.

It seems as though chromebook users are expected to know how use key commands for even basic stuff. I think. I don't have the skill set at my fingertips to know for certain. I'm curious if all chromebooks function similarly.

Thanks for your input, it's so great to be able to rely on this community for advise and counsel.

[teach1st]

5. I saw the Galaxy model today

I was looking to get a new Chromebook for my mom. The Galaxy looks pretty good. I would have settled for it, but she needs a larger screen.

My Chromebook has most of the file-management capabilities as Windows (and all of the ones I need) using a mouse right-click. If you're mouse-less, you can hold down the ALT key and tap once on the touchpad to get the file-management options.

[msfiddlestix]

6. omg. never occurred to me it would be that simple. Thanks for the tip.

I don't have a mouse. at least not with this one. I have no idea if the galaxy 2 will have one. Delivery eta is on thursday, I'll see then.

I ordered directly from samsung. Yeah the screen is smaller than my old pc laptop but I like the portability of this one. it's light weight and the specs on the galaxy is just about the same. I do have vision issues, and had to create enlarged cursor with this chromebook as it was practically invisible to my eye. It's kind of weird. I didn't need that on my pc.

[teach1st]

7. If objects and text are too small on a Chromebook

I make sure I change the screen resolution for my mom, who is over 90. After cataract surgery, I had to do it for myself for a week.

Options > Device > Displays > There's a slide to change the resolution (makes items on your screen smaller or larger).

[msfiddlestix]

8. you have helped me greatly today. thanks so much!

[krispos42]

10. I picked up an Acer 713 over the weekend

$100 off at Best Buy.

Full sized keyboard, which folds back so I can use it as a giant tablet.

Obviously, I've barely started using it yet but support is supposed to go until 2029.

8 gigs of RAM, 128 gig SSD. One USB 3.0 port, two charging ports (USB-C), HDMI port, and a headphone jack.

Seems pretty nice.

[msfiddlestix]

12. Wow! Was that a sale price? Nice specs too for the price no matter.

One of the things that sold me on the Galaxy 2 is the promise of superior sound output and input, as I am involved with a number of zoom music sessions/workshops/concerts.

The experience has been sort of fraught with distortion issues if I try to increase the volume levels of both internal mic and speakers. Have to keep those so low in order to avoid the distortions, which does not make for a very useful session. So I was seduced by the bells and whistles.

I'll get a 15 day return policy. If I'm not totally wowed I'll send it back and take a look at the Acer. Maybe I should pick one up anyway. hmm.

[krispos42]

13. It was... $529, I think, with the $100 off.

I'm not primarily concerned with the sound. The speakers seen a bit on the quiet side but I have no idea how it sounds on Bluetooth or with the headphone jack.

[msfiddlestix]

14. Oh, I misread your post and thought you meant it was on sale for $100

Last edited Tue Mar 16, 2021, 08:11 AM - Edit history (1)

... so at about $429 + tax out the door? Still sounds good.

I'm planning on searching for the same today before my Galaxy arrives via Fed Ex... downloading big mp4 files speeds and the sound input/output for Zoom and other online live music interfacing platforms is a factor for me as well as life of the OS life support.

the Galaxy chromebook 2 was listed at something just under $800 (I think at about $784) but offered at $549 + plus tax = $600 ..

I need to refer to the specs and compare the Acer with the Galaxy.

Very grateful for your experience.

Edit Update:

I just made the comparison between the two. The specs on the Galaxy I ordered has Processor, 64GB, 4GB RAM. There is another same model with 128 GB and 8GB RAM for an additional $100 or so. I opted for the less expensive.

[krispos42]

15. Argh, I'm being unclear! Sorry, sorry...

It was normally $629. I got it for $529 because it's on sale with a $100 discount.

I used it for a couple of hours last night and it seems to be working well. Only thing it doesn't have is a "Del" key.

[msfiddlestix]

16. No worries, I didn't read carefully

The absence of the delete does suck. I've resorted to using the backspace key which is inconvenient. I believe there are key commands for each of these tasks, like insert, delete. But I've been too lazy to either look it up and when I do, i don't commit to memory. That's obviously something I have to attend to. One of these days.

[Elwood P Dowd]

17. I think the shortcut for delete is alt plus backspace. (nt)