anybody use a chromebook?

[solon]

I am *this close* to ditching Windows permanently and going to a Chromebook. The main reason I haven't is because of Quicken.

Does anybody have any thoughts on Mustachian computing, especially with Chromebooks?
Does anybody have any thoughts on using Mint to track spending?

[sser]

I've had a chromebook for over a year and really like it.

You can set up a basic operating system and run compatible programs (haven't gotten around to doing this yet, but plan to soon - think steam will work with it).
Linux install guide: http://lifehacker.com/how-to-install-linux-on-a-chromebook-and-unlock-its-ful-509039343

Get a memory device like this to install the OS on (and/or just for more storage space): https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B014W1ZL2Y/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Here's a guide for installing YNAB (could be similar to installing Quicken?): http://mortgage-payoff-club.com/2013/11/05/i-love-ynab-i-adore-chromebooks-heres-how-to-install-ynab-on-a-chromebook/

I have not done all of this yet, but have only had to use my old windows laptop a handful of times since I use google docs (unless using work machine for work stuff) for most things. Might be a little bit of a learning curve, but hoping that it all works out for the better.

Also have been a Mint user for years and like the flexibility in categorizing expenses. Additionally, Personal Capital has some advantages for retirement planning, though I don't use it nearly as often.

[Greystache]

I've had a chromebook for two years and I love it.
Instant on, no waiting to boot up.
No need for anti-virus SW
Cheap
Great battery life.
It's the perfect tool for web surfing and e-mail.  Works great with personal capital, but I have not tried mint.
I went into it with the idea that it would be just for internet activity.  I still have a windows machine to run Microsoft office and other apps.  I have not tried running other apps on a chromebook.  Looks like it can be done, but not easily. Most chromebooks have very limited memory and storage space.

[tyleriam]

I use a Chromebook at home as well as Mint.  I love both of them.

If you do use a Chromebook I suggest you dive into Google products.  Use Gmail, Google Docs, Google Drive, and preferably an Android phone.  They all work together wonderfully.

[Roots&Wings]

Another Chromebook & Mint user. The only challenge I had was learning manual commands (like ctrl + c for copy, ctrl + v for paste, etc) and occasional freezing/page kills if you have too many windows open at once (installing Adblock helped a bit).

One of the main retirement simulation calculators didn't work for me awhile ago, but I just checked firecalc and cFIREsim and both seem to work now.

I use a "google sheet" instead of excel for manual budget calcs, which seems to work fine for basics. IRS e-file (free fillable forms) has worked fine for me too on Chromebook (if you do your own taxes).

[socalteacher]

I have had two different sets of CB in my classroom. They have all held up great with 5th graders handling them all the time. I guess I can simply add that they are durable!

[sparkytheop]

I love my chromebook for basic stuff.  For photos (a hobby) and some other things, they just don't have the memory size.  I haven't tried mint, but there are free google budgeting aps, and google documents have worked well.  One thing that caught me was if you don't save a document off-line, and need it in an area without internet, you can't get to it (I've later worked around this by using my phone as a hot-spot).

If you have too many tabs open it can freeze up or drop pages, but if you're using it to play on the internet, stream videos, etc, it's awesome.

[beastykato]

I don't understand the hatred for Windows.  It's had it fair share of problems, but the compatibility with basically everything hardware and software has always trumped everything for me. 

I also don't wait to boot up my device since it has an SSD it's almost an instant start.

I'm not here to knock Chrome.  I'm using Chrome browser on Windows right now and I use Android devices for my phone and tablet.  Just trying to help defend Windows a bit.

What exactly is Windows doing that's causing problems?

[obstinate]

Used one professionally for a little while. It's the best computer that can only run a web browser that money can buy. And that's all there is to say about it. If you want anything other than web, you're up a creek. I would not buy one with my own money.

[MoneyCat]

Anybody else disturbed that Google is basically the real-life version of Skynet from "The Terminator"? They control everything. They see everything. They follow you wherever you go and record your location. They have all your photos. All your work documents. They know what you listen to and what you are reading. I don't know about you, but that sounds pretty scary to me. Makes all the hysteria about the USA Patriot Act seem silly by comparison.

[RobFIRE]

I've briefly looked at chromebooks but have found them too restrictive. Limited local storage, limited RAM, not upgradeable, don't want to be tied in to doing everything via Google's cloud services, need to be able to use it offline. That said I can see their appeal as basic computing devices for people who just want to do documents, web and email on a simple device, who always have WiFi.

For those who need to do more, a second hand ThinkPad (or maybe EliteBook or equivalent Dell) with SSD and your choice of Linux gives a much more capable machine (battery life may be a bit less though) that you're in control of, and as it's upgradeable is likely to last longer than a soldered device like a chromebook. That's the route I've gone, ThinkPad X220 with SSD, IPS screen and opensuse is my travel laptop.

[bmiles62]

Totally depends on your needs. I have been waiting for the new Mac laptops to come out since early spring to replace my 7 year old Macbook. It has been delay after delay. I kept reading about Chromebooks and always dismissed them. Finally I took a look at what I was really using my computer for and pretty much saw that it was about 95% online use. Last week I finally ordered a $300 Chromebook and could not be happier! It does everything I need it to at a cheap price. I think I just saved my self $1000 for not needing to get a Mac now. 

[solon]

I love my chromebook for basic stuff.  For photos (a hobby) and some other things, they just don't have the memory size.  I haven't tried mint, but there are free google budgeting aps, and google documents have worked well.  One thing that caught me was if you don't save a document off-line, and need it in an area without internet, you can't get to it (I've later worked around this by using my phone as a hot-spot).

If you have too many tabs open it can freeze up or drop pages, but if you're using it to play on the internet, stream videos, etc, it's awesome.

Hey Sparky, what are the google budgeting aps you use?

[solon]

Anybody else disturbed that Google is basically the real-life version of Skynet from "The Terminator"? They control everything. They see everything. They follow you wherever you go and record your location. They have all your photos. All your work documents. They know what you listen to and what you are reading. I don't know about you, but that sounds pretty scary to me. Makes all the hysteria about the USA Patriot Act seem silly by comparison.

Yeah, I'm a little worried about this. But if not Google, then it will be Microsoft, Facebook, Amazon, or NSA. Basically, I'm resigned to some company, somewhere, having a lot of information about me. Once you get to that point, it's just a matter of which overlord do you like better?

[projekt]

Back in 2010 I got a chromebook (Cr-48, yes I'm cool) and I pretty much stopped using anything else for a while because my needs were simple. By 2013, most websites became too much for its wimpy specs, so it started being troublesome. In 2014 my needs increased to where I really needed a full-fledged machine. But I like the idea of the chromebook. I miss the simplicity.

It's true that my new Windows laptop (Acer E15) with an SSD boots in about 4 seconds. That was the major selling point for the chromebook and by the time I ditched it, it was taking so much longer just to open its browser that it had lost that edge.

For comparison, my 10 year old imac (running windows, don't ask) is still able to do most things I ask it to, and only certain stupid programs are able to make it slow. There's something to be said for good specs in a new computer.

[Kriegsspiel]

I really like my Chromebook. I use a GoogleDocs spreadsheet to track spending. I don't really compute much, I just get on the internet. I got a notepad app and a calculator app since that's what I used on a Windows computer.

[Goldielocks]

I LOVE  my Asus Chromebook 13".

1)  11 hour battery life, recharges in about 70 minutes from zero.
2)  Instant on when I open the cover.   On the internet in 5 seconds automatically. Excellent for class / client interviews.
3) Light and easy to transport
4) I think I paid $250 for it.
5) Internet and Netflix are very, very good.

I can work on spreadsheets and powerpoint, (including presentations). I much prefer full excel, but I get the basic functions I need in Chrome, and Excel is only 2x a month now for me.
Word documents are great.
Cloud saving is so smooth, better than I thought.
Google Keep is very nice app.
Keyboard! 
Works for Wordpress site maintenance

Downsides --
It does not have a lot of apps.  e.g., local transit ap? No.
Not a gaming machine (except for flash or internet based games)
Screen resolution is poor on mine (but still fine -- especially for $250)


I do have access to a Windows Desktop, that I use for tax software, heavy spreadsheets, and DH uses for gaming, downloading movies, multiple windows open, etc.

But I would never get a conventional laptop or tablet again, just a cheap chromebook and a Desktop combo.

[Rubic]

I use chromebooks both personally and professionally and love them.  My
normal development machine is a ThinkPad running Linux, but I like to use
the chromebook for casual Internet browsing.

We use them in our office for our medical staff.  I've bought somewhere
between 50-100 in the past couple years, many refurbished on ebay.

I bought one for Mom -- an ASUS chrome "box" for Christmas, basically
the desktop version of the chromebook and she loves it.  She only
uses it for web browsing and gmail, but it's perfectly suited to those
tasks.  I'm now less worried about Mom's machine being infected with
malware.

Because web applications are becoming more bloated, I wouldn't
recommend a chromebook with less than 2GB, though we have
plenty of 1GB chromebooks running our internal apps.

The only people I've known who disliked chromebooks are folks
who thought they would replace the Windows user experience.
The chromebook is basically a low-power netbook which runs
the Chrome browser, including whatever applications can be run
from within the browser.  Aside from some minior built-in apps
(e.g. calculator) it isn't a stand-alone system.  If the chromebook
experience matches your expectations.  I think you'll be satisfied
with it.

[Rocket]

I have the toshiba chromebook II and like it a lot.  I also have a mac mini and an ipad and use the chromebook the most.

[eostache]

I've had my Acer C720P touchscreen Chromebook for over two years now. It's my main go to machine for websurfing and working on documents in my Google Drive folders. It's so easy to use and easy to travel with. I have a 4 year old Lenovo Win7 laptop but I don't use it much. It spends most of it's time stored in a laptop bag.

[gggggg]

I love my chromebook. My windows laptop is newer, but I still pick up my chromebook more often. Windows is so clunky. The big difference is that a windows unit can run downloaded programs; Chromebooks do everything else better imo. I like mint as well; Personal Capital is better for investments though.

[sparkytheop]

I love my chromebook for basic stuff.  For photos (a hobby) and some other things, they just don't have the memory size.  I haven't tried mint, but there are free google budgeting aps, and google documents have worked well.  One thing that caught me was if you don't save a document off-line, and need it in an area without internet, you can't get to it (I've later worked around this by using my phone as a hot-spot).

If you have too many tabs open it can freeze up or drop pages, but if you're using it to play on the internet, stream videos, etc, it's awesome.

Hey Sparky, what are the google budgeting aps you use?

I don't, sorry...  I still pull out my older window laptop for (the old) YNAB.  There is an app that works with the new YNAB, but I can't remember what it was called.  Wish I could be more help!

[Syonyk]

Yeah, but it's not particularly Mustachian.  I've got a Pixel LS that I use as my primary "at home" computer.  ChromeOS, developer mode, Linux in a chroot.  It does everything I ask, including some embedded device programming (Arduinos of various types).

16GB RAM, 64GB SSD, and, uh, around $1500.  Totally worth it for what I do, and comparable to similar hardware that wasn't as nice (for my needs).

[alsoknownasDean]

I've been strongly considering getting one recently, to replace my aging (and now liquid-damaged) MacBook Pro.

My computing needs are more basic than they were when I bought the MacBook.

I can get a Chromebook 2 shipped from Amazon for about $450AUD all up. A new 13" MacBook Pro Retina is about four times that ($1689 from the refurb store).

I guess in my case the main thing stopping me is that I'm probably better off with a desktop in the long run. :)

[aschmidt2930]

I bought one a couple years back and it's been one of my better purchasing decisions.  Highly recommend.

[E16sean]

I have owned a Toshiba Chromebook II for a year now. I mainly watch TV through it, browser the web and can even remotely access my work through citrix. It was a a replacement or a Mac.  Google are meant to be introducing the android runtime into chrome OS which will allow android apps to be run.

[GrumpyPenguin]

Something really appealing about Chromebooks in the future, that I don't think I've seen anyone talk about in this post yet, is that many CBs will get Android App support.

http://www.theverge.com/2016/5/25/11773722/chromebooks-gaining-android-app-support-list

In my opinion this will greatly increase the utility of the Chromebooks that get this functionality.  A cheap lightweight Chromebook that gets fantastic battery life and convert into a 13 to 15-inch tablet to be used with Android Apps? That sounds pretty awesome to me.

[NorCal]

I can't comment on Chromebooks, but I do advise against Mint if you're serious about tracking spend over time.  Quicken has been my big barrier to switching as well.

Every once in a while, your bank will update their back-end software.  This always seems to break the connection with Mint.  The only way to fix this is to delete your entire account (including history) and start over with that account.  Having several accounts meant that I never had more than 6-12 months of spending history.  It was good for the month-to-month stuff, but useless for the longer term tracking.

[solon]

I've been applying for a lot of jobs lately. Most of them want me to upload a resume in Word format. How does that work on Google? Do you save the doc to Word, and then upload to Potential Employer? Can you check the formatting of the new Word doc before uploading?

[Syonyk]

Docs exports to Word. Or PDF. Most places should take a PDF...

[nobodyspecial]

I have had the original Samsung ARM powered chromebook for 5+years
Almost identical shape/size as Macbook Air but cost $190, battery life is a week of evening browsing, no worry about viruses

Main problem is that I can't take it apart to clean the keyboard.

[SingleMomDebt]

Love my chromebook! (Former mac user) i have a... Samsung model XE503C12. I think it has 4 GB. if you keep a lot of tabs and watch movies/videos then get at least 4G (not sure if they make more Gs w chromebook). And buy chromecast too to stream all stuff from Google chrome onto the TV. The book is a very functional piece of equipment.

And use Mint for tracking w spreadsheet. Love it.

[Syonyk]

(not sure if they make more Gs w chromebook).

Yes, and you don't want to pay for it.  The Pixel has 8GB RAM, and the Pixel LS (which I'm currently on) has 16GB.

[BAMxi]

Using my toshiba chromebook right now, have had it since it came out. It was the best 13.3 inch chromebook out there when I purchased it, now there are definitely more appealing options. I plan to buy another one once this one dies or my wife fully steals it and we are in need of another computer.

As another poster mentioned, the added Andriod app support is a pretty huge deal, so I'd suggest looking at the list of supported devices and getting one of those. The new HP Chromebook 13 and Acer 13 inch chromebook both are actually made from aluminum like a macbook at a fraction of the cost (i'm a sucker for sturdy build quality) but the newer version of my laptop, the Toshiba Chromebook 2 can likely be found for pretty cheap as well. Anyway, I don't think there is a better time to go to Chrome OS. I used to work in IT and have built several windows machines. I just got tired of the tinkering, maintenance, and updating. Plus I don't really do anything that's not able to be done in a browser anymore, so the choice was easy for me. I already used google for everything before switching.

[Rubic]

Dual core refurbished HP Chromebooks are available cheap from Woot:

https://computers.woot.com/offers/hp-11-11-g4-intel-dual-core-chromebooks-9?ref=w_cnt_gw_zlm_nd_2

In general, I've had good luck with refurbished chromebooks.  In many
cases they were returns by consumers who didn't understand what they
were buying.