i read comment about one of these devices that supposedly had incredible specs for the money

but i forgot to save it and cant find it

thanks all for the help!!

  • mommykink@lemmy.world
    12·
    1 year ago

    This isn’t necessarily what you want to hear but why are you getting a Chromebook? I’m assuming it’s required for your school, in which case I’d get the cheapest one you can live with

    • Rhynoplaz@lemmy.world
      164·
      1 year ago

      This may be obvious to some, but for everyone else: A Chromebook is not a computer. It’s a giant Android phone. Unless all your problems could be solved by a bigger screen and keyboard for your phone, do not buy a Chromebook.

      • DeconceptualistEnglish
        102·
        1 year ago

        C’mon, it’s still a computer. It does exactly what most non-technical people need a computer to do. If all your tasks can be done in a web browser, it’s even kinda good at that. I worked exclusively in ChromeOS for more than 8 years and it was a pretty Mac-ish “no fuss, just works” experience.

        That said, I myself would never buy one for personal use that doesn’t have Linux firmware. That will give a longer life and the other capabilities you probably have in mind.

        • Rhynoplaz@lemmy.world
          74·
          1 year ago

          Technically my car is a computer, but that doesn’t mean I’ll recommend a Toyota Camry to anyone asking about what “computer” to buy.

          • DeconceptualistEnglish
            41·
            1 year ago

            lol, I get what you’re saying, but you’ve stretched the analogy well past its breaking point.

            Maybe ask yourself, what does a typical student or healthcare staffer need day-to-day that a Chromebook doesn’t provide? Schools and hospitals are some of the biggest purchasers. I don’t think their CTOs would buy your argument.

      • barfplanet@lemmy.world
        2·
        1 year ago

        What’s your definition of a computer? Chromebooks might not be your preferred computer, but they meet every definition of computer that I’m aware of, and I know plenty of people who love them. I know at least two people who run a business from them. They’re not for me, but they’re great for others.

        • Rhynoplaz@lemmy.world
          21·
          1 year ago

          A tomato meets every definition of a fruit, but if someone says, “Pick up some fruit from the store”, are they going to be happy when you bring back tomatoes?

          They’re great for people who want a giant phone.

      • sky@codesink.ioEnglish
        32·
        1 year ago

        You can run any Linux application on them… Not a computer though.

      • be_excellent_to_each_other@kbin.social
        21·
        1 year ago

        If you are looking for a cheap small laptop with good Linux compatibility and decent specs, I certainly support your search for a chromebook to use as a platform.

        However, I am typing this from a refurb Lenovo X380 which was 1200+ when new a few years back, but which I picked up for around 200 bucks a year-ish ago. I have manjaro on it, and it’s flawless. Comfy keyboard, pretty good specs, great looking 1080p display.

        I liked it so much I talked my mom into getting one when she was on a similar quest recently. She lives too far away for me to push her out of her comfort zone, so she’s running Windows on it, but even with Win10 it’s a pretty good performer for typical tasks.

        I love the darn thing - apologies if I’ve misread your goal though.

        They now have the 16GB model avail for about what I paid for the 8GB model. (And the seller I bought the 8GB model from is charging more for it than for this 16GB model, oddly)

        https://www.amazon.com/ThinkPad-X380-Yoga-1920x1080-Touchscreen/dp/B07MXQXZKP

  • jws_shadotak@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
    6·
    1 year ago

    A used one in your area, so long as it’s newer (2021+)

    I would recommend using Linux on it instead of ChromeOS, if you’re a little more technically inclined. ChromeOS is fine but it limits you to just the Google ecosystem whereas Linux allows you to do things with it like a normal computer.

    I took an old (2017?) model and put a super lightweight Linux distro on it and use it as a little administrator device. It’s got good battery and acceptable processor speed, but it’s severely limited by CPU cooling and storage.