I bought an Acer c720 (16GB) for $150 refurbished and upgraded the M.2 storage with a 128GB SSD. While I wish it had a super key, and more than 2GB of RAM, I must say that I'm happy with it. especially after installing Debian.
Terminology question: "16 GB internal memory" sounds like RAM when it's more likely referencing storage. I know I've seen that reference other places, too. Is that common and I should just get used to it?
Yes, "16GB internal memory" refers to the storage space. Chromebooks are dependent on cloud storage and streaming content as opposed to storing content on the device itself. The RAM will usually be 2-4GB.
they aren't that significantly more dependant on streaming and cloud than any other computer. They have HTML5 offline support, they have packaged apps, NaCL, and other technologies that allow you to be productive without an internet connection.
Let's be real though, how often are you productive on any computer without an internet connection? It's just as possible to be productive on a Chromebook without internet access, but in what real world situation would you do that? If you really wanted some kind of offline functionality that Chrome OS couldn't offer you (hypothetically) then you could always set up a Linux chroot using Crouton that would provide a full Linux desktop that you can hot-switch over to without even rebooting.
The 16GB is standard. The entire idea of a Chromebook is to function as a thin client. There is growing off-line utility depending on specific apps. But the general paradigm is constant or near-constant connection to the net - which is actually pretty accurate for most people in a lot of places today. The low storage on board is a mind-shift for many people. However it's really integral to the thin client idea. Of course a lot of people do upgrade that and use the hardware more traditionally with fuller Linux distros meshed into or in place of ChromeOS. Not all Chromebooks have upgradeable SSDs though. I suspect in the future it will move more and more in that direction. No info yet on whether the SSD in these new Lenovo or Asus units is upgradeable.
No, you're completely right. Memory is not the right word for that... much as Apple has tried to make 'memory' and 'storage' interchangeable with their iPhone marketing.
Disappointing it's yet another 1366x768 Celeron Chromebook. Was hoping for more ARM-based 1080p ones (since ARM costs less, they can afford a better panel for the same retail price).
What about running non arm friendly software on linux? I think a celeron is a good choice. And I'd rather a 900x1440 display to keep price competitive..
Chromebooks are dependent on cloud storage and streaming content as opposed to storing content on the device itself. The RAM will usually be 2-4GB. http://sn.im/28vu0w3
If they'd release one of these with a 1080p screen for $100 more I'd probably buy that. There's just not enough screen real estate at that resolution, especially at <12". Another example of a 4" phone having a 1080p screen but we somehow can't get that as a standard in laptops.
If you follow the Chromebook pixel which has a 3:2 screen ratio. How can they expect people to use these for browsing, reading, and thinclient work with a 16:9 low res crap?
1080p is still not very good for reading and surfing.
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DIYEyal - Tuesday, May 6, 2014 - link
I bought an Acer c720 (16GB) for $150 refurbished and upgraded the M.2 storage with a 128GB SSD. While I wish it had a super key, and more than 2GB of RAM, I must say that I'm happy with it. especially after installing Debian.icrf - Tuesday, May 6, 2014 - link
Terminology question: "16 GB internal memory" sounds like RAM when it's more likely referencing storage. I know I've seen that reference other places, too. Is that common and I should just get used to it?dstarr3 - Tuesday, May 6, 2014 - link
Yes, "16GB internal memory" refers to the storage space. Chromebooks are dependent on cloud storage and streaming content as opposed to storing content on the device itself. The RAM will usually be 2-4GB.coder543 - Wednesday, May 7, 2014 - link
they aren't that significantly more dependant on streaming and cloud than any other computer. They have HTML5 offline support, they have packaged apps, NaCL, and other technologies that allow you to be productive without an internet connection.Let's be real though, how often are you productive on any computer without an internet connection? It's just as possible to be productive on a Chromebook without internet access, but in what real world situation would you do that? If you really wanted some kind of offline functionality that Chrome OS couldn't offer you (hypothetically) then you could always set up a Linux chroot using Crouton that would provide a full Linux desktop that you can hot-switch over to without even rebooting.
savagemike - Tuesday, May 6, 2014 - link
The 16GB is standard. The entire idea of a Chromebook is to function as a thin client. There is growing off-line utility depending on specific apps. But the general paradigm is constant or near-constant connection to the net - which is actually pretty accurate for most people in a lot of places today. The low storage on board is a mind-shift for many people. However it's really integral to the thin client idea.Of course a lot of people do upgrade that and use the hardware more traditionally with fuller Linux distros meshed into or in place of ChromeOS. Not all Chromebooks have upgradeable SSDs though. I suspect in the future it will move more and more in that direction. No info yet on whether the SSD in these new Lenovo or Asus units is upgradeable.
extide - Tuesday, May 6, 2014 - link
As it is an eMMC device, I highly doubt it is upgradeable, and it is probably soldered on.coder543 - Tuesday, May 6, 2014 - link
No, you're completely right. Memory is not the right word for that... much as Apple has tried to make 'memory' and 'storage' interchangeable with their iPhone marketing.Krysto - Tuesday, May 6, 2014 - link
Disappointing it's yet another 1366x768 Celeron Chromebook. Was hoping for more ARM-based 1080p ones (since ARM costs less, they can afford a better panel for the same retail price).A5 - Tuesday, May 6, 2014 - link
Dunno if I'd want an ARM chip rendering desktop pages at 1080p, though.solipsism - Tuesday, May 6, 2014 - link
Tablet GPUs are well beyond 1080p and do just fine.DIYEyal - Tuesday, May 6, 2014 - link
What about running non arm friendly software on linux? I think a celeron is a good choice. And I'd rather a 900x1440 display to keep price competitive..redmatt - Friday, May 9, 2014 - link
Appart from professional software that will not run on 2GB RAM, I don't know many non-ARM friendly Linux software...FwFred - Tuesday, May 6, 2014 - link
What ARM arch SoC is going to be a better match for a Chromebook than Haswell?SandraTJamerson - Tuesday, May 6, 2014 - link
Chromebooks are dependent on cloud storage and streaming content as opposed to storing content on the device itself. The RAM will usually be 2-4GB. http://sn.im/28vu0w3Ortanon - Tuesday, May 6, 2014 - link
I'll never grasp the concept of a Chromebook that costs more than $200. It baffles me.Hrel - Tuesday, May 6, 2014 - link
If they'd release one of these with a 1080p screen for $100 more I'd probably buy that. There's just not enough screen real estate at that resolution, especially at <12". Another example of a 4" phone having a 1080p screen but we somehow can't get that as a standard in laptops.vision33r - Wednesday, May 7, 2014 - link
If you follow the Chromebook pixel which has a 3:2 screen ratio. How can they expect people to use these for browsing, reading, and thinclient work with a 16:9 low res crap?1080p is still not very good for reading and surfing.