Available Chromebooks in 2021?

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demeter23

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#284577 1-May-2021 20:22

I'm looking at replacing an aging macbook (2013 model) with a chromebook. I only really require web browsing, some FTP and file management and some form of terminal for SSH. I'm thinking that a new chromebook would be a good, cheaper option than a new mac. However, I'm struggling to find any decent spec'd ones in NZ. Can anyone advise where to source them from other than PB Tech? Range seems limited....

Thanks!

michaelmurfy

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#2700577 1-May-2021 23:38

Why not look at an iPad? I am using an iPad 8th Generation (that is, the cheaper iPad) and find it excellent. Has great battery life, is fast and does everything I need.

One of the problems with ChromeOS is the fact you’re forced to use Google Chrome. There are also privacy implications of running a device literally made by an ad company. While I am not one to talk since my domain email is with Google, I use Google Assistants around the house and other Google products I find that my iPad offers more than what my previous Chromebook ever did.

Just my 2c.

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jarledb

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#2700578 1-May-2021 23:57

I have to admit I am not sure what kind of performance you are expecting from a Chromebook.

Most of them are relatively slow Celeron machines, and the ones with a little more omph also costs a lot more - missing the actual market for them (cheap school machines).

I have a HP Chromebook G5 with Celeron processor, 8GB of RAM and 64GB SSD that I use for testing touchscreen apps and that costs me around $600. It is not exactly a powerful machine, but works OK for what I use it for.

If you are looking at better specs than the ASUS Chromebook i7 that PBTech sells for the same as the lowest priced Macbook Air M1 then I would think you would be paying more than the $1749 that the both of them cost.

So if you are used to Macs, why not go with the cheapest M1 Macbook Air, or maybe a used machine to save money?

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MurrayM

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#2701113 3-May-2021 13:04

I'm after a Chromebook to replace an old Netbook (running Windows 7). I want it mainly for web browsing but I'd like to get one with 8GB of RAM because I've heard of people having problems with only 4GB (eg inactive browser tabs unloading themselves to save memory, etc). I don't need a touch screen or one that converts to a tablet. I'm looking to spend up to $700. The Asus C425TA seems ideal at $582 from PB Tech, but they haven't had it in stock for ages and I can't find it anywhere else.

The global supply shortage really seems to have caused problems for us in NZ, I'm guessing we're a fairly low priority.

danepak

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#2750288 27-Jul-2021 00:37

jarledb:
I have to admit I am not sure what kind of performance you are expecting from a Chromebook.

Most of them are relatively slow Celeron machines, and the ones with a little more omph also costs a lot more - missing the actual market for them (cheap school machines).

I have a HP Chromebook G5 with Celeron processor, 8GB of RAM and 64GB SSD that I use for testing touchscreen apps and that costs me around $600. It is not exactly a powerful machine, but works OK for what I use it for.

If you are looking at better specs than the ASUS Chromebook i7 that PBTech sells for the same as the lowest priced Macbook Air M1 then I would think you would be paying more than the $1749 that the both of them cost.

So if you are used to Macs, why not go with the cheapest M1 Macbook Air, or maybe a used machine to save money?

@jarledb I’ve seen a refurbished HP Chromebook G5 for $199 (with 12 months warranty).
It’s only got 4GB ram and 16GB storage.
Do you think this would be adequate for kids, if they use it for Minecraft (installed via Linux) and Roblox?
I assume you have access to Google Playstore on an HP Chromebook?