The ChromeBook "expiry"

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xpd

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#255668 23-Aug-2019 08:26

https://www.theregister.co.uk/2019/08/22/buying_a_chromebook_dont_forget_to_check_when_it_expires/

"It is unlikely to be printed on the box, but every Chromebook has an "Auto Update Expiration (AUE) Date" after which the operating system is unsupported by Google."

Ouch.

Gavin / xpd / FastRaccoon / Geek of Coastguard New Zealand

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mentalinc

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#2304342 23-Aug-2019 08:30

All devices have this...

Windows, Andoird, IOS, MacOS.. not sure what the story is here. nothing new right?

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freitasm

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#2304357 23-Aug-2019 08:46

mentalinc:

All devices have this...

Windows, Andoird, IOS, MacOS.. not sure what the story is here. nothing new right?

Mostly the software has limitations. But most of the times, in the Windows world you can keep updating to the latest Windows on a relatively new to middle-aged box. Even boxes that were released with Windows Vista, providing they are 64 bit compatible can run then latest Windows.

Mac OS is more finicky because they don't implement this backwards compatibility well.

In this case, Google limits the useful life of said devices but as users we don't know if it's a technical issue (software and hardware compatibility) or simply planned obsolescence.

Item

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#2304360 23-Aug-2019 08:51

I think a supported lifespan of 6.5 years for a laptop (the example in the link) is pretty good.

Hardware and software move on, system requirements change and it is not unreasonable to put a line in the sand where it is just not technically, economically and/or functionally viable to continue putting out patches, updates and providing support. Doesn't mean you still can't use the system "as is"

Now if the lifespan was 2-3 years, perhaps I would be a bit more miffed!

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#2304362 23-Aug-2019 08:52

To add - perhaps it *should* be printed on the box though!

NorthernZone

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#2304379 23-Aug-2019 09:12

And at the end, when necessary, you could migrate to Neverware's CloudReady or even Linux.