Are chromebooks worthwhile ?

[goingbush]

I switched from Windows computers to Apple computers about 20 years ago , I still run an old Panasonic tough book on Windows XP (never hook it up to internet and keep turning it clock back to keep software happy) for my truck diagnostics .

I used to be really happy with MacBooks but the latest crop of them - not so much. I spilled a coffee near my wifes 2 yo MacBook Air (wont power on) and AppleCare said they want $800 to repair it & cant guarantee data recovery . So I bought a new one instead ($1400 -JB Hifi) & figured I'll remove the SSD & retrieve the data myself , bad idea the SSD is now built into the logic board. ( I've bought a new touch sensor - power button , hope that fixes it)

Now my less than 2yo MacBook Pro has developed flickering ,lines across the screen , its a hardware fault, probably a display cable (new display cable ordered) .

Point is these new MacBooks are not as robust as the older ones & your forced into new computers every 5 years because of software upgrades . Also I hate how MacBooks now do not have USB ports & have to use an adaptor. I'm not up for spending another $2000 on a computer I'm never going to be happy with.

So I'm thinking about a Google Chromebook for the daily email / facebook / photos type of thing .
They seem cheap enough , anybody have experience with them good / bad ???

[Tins]

So I'm thinking about a Google Chromebook for the daily email / facebook / photos type of thing .
They seem cheap enough , anybody have experience with them good / bad ???

Can't help with that, but can't imagine they'd be useless. I can say that I run 11yo iMac and MacBookPro on the very latest macOS without issues.

This is just me, but If I were in your shoes I'd get an  refurbished iPadPro.

[goingbush]

Can't help with that, but can't imagine they'd be useless. I can say that I run 11yo iMac and MacBookPro on the very latest macOS without issues.

This is just me, but If I were in your shoes I'd get an  refurbished iPadPro.

We have an iPad pro , I don't like it , also no USB ports, being a Mac person it's strange I prefer Android phones to iPhones which is why I'm thinking a Chromebook, the ones Ive looked at reviews on at least do have USB ports.

[Tins]

We have an iPad pro , I don't like it , also no USB ports, being a Mac person it's strange I prefer Android phones to iPhones which is why I'm thinking a Chromebook, the ones Ive looked at reviews on at least do have USB ports.

Fair enough, I get it.

[disco gazza]

I bought an 2014 macbook pro for $1100 a few months ago after my 17" windoze machine decided it didnt want to play ball with a new battery and cord.
It still works but unless its plugged in,it just goes to sleep. Still deciding whether its worthwhile sending it back to Perth where I bought it from so they can do some diagnostics on it or scrap it. Its a "Metabox (Clevo) " brand so not your normal run of the mill laptop brands. I have had it for 6 years so I've had a good run on it.

Dunno about chromebooks.... but then I hate all things to do with google.

Here is an interesting take on chromebook versus windoze laptops.
Chromebook vs. Windows Laptop: What's the Difference? (http://www.lifewire.com/chromebook-vs-windows-laptop-5080525)

cheers
DG

[goingbush]

I bought an 2014 macbook pro for $1100 a few months ago after my 17" windoze machine decided it didnt want to play ball with a new battery and cord.
It still works but unless its plugged in,it just goes to sleep. Still deciding whether its worthwhile sending it back to Perth where I bought it from so they can do some diagnostics on it or scrap it. Its a "Metabox (Clevo) " brand so not your normal run of the mill laptop brands. I have had it for 6 years so I've had a good run on it.

Dunno about chromebooks.... but then I hate all things to do with google.

Here is an interesting take on chromebook versus windoze laptops.
Chromebook vs. Windows Laptop: What's the Difference? (http://www.lifewire.com/chromebook-vs-windows-laptop-5080525)

cheers
DG

Thanks for that, I don't have a problem with google as have google Nest , ( cameras ) and google mesh and many google home devices so I guess a Google chromebook would integrate. I didn't realise you cant print from a chromebook , but theres a workaround . I guess having to be online is not such an issue for me as I have starlink on the truck & will have internet wherever we are ( if we ever go away anywhere again that is) . Only thing is I don't use any cloud services at the moment , I suppose that will need to change.

I might get one & see what its all about.

[disco gazza]

There definately cheap enough to try out,but not being able to load "outside apps/programs " doesnt appeal to me.

Good luck with it and please let us know how you go with it.

cheers
DG

[LRJim]

I have one that's about 2 years old now and thought it would be a good middle ground between phone and desktop, but in all honesty I find the O/S a PITA to use and I no longer use it.
I wanted it mainly for reading plans on but large PDFs struggled to load smoothly, I also struggled to write invoices etc. I was also disappointed that it wouldn't connect to PC via USB to transfer files, everything had to go through Google first.
Some positive things though are it's relatively comfortable to use as either a tablet or laptop, good enough hard drive space, large screen and has good battery life. They may have improved the O/S since but I'm not holding my breath that it's any better.
I am thinking of putting navionics on mine and dedicating it to the boats but am not sure if it will run it, I'll be happy if it does because it's a great unit apart from its O/S and lack of USB.

Cheers Jim

[shack]

Surface pro is the best I've come across... Bit exxy but they do everything.

[WhiteD3]

Surface pro is the best I've come across... Bit exxy but they do everything.

Me too. Had two Go's prior to the Pro. Fast, works well but is heavy (compared to SWMBO's Ipad) and big bucks. Not that the iPad was cheap.

I use it as an ebook reader at home and on site for plans and drawings, and as my diary using OneNote.

[JDNSW]

The main issue with chromebooks is that they are almost useless without internet, as they are intended to use almost all cloud software.

But -
How to enable Linux on your Chromebook (and why you should) | ZDNET (https://www.zdnet.com/article/how-to-enable-linux-on-your-chromebook-and-why-you-should/)

[Tombie]

Surface pro is the best I've come across... Bit exxy but they do everything.

You're lucky then... We kill them regularly here (several in the business) they just do not last.. glitchy, then just stop working.

[Tins]

You're lucky then... We kill them regularly here (several in the business) they just do not last.. glitchy, then just stop working.

MS should stick to their knitting, and hardware ain't it. MS is a software company.

[shack]

You're lucky then... We kill them regularly here (several in the business) they just do not last.. glitchy, then just stop working.Happy to be so!

I've got mates with them as well, everyone loves them, only issue I've come across has been the expanding battery scenario.

Mine hasn't done that, and I use it a lot, but I don't abuse it, i.e. leave it in a 50° car etc.

[350RRC]

The main issue with chromebooks is that they are almost useless without internet, as they are intended to use almost all cloud software.

......................

And then there is a potential issue with data use / allowance, and possibly the slight time delay when doing things, like simply writing a word file.

Been there with a MacBook and the correct version of office for it that wasn't fully functional as promoted. Drove me nuts...............but not for long.

David L