Chromebook?

[onetime]

Does anyone use a Chromebook, and if so, do you recommend?

My laptop finally died, and I'm reading a ton about issues w/ Windows 8- based units.    I'm looking for something for simple web-surfing and basic Word/PP/Excel- type functions.  The price of the Chromebook makes it hard not to consider.   Thanks

[Coleman]

If you are fine sticking to a browser and google docs, go for it. Its not a bad option, but remember, you have to be connected to the internet to use it, and no MS Office.


Also, I second the Windows 8 issues. Its definitely a learning curve, and for the first time i can remember I don't want a new work computer, I'd rather stick with Windows 7. But it looks like I'll be getting a new one in the next month or two.

[mu_hilltopper]

Could you expand on what you think are "issues w/Windows 8 based units"?

Other than the odd touchscreen-oriented interface, Windows 8 is solid.  And you can roughly disable the "Metro" interface, especially with Win 8.1.

I use Win8 exclusively, and NEVER see the Metro interface.  Looks just like Win7 to me.

[forgetful]

If you are remotely computer savvy get a laptop and put linux on it.  You can actually buy linux laptops preconfigured now also.

[Coleman]

Could you expand on what you think are "issues w/Windows 8 based units"?

Other than the odd touchscreen-oriented interface, Windows 8 is solid.  And you can roughly disable the "Metro" interface, especially with Win 8.1.

I use Win8 exclusively, and NEVER see the Metro interface.  Looks just like Win7 to me.

Minus the start button, no?

I'll admit I do not own a Windows 8 machine, but everytime I've used one, I wasn't exactly excited to upgrade.

[mueron]

I own a chromebook and it is used a lot in my house (also own a windows laptop but its extremely slow). Here's my list of pros and cons

pros: fast bootup, seemless setup, good integration with google web apps (drive, music, keep, hangouts, docs etc), automatic fast updates, no virus worries, gets the job done for 99 percent of what I need including improved offline productivity, seemless built in web chatting, cheap cheap cheap!

cons: need a google cloud print capable wireless printer, file management is less than stellar, can't install itunes (apple really needs to make this available via web), google docs are no microsoft office. You'll miss office.

That being said the only time we fire up the old laptop is when we sync my wifes ipod touch and when I do my taxes.

[brandx]

If you are remotely computer savvy get a laptop and put linux on it.  You can actually buy linux laptops preconfigured now also.

And throw Open Office on it. It's free and very similar to MS Office and compatible with it if you send or receive files. Plus there are thousands of other free apps you can install for just about any purpose.