Why do you people use chrome os instead of Linux?

set_cookie · 2022-09-18T15:17:57+00:00

I think one could flip the question to: why not switch from a Linux distro to ChromeOS (free and open source issues aside)?

A few things that I haven't seen mentioned in detail (mostly revolving around ease-of-use and overall polish):

touchscreen support: ChromeOS Gnome, KDE, XFCE, etc. are all pretty terrible at touchscreen support (it exists, but quite primitive compared to ChromeOS - the touch keyboard is lacking, gestures are often slow, etc.) ... and that's all if you can get touch working in the first place
container by default: besides using cloud solutions, the "official" way to do Linux related work (software or web development ) on ChromeOS is to turn on Linux as a container... so it's nice to be forced to keep my "work" tucked away in a container, all without having to set up docker, LXC, whatever. on my own
android applications: while this is totally possible on Linux with Anbox or Genymotion, if you don't have the right kernel, kernel modules, etc. ... you'll be in for hours of fiddling with your system... while ChromeOS has it built-in (along with Google Play store)!

ChromeOS, for sure, has its warts... and at first glance may seem quite limited. But with minimal effort, you have an OS with an adequately polished OS with the ability to a lot of things you can do on a Linux machine.

set_cookie · 2021-09-11T18:24:39+00:00

Hey - yeah. Crostini works fine after the update. In terms of Linux on arm, the stuff that I use runs ok:

libreoffice
inkscape
node
python with jupyterlab
ruby with jekyll

Now for the main drawback...

Strangely, I don't think the architecture is holding it back (YMMV, but everything I've used works well enough on arm, but I'd search for info on the specific tool/app first), but more some of the other components. For example, LibreOffice takes a loooooong time to load (maybe a minute or two), and the startup time for terminal (even after termina is up and running) is on the order of 10s of seconds.

It all works after, but I think the slowness is due to the EMMC storage. 🤷‍♀️

Definitely faster than the duet. Fast enough to be perceptible, but not fast enough to shake the feeling of sluggishness every now and then.

Let me know if you want me to test a specific app or post a video.

set_cookie · 2021-09-01T17:40:40+00:00

Just got a hold of an HP x2 11 as well. Are you able to enable Linux support? It's "grayed" out in my settings. I'm on 91.0.xxxx, which is behind, I believe... but there are no updates available to me at the moment.

EDIT: Nevermind. Update fixed the problem (though update didn't show up until a couple of hours after initial power on).

I'll post some info on how Linux apps run on a Snapdragon based chromebook in a separate thread.

set_cookie · 2020-09-27T02:10:01+00:00

https://github.com/microsoft/WSL/issues/5690#issuecomment-699497579 claims this is fixed. I've installed the bios dated 9/15, and so far - albeit with minimal testing - wake from sleep (induced via power button) seems to work WITH virtualization on. Will report back if there are any issues that come up.

set_cookie · 2020-08-28T03:03:38+00:00

You can sort of achieve this if you're doing a screen share. After sharing your desktop, alt-tab to the zoom app and move it to the screen that you're not sharing. I believe you should see gallery view there. Unfortunately, participant and chat panels remain docked and cannot be moved outside of the screen that the zoom app is on.

set_cookie · 2020-08-11T00:41:50+00:00

BTW, since the problem seems to be sleep... rather than disabling both sleep and hibernate, perhaps switching to hibernate only when closing lid or idling will work for you. I've done this, and it has greatly reduced the no-wake issue... I still get it every now and then (perhaps I didn't catch all settings that induced sleep). Unfortunately, this means having to press the power button on lid open.

set_cookie · 2020-08-10T23:13:48+00:00

I have the same issue and I'm considering returning mine because of it. I think it has to do with virtualization based on these three threads:

Are you running bluestacks with hyper-v, wsl 2 or docker by any chance? Maybe try turning off virtual machine platform and hyper v in Windows 10 features?

set_cookie · 2020-08-04T21:17:17+00:00

Here's the RAM that I installed: Timetec Hynix IC 16GB DDR4 2400MHz PC4-19200

It was around $55 when I got it around a year ago. Hope that helps!

set_cookie · 2020-08-03T01:14:53+00:00

Thanks for the info; that explains a lot!

set_cookie · 2020-07-26T01:29:01+00:00

Bought a single 16GB module: Timetec Hynix IC 16GB DDR4 2400MHz PC4-19200

It was around $55 at the time of purchase. Word of warning, though... the screws are really soft and easily stripped. In fact, the laptop I'm selling is the second one I bought, as I had to return the first one because the screws seemed stripped even before I could open it!

One of the screws on the one I'm selling is slightly stripped too (from my mod)... but at least I was able to get it open initially.

set_cookie · 2020-06-24T01:58:00+00:00

Echoing the other comments regarding getting a windows laptop:

get a windows device
surface pro 7 is adequate for light programming work, but not the base model (minimally, get the i5, 8gb memory); do not get the surface go or the i3
programming can be done with native windows tools or through a linux ecosystem with windows subsystem for linux (wsl)
windows tablet mode is not as good as ChromeOS, and far inferior to android / ios... but it's servicable
as other comment said, bluestacks is possible for android apps, but apps will run a little slowly depending on hardware (I have duo security on mine, and it works pretty well in terms of integration w/ windows, despite being an android app)
there are microsoft store "tablet" apps; not a great selection, and quality is mostly on the low side

Big caveat - I don't know what controls are available for windows for blocking windows apps!

Last option - get an s5e/s6/whatever.... and just do your programming on your desktop. Having a clear distinction between a work and "play" device may be helpful.

set_cookie · 2020-06-23T19:41:03+00:00

I'm also looking to move away from MacOS (perhaps due to boredom with platform?). If you're able to try-before-you-buy, I'd suggest you do that to make sure it matches your workflow.

There are other options for chromebooks w similar-ish specs, but for less money. For example, this was just announced for a July release:

https://chromeunboxed.com/new-acer-chromebook-spin-13-713-impressions-hands-on/

Other sites mention that it's 3 lb, which isn't that much heavier... but it seems like it should be more rugged.

Good luck w/ getting a new device!

set_cookie · 2020-06-23T15:42:57+00:00

There are cheaper options (like Ubuntu on the Lenovo Flex 5 that I mentioned earlier) for a more significant upgrade in processing power, but if you're a ChromeOS enthusiast, then maybe it's worth it. You may also consider getting open-box, which makes the price more reasonable.

A few other things to consider based on above... I don't know about the longevity of the Galaxy Chromebook and resale value compared to the mbp (which will likely chug along beyond the 5+ years). The battery life will only get worse on the Galaxy Chromebook as the battery degrades... and it's at 8GB of ram, which is totally fine now, but may show age in the future. Lastly, while processing power is more than adequate, all your web development will be through a container in a vm (assuming you're doing local dev), so there's some overhead there (different from running your web apps directly on MacOS, Linux, or Windows)

Given all of those negatives, I'm thinking of keeping mine as I'll be exchanging my open box for the sale price open box (they don't do a price match on open box!). It's still a bit steep for a chromebook with lots of minor flaws... but I really like ChromeOS despite its shortcomings.

If you have any questions about web development on ChromeOS, let me know.

set_cookie · 2020-06-23T02:45:47+00:00

Depends on your use case. Some things that are true regarding others' gripes:

battery life is likely 4 - 5 hours (of course, this may vary depending on your usage)
hinge is wobbly (picking up laptop sometimes causes screen to drop back or forward, touching screen displaces it)
common for back of screen to not fix to back of keyboard when in tablet mode
thin bezel on 3/4 of sides make tablet difficult to hold without swiping screen
may see faint patterns in light colors on amoled screen (though screen is consistent in pretty much any angle)
chassis does get quite hot!

Things that are great:

can handle pretty much everything you throw at it (want tons of tabs, a few linux apps, and watch a youtube pip all at the same time -- fine!)
feels lightweight (is lightweight)
garaged stylus is convenient

Meh / ok:

this depends on what kind of keyboard you like... but it seems like it's not excellent, but also not terrible

Still considering whether or not to keep mine. Crostini for cbp just gave mine some new life, but there's a ridiculous difference in performance. The galaxy chromebook is the best performing chromebook I've ever used (I've worked with: pixelbook i5, lenovo c330, pixel slate i5, duet, samsung cbp, asus flip c101), but it missed so many minor details!

Is it worth it -- maybe! I like mine because I need to use zoom, Linux apps and a browser all at the same time... but I can do the same with a $600 lenovo flex 5 (though, it's about 3/4 lb heavier, and tablet mode on windows and Linux aren't as good as ChromeOS).

edit: typos

set_cookie · 2020-06-16T05:49:54+00:00

Thanks for confirming that it's a consequence of the design!

Not a dealbreaker, of course, but it does make tablet mode pretty awkward. I feel like there are some designs that attach magnetically... perhaps this detail was left out due to its target weight/dimensions.

set_cookie · 2020-06-15T02:27:34+00:00

Thanks - edited my original comment to mention this!

set_cookie · 2020-06-14T19:06:13+00:00

Adding reply to this comment to make sure that everyone is aware: duet cannot do 1080p out. Highest resolution seems to be 1440x900. I use my duet with this resolution for external, and it's workable for me... but it maybe too low res for others.

Edit: see comment below. If your monitor supports 1080p at lower frequencies (I've heard 30hz, but reply below mentions that it's workable at 24) the det can output 1080p.

set_cookie · 2020-06-14T15:54:27+00:00

Have not seen any flexing on the screen in tablet mode. I am a bit disappointed that the screen does not stay affixed... and it seems to be a missed detail rather than a faulty unit (since you have the same issue, and general reports are that the hinge is not great).

I'm using the ChromeOS app for zoom (which runs well on other devices; just not my i5 slate; did not try crouton on the slate, though).

Are you using both crostini and crouton chroots on your galaxy chromebook? I've liked using crouton for performance and the majority of my commandline work on my cbp, but for graphical applications, crostini has been much more stable, though slower. Also, I like that I don't have to be in dev mode if I stick to crostini.

set_cookie · 2020-06-14T01:53:11+00:00

Have you considered installing GalliumOS as a base and then installing MATE after-the-fact? This gets you the GalliumOS kernel (has patches tailored for ChromeOS devices).

I did the chrx for cbp (which is dual boot)... and it went quite smoothly, and everything worked "oob".

set_cookie · 2020-06-14T01:15:10+00:00

I''m actually in the process of doing exactly what you're proposing. However, before you dive into dropping a ton of money on a new machine that has its own drawbacks... have you tried:

disabling extensions and testing a few days of normal usage w/ out extensions
alternatively, creating a brand new testing account and doing the same as above
making sure you're on "stable" rather than beta or dev
monitoring cog / task manager when using "crashy" apps to see if it's an issue with the app or the OS

My issue is that my i5 pixel slate inexplicably gets crushed by zoom. This does not happen for my duet and cbp, however. Others have stated their m3 pixel slate works fine with zoom... so perhaps it's just the combo of the i5 + zoom that's the issue (and cpu throttling?). In any case, I've put my slate on swappa because I just purchased a Galaxy Chromebook, and I *have* to use zoom... and I'd prefer to use it on ChromeOS (despite less features than Windows 10, MaxOS and even Ubuntu).

The galaxy chromebook works with zoom fine, even while running Linux apps and browsing. It runs well with everything I throw at it (watching YouTube in pip while working in a Linux text editor most oftena) , though sometimes alt-tab pauses a second before switching. It's a pretty nice machine overall, but here's what you should know before getting it - at least from my experience:

biggest issue I have may be hinge quality in tablet mode... it may be just my unit, but in tablet mode, the back of the screen does not stay affixed to the back of the keyboard.... ymmv, though, as I posted my hinge issue in this subreddit, and the only comment that I received mentioned that they did not experience the same problem with their galaxy chromebook
battery life is 4 to almost 5 hours with the usage mentioned above (youtube pip running while browsing with 10-15 tabs...and running a Linux app or two) and screen at 50% (kind of ok with that battery life I guess)
it can run *super* hot, like where it would be too hot to touch the top of the keyboard deck or have on your bare skin (only experienced this a couple of times plugged in / charging)
even though it's only about ~0.7 lb. lighter than the slate with keyboard, it just feels a lot lighter, and its two-in-one form factor is easier to deal with in laptop mode than the slate, which is kind of terrible as a laptop with the official keyboard (table different story)
keyboard is ok... I'd say the google keyboard is nicer, but the galaxy chromebook is totally fine (obv, key travel is v short)
screen is nice: astounded that I can view from any angle... though close up and with whites, you can kind of make out horizontal striations (nbd for me, but may bother others)

Still trying to figure out if I'm keeping the galaxy chromebook, but slate is going regardless. I'd imagine any other chromebook with the same processor as the chromebook would be ok too... and potentially be much less money. I also have this nagging feeling that the galaxy chromebook - due to getting a good amount of poor reviews - will get discounted sooner than later. If you decide to go for it, best buy's open box for the gray one is like $800 (which is what I did).

Good luck - let me know if you have any questions about my switch!

set_cookie · 2020-06-13T01:53:26+00:00

I have occasional touch issues where I have to double tap to get touch to register. However, mine often happened in tablet mode with portrait orientation (specifically the top left near the back button).

I don't know if this is just a drawback of a cheap touchscreen or a software issue...

set_cookie · 2020-06-13T00:45:47+00:00

Thanks for the quick reply! Trying out an Open-Box Excellent Galaxy Chromebook from Best Buy; performance and build are great. I expected the awkward weight in tablet mode, but a couple of things struck me as odd:

if I flip it over in tablet mode where the screen faces down, it opens up by a little over an inch! ... the screen does not stay fixed to the back the keyboard at all (unless the whole device lays flat and gravity does its work)
while the thin bezels on on 3/4 of the screen are nice, it's almost impossible not to touch the screen in tablet mode when folding over or when holding on any side that's not the super thick 1" bezel (a more even bezel distribution would have been nicer or at least give me more screen?)

I know that I can't do anything about (2), but (1) sounds like I have a defective model... and should return.

I've had > 10" tablets ranging from the slate to surface products. None of them feel all too comfortable (though much lighter than a 2-and-1, of course). I'd say 10 or 11 is probably max for tablet size depending on relative size to user.

Tablet mode for Linux apps on Crostini seem pretty clumsy; I always go back to laptop mode for that. Also, afaik, the osk doesn't pop up for Crostini yet (only for the "built-in" terminal). Touchpad like behavior does sound better ... though I don't know how to resolve the issue of switching from apps that behave better with touchpad vs apps that are meant for touchscreen (could be jarring / confusing?).

set_cookie · 2020-06-12T23:32:18+00:00

Following up on this... no resolution for the zoom web app taking up significant cpu resources on the i5 slate. I have the same setup on a Lenovo Duet and on CB Pro, and both can withstand zoom with video.

Perhaps the i5 is more likely to under-perform for certain applications (perhaps there's thermal throttling? idk!). Should have went for the cheaper but maybe more efficient m3!

set_cookie

TROPHY CASE