Scroogled

[EphesiaNZ]

Love this anti-chromebook ad

Want laptop value? Know what to look for. (EXTENDED VERSION) - YouTube

Would be even funnier if Microsoft's Surface 2 didn't overheat badly and that their RT OS is so bad that even Microsoft are thinking of killing it.

I'm afraid folks that a Surface RT will get you a ticket to nowhere. But, I guess its a great way to offload a load of unsold stock before it gets canned.

If I was Microsoft and saw that Android devices (ie chromebook) accounted for 81% of the total sales for mobile devices in the last quarter I think I might be desperate enough to do a marketing campaign like that.

 

[MrJim]

 

[paul1149]

The funny thing is chromebooks are going at a premium in the used market. Not sure why that is, with limited functionality and the OS being free. Seems like the power of advertising and image cache in action.

 

[EphesiaNZ]

The funny thing is chromebooks are going at a premium in the used market. Not sure why that is, with limited functionality and the OS being free.

Well I guess to some extent that argument applies to the iPad's and MacBooks too as the core OS is essentially free (FreeBSD/Darwin). Is it limited functionality or built for a limited function?

Even the cheapest Acer Chromebook ($199) has decent wifi and as most people are going web based for what they do daily then its all most people will need - this seems to be the magic formula and is common sense too. If you need 3/4G then the higher specced Chromebooks may do nicely.

I hear the schools in the US are buying up big time. Again, why spend $600-700 when you can spend $200-300 per device and get pretty much the same educational result.

 

[paul1149]

I've never actually used one, so I don't know how limited they might be. I'm leery of limited ecosystems where I can't use the progs I'm used to. But I'm sure given time that will no longer be the case, the way things are going.

 

[EphesiaNZ]

I'm leery of limited ecosystems where I can't use the progs I'm used to.

Limited ecosystems suit limited users. Most of us email, web browse and write the odd document. If I write a letter, say in MS Word, then I could still do that in Office 4.3 from 20 years ago! How many of us really use the whiz bang features found in Office 2013? I guess MS Word from Office 4.3 would be classed as a limited ecosystem these days.

But I'm sure given time that will no longer be the case, the way things are going.

Us "oldies" don't do change well but look at your average kid today, probably growing up with an Android based phone, whats their laptop going to be running when it comes to using one? Actually, nobody does change well, even a kid! An young Android phone user may progress to a Chromebook because it looks and feels the same as their phone.

 

[paul1149]

That's a good point about the android-chromebook tie-in. But MS Office's superiority remains a holdout IMO. I use the macros, table of contents, autocorrect, and other features daily. The nearest alternative doesn't come close. I'm talking about office '03-'10. I know nothing about '13.

I was in Staples today and played with some tablets. I don't like the tablet's open-faced architecture, but the intuitive swiping is intoxicating. I can see how once you get used to it everything else would seem stiltedly "mechanical". That's a trend that won't be beat.

 

[Vince53]

Excellent commercial. A Chromebook, is, essentially, an internet browser and little more.

 

[EphesiaNZ]

A Chromebook, is, essentially, an internet browser and little more.

Indeed, just like a laptop or desktop is to 90% of users but a Chromebook is about half the cost. You seem to have missed the subtle point.

 

[Vince53]

Another thing I should point out is that tablets and Chromebooks CANNOT use DSL. You must have a wireless connection.

 

[EphesiaNZ]

Another thing I should point out is that tablets and Chromebooks CANNOT use DSL. You must have a wireless connection.

Hmm, you're not working for Microsoft are you, as you seem to be spreading FUD

DSL is independent of a wired or wireless connection. DSL happens between your router/modem and your ISP. How you connect to your home router/modem is your choice.

Hmm, no ethernet ports on a Chromebook - this has one!

Also on the cheap Chromebooks that don't have an ethernet ports, there would be nothing to stop you adding a USB ethernet adapter if you wanted to connect via a LAN.

Again, I think you miss the point that this is built for todays mobile generation, which (for some) have never used an ethernet cable and maybe never will.

 

[EphesiaNZ]

Just thought I'd post this article about running Ubuntu on this very cheap Acer Chromebook. Looks like a killer combo for $199 if you don't want to run Chrome OS.

 

[MrJim]

Just thought I'd post this article about running Ubuntu on this very cheap Acer Chromebook. Looks like a killer combo for $199 if you don't want to run Chrome OS.

Mmmm now there's a cool idea~maybe Mint instead but still...

 

[EphesiaNZ]

Looks like the Chromebook is on a roll,

Here's Why Microsoft Is Worried About Google Chromebooks - Forbes

 

[paul1149]

Very impressive.

 

[KarateCowboy]

Buy chromebook, install linux