Electronics

[Ainhisg]

I am considering purchasing a Chromebook during the upcoming Black Friday sales.  @SilleeMee and anyone else who would care to comment, what is your opinion of Chromebooks and what recommendations for brands/what to look for do you have for me?  I have looked back at old threads but thought I would get more current info by starting a new one.  I have also read reviews on CNET, Tom's Guide, PC Mag and so forth but would like to read average users' opinions.  TIA!

[SilleeMee]

@Ainhisg 

Seriously consider a CB PLUS . You can google the differences between a regular CB vs a CB PLUS and see for yourself. I've used both kinds and the differences are unmatched. The PLUS devices are better hands down.

I'm using this top-rated Acer Chromebook Plus. If you want to take a look at it on amazon then copy this:

Acer Chromebook Plus 514 Laptop with Google AI – 14" Full HD 1920 x 1080 IPS Touch Display | Intel Core i3-N305 | 8GB LPDDR5 | 128GB SSD | Wi-Fi 6E | FHD Camera | Chrome OS | CB514-4HT-375Z

[Ainhisg]

@SilleeMee thank you.  Do you use the touch display a lot?  Costco has a similar model with similar specs for $265 including shipping, but it does not have the touch display.  Have you been happy using Chromebooks?  

[jackthebear]

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@Ainhisg wrote:

@SilleeMee thank you.  Do you use the touch display a lot?  Costco has a similar model with similar specs for $265 including shipping, but it does not have the touch display.  Have you been happy using Chromebooks?  

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I have not used a chromebook, but the ergonomics of the touchscreen are not good; you would be reaching constantly

i can't reach my screen sitting here on the couch 
just a thought

[SilleeMee]

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@Ainhisg wrote:

@SilleeMee thank you.  Do you use the touch display a lot?  Costco has a similar model with similar specs for $265 including shipping, but it does not have the touch display.  Have you been happy using Chromebooks?  

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@Ainhisg 

Yes. I use the touchscreen sometimes. I wanted a touchscreen device b/c sometimes it comes in handy for me. Makes for a more enjoyable interactive experience but really I could live w/o it. Not sure if I'd miss though b/c all of my laptops have had touchscreens.

I'm super happy with my CB Plus. It's the best one so far and I have owned three CBs, all Acer. I use my CB 90% of the time with the other 10% on my PC desktop (HP All-in-One).

[Tinkrbl44]

Isn't a chromebook basically a laptop computer? 🤔

[SilleeMee]

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@Tinkrbl44 wrote:
Isn't a chromebook basically a laptop computer? 🤔

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@Tinkrbl44 

No. Not the same.

[gardenman]

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@Tinkrbl44 wrote:
Isn't a chromebook basically a laptop computer? 🤔

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Yes and no. It looks like one and more or less performs like one, but it doesn't use Windows or MAC OS. Because it doesn't have a lot of the "stuff" the other operating systems have, a Chromebook doesn't need "state-of-the-art" processors or hardware keeping the cost lower. 

A Chromebook is great for browsing the web, some word processing, YouTube watching, etc. Not great if you're into high-end videogaming, or complex calculations/simulations. For probably 90% of the population, a Chromebook is fine for what they use a computer for. 

[Sunshine Kate]

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@gardenman wrote:

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@Tinkrbl44 wrote:
Isn't a chromebook basically a laptop computer? 🤔

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Yes and no. It looks like one and more or less performs like one, but it doesn't use Windows or MAC OS. Because it doesn't have a lot of the "stuff" the other operating systems have, a Chromebook doesn't need "state-of-the-art" processors or hardware keeping the cost lower. 

A Chromebook is great for browsing the web, some word processing, YouTube watching, etc. Not great if you're into high-end videogaming, or complex calculations/simulations. For probably 90% of the population, a Chromebook is fine for what they use a computer for. 

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Does Chromebook come with free Word and Excel?  TIA

[on the bay]

Hi @gardenman, @SilleeMee,

The only thing I don't like about my chromebook (I've had them for years), is that some websites or is it their "software" that is not compatible with a chromebook. It is getting better than a few years ago as many companies are adjusting to having software that works. with it.

I watched a video that says the hardware and software in the chrombook plus works seamlessly with apps or something like that.

So does this fix a lot of the frustration with being able to do well on some sites? 

@SilleeMee,

You said you didn't have a problem with that pop-up and you are on a chromebook (plus)? I wonder if it's because you are on the plus?

For me, the only reason a chromebook plus would be worth it is if it was able to bypass these problems with some websites. I've had some companies tell me, especially several years ago, that they are not set up to work with a chromebook!

Everything else that a plus does, I don't use or even understand what they are anyway.

What do you think? Thanks, and keep in mind I don't know what most things mean like calculations, 

or so many terms. I don't do word processing (not even sure what or where that is) or games or anything. Just very basic things. 

eta-QVC isn't a good example to use re the pop-up I realize because most people on every device have had problems with this website.