I have just bought a new samsung chromebook....

Lifeforms

zzzLazyDaisy wrote: »

I did consider ipad, but it doesn't meet my need in terms of being able to plug in a portable hard-drive/memory stick, and it doesn't have a card reader for my camera like the chromebook does. Also ipad/keyboard set-up is much more expensive. In addition I would then have to buy more cloud storage as I am moving that way, whereas the chrome book has 100gb thrown in. (tho having said all that, I do like the ipad, I just can't justify it!)

There is a USB device plug, as well as a card reader (sd only, outside apple products a multiple card reader) as well as sometimes being able to connect a camera to it via usb. Keyboard can be solved by using bluetooth set ups, and I'm sure cloud storage can be had on many offers now.

There's always a way around with any product unless it is a brick with no ports.

zzzLazyDaisy

Yes, I realise all that - but that sort of set-up would have cost a lot more than £229, and in the end it boiled down to the fact that I wanted something that resembles a laptop - with a proper keyboard.

Anyway, it's water under the bridge now, the decision is made, and the chromebook is on its way as I type

Jeff_Bridges_hair

For what you say you want it for I think thats a great deal with the Amazon vouchers.

I think people are looking into it a bit too much here based on what they would want from it and not exactly why you want it.

Do let us know how you get on.. Be good to hear a decent report from it as was looking at them myself for my team.

almillar

Everyone suggesting iPad + keyboard + stupid dongle thing, look at the cost!
We're looking at £230 here.
zzzLazyDaisy - you've done your research, and have identified the drawbacks with this netbook. Have a look on http://www.engadget.com for a review of the Chromebook, which you may have already read, but might answer some of your questions. Printing - if you've got a very new printer, you can print from your Chromebook (happens over the net), and if you have an old printer connected to another computer, you can print direct from the Chromebook through that with free software I think. This obviously involves having that computer switched on too. It's got USB ports though, so I wouldn't be surprised if a few drivers come along that you can use.
People that say ChromeOS is just like being stuck inside the Chrome browser are out of date, as you say, it looks a bit more like a desktop these days and you can do local storage, SD card storage etc that you would be used to from bigger computers, everything certainly isn't 'stuck' in the cloud as others will say.
As you can tell, I'm really interested in this, but I just can't find a reason to have one...

bod1467

And as I mentioned previously, someone I know has one of these, has wiped off ChromeOS and installed Linux Mint = Windows-esque functionality for no additional cost.

zzzLazyDaisy

Hi, I thought I would come back and report on my first impressions (so far so good). I am comparing this to my samsung net book, rather than my full size laptop.

Cost - £229 from amazon

Delivery - ordered 9am by free supersaver delivery, arrived 9.30am the next day.

Out of the box - very light weight, thin, and nice to look at. Comes with a flat battery and has to be charged before use (note the charging port is on the back). Once charged, boots up amazingly quickly. Keyboard very responsive and easy to use. The screen is matte I have seen reviews that criticise the viewing angles and brightness, but both are an improvement on my netbook. The screen is slightly bigger (11.5 ins, compared to the netbook's 10") but in practice the difference in sixe isn't that noticable. Visually I find this screen easier on the eyes than the netbook. Touchpad is responsive, and easy to use.

Speakers are positioned underneath towards the front, so using in bed or on lap does muffle the sound a bit, but putting it on a laptray or hard surface solves that. The sound is a bit flat and slightly tinny for my liking - but that is a bit harsh as it is a laptop not an mp3 player, and I normally use a portable speaker with my netbook anyway, so hardly a fair comparison.

One small gripe - the headphone jack is on the left, where the power lead normally plugs in. The hole for the power lead is at the back. Ok it is only a minor thing, but it is a bit counter-intuitive if, like me, you are used to the normal samsung set up. On the plus side, a fully charged battery lasts for days with occasional use (the battery is supposed to last for around 6 hours of continuous use, but I haven't tested it yet).

I have seen this laptop described at 'the cloud in a clamshell' which is a pretty good description as this machine is browser based. There are not many parts inside it - there is no fan and it doesn't get hot in use.

If you use chrome browser and gmail you will be immediately at home. I am an occasional user of both, and was surprised to see all my boomarks on the browser as soon as I booted it up. If you are thinking of getting a chromebook, I recommend changing to chrome browser and gmail on your current set-up, as it makes the move to chromebook smoother.

I am typing this on the chromebook, and finding it a pleasant experience.

I haven't really had time to explore this machine properly, as I am too busy doing real-world christmassy things, but first impressions are really good.

I will come back and report again once I have had time to explore its capabilities.

Dx

Anthorn

neilwoods wrote: »

Obviously tied to what chrome web store offers in terms of apps, which isn't many. As for printing, think you need a cloud ready printer, which prints over the web. Or if using google docs, save it to online and just print from a pc at home.

Personally I think the chromebook may be short lived, due to android and the constant price drop.

No I don't think it's short-lived. Support for HTML5 in the Google Chrome web browser and consequently in ChromeOS and Chromebook makes it cutting edge to the extent that existing web browsers, web sites and new devices are playing catch-up. HTML5 is also pushing Java and Silverlight towards the end-of-life stage rather quickly.

With regards to cloud printing it's easiest to get a cloud-ready printer. I have a Kodak Hero 5.1 and after signing up for Google cloudprint setting up is done in the printer software. But ordinary non-cloud (classic) printers can be used provided you have it set up in Google Chrome on another computer and that computer is on with Google Chrome launched. The big advantage with cloud print is that you can print from other devices running Google Chrome, for example an Android mobile phone.

More info at: https://support.google.com/cloudprint?rd=1

Ok let's have a race: You have your Windows laptop and I have my Samsung 303 ARM Chromebook and both are turned off. Let's see who is first to get on the web. GO ... sorry, you lose: I'm already surfing the web, checking my email and logging into MSE

Splott

sabretoothtigger wrote: »

Very 21st century, I like they are trying to do more with less

You won't especially when you have no internet access and it becomes an expensive doorstop.

If all you want to do is browse the web and do emails, they're OK. If you want to do anything productive they become very frustrating, especially if you're on ADSL with slow upload speeds.

Juzza12

Has anyone found a decent mouse that works with these?

Mine is fine with my laptop but slow on the Samsung Series 5, I have turned the sensitivity on the Chromebook settings all the way up.

Anthorn

Splott wrote: »

You won't especially when you have no internet access and it becomes an expensive doorstop.

Not necessarily: When away from home and your internet connection the WiFi hotspot on a mobile phone can be used. If there is no WiFi hotspot available on a mobile phone, MiFi can be used.

Anyone going the MiFi way should compare the price of topping up with the price of a new SIM card. Currently when buying on Amazon a new SIM card is cheaper.