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But if you want Linux, surely there are easier/more cost-effective ways to go about it.

The basic Acer C7 11.6" Chromebook lists for $200. How many more "cost-effective" laptops can you name that sell for that price or less, new?

But for that matter, Google Chrome OS (used on its Chromebooks) is a Linux-based operating system -- Chromebooks run a monolithic Linux kernel, patched to improve boot performance. So for example, by using Crouton (Chromium OS Universal Chroot Environment*), you can install a full Linux desktop alongside Chrome OS, and switch between the two (via a hotkey), with no rebooting necessary.

* What's a chroot?

Like virtualization, chroots provide the guest OS with their own, segregated file system to run in, allowing applications to run in a different binary environment from the host OS. Unlike virtualization, you are not booting a second OS; instead, the guest OS is running using the Chromium OS system. The benefit to this is that there is zero speed penalty since everything is run natively, and you aren't wasting RAM to boot two OSes at the same time. The downside is that you must be running the correct chroot for your hardware, the software must be compatible with Chromium OS's kernel, and machine resources are inextricably tied between the host Chromium OS and the guest OS. What this means is that while the chroot cannot directly access files outside of its view, it can access all of your hardware devices, including the entire contents of memory. A root exploit in your guest OS will essentially have unfettered access to the rest of Chromium OS.
 
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Besides the longer charge time, I've also read everywhere that if you use chargers with less amp output than the original, there's a risk of overheating.

Does anyone know where I can find a single port USB wall adapter that has 3.0 amps OR higher?

I've been looking forever!

Many/most of the little power adapters >1 amp do tend to get a little warm, but getting a little warm shouldn't necessarily be a cause of concern. "Overheating" is something different, and it really shouldn't happen with a well-designed adapter. But unless you measured the actual temperature of the adapter the difference between a little warm and borderline "overheating" is subjective.

Amazon has this single-port USB 5v 3a power adapter. However, I'm going to guess it too probably gets a little warm...

Have you contacted HP about your original power supply? Getting a "little warm" might be normal. HP used to have an online support forum. Not sure if it still exists but if so, you might want to check there. I think that Google also maintains a Chromebook support forum...
 
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I have a friend that owns one, she likes it besides not being able to sync her phone and have apps like Microsoft Office, it fits her well, why spend money on a computer that does stuff you dont need it to do?
 
The basic Acer C7 11.6" Chromebook lists for $200. How many more "cost-effective" laptops can you name that sell for that price or less, new?

I just ordered an ASUS Vivobook X200ca-db02 for $200. It has Linux preinstalled.:) I was considering the Acer C7 (was gonna install Linux on it). I fretted over the lack of RAM upgrade on the ASUS, but it really didn't matter as much after a bit of hard thinking. The ASUS has 2GB soldered on, the C7 has 2 slots. You can have 16GB of RAM on the C7.:eek: How awesome is that?:cool::cool::cool:

But for that matter, Google Chrome OS (used on its Chromebooks) is a Linux-based operating system -- Chromebooks run a monolithic Linux kernel, patched to improve boot performance. So for example, by using Crouton (Chromium OS Universal Chroot Environment*), you can install a full Linux desktop alongside Chrome OS, and switch between the two (via a hotkey), with no rebooting necessary.

I played with the C7 at the local shop. ChromeOS isn't half as bad as so many reviews make it out to be. Sure it's lacking (that's why some folks go full Linux), but it's quite fast. The UI isn't bad.

Windows 8's Metro; THAT'S a bad UI. I spent 5 minutes playing with a Windows 8 machine that was next to the Chromebook. I had the urge to smash it with a humorously over-sized mallet. I can honestly say Metro is the worst user interface EVER!:mad: You can't get jack done with that piece of rubbish as a guest. I supposed once you've customized it to fit your needs, but why would I want a UI made for the limitations of a phone/tablet on my computer?:rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:
 
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