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Topic: Linux

The Chromebook 2012 Gallery

Summary: Your next PC? It just might be a Chromebook.

Steven J. Vaughan-Nichols

By for Linux and Open Source |

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Does this look like just a browser? Look again, it's actually the Chrome OS interface, which just happens to be the Chrome Web browser. If you can use a browser, this is one version of Linux you can use.

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Topics: Linux, Broadband, Browser, Google, Hardware, Laptops, Networking, PCs

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19 comments
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  • No it won't, because Chrome OS doesn't run the business critical apps I use

    Like VisualStudio for one :)
    Johnny Vegas
    Reply 2 Votes

    • More and More use

      of course this doesn't automatically replace all computers. I am an ultrabook user myself as I use VS too.

      But many in my business have no need of such applications and are starting to use chromebooks very successfully. As more and more operational software moves to cloud delivery though this sort of device makes more and more sense.

      Battery life alone is a huge plus for these devices.
      jeff1-f3b44
      Reply 1 Vote

      • Even if it's cloud it still needs great UX

        ... and HTML/JS cannot provide one, which is why the winner will forever be the native fat client rather than the fat-wannabe ChromeOS.

        If Facebook could not stand HTML/JS then no one can.
        LBiege
        Reply Vote

        • How is facebook delivered on anything other than Android/IPhone?

          HTML5/JS can very much deliver on a UI to match anything a fat client can offer. But to do so properly is still rather expensive. But as better tools are developed and the technology further matures that gap is closing rapidly.

          Facebook only delayed their future outlook of the tech on mobile. their UI is very much HTML/JS on everything else.
          jeff1-f3b44
          Reply Vote

    • VisualStudio won't run over an RDP session?

      Cause, ya know, you can RDP to your heart's content from a ChromeBook.

      Unless you're in that "thick client or death" camp.
      daboochmeister
      Reply Vote

      • Try VNC

        That will.
        Mah
        Reply Vote

    • In a office business context Chromebooks will run any Windows app.

      Install Windows apps on a networked server to your LAN, add Citrix connector, and bingo - you have a locked down, super easy and cheap to maintain windows desktop or applications on your Chromebook (or other BYO device). You also have the option of subscribing to a third party that will host these for you eg. ericom.com/AccessNow_DemosIntro.asp . Yopu can do the same with Linux applications at zero software license cost.

      Chromebooks with server based applications (whether Windows, Linux or web based) will do everything Windows desktops can do and they are Zero Maintenance devices. By adopting Chromebooks, you have nothing to lose but your excessive Windows maintenance and IT support costs.
      Mah
      Reply Vote

  • NOPE! Not even close.

    To be frank I just don't see the appeal of said device.

    Pagan jim
    James Quinn
    Reply 2 Votes

  • Steve nice write-up on the Chromebook

    It seems that fellow blogger James Kendrick is smitten with the Chromebook and has ordered a Samsung unit. Nice.

    Linux is everywhere and choice is wonderful for consumers.

    Best of all, unlike Windows, Linux is safe.

    Great work!


    Dietrich T. Schmitz
    Your Linux Advocate
    Dietrich T. Schmitz + Your Linux Advocate
    Reply 1 Vote

    • RE: "unlike Windows, Linux is safe

      The Linux desktop, Chrome OS included, is also safer than OS X. However, this has sadly broken-down with Android-based mobile devices where Apple's iOS-based mobile devices, the iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch, are all safer.

      With regard to Chrome OS-based devices, the price of Chromebooks and Chromeboxes will have to drop to the $200 U.S. level before most consumers will give them a second thought. At the right price, I believe that these devices will have some nice niches in the consumer and SOHO markets.
      Rabid Howler Monkey
      Reply Vote

  • Could you post a screenshot of secureboot?

    You know, because Linux makes it impossible to install any other OS on hardware you OWN.
    toddbottom3
    Reply 1 Vote

    • I've asked you before and you've avoided the answer

      Where is this written in the Linux Kernel code?
      “You know, because Linux makes it impossible to install any other OS on hardware you OWN.”
      RickLively
      Reply Vote

      • I've asked you before and you've avoided the answer

        So I'll ask you again:
        Is it acceptable to use secureboot to make it difficult to modify the OS that a device was sold with?

        Yes or no? Choose carefully.
        toddbottom3
        Reply 1 Vote

        • You have me mistaken for some one else

          Game over, bye bye...... :)
          RickLively
          Reply Vote

        • The MS Shills get dumber and dumber every day!

          Chromebooks/boxes have a developer switch that allows you to install another OS in place of the preloaded ChromeOS. Chrome OS source code is open sourced and is available for you to modify and install to your heart's content. Google not only allows you to modify the OS on the device - they positively encourage it.
          Mah
          Reply 1 Vote

    • Not a screenshot, but link to Google supported instructions for doing so

      http://www.chromium.org/chromium-os/developer-information-for-chrome-os-devices/samsung-series-5-chromebook

      Every ChromeBook is required to be rootable. Google made that a requirement.

      Man up, admit your FUD you're posting is exactly that.
      daboochmeister
      Reply Vote

  • The Chromebook 2012 Gallery

    Looks like crap but that is what you can expect when you have Google + linux. You know nothing good will come out of that combination. Neither one knows how to program an OS or GUI worth a damn.
    Loverock Davidson-
    Reply Vote

  • chromebook interesting

    i have an interest in chromebook.,,,,,though i can put ubuntu on my current laptop.. ubuntu is linux, related to unix which is used on the expensive apple products. when i can take a look at chromebook,,,,i will.......as for windows 8,,,,a tablet operating system for a desktopl,,,,,get real...i think windows 8 went totally in the wrong direction for desktop users......i sort of hate it. i have allways waited for microsofts next operating system with excitement,,,not this time.
    rcgaard@...
    Reply Vote

    • Right because windows 8 doesn't have a traditional desktop.

      Except that it does. And you can pretty much operate on that desktop full time without ever going to the tiled interface. You also pretty much have exactly the same experience with quite a few improvements. Windows 8 might not be for everyone, but I would hardly call it a tablet OS.
      mikedees
      Reply Vote
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