T101.10a - Google Chromebook and Chrome OS
9/8/2016 -- Wow. Just wow.
A Chromebook is a laptop with a Unix based operating system which is designed only to provide access to the internet via Chrome. You can't load software, and you should have little need for storage, as it's designed for cloud access only. I guess you could download movies and videos for local watching.
The initial chromebooks were all smaller laptops, but they are growing in size now. Apparently this year Acer finally launched a 15.5" laptop, which is the minimum needed for daily office use (IMO). We purchased one for the Acupuncture clinic and I was so pleased I ordered one for myself the following week.
In general it is awesome. I find the High Def monitor to be slightly hard on the eyes. I'm not sure if it's is the type of monitor to keep the price point down or something else, but in general, it is simply marvelous.
A Chromebook is a laptop with a Unix based operating system which is designed only to provide access to the internet via Chrome. You can't load software, and you should have little need for storage, as it's designed for cloud access only. I guess you could download movies and videos for local watching.
The initial chromebooks were all smaller laptops, but they are growing in size now. Apparently this year Acer finally launched a 15.5" laptop, which is the minimum needed for daily office use (IMO). We purchased one for the Acupuncture clinic and I was so pleased I ordered one for myself the following week.
In general it is awesome. I find the High Def monitor to be slightly hard on the eyes. I'm not sure if it's is the type of monitor to keep the price point down or something else, but in general, it is simply marvelous.
I bought the middle of the road machine for 249 -- with 4GB of Ram and 16GB hard drive and I feel like I made the right choice for my needs.
Below is more info on the two significant options.
Relevant options include:
From the review below it appears 4GB ram is truly the minimum for quick browsing and loading. Great demo but not sure what processors were in those machines nor if they were equal that does make a huge difference...
I personally purchased the unit with the 16GB solid state drive instead of the 32 as I just don't see myself storing stuff locally.
Below is more info on the two significant options.
Relevant options include:
- Ram: 2 GB or 4 GB
- HD Size: 16 GB or 32 GB
From the review below it appears 4GB ram is truly the minimum for quick browsing and loading. Great demo but not sure what processors were in those machines nor if they were equal that does make a huge difference...
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1dAnXkednM
I personally purchased the unit with the 16GB solid state drive instead of the 32 as I just don't see myself storing stuff locally.
External Monitor Setup
A Chromebook supports 2 external monitors!!
HDMI connector -- It has an HDMI connector. We bought an HDMI to VGA adapter and it worked well. The config for orientation is off the main setup menu in the lower right hand corner.
USB 3.0 Monitor -- Asus sells a 15.6" USB 3.0 portable monitor for $179 at Amazon Plug it in and it's a score! Great video here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NGQNX5SnbKw
USB type C Monitor -- There is also a USB Type C monitor available... but
The config for the extra monitors are from the menu on the lower right corner.
HDMI connector -- It has an HDMI connector. We bought an HDMI to VGA adapter and it worked well. The config for orientation is off the main setup menu in the lower right hand corner.
USB 3.0 Monitor -- Asus sells a 15.6" USB 3.0 portable monitor for $179 at Amazon Plug it in and it's a score! Great video here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NGQNX5SnbKw
USB type C Monitor -- There is also a USB Type C monitor available... but
The config for the extra monitors are from the menu on the lower right corner.
Screensaver
External Keyboard
Just plug in to USB port
External Mouse
We plugged a wireless Logitech in with multiple button and scroll and it just worked. I need to confirm the scroll works.
Printer Setup -- Google Cloud Print
You will need to use Google Cloud Printer Registration with your Gmail/Gsuite account and your networked printers to print. See those setup and config instructions under separate section labeled "Google Cloud Printing Registration".
Some configurations are harder than others. The nice part is others who have setup their printers can share their printers with you when you are on their network.
Some configurations are harder than others. The nice part is others who have setup their printers can share their printers with you when you are on their network.
Scanning
You will need to use a scan to cloud functionality or have it scanning and saving to some other machine on the network that has a synced GDrive. See other section on scan to cloud setups.
My Comments...
Mainframe Analogy -- Basically, with the cloud, we are returning to a mainframe type of technology, and we only need dumb client machines for accessing the mainframe. It's getting better by the minute...
Ipad vs Chromebook Analogy -- Chromebook and Chrome browser is to google that which Ipad and IOS is to apple.
Extending Functionality
Personal Win -- About 4 years ago when I headed back into programming I had a tough time figuring out where things were browser wise and javascript wise. After a few months, i decided Chrome was my browser of choice, I refused to use jquery, and I decided I'd use baseline javascript that would work on most browsers. Boy, am I glad I did that!
Ipad vs Chromebook Analogy -- Chromebook and Chrome browser is to google that which Ipad and IOS is to apple.
Extending Functionality
- External Monitor -- Chrome book supports a second monitor. (HDMI connector)
- External Keyboard -- Chromebook supports and external keyboard
- External Mouse -- Chromebook supports an external mouse
Personal Win -- About 4 years ago when I headed back into programming I had a tough time figuring out where things were browser wise and javascript wise. After a few months, i decided Chrome was my browser of choice, I refused to use jquery, and I decided I'd use baseline javascript that would work on most browsers. Boy, am I glad I did that!
Original stuff...
Chrome book as an option??
The Best of Chromebooks 2016
Connecting an External Monitor
Chromecast
Top Rated on Amazon
The Best of Chromebooks 2016
- http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2413071,00.asp
Connecting an External Monitor
- http://www.howtogeek.com/262282/how-to-connect-an-external-monitor-to-a-chromebook/
Chromecast
- http://www.howtogeek.com/171690/htg-reviews-the-google-chromecast-stream-video-to-your-tv/
Top Rated on Amazon
- https://www.amazon.com/Acer-Chromebook-Aluminum-Quad-Core-CB3-431-C5FM/dp/B01CVOLVPA?psc=1&SubscriptionId=AKIAICE7LOAJMK3SSLPA&tag=pcm_contextual-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B01CVOLVPA