Google Chrome OS/Laptop

[MaHoTex]

Oh CalGuns purveyors of great knowledge, what say thee about Chrome OS?

My mother has been using an old netbook that is not working any longer. It is/was using Windows 7. I have been looking to find an inexpensive laptop to replace her old netbook and it seems the most inexpensive laptops are running
Chrome OS.

Is the transition from a Windows based OS to Chrome OS simple for a computer illiterate person? Also, from a maintenance perspective, is it simple for a Windows person to handle the daily maintenance/network setup etc?

All she uses the netbook for is Email, web browsing, Facebook etc.

We all know that you ALWAYS go to a gun forum for your techie type questions!

[CTallerico]

Theyre perfect for web and email. Supper fast....easy to use.

[the86d]

If you want fast, and efficient, but don't need compatibility with anything but Internet access stay away from Windows.
The main problem is maybe (proprietary software needs or) printing and dropping pictures off with HP software that people get used to.
If the OS get's whacked, do you know how to pull the files off of EXT3 or other filesystem? Do you have adapters for the SSD (or is the SSD onboard that cannot be removed)?

The one I got my hands on recently was really fast, as are most things that don't carry M$ logos.

You shouldn't need an i5-i7 to do basic crap on the Internet.

THAT OR an Android tablet (maybe a keyboard too?)...

(For the iPhruity fans that will comment: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0w3...lpage#t=44m32s )

Picture storage would be my biggest concern if I switched my parents to something else.

[Iknownot]

If you don't mind being tied into the google-verse, they are a great value.

That being said though, regular win 8 laptops often go on sale for only a little more money at this point, and you end up with more options for usage, even if you are just planning on doing email and web.

So it's a hard call, but I'd personally wait for a deal on a basic lap top. Then you get google tools and chrome and such (if that's what you want) and anything Win related you may also want to use.

[MaHoTex]

If you don't mind being tied into the google-verse, they are a great value.

That being said though, regular win 8 laptops often go on sale for only a little more money at this point, and you end up with more options for usage, even if you are just planning on doing email and web.

So it's a hard call, but I'd personally wait for a deal on a basic lap top. Then you get google tools and chrome and such (if that's what you want) and anything Win related you may also want to use.

That is the way I am leaning is to pick up some low end entry laptop for her to use. They have a desktop already, but she has mobility issues and sitting at the desk is not the best solution.

I had even considered connecting a desktop PC to the HDMI port on the TV and have her use wireless mouse and keyboard.

[lolkopter]

be fore warned

http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/chromebook-week-of-hell/

[MaHoTex]

^^^ Basically this article confirms what I was thinking anyway after a lot of reading on the subject last night.

[Montu]

Anything will work for basic internet usage...why not just pick up a old referb machine like this one

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834313598

it has more than enough in it for basic usage..you could even go down to older machines with core 2 duo's for about 100 less

[B.A.]

http://youtu.be/-y2mqoDjQXI

[klewan]

Check out the Fry's ad, they regularly have laptops under $300. When I bought my Lenovo 3 months ago, I checked all the big sites; BB, WM, Amazon. Fry's had the best selection and prices...They were selling Lenovo's new cheaper than the Lenovo site was selling refurbs..

[the86d]

http://youtu.be/-y2mqoDjQXI

Hahaha!!! "A traditional PC utilizes built-in applications like Office and iTunes".
Apparently still playing on the ignorant, even for a M$ commercial.

(Now let's talk about IE... being the slowest and most unusable browser ever... when typing in the address the address resets and I have to start typing the addy-all over again.)

Google can't track much-of-crap (well tie in main and surfing accounts) if you use a different account per browser, but you may be more limited in selection of browsers on a Chromebook.

[rjpsb1]

I love it when people warn about vendor tie-in/lock-in and then recommend microsoft.