What kind of Chromebook makes the most sense for me?

[GanChan]

I generally like using Chromebooks and the concept of cloud computing, but my ancient 2013 Samsung Chromebook makes it a chore. It doesn't like to establish a Wi-Fi connection with some of my favorite haunts (such as Barnes & Noble) at all, and it's extremely laggy on others. So I guess I need something more up to date. I'm looking for a good mix of the following features:

Cheap
Decent keyboard (I'm a writer)
Reasonably good connectivity and processing speed

Memory/drive size isn't that big a deal; I can always add a USB drive.

Do you have a favorite Chromebook machine in your life, and it does have any of the above qualities?

 

[velocityg4]

Do you especially like Chrome OS? Once you start asking for a Chromebook with good processing power. Windows laptops become price competitive if not cheaper. Plus there are many more options. If you don't like Windows. You can run many flavors of Linux. You could also run Chromium OS or Neverware Cloudready. Chrome OS, Chromium OS and Cloudready are all built off Chromium. They are similar but won't be the exactly the same as Chrome OS.

 

[macgeek18]

I run a Samsung Chromebook Plus. A lot of bang for the buck for $400. It does everything I need and even runs all my linux apps well. It has a fabulous keyboard as well. I think you would like it.

 

[derekamoss]

I am asking this honestly. What is the appeal to a Chromebook over a cheap windows Laptop? The only actual usage I have had with one was one that was gifted to my tech illiterate sister who only knows a computer as a thing that can browse the web and do college homework with using Word PowerPoint and excel(which she pretty much only knows how to open by the huge desktop icons I put in place. She tried using it and didn't have a clue on what the heck was going on till I explained it to her.

 

[sracer]

I am asking this honestly. What is the appeal to a Chromebook over a cheap windows Laptop? The only actual usage I have had with one was one that was gifted to my tech illiterate sister who only knows a computer as a thing that can browse the web and do college homework with using Word PowerPoint and excel(which she pretty much only knows how to open by the huge desktop icons I put in place. She tried using it and didn't have a clue on what the heck was going on till I explained it to her.

People are drawn to chromebooks for different reasons, so the responses will reflect that.

I have a wide variety of tablets, 2-in-1s, laptops, and desktops running Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux, and Chrome OS (on their respective devices)

I find chromebooks appealing. I have an Acer Chromebook 14 - very Macbook Air-ish in look and feel and a Google Pixelbook. Here are my reasons:

1. great performance for the price (I got the PB for $475 new, Acer was $250)
2. cold boot times are 2-3 seconds.
3. battery life is excellent (10+ hours easily on each)
4. Unlike Android tablets and iPads, chromebooks have the desktop version of Chrome browser (supporting plug-ins, etc.)
5. Installing and uninstalling apps is a clean process, no remnants that build up over time
6. OS updates are infrequent, completely controlled by the user, and quick
7. All settings are synced to the cloud so I can pick up any chromebook, log in, and have a familiar configuration, wallpaper, and apps
8. I can easily PowerWash (reset to factory) and have it resync/download settings and apps to start fresh

I like the seamless way I can use Google Docs (online or offline), web version of MS Office (for free), and web version of Apple's iWork.

There are limitations however. I haven't found printing to be particularly reliable. And if there are particular apps that one needs, they may not be available for Chrome OS, Android, (or Windows that can run reliably in CrossOver)

Over in the Pixelbook thread, I posted a bunch of tips and tricks to help make a chromebook look and feel like a more traditional laptop. Not everything needs to look like it is running in a browser tab.