Chromebook Vs Cheap Windows Laptop?

aim54x on 20/06/2016 - 08:16

Just thought I would see what the opinion was over here.

I love to tinker and since Christmas I have been playing with an Acer Switch 10E (2GB/64GB+500GB/Windows 10 32-bit - thanks DSE) and have come to a few conclusions.

  • Windows in Tablet mode is not great
  • Windows 2-in-1 is a serious contender for travel/commute
  • essentially displaced my Android tablet (Sony Xperia Tablet Z + Microsoft Wedge Mobile keyboard) for commuting
  • the 10" form factor is great, 11" would be better
  • something thinner/lighter would be nice

Now the question would is if it is worth having a look at an 11" ChromeBook if I only want something to web browse, watch youtube, videos from SD/MicroSD? Possibly as a travel laptop (connected to a HDD to backup photos)? With the similar cost and specs of ChromeBooks and these lower end Windows units, is there any advantage?

My last attempt to get Chromiumm to run on a laptop has resulted in my old MSI U100 Wind losing the ability to use its USB ports (I think it has blown a USB fuse) and still running Windows XP (no longer in use).

Thought I would get some community perspective. Keeping in mind this would be a device to complement a gaming desktop (aging, but will probably get upgraded), a full laptop (Asus U36SD, 8GB/512GB SSD) and displacing the Acer Switch 10E and Sony Xperia Tablet Z.

If you think ChromeBook, please suggest models to keep an eye on (looking for 10-11" form factor with a good screen and SD card reader)

Poll Options

  • 11
    Small Windows 2-in-1
  • 1
    Small Windows Laptop
  • 2
    ChromeBook
Computing

Comments

  • HardQuiz on 20/06/2016 - 08:21

    Bikies?

  • the-mal on 20/06/2016 - 08:23

    What's your budget?

    • aim54x on 20/06/2016 - 09:18

      No plans to make a purchase immeadiately, but I was thinking something in the $250-350 range

  • scotty on 20/06/2016 - 09:22
    +3

    Don't get a Chromebook if you are looking at running any Windows or Mac software locally. Get a Wintel or Apple laptop. Also I do not think Chromebook has much price advantage anymore seeing all the cheap Baytrail / Cherrytrail Windows tablets / 2-in-1's on the Chinese buying sites.

    if it is worth having a look at an 11" ChromeBook if I only want something to web browse, watch youtube, videos from SD/MicroSD?

    However Chromebook is perfect for that.

    If it is a travel computer or a secondary PC complimenting your main desktop, then Chromebook is great, especially when you spend most of your time on the web. They

    • Power-on / shuts down in seconds
    • Auto-updates in background & a quick reboot to be in the new version
    • Not fiddly nor much configuration. You basically turn on a new Chromebook and start working on the web in a minute.

    With Chrome 53 you will be able to get Google Play Store on "selected" Chromebook and run some Android apps. See this and list of supported Chromebooks.

  • macrocephalic on 20/06/2016 - 09:23
    +1

    I voted for the windows 2in1 because that's what I just bought the other day. I admit that windows in tablet mode isn't great - but you have the option of using it in desktop mode. I got the inspiron 11 2in1, n3700, 4gb, 128gb ssd for $412 from the dell factory outlet.

    • aim54x on 20/06/2016 - 09:31

      That sounds interesting, I already have the Acer Switch 10E so I will either be passing it on to my sister to get a ChromeBook or keeping it for a while longer. I will keep the Dell Inpiron 11 in mind though (she still wants a 2-in-1).

  • mightyhawks23 on 20/06/2016 - 09:24
    +1

    My 2c would be Chromebook if you're just looking at doing the stuff you listed
    I got my Chromebook at this deal for ~$160 https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/221889

    I basically just use it for web browsing (bit slower to scroll on heavy content sites like Facebook), YouTube is fine. Playing videos from SD card is bit iffy - playing MKVs is hit and miss. Also installed Linux with a proper VLC player and plays more media types - I just wish I had more time to tinker with it

    Other reason I bought it was I'm required to be on call for work at times so I bring this along when I'm out - it's quite light and battery life is great. I just TeamViewer back into the PC at work so I don't need to lug around the laptop on the weekends

    For the price, very happy with the purchase although a bit more RAM wouldn't hurt

  • davlap on 20/06/2016 - 09:54

    why have you stopped using the xperia Z? Is it for sale?

    Not trying to be funny as I have been checking out the options. I wondered why you want a chromebook (as an android replacement)
    You say you want a travel laptop does Chromebook give you this?

    I looked at a different portable solutions and gave windows a go - went for the Acer Switch 10 (with the 500GB HDD). I was surprised that windows in tablet mode is pretty rubbish. Also the Acer is a bit chunky in size and sluggish at times.

    I have a trip coming up and need PC stuff (office etc) - but don't like it on Android. I have a Nexus 10 (with issues) but didn't want to take that plus a laptop.

    I have just installed Android Remix OS on my Acer with dual boot of W10. Real pain to get it going due to secure boot /UEFI. Remix is a 'desktop hybrid' with application windows and task bar. You can install vanilla marshmallow from the Android X86 project (tried it, some of the same issues as remix.
    There are issues with Remix - no sound (hphones may work, not checked it yet), rotation (no biggie), bluetooth (don't care), standby - resume (pain). But I only use it for ebooks, music and web really). Works really well with the mouse and keyboard of the switch. Makes Android much better.

    • aim54x on 20/06/2016 - 10:05

      Why have I stopped using the Xperia Tablet Z? Simply, right now having the Switch 10E is more convenient to carry and is a bit faster than the elderly Android tablet.

      Chromebook looks interesting, primarily for fast boot, long battery life and the number of 11" options. At the moment I am actually using my Asus U36 as a travel laptop (bought for the purpose and has been upgraded to keep it running smoothly), but 1.5kg I would prefer to drop the weight down again. I no longer process photos on the go (the U36 is a Sandy Bridge i7-2620M) and noticed on my last trip it was not being used on the plane due to the size (try using a 13.3" when the person in front of you reclines fully). For what I want to do on the go I suspect a ChromeBook or a Windows 2-in-1 should fit the bill.

      It sounds like you have a simliar Acer to mine. Any reason why you have opted to use Android Remix OS? I can't say the access to Android apps to be that much of a drawcard when I actually find the apps I use to be better on the phone (instagram, facebook, messenger etc).

      • davlap on 20/06/2016 - 19:37

        Like I mentioned, I have an android tablet (Nexus 10). For a portable touch tablet, Android beats windows completely. The Nexus is a few years old, but gret screen and still performs well for what I use it for.

        So I thought I would give X86 Android a go to possibly replace the separate tablet which has battery issues and a yellow screen 'stain' (both common nexus problems). Apart from the Remix problems mentioned before it runs really well, with added bonus of mouse/touchpad/keyboard.
        Today I tried Phoenix OS, similar to Remix, but seems a bit better to me (same issues as remix - sound, bluetooth, sleep)

        I like android apps. Installing even basic programs in windows can cause issues. Usually there is a choice of apps for free and often less than 5 MB eg fbreader for ebooks. Even though there is a windows version, its not nearly as easy to use in tablet mode. There is no version of the same app in the MS store and the readers I have tried from there have been rubbish.

        My Acer is a switch 10E-013 looks like it is the same as yours - 2GB/64GB MMC +500GB HDD/Windows 10 32-bit. I hoped the 32Gb was fast performing SSD, but it is rubbish performance http://www.harddrivebenchmark.net/hdd.php?hdd=Hynix+HCG8e&id…
        Having said that, boot times are quick

        • aim54x on 21/06/2016 - 01:07

          I really didn't see the Acer as a performance machine, hence I was intrigued by the choice of dual boot on it. You do raise a valid point in the rubbish nature of a lot of the Window's store apps. At the same time, the issues that you describe with Remix and Phoenix also pushes the case for a native Android tablet (not for me).

        • davlap on 21/06/2016 - 08:57

          I agree with your points. The Acer is sluggish in a number of ways, no laptop replacement. I was looking at the MS surface range with Core i5, but they are too expensive. Its impressive for what is is. I have office on mine which is workable for the use I have and the main reason for it.

          Definitely not an android tablet replacement due to issues, but hopefully things are moving forward, I was surprised how well it does work on X86. Again for me, it means I can travel much lighter on my upcoming trip.
          Talk of Chromebooks with Google play apps, X86 Android (also linux distros) means multi purpose devices.

          MS sticks out on its own a bit, but I thought they were offering some things as open source. They have tried to buy Nokia to corner the windows phone which has flopped and EUFI signed / protected boots etc on our Acer (which is a real pain)try to lock in MS. But these things just isolate them and they will come to the party one day

  • fruit on 20/06/2016 - 10:33

    Just get a cheap 13-14 inch Windows laptop for $250-$350.

    Chromebook was great for travelling but not for a main machine.

    Or.. install Linux on it :)

  • sonicstabber on 22/06/2016 - 17:33
    +1

    I've had a few chromebooks (Samsung, Dell, Acer), love how versatile they have become.
    For the options available with Chromebooks, the problem you're faced is the size VS screen quality request you've put forward.

    Basically, the 10-11 inch screen models (Flip, C720/C740, Dell 11, Acer 11) all have TN panels with 1366x768 (or 1280x800 in the case of the Flip) max resolution VS the 13 inch models (Toshiba CB2 2015 edition and Dell 13) which have 1080p IPS panels.

    So, in this case, the trade off would be a small and affordable screen that isn't HD VS a more expensive full HD screen, but you have a more expensive, slightly larger (and better performing) chromebook

    That being said, my main chromebook for the last two years has been an i3 C720 with an upgraded SSD and using Crouton to sideload Ubuntu for anything I can't do natively in ChromeOs, and I love it. The screen quality isn't bad, I think it's a general comment from people who are used to working off/viewing HD screens on their desktops or laptops, but it's not a dealbreaker.

    My only recommendation would be to get a 4gb model, and if you plan on tinkering with Linux/Ubunutu or anything, get one with an Intel CPU over one with an ARM CPU. Also, if you are planning to use it for a while, look into models that have upgradeable SSD's if you want to just store shows locally

    The benefits of a chromebook I've found are:

    • Great battery life
    • Quick on/off time
    • Very snappy usage in comparison to low-end Windows laptops
    • No need for antivirus/additional programs installed to maintain the OS
    • Much lighter for carrying/ storing in luggage compared to Windows laptops
    • All settings/user info is linked to your account, so if you break it or lose it, just get a new one, login and you're good to go with the same setup

    For the SD card usage for media/videos, some of the models can have an SD card flush in the body (Dell 11) while some only will fit half of an SD card, leaving the other half protruding (C720), and some models only now take Micro SD (Flip).

    I personally just have my stuff on a USB or small form portable HDD/SSD and plug it in as I need it. Same for backing up photos while travelling, just offload them from the SD card onto a USB/HDD.

    Never owned a Microsoft 2-in-1, but the Surface and the like would be a serious contender in my eyes. The only difference I can see from the reviews and my friend's experience with them is the cost to buy/replace/repair them is significantly more and the battery life may not be as good.

    Hope this helps

    • aim54x on 22/06/2016 - 19:17

      Thanks for the info, I appreciate the time you have taken in sharing your experiences. Sadly there are fewer and fewer models that are upgradable. All the benefits of a Chromebook are tempting and you are very correct that the Surface is a top contender for the alternative.

      I guess the other option for a premium 11" is a Mac (not an option for me).

      • sonicstabber on 23/06/2016 - 22:11
        +1

        Honestly, the Dell 13 or Toshiba CB2 2015 edition might be the perfection options. Both have really decent hardware, great screen quality, backlit keyboards, great battery like and both can have their SSD's upgraded.

        A friend has the Toshiba CB2 and it's not at all cumbersome in comparison to the c720, just slightly bigger.It actually feels a bit more comfy to work on/use with the extra key spacing etc.

  • Mumbles on 23/06/2016 - 15:58
    +1

    If light, thin, good battery life at affordable prices is the priority then I highly recommend Chromebooks.

    Chromebooks are not suitable for me since I use a lot of commercial internet streaming websites which use proprietary software to play their movies (eg. Bigpond movies). Which rules out Android and Linux since they often miss out on these plug-ins.

  • [Deactivated] on 08/07/2016 - 04:34

    How do you find the weight? Is the keyboard really light while the screen is heavy? It's weird and i don't like it.

    • aim54x on 08/07/2016 - 09:06

      Do you mean the Acer Switch? It's annoying because the weight of the screen half does cause the whole unit to topple over sometimes. At 1kg the weight is fine. Overall it's snappy enough and the flexibility of going sans keyboard is nice (rarely done though). Having Windows is great for productivity (better than the Android tablet + Bluetooth keyboard) as I can run other software on it.

      I had a play with my sister's Surface Pro 3 and I really don't like the keyboard, it feels a bit fragile (I'm used to pounding a mechanical keyboard on my main computer).

      • [Deactivated] on 08/07/2016 - 11:59

        Yeah, seems like all the shops i visit these days are full of top heavy 2in1s. It really bothers me. But i can see it's positives

        • aim54x on 08/07/2016 - 12:20
          +1

          Maybe you could consider a Lenovo Yoga, Asus Transformer Flip, Dell 7000 2-in-1, they can fold over, but cant seperate but tend to have better weight balance.

  • froggym on 10/07/2016 - 08:42
    +1

    My experience with cheap windows laptops (lenovo yoga 300) and chromebooks (Original Toshiba chromebook) is that the chromebook ran better with worse hardware. It had less ram but a slightly better processor. The only problems I ran into were from chrome running out of memory and constantly having to refresh the tabs I was using. The battery life on the chromebook was better which made it great for out and about use because I didn't have to carry a heavy charger around. The windows laptop is still good and it does have a touch screen and folding capabilities which is nice. The thing is that chromebooks are super rare in Australia and don't have a significant price advantage over similarly specced windows laptops. If you aren't wanting to buy of somewhere like amazon to get a new one (supports android apps) I would go with a cheap windows laptop.

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