Chromebook as a More Useful Replacement for a Tablet?

ArskinF on 15/07/2021 - 10:45
Last edited 15/07/2021 - 10:46

My partner, technologically challenged, has been using an Android smart phone and tablet for years, mainly for web browsing, occasional emails and some online interaction such as banking transactions. The last seems to give her extraordinary grief. I've observed her spending an hour trying to do a simple online payment transaction, repeating the same failed action over and over. Eventually I am called to intervene.

Her biggest issue seems to be the touch screen and keying in information.

I should add that due to medication she occasionally has hand and finger tremors. They are probably exacerbated by stress when the technology is not working for her.

I'm wondering if it would be worthwhile getting her a Chromebook as a tablet replacement, one that gives a better & separate keyboard and touch screen combined?

Welcome your thoughts, serious or otherwise ;-)

Cheers

Computing Chromebook

Comments

  • skid on 15/07/2021 - 10:50
    +6

    Before making a purchase on a Chromebook, try connecting a bluetooth keyboard and mouse to the tablet. Might save you a bit of cash.

    • ArskinF on 15/07/2021 - 11:07

      OK. I didn't think of that. Ta.

  • spackbace on 15/07/2021 - 10:55
    +1

    As above, but otherwise sure :) Not that much difference in day-to-day between the 2

  • tin tin on 15/07/2021 - 11:13
    +2

    I would recommend a Chromebook 13" or above with a password manager and bluetooth mouse, don't even need a touchscreen.

  • admira on 15/07/2021 - 11:14
    +4

    I am using a chromebook as my daily driver, access work remotely. It is working well for my rather basic needs and think it works well as a tablet replacement.

  • Tovers93 on 15/07/2021 - 11:35
    +1

    Chromebook should be a good upgrade on the tablet, especially when paired with a mouse (USB or Bluetooth)
    I had one for a while and loved it. Loads instantly, super fast on the internet, great battery life
    For ease of use, go for a 14" screen and 4 GB RAM. Webcam, > 2x USBs and a HDMI port are good features to have too

    Might also qualify as a tax deduction if used for work purposes (Check with your tax accountant)?

  • RandomDealHunter on 15/07/2021 - 12:43
    +1

    Chromebooks are getting better (I have HP Chromebook X2) but for touch/tablet use, I would still say go for an Android Tablet. Just make sure that it is a premium one (like an S7+) and comes with a keyboard. I also have an Tab S4 and much prefer the tablet aspects and DEX mode for when I have to do some basic things. You can also connect to a mouse and a maybe it might come with a pen to further resolve dexterity related issues.

    The tablet interface on chromebook is still horrible. While your wife may struggle with items like payments, she may still like a tablet aspects like browsing etc. Easiest thing might be to take her to a shop that sells both and get her opinion on it.

  • firstworldproblems on 15/07/2021 - 13:51
    +1

    I'm wondering if it would be worthwhile getting her a Chromebook as a tablet replacement, one that gives a better & separate keyboard and touch screen combined?

    suggestion: buy a chromebook with at least 4 GB ram. replace the chromeOS with a linux OS. [Complete Guide to Installing Linux on Chromebook] (https://itsfoss.com/install-linux-chromebook/)

    i did this a number of years ago with a toshiba chromebook that i got for about $350 and doing so turned it into a very versatile machine.

    even if your wife has never used linux before, it won't matter, it'll be easier to use than chromeOS and there are a wide array of linux distros available. i would suggest linux mint, as it's a good entry point for first-time linux users.

  • CrispyChrispy on 15/07/2021 - 13:59
    +2

    If your partner is just doing basic things like you listed, like web browsing, emails, etc., I would say any Chromebook would do just fine. A keyboard would definitely be beneficial. It'll be easier to make payments with a touchpad/mouse and a keyboard rather than touch screen.

  • barge-in hunter on 15/07/2021 - 21:01

    I've had a chromebook for years - and in my opinion, they're very underrated. Just bear in mind that they're not privacy focussed (all your browsing is shared with Google - as with normal Google Chrome users).

    My tips:
    - chrome is a memory hog, so get a model with at least 4gb RAM
    - storage isn't as important as you think, provided you use/purchase extra storage with GoogleDrive
    - you can get some pretty good 12-13" sized 2-in-1s that will basically act as an Android tablet as well - best of both worlds?
    - make sure you purchase a newly released model. Even though a well spec'd one will perform really well for years, security updates and patches are usually limited to 3-5 years.

    • spackbace on 16/07/2021 - 12:09

      Chrome os will get updates for 8 years

      • barge-in hunter on 16/07/2021 - 13:05

        Good call, it looks like Google recently updated their policy… Will pay to check the individual model though, as it wasn't rolled out retrospectively

        "Auto Update policy - Google Chrome Enterprise Help" https://support.google.com/chrome/a/answer/6220366?hl=en#zip…

        • spackbace on 16/07/2021 - 13:09

          Ooh interesting link

          My Chromebook duet 'only' has updates till 2028, despite being bought this year. Still that's crazy to get updates for a device that old!

          • barge-in hunter on 16/07/2021 - 13:20
            +1

            @spackbace: Definitely - they seem to have really stepped up from the early days. My first Chromebook only received updates for 3 years or so (from when I bought it)

  • ArskinF on 16/07/2021 - 14:45

    Thanks for the feedback, people.

    Since the Samsung tablet is reasonably well specced I'm going with the bluetooth keyboard + mouse and a tablet stand suggestion.

    Cheers

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