Chromebooks

IvanOpinion

Just something I found out the other day ... chromebooks (not something I deal with much) effectively have an 'expiry' date that is about 6.5 years after manufacture.  At this point google no longer carries out auto updates of them.  I know they will still keep working but may no longer be secure. Has anyone come across this?

Some more detail at https://support.google.com/chrome/a/answer/6220366#zippy= (you can also check when yours 'expires').

Neil_Jones

No different to any other computer manufacturer or software creator.

IvanOpinion

I think this is a little bit different, Neil.  They have built in obsolescence from the date of manufacture.  At least with Windows and IOS the updates will keep coming (usually) .... maybe I am reading more into it than necessary.  

Neil_Jones

IvanOpinion said:

I think this is a little bit different, Neil.  They have built in obsolescence from the date of manufacture.  At least with Windows and IOS the updates will keep coming (usually) .... maybe I am reading more into it than necessary.  

Windows only gets updates if you are on a supported version.  Same with iOS.  As iPads, iPhones and the Macs age the older ones get no updates.  With Windows 10 its only if you're on a more recent version - the original version of 10 is no longer supported for example.

On the hardware level, laptop manufacturers only support the laptop with driver and BIOS updates for two years if you're lucky.  Most mobile phones and tablets don't get to get any updates at all, so its obsolete as soon as you buy it.  it was only the introduction of Android One/Go that it became a thing to get two major Android updates.

BigAl94

IvanOpinion said:

Just something I found out the other day ... chromebooks (not something I deal with much) effectively have an 'expiry' date that is about 6.5 years after manufacture.  At this point google no longer carries out auto updates of them.  I know they will still keep working but may no longer be secure. Has anyone come across this?

Some more detail at https://support.google.com/chrome/a/answer/6220366#zippy= (you can also check when yours 'expires').

You are absolutely correct, it's a fact that is kept very quiet by manufacturers and retailers and it's essential to check the list you linked to if purchasing a Chromebook to avoid buying a short life one. Some bargains may not be what they seem. Important to note the expiry date is from the date the model is launched, not the date you purchase it. I have known this for some time and when replacing my wife's Chromebook recently (had expired a few months and she was getting constant warnings about security) was able to check the replacement had a "life" of 6 years. Some info here Chromebooks Have an Expiration Date: Here's How to Find Yours | Laptop Mag

Neil49

I read a month or so ago that Google are working on extending the period to about 8 years but that will probably only apply to newer devices. 

I know that it's possible to install a new Chrome OS onto Windows based devices but haven't been able to discover if you can do the same on an old Chromebook. If so then it would be a way of keeping a Chromebook up to date.

Neil_Jones

Neil49 said:

I read a month or so ago that Google are working on extending the period to about 8 years but that will probably only apply to newer devices. 

I know that it's possible to install a new Chrome OS onto Windows based devices but haven't been able to discover if you can do the same on an old Chromebook. If so then it would be a way of keeping a Chromebook up to date.

You can install Windows onto Chromebooks but good luck finding any drivers for them:

https://www.howtogeek.com/278953/how-to-install-windows-on-a-chromebook/