This is my first experience with a Chromebook and the the whole Google based system, so I have been looking forward to learning just what is better with a Chromebook and what isn't so good. My impressions so far:
Out of the box, except for the charging unit, it was impossible to tell this was a refurbished computer. Basically it looks new. Upon lifting the lid, the screen activated and immediately displayed the background. It was simple to enter my router passcode and within seconds I was online with Chrome browser! Peformance-wise, this thing is lightening fast upon initial browsing, but does show some lag after having a few dozen websites under its belt. It certainly performs very well on YouTube - as one would expect, and for what most computer users "use" a computer for these days, I'd say it's every bit the equal of any other type.
Having a rather small, 16GB SSD HDD, it the intent is to take advantage of Google's amazing array of cloud storage options, all of which I've already been using on my iMac and HP laptop. Personally, I'm a BIG FAN of the concept of online storage where data can be accessed from any point in the world by simply logging into one's account. In fact, while I was pondering downloading the HP software for printer setup, I realized there is no need since my HP printer has an email address...simply email the document to be printed and out it comes...from anywhere on Earth! So this is certainly the way forward and what I wanted to learn from a Chromebook is whether it's viable, or clunky and unreliable. Well, from what I can tell, cloud storage and usage beats storing gigabytes of data on a local drive with all the cost and headache that goes into maintaining backups to save the data WHEN the hard drive/storage solution fails.
Another thing I like...this thing is LIGHT...and thin. It's large considering it's a 15.6" screen, but I feel a great comfort knowing there are no moving mechanical parts inside to bump and grind against one another if I need to pick it up and walk around! Another reason for having SSD instead of a classic platter hard-drive that is guaranteed to fail right about the time you haven't backed it up in awhile.
Okay, so the downside....must be one right? I guess the downside is that it can't run all the myriad of Window's based programs and games, and basically nobody is making versions of said games specifically for Chromebook. For example, one cannot run GTA-V on Chrome...but then, here comes the shocking surprise, Goggle's chrome OS is basically LINUX! Naturally there are all sorts of instructibles on the internet as well as videos, showing one how to create a "side-by-side" Chrome/Linux operating system, thus allowing the use of the massive universe of Linux programs, including Window's emulators that will allow one to run GTA-! Okay...well, with THAT little tidbit of knowledge about the chrome OS, I'm a total convert! EVERY Windows computer I own has a Linux partition with dual boot capability, so the ability to do the same with chrome, only make it a simple hot-key swap is pretty sweet!
As for local storage....naturally one can hook up to a massive, stationary hard drive to store data locally, or use a much smaller external drive, or even SSD external drive, or flash card...which means a LOT of date stored on highly secure and reliable media!
I was thinking when I purchased this model I should have gotten about five....now I'm thinking I'll do that.
As for reliability...well, I've only had it a few days...it's a refurbished unit, and I'm sure my wife will enjoy telling me how stupid it was to save $400 on a Chromebook it if happens to have a problem in the next few months, and we'll see how that goes. One of the reasons I buy from Amazon is the immediate support!
This is an excellent buy...I just hope nobody else takes the chance on it before I can snatch up a few more!
UPDATE:
I liked this Chromebook so much I bought a second for my other son! And, I'm about to buy ANOTHER for my daughter to use in school!
Why? Simple...PRICE-VALUE! For the money, both of the units I have purchased have come looking virtually brand new, and function as brand new. Playing with the Chromebook got me serious about exploring Google's spate of online productivity tools and now I'm a convert.
This model is extremely light and thin with outstanding battery life. I spent an entire day with one and only managed to use up half the battery. No these are not suitable for those seeking a "gaming machine" but then they cost about 1/10th of what such a computer costs, yet are perfect for SCHOOL work!
For those who think they must have a Windows system for College work in order to have APA Perrla, think again...all that is now ONLINE and can be accessed ONLINE just as Google's documents program! So there really is ZERO need for a monster hard drive for a school oriented machine.
Another thing this Chromebook does just fine is "cruise the internet." One can watch Youtube videos all day long with no problem, browse web pages and frequent forums.
For those who want more local storage...fine, pop in a thumb drive to hold all those photos and home videos!
All-in-all, these little gems are the "real steal" in every possible way. Thankfully there are plenty of status conscious, "early adopters" who pay the "new" price so the rest of us can pay the "refurbished" price. Again, this thing is 100% solid-state which means zero moving parts....pretty rugged unless one is deliberately trying to smash it.
| Standing screen display size | 15.6 Inches |
|---|---|
| Screen Resolution | 1366 x 768 pixels |
| Processor | 1.6 GHz |
| RAM | 2 GB |
| Hard Drive | 16 GB SSD |
| Graphics Coprocessor | Intel HD Graphics 400 |
| Chipset Brand | Intel |
| Card Description | Integrated |
| Wireless Type | Bluetooth |
| Average Battery Life (in hours) | 12 Hours |
