Now that I'm in possession of my very first Chromebook I figure it's time that I sat down and actually tried to use it. Properly. IFA wasn't the time or place to start, neither was the following week that saw all hands on deck here at Mobile Nations for a little event out in Cupertino. But now that events are out of the way, I'm going to (largely) set aside my 13-inch Retina MacBook Pro that I cherish dearly and use the Asus Chromebook as much as I possibly can.
We love Chromebooks around here, but until now I've not personally taken the time out to actually sit down and try using one. It's especially odd considering how much of the working day is spent within Google Chrome, but for the past 8 years I've pretty much been all Mac, all of the time. But I'm excited to try something new, a different way of working, so it's going to be a fun little experiment.
As a complete noob it's only fair that I try and see just how much I can get done without my MacBook Pro. I'm under no illusions that if any serious photo or video editing comes up I'm going to be back on it in a flash, but that aside it's going to be interesting for me personally to see how well I can get along. As I write this I'm little under 24 hours in and there are already a few things that I miss.
The first is TextExpander. I've got so many little snippets stashed in there on my Mac that immediately I'm without on the Chromebook. There are some apps that will do the same, but I've got to get stuff copied across first which will take a little time. I'm also not ashamed to say that I'm missing looking at the Retina Display on my MacBook Pro, either. There aren't many Chromebooks out there that can offer a similar quality display right now and this Asus one doesn't even come close. It's shallow, yes, but once you've spent your days looking at a display of that quality anything less is tough going.
Besides a couple of initial shortfalls in my own workflow, and pining for some of the Mac apps I've left behind, I'm actually very impressed. Even though I could use the exact same Chrome apps on my MacBook Pro, I don't. I don't need to use Pixlr when I've got Photoshop CC, for example. But, I've managed to quickly edit and upload the image for this post with no real dramas, and typing it up is just the same experience in the exact same browser.
And the battery life is just terrific. At 89% as I stand right now the Chromebook says I have over 9 hours of battery left. Something that's impossible on my Retina MacBook Pro. I think that's something I'll definitely miss going the other way.
So, I'm going to give it a couple of weeks to see how I really feel about it. While other members of the Android Central team are much more familiar, frequent Chromebook users, this one's a real trek into the unknown for me. I've got a bit of travelling to do over the next couple of weeks, too, so it's going to give me a real chance to evaluate how a Chromebook can fit into my everyday working life.
And, since I'm a total noob, if you've got some helpful tips, tricks or app suggestions to help me miss my Mac even less, drop me a line in the comments below!
Reader comments
And so, the great Chromebook experiment begins
Power outtage / Internet Outtage
Enjoy your new paper weight.
I'm on my 2nd chromebook, an Acer C720, which I really like. My first was a Samsung Series 5. So I'm a pretty big chromebook fan. But even I wouldn't try to *replace* my laptop with a chromebook. For me, my chromebook is an incredibly portable supplement. I basically take it everywhere with me, using it for those occasions when I need a better web experience than I can get on my phone. The end result is that it has supplanted the need for a tablet for me.
What it has *not* done is replace my laptop. The laptop runs a bunch of additional software that I need, and use regularly, so I keep it and use it. My chromebook is used simply for web browsing, which, on the whole, is mostly what I do, so my chromebook ends up getting a *lot* more daily use than my laptop. Which gets used when I need more specialized applications.
My point: If you're trying to use a chromebook to replace a laptop rather than supplement, I think you're doing it wrong.
Like so many have said so many times: It all depends. For some chromeOS will do everything they need in a laptop. For me, chromeOS + crouton/Ubuntu does everything I need.
Be honest with yourself - which is more common?
A) The scenario you describe: A user of specialized software, who thinks somehow they can get that job done without the specialized software.
B) The scenario of a member of the Twitter and Starbucks demographic using a $2000 MacBook to do nothing that a $200 Chromebook couldn't do.
Rather similar to the Venn diagram of "SUV owners" and "people who drive offroad and/or tow things".
That's not to say there's no people who drive off-road or have specialized software needs - but perspective is critically important in determining need.
Weird, my rMBP 13 can easily get 9 hours of battery life.
I bought the Acer C20P in November and I use it all the time. It is my primary driver for work now. I love it. Fast, long battery life, boots in seconds and charges in a little over an hour. I read a lot of comments about people's hesitations about what they are worried they can't do with a Chromebook, but to be honest, I am amazed at how much you CAN DO with one. As for good "apps" to use on the Chromebook, I use Google Calendar and Sunrise, Drive, Stitcher (for Android Central podcasts!), Remote desktop, sFTP Client, PDF Escape, Copy2Contact, and Hello SIgn (to name a few). Although I wish the screen was nicer/sharper, I love the touchscreen functionality. I will not purchase a future Chromebook without one. BTW, if you miss TextExpander and use it for e-mails, have you tried Canned Responses in GMAIL?
It's not emails so much I miss it in, it's everything else. So many snippets on a daily basis just for assembling posts at Mobile Nations. I found a Chrome alternative but it's getting everything copied over first that I'm being way lazy on doing!
Dude, you're going to love it. Just wait and see
He doesn't want to even like it. He'll go back to the Mac because of the image. Just watch.
I was skeptical when I bought mine too. I'm at least willing to give him a chance.
I'll ultimately go back to my Mac because a Chromebook still isn't enough in several areas to do my day job. That and I like using a Mac.
AND the Chromebook wins by a landslide!
I'm confused...its one thing to get a Chromebook if your on a budget. If you already on a Macbook its silly.
Its like getting a new car with a manual tranny and crank windows and no AC.
Yes you can do it...but why would you do it? Just to try out the stone age?
Reminds of the clown at the Verge who gave up the internet for a year.
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Well, in a world where you can buy 3 Hyundais for the price of one Lexus, I think it's useful to hear, from a Lexus owner, about what's really missing from the Hyundai. A Lexus has something that a Hyundai doesn't -- resale value. But when your choices are a new Hyundai (Chromebook) or a used Buick (refurbed Dell or HP "notebook" that just came off-lease), perspective is priceless. Sometimes the Mac's 300% price point isn't worth it anymore, especially when the person in the market realized that it's just a Facebook/Pinterest terminal.
+100
you're funny
Manual transmissions are better than automatics in a bunch of ways but personally, I would have never bought either Vettes I've owned had it had a transmission that I wasn't in full control over.
Because what's the best way to truly understand a product? By using it. How do you think we review phones around here? We use them as our primary devices for a period of time. I'm choosing to get a true feel for Chromebooks by going as close to all in on one as I can for a couple of weeks.
The thing you quickly realize about a Chromebook is not so much that it's a 100% replacement for a full-on Mac or Windows system, because it's not. But it will likely be a tablet killer as you'll find having a real keyboard, not a click-on keyboard complete with thigh slicing kickstand, is much nicer for things like commenting on Android Central.
I also find that sometimes I just keep the "real" laptop at work and use Chrome Remote Desktop if I need to check in on work in the evenings.
Love my LTE Pixel. On it right now. Perfect for travel!
I am having trouble saving a file from Dropbox to a jump drive. Does anyone have some hints on how to do it? I am working on a Toshiba chromebook.
Posted via Android Central App
Soon you will be able to do this:
http://www.omgchrome.com/dropbox-sftp-chrome-os-file-manager/
but until then: download the file from the dropbox website to your local storage (Downloads file) >plug in your flash drive and it will show in the file manager > drag and drop the file from the local storage to the appropriate location on your flash drive.
Thank you
Posted via Android Central App
Consider participating in, or at least following the Chromebooks Community on Google+. Lots of good tips and advice available from experienced folks who hang out there!
I'd love to pick one up, but my CAD software alone makes it a no go.
Posted via the Android Central App
Would be really nice if you could rent or co-op a windows or Mac laptop via hosted desktop for just such scenarios. I use iMovie for editing video and just need it and a few apps from time to time that don't have great alternates on Chrome/web yet. Can't find any online app that does audio ducking for instance.
Posted via the Android Central App
WeVideo is much better than it first appears, I have discovered.
Posted via the Android Central App
Long time windows user here but recently purchased a Samsung Chromebook 2 (13.3 Inch)
Netflix, Deezer, Youtube, Typing and viewing Documents/Spreadsheets, Downloading Torrents, Browsing, Transferring Files to phone (MTP), Movies, Email, Printing, Scanning docs from printer to Chromebook all work fine.... And when I sat there and thought about it, I almost never used my windows PC for anything more than the above. A chromebook was a great choice for me, a very cheap laptop with 8-9 hours battery life and silent running (ARM version here... and despite the comments the octacore chip is absolutely fine!).
Chromebooks are obviously not for everyone but I bet the majority of people do no more than what I listed above. It'll only get better over time too :)
I know what you mean Richard. Whenever I have to put down my Pixel and go back to the Macbook I die inside a little. :)
Wouldn't be so much of an issue if you'd got the MacBook with the proper screen ;-)
I could love my Chromebook but for lack of a full featured email client that can combine ~ 6 various personal email accounts .
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I love the concept of Chromebooks. And, some of the newer ones are actually really nice machines. It's nice to see Chromebooks with 1080p screens, too. But, after having a few Chromebooks, I realized that, at the moment, they're not for me. Right now, I need the functionality of OSX. Anything less won't cut it. Hopefully, in the future, ChromeOS gets more functionality (that's happening, now, with Android apps).
Richard, which model are you using?
The only thing I hate about Chromebooks is , you have to be connected!. Yes I can tether and all, but I wish you didn't have to. I use Google docs a lot. I hate that it has to have a connection to it in order to work.
Other than that complaint. I love it.
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Edit Google Drive documents offline https://support.google.com/chromebook/answer/2809731?hl=en
(Google Search is a wonderful thing)
I still leave a tab open with the keyboard shortcuts on it. Helps alot as a fellow noob.
I happen to greatly enjoy my chromebook, it's the perfect couch surfer. I have a tablet, but sometimes I want to type faster, or the format of the webpage isn;t right. so the laptop just has a great way to surf, get things done, and do it in a efficient way. I don;t take it traveling, the tower in the house is the HTPC, the phones are not efficient at doing what I want., and we have samsung tablets for work/travel that enable us to leave the laptop there.
as far as it's purpose, I have over 1tb of google drive space due to google fiber and other offers, betwene my tablet, the chromebook, work laptop, work tablet, all able ot acess google docs, and good eco system.... it's very flawless.
I have a toshiba 13 inch chromebook
Could you use pixlr.com for the editing? Curious to see where this goes.
Or Gimp with a linux install or RollApp.
Yeah that's what I'm trying out at the moment. For what it is (and free) it's pretty good.
I have been interested in Chrome books for some time. But the biggest problem with them is they are so utilitarian. What I mean is, for years people complained about the beige box of desktop PC's or black plastic of laptops. When I use a Chrome Book it feels that way. They are missing, the mark. Yes, they met are to be used in an utilitarian way, but it is hard to compare it to my 2 year old Toshiba PC that has a better screen, sound, and doesn't require internet or cloud services. I know they are met to be affordable, and have good battery life. But until they give the same experience as my laptop, or if Google's "L" changes my perception. I think I'll waite another generation or two. Or waite untill Samsung gives me their S tablet experience on an Chrome Book, or Asus gives me an Zenbook with Chrome . Or when Google finally releases an version I can load on my laptop.
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Yeah...this Asus Chromebook really isn't as nice on the outside as my MacBook.
But they are lighter in the messenger bag!
Edit: At least that AC sticker spruces it up!
#MacFanBoy lol
CANNOT wait for the Toshiba Chromebook 2 with 1080P display, SkullCandy sound & a sleek design (similar to a MacBook) @ $330, thats a steal! Add Crouton as mentioned above & your all set! Will be ordering mine on October 5th, upon release!
Which ASUS have you got? I look forward to seeing how it goes for you. That new Tosh looked OK
Been thinking of getting one myself. Being VERY dependent on a Broadband connection worries me.
Been using my Acer C720 reburb for a month or so now and really like it. It has replaced my TF201 and laptop for most "productive" type things. I have it thanks to AC's tip about the Groupon deal.
A couple caveats though. Can't VPN to work with Cisco Anyconnect. Our VPN sight tells me to download the Windows version. At least it's good for a laugh.
Mydlink that connects to my two D-Link cameras returns a JRE error. That's two things Oracle could probably fix if they wanted to. Will just have to wait for them and use my Droid MAXX to see what kind of mess the dogs are making in the mean time.
The biggest disappointment is not being able to side load my MOBI book collection. Most of what I have cannot be found on Amazon (I have plenty of Amazon volumes too) but can not navigate to the .kindle folder unless I jump to developer mode, which I would rather not do. Calibre'ing everything to EPUBs is not a second career I care to have at the moment.
But for the most-part I'm very happy with the device. I'm getting to know the quirks of file management and document creation and it has done most of what I've asked of it without hours of research to do a 5-minute job.
I'm looking forward to following this series on the Chromebook and hope you delve into the Chromeboxes and, since I'm a Metaframe, Winterm, Pano veteran, take a look at some of the thin/zero client developments just over the horizon.
Have you tried "Send to Kindle by Email" to move your .mobi files?
http://www.amazon.com/gp/sendtokindle/email?m1k=d_ac&m2k=d_ac&tag=androi...
Once you send one to a single Kindle email, the file should show up under Docs in your content ans be available for any device/app on your account.
You should be able to send MOBI files as attachments via your kindle email address and then access them via the Kindle Cloud Reader in the web store. I think there is a limit to the # of files and size per email but it can be done. I just use Google books but used the kindle app on android a few times a while ago so things may have changed.
I still LOVE my Asus zenbook ux32 you can't pry it from my dead hands
Posted via Nexus 7 2013 or Galaxy S5
First advice, get the 'edu' version with 4gb ram. Second, put crouton on it to fill in functionality gap. ~1 month in on mine, and my windows laptop (i5 or i7?) has been collecting dust. The chromebook does pretty much everything better.
Oh, and use some gestures. 2-finger swipe to go 'back' in the browser. 3-finger swipe down to see all your open windows 'expose' style. 3-finger swipe side to side to switch tabs.
What the heck is 'crouton'? I have them on my Caesar salad all the time :)
Lol, It's a version of Linux developed specifically for Chromebooks.
Yeah it makes it quite easy to run another version of linux (chromeOS is technically a version of linux) side by side. You can switch back and forth instantly on the fly. My music streaming in chromeOS even keeps streaming without missing a beat when im in ubuntu.
gwest - thanks for those two tips. I knew I could scroll with two fingers....but didn't know about going back pages (or forward again) or switching tabs. Sweet.
Though, someone said about three fingers showing open windows....but so far, i just have the one browser open.
The 3-finger horizontal swipe between tabs is nice for when you're in 'full screen mode' (above the number 5), which I almost always am.
For the 3 finger swipe down 'expose' mode, ..one thing I do, is if I'm going to make a video full screen, I'll drag out that tab into it's own window, then hit the full screen on youtube. Then, while the video is playing full screen, you can do the 3-finger swipe down, and quickly go to the other window to check your gmail, and then 3-finger down swipe to get back to the video.
Are these 2&3-finger swipes new to chromebooks? I've never had a laptop/notebook that wasn't apple (but haven't used/won't ever use anything but android phones). That said, I honestly thought all laptops worked like that already (multi-finger swipes n clicks). Sorry if I sound like an idiot but these "tips" are blowing my mind.
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I like the chromebook concept but but I still would prefer my windows laptop and macbook over it. Is pretty much a tablet with a build in keyboard.
Posted via Android Central App
You're over thinking this. If you've ever used a web browser, you can use a Chromebook. In order to contribute to this site how much photo/video editing do you really need to do? To write this post, none at all.
It's not that black and white. Just because we don't fill every post with photo and video doesn't mean that we don't need to be able to do it. And frankly I wouldn't even attempt to edit a video on a Chromebook right now.
Maybe you should get your nose out of the air and actually try it then MacBoi instead of complaining about it without trying it. Whatsamatter? Afraid you'll like it?
As funny as I find this reply, he kinda has a point, though. Editing video is pretty resource-intensive, and I honestly don't think a Chromebook (hell, any Chromebook available right now) is up to the task.
It couldn't hurt to try, but, I don't see him using a Chromebook to do that on a daily basis (especially, as a writer for AC/iMore) when he already has a more capable machine available.
He's obviously one of those special people that thinks writing on a site devoted to Google/Android stuff means that you're the anti-christ using something Apple made.
Haha, brendilon's a good guy. He just likes to debate when he sees the opportunity to.
But, yeah, I'll never forget the "What's in my gear bag?" articles. I think it was you that got swarmed for using an iPhone 5 and a MacBook. It does get old.
There are tools for editing images and video with a Chromebook. If you are refusing to try those tools because you have predetermined without trying them that they won't do what you need then you're being a bit disingenuous on your review of the capabilities of the Chromebook.
I don't see a problem with working on a Mac as an Android writer, I just think Macs are vastly overrated.
Ok, fair enough, brother.
Also, yeah, having just spent $1000 on a MacBook, I do agree that they're overpriced, for what you get. I don't think they're overrated; at least, that's not the word I'd use to describe them. The experience is great, i just wish it was cheaper haha.
Yeah, I guess, it couldn't hurt for Richard to do a comparison of video edits using what's available in ChromeOS to what he uses on his MacBook.
if you swipe up with three fingers on the trackpad it shows you all your current programs that are running. I've also noticed if you use three fingers to tap on a web link it will open said web link in a new tab which is pretty cool
3 finger tap is basically a middle mouse/scroll wheel click
Three-finger swiping to the left and right scrolls through your open tabs as well. Very fast and very handy.
I love my Acer C720P with 4GB of RAM, though I'm really pining for the Toshiba Chromebook 2 with a 1080P IPS display, whenever it comes out.
Yeah, I love almost everything about my C720P (2GB model). I am so tempted by the updated model with the i3 and 4GB, but the only thing holding it back is the fact that it has the same not-so-great screen as my current one. If they bumped that up to a 1080p IPS, I'd pay $500 for it in a heartbeat.
http://www.omgchrome.com/330-toshiba-chromebook-2-offers-1080p-ips-display/
http://www.wired.com/2014/09/toshibas-slick-chromebook-2-offers-big-time...
http://www.androidcentral.com/first-look-toshiba-chromebook-2
The processor isn't quite as high performance as the Acer, but it's fanless and I wonder if you'd even notice. It's still better than ARM Chromebooks.
Yeah, the processor is the problem. Well, maybe "problem" isn't the right word, since I'm sure it's fine, but when I move on from my current one, I'd like for the replacement to be an upgrade on all counts. All of the current offerings miss one point.
Ah well, I'm in no huge rush.
Posted from my Nexus 5, behind seven proxies
I did this with the first Sammy chromebook while using a Windows laptop. You'll love it at times, you'll hate it at times, but eventually, you'll use your MacBook. You might even long for a Macbook Air more than you thought you were going to. I am excited to see how it goes, but IMHO, there's hardly a reason to have a chromebook anymore. Price, battery life (give or take) and specs are all mirrored on Windows 8.1 machines which, like the UI or hate it, have more functionality!
That's debatable. Chromebooks certainly do have their audience. And, if you want/need a lightweight machine that has long battery life and is inexpensive, a Chromebook is the way to go.
I understand people Like Chromebooks. But name One thing that Chromebook can do that ann equivalently priced Windows laptop can't. Battery life is a wash because the displays look like my 2006 era Toshiba net book.
No one is arguing that a similarly-priced Windows laptop isn't more capable. But, Windows laptops in that price-range are usually attributed with horrible performance. And, on some of the newer Chromebooks, the displays are actually getting better. And, battery life is way better with a Chromebook. Can you name a Windows laptop that matches the battery life and cost of the Acer C720?
I can't find anything with similar battery life! And I can't think of anything that can compete with the portability of it either. I guess the trade for portability and battery life is the increased function, and at my local microcenter, I can pick up a Windows Machine for the same price as a Chromebook. And it has a battery life of over 6 hours, which is much better than windows machines have been in the past.
8 hours of battery life. Who cares what the display is like, after three hours, four tops, the screen on the Windows (or Mac) machine is dead. The fanciest powerless screen on the market looks a lot worse than any active screen you can buy.
How about security? Things running in sandbox. Lack of winrot? Consistent performance without degradation. Not having to worry about antivirus software? No real file system to worry about getting corrupted. Lightning quick time to task...
"But name One thing that Chromebook can do that ann equivalently priced Windows laptop can't"
Not get viruses/malware when you loan it to a friend/teenager
Boot to the desktop in ten seconds
Last 6+ hours on a charge
Not suck after three years of use
Update in seconds
A "similarly priced" laptop is a recipe for frustration. A decent laptop is going to run you at least $500. And it will almost certainly be larger and heavier, and will only get 3-4 hours of battery life. Anything cheaper than that, and you're making some serious compromises on performance.
Yeah and what happens when there is no Internet?
I don't know too many people that use their laptop with no internet. Even still, this argument is getting old. ChromeOS has had offline functionality for awhile now. The Chromebook doesn't just stop working, just because you have no internet connection.
Just because you don't like Chromebooks doesn't mean that people will stop buying them haha.
No, I know, I just think that their #1 place on the podium of Amazon's most popular laptops may go away with the decreased price of Windows, that's all.
Haha it's all good. My reply was to Raging Lion. But, I kinda agree. Laptops are getting cheaper; however, I think people are liking the idea of a post-Windows laptop market. Think about it: For the longest time, Windows was the only game in town for the majority of people. Although Linux was an option, Linux laptops were rare, and a lot of people didn't (hell, still don't) know how to install Linux on a laptop. And, MacBooks were out of a lot of peoples' price range (again, still are). So, Windows was it. And, though the lower cost Windows laptops were sufficient to get the job done, they weren't exactly the most elegant solution. Bit, people stuck with them.
Now, people have another lower cost solution that is not only pioneered by a mainstream company (Google), but is also widely available (Amazon, BestBuy, Google, etc.). And, this solution is aimed at the low end of the market. The OS is designed to run on cheaper components, and the experience is way better (subjective, I know) than on Windows laptops in the same price bracket. It's not difficult to see why Chromebooks have been hugely popular.
A Windows machine CAN do more, but that's also true in comparison to Macs. Windows machines simply have more capability. That said, what most users actually use their laptops for is covered very well by all three options. Chromebook has a leg up on Windows and Mac in cost, battery life and Google services integration.
This.
Agreed. And, with chrome remote desktop making it easy to remote to the *real" laptop at home should I need to do a little photoshop work, these make a very nice alternative for when all I'm expecting to be doing is accessing the next and checking emails.
I'll disagree with the leg up on cost, but otherwise, yeah, they are lighter and have better battery life and obviously better google integration, though Google has done a great job putting it's software on PC and Mac. I just think that the time is coming where Windows is going to reclaim this segment of the market.
I do understand that there are some people who only browse the web. I think Chromebooks are great for this, but I also think this segment of people would be able to use a cheap tablet too. I recommended my roommate pick up a Dell Venue 8 android tablet (because it was an open box and cheap as they come). He did and I don't think he's used his computer once since having it. I did enjoy my Chromebook while I had it, but I'm also glad to have moved on. I'm really interested to hear what the result of this experiment will be with Richard! He's obviously not comparing two machines in the same segment, but I'm excited none the less.
$199 Windows 8 notebooks can boot and sign in in 3 seconds and have 11 hours battery life. Please show me which one because that's really news to me.
I am intrigued by Chromebooks and if you're on a tight budget or a student I can definitely see why you would consider it.
For me personally a windows ultrabook or convertible is the best choice. I have a nexus 5 and a Surface Pro 3 and my bases are completely covered as far as work or play are concerned. It's hard to beat the compatibility and versatility of a device that runs full windows but can be used like a tablet if one desires.
I thought so too until I saw the Windows app store - it's beyond pathetic.
Good thing it also runs exe files for apps that aren't in the store. And, pathetic? It's not on par with Android or iOS, but it's hardly pathetic.
There is nothing a laptop can do that a Surface Pro can't, so complaining about the Store is pointless. That said, I've been using Windows RT for the past week and haven't yet run into anything I need that isn't available in the Store so it looks fine to me. Of course it doesn't have the amount of apps that Android or iOS have, but pretty much all of the major ones are there from what I can tell.
Please tell what apps you couldn't find? And if you say Candy Crush/Flappy Birds...
I downloaded those apps first thing, they're available.
Headslap
The Surface Pro runs a full Windows 8 build. You can install applications the way you do on a regular Windows machine; there's no need to worry about the Windows Store.
Posted from my Nexus 5, behind seven proxies
There can still be a bit of a challenge if say, you need to install a piece of software off of CD-ROM. Granted, there are USB-based CD-ROM drives out there, but most people don't have one of those laying around.
so you copy the .iso to a usb :)
That's the obvious solution for us tech nerds, but I was thinking in terms of the more general public.
Where can one buy that laptop sticker?
I figured that's just something he edited onto the image in Pixlr. But I've been wrong before.
A bunch of us have asked but never get a response.
I would also like to know this.
Short answer. Morder
Long answer. The AC sticker is an elaborate hoax on the level of Nessie.
Posted via Android Central App
Richard, please post the tips you get. I got my chromebook 13 yesterday and haven't unboxed it yet. So, you're not alone as a newbie.
Posted via Android Central App
I have to say, within a few days I was very impressed with what I could do, and it's all I take while traveling now. For when you desperately need something on your mac, though -- the Remote Desktop extension has saved me more than once. I keep my iMac on in the office and log in to use photoshop on occasion, also Final Cut Pro (but sparingly).
One more awesome extension to know about is cloudconvert.org. You can hook it up to your Google Drive and easily convert files -- most done well, a few hiccups here and there -- without even having to do a lot of uploading / downloading. It's been a HUGE help.
Can you (or anybody here) comment on how good (or bad) VPN support is on this thing. Presumably, if you're using Remote Desktop, you've got a VPN connection to your desktop machine. My company provides a Cisco VPN (with a two-factor authentication token). Works fine under Windows, but I haven't be able to get it to work on Linux Mint (17 64-bit). I'm hoping Chromebooks are somehow more mainstream than Mint - though it's pretty pathetic that Cisco's own vpnc linux module doesn't work.
Picked up an Acer, and was hoping for the same. I can't even get the outlook Web mail to work on it, even with a patch, therefore work wise, it's not great. Personal stuff its great.
Whether Chromebook's work on Enterprise is entirely dependent on how your enterprise is configured and whether they support them.
Cisco VPN, secure Windows Authenticated WiFi networks, Citrix...they'll all work, but only if your enterprise has bothered to setup support for them.
what kind of cisco vpn? i use mint 17 to connect to my company's cisco meraki (l2tp) vpn all the time.
It's a Cisco 7200 router. I extracted all the config settings from the Cisco .profile file that the Windows client uses, and attempted to feed them into vpnc (including a decrypted group password that I found instructions on the web for generating from the encrypted string in the profile file).
But when I try to run vpnc (as root), I get something like this:
# /usr/sbin/vpnc
Enter IPSec gateway address: <host entry from .profile>
Enter IPSec ID for [IP}: <group name from .profile>
Enter IPSec secret for {group@IP}: <decrypted enc_GroupPwd from .profile>
Enter username for [IP]: <my username>
Enter password for [user}: <my password>
Here's where it should ask for a second token-generated password, but instead it says:
/usr/sbin/vpnc: xauth packet unsupported: (ISAKMP_N_ATTRIBUTES_NOT_SUPPORTED)(13)
TBH mine is a pretty vanilla setup. As long as Chrome is running and my iMac is on, I can connect.
The VPN support is weak. It might or might not work depending on what you have at the other end. OpenVPN support is extremely poor, what is ironic because you expect the open option to be the most supported.
It does not work with (my) Juniper VPN, that requires an extra client, one does exist for Android though, so maybe with android apps coming to ChromeOS there is hope. I did get Juniper working on Xubuntu though.
I'll be following along to see what you have to say. I picked up a Chromebook on a Groupon deal. I have an old laptop that's beyond it's years and only keep around for my iTunes library (which I'll be moving to my Google Play library, but it's HUGE.... >250GB) purposes. I really only got it for the added ability to have to surf online, manage some docs I keep on Google Drive, and occasionally casting to my Chromecast.
Very excited to see how this goes- been thinking about picking one up for a while even though I have no reason (but the appeal of running Ubuntu is awesome). Can you comment on video streaming playback when you have time, namely battery and performance? Good luck!
I've had a C720P for about six months now. I usually get about eight hours of regular use, and maybe 6 1/2 if I'm making heavy use of Hulu and Netflix. I suspect that that will improve as Google rolls out updates (as they did today) that address Flash issues.
Posted from my Nexus 5, behind seven proxies